I crashed two months ago and there's some good post season deals out there. I'd like an s2r 800 in red but when I find them they are out of state. plus the valve adjustments are annoying since I commute; 36k since '06.
concern #1 power delivery: I'm looking for a 600 and I know the characteristics of the I4 and I know they make more power down low than they used to. I wonder if am I gonna miss the flat mid range torque? for me that's the fun and practical aspect of riding the monster on the street.
concern #2 sound and look: I actualy like the looks of these bikes and have since the 916 showed them how to do it. the sound though can't even compare. I have also gotten used to the looks and complements the monster gets. how bad does it suck to go from something special like the monster to a repli racer? some kid on a gixer passed me in my taco and I gotta say I'm non plussed by the sound-- he was going slow like I have to.
concern #3 license and speed I got a bunch of small tickets right now so I've been a real citizen on the monster... Buicks pass me. I think I have pretty good control over my right hand but is it really that much more power and is it absolutely corrupting? I checked th insurance and it's not bad-- more than a monster but with maintenance it's a wash
I'm considering a 06 cbr 600rr. I have been looking for something I can take to the track and not fret if and when it goes down. my crash wasn't serious--some frame sliders would have prevented most of the damage. the duc was just too high maintenance in hind sight. in addition to the service costs they are a money pit for mods. they look better from the start but there's always room for improvement-- I felt obligated to make her look better and better. If I buy the duc now I'll have to start over and I'm not ready for that again.
the goal has been two bikes for a bit- I'm just thinking about doing it backwards and commuting on the track bike for a while until I get another monster.
input, advice other bike suggestions-- I'm all ears. thanks
The hp will be nearly double.
The only sacrifice will be in comfort.
For commuting and durability I'd look at a DRZ400Sm for the following reasons.
Way cheaper insurance.
Better gas mileage.
Less damage in the event of an accident.
mad handling. [evil]
Lower top speed.
You can track it and wax bigger/better bikes in the corners. [thumbsup]
UJMC = no soul
(*UJMC - universal japanese motor cycle)
Quote from: trouble on September 14, 2008, 08:58:49 PM
For commuting and durability I'd look at a DRZ400Sm
I like this suggestion. If you've never had a chance to hop on a Super moto/Motard you should try. They are stupidly fun.
Quote from: yuu on September 15, 2008, 07:21:57 AM
I like this suggestion. If you've never had a chance to hop on a Super moto/Motard you should try. They are stupidly fun.
and it maintains the 'cool factor' part of your concerns.
I wouldn't want a thumper for a lot of highway riding-how is the OP's commute?
I find that if I have to ride one for 20 miles at 70+, it hurts me nuts. Something to consider.
I can see where you guys are coming from with the DRZ fitting the bill. I might test ride one but the low top speed is a big compromise esp if it's gonna be a track bike in the future. I don't think it'd be a good everyday bike here. the commute is 50 miles of straight road, the twisties are 50 miles away. they look fun as hell but I need something that's good on the slab too. I can deal with wind blast on a monster but given a choice on any other bike I'd appreciate some aerodynamics and wind protection. bottom line; 75% slab and ride every day during the season.
as far as the cool factor goes-- I'm kinda scaling that back intentionally. I still want to ride just without the obsession for a while. I had the 695 just how I wanted it DP ECU, Fresco CF conicals , Mad Doctor lights, perfect gear ratio Michelin road 2's with less than 1000 miles-- just to watch it go skipping accross the tarmac. not looking to replace that but wondering how much people regret not having a monster/ ducati anymore.
I'm pretty set on a faired sport bike or a used monster with essential mods -- nothing too nice like a daytona or older sbk, sport tourers are too big and bulbous for my tastes. an RC51 would be perfect but I never see those around here. kinda narrows it down to middle weight Japanese I4's. They're a commodity no one will miss or feel sorry for when filthy [laugh].
so how do they ride compared to the Monster?
Some of the sport tourers out there aren't as porky as you think -- my ST2 is definitely a heavier bike than the lil' Monster 600, but really well balanced and big fun on straight & twisty roads. I've also ridden the 750 VFR and liked it quite a bit, and the Triumph Sprint (haven't ridden one, but like 'em a bunch) is a very nice ride and even comes in a semi-naked variant.
Supermotos are great bikes, but if you need to take them on the freeway they're awful. I have a Husky 610 and it sucks on the freeway, imagine what that detuned suzuki 400 engine will feel like (hint: buzzy as holy hell).
goldwing
Speaking as an RC51 owner if you want a bike for commuting and something that isn't a ticket magnet the RC is not the bike for you. I have tried to commute on the RC it ain't any fun on a straight road, the ergos are very 916ish and speeding is difficult to avoid it begs to be spun past 7000 rpm which is ticket territory in anything other than 1st gear. Gas mileage is poor also, mine gets about 29mpg when I'm riding it nicely, 20 when beating on it on the back roads.
The I4's of any displacement will be too tempting. It's in their makeup to want to go fast just like the RC51.
What you need is an SV650S. It fits your needs perfectly.
daytona 675?
Either Daytona 675, or you wait for BMWs and Benellis 600cc if you like to have something special.