Who's got a sports bike?

tmnt

tmnt

King of Australia
Both of my roommates have bikes, one's a Ninja ZX9R and the other's getting a 2008 model GSXR1000 with a ridiculous turbo - something like 15k just for the turbo.

They have pretty much talked me into getting a bike but I'm not sure what I want. I'm only looking to drop maybe 6 to 8k and am hoping for something around a 2000 model.

The R1s seem to be the best value, are they any good? Also looking at GSXR, ninjas, fireblades etc.

Suggestions? Opinions?

Ian
 
I'm not HUGE into sportbikes, but the YZFs have always been one of the best values per performance. My dad's got a 1983 GSX and LOVES it. I'm sure the newer ones are all-the-better.

If I were to get into a sportbike, I'd find me an late 90's Ducati M. I like the crotch rocket look, but I'm nearly 30, and I'd like a bike that doesn't make me look like a putz in 5 years. The M is ridiculously smooth, unique-looking, and it's Italian. Wanna be even more unique? Look at Buell.
 
I'm a GSXR fan myself. Its light and tight and who doesn't love Suzuki?
I haven't road in a hot minute. I used to drag race on fountain ave and one time on the way back I almost killed myself. I haven't been on a bike since.
 
I'll have a look into the Ducatis though I need to find something with pretty low ks.

Sounds a bit nasty Aram. Luckily I'm a wuss and will probably only drag against someone on a moped so my only real fear is someone in a car hitting me (which I think most accidents on the road are...).
 
Used to own 2. Sold both of them. I didn't have the time or funds to invest in road racing and high performance classes, and pretty much gave up on riding on the streets here in Chicago.

Will this be your first bike? Have you ridden bikes before? I'm not sure how it is in Australia, but here in U.S. I really would not recommend anything over a 600cc to a first time owner. Even that is a little too much.
 
No I haven't ridden a bike before but it's kinda like when I wanted to play guitar - never touched one but knew it'd stick with me so I brought a nice one straight up.

I'm also looking at 750cc too though so I'm not stuck on the litre bikes.

I'll be a pretty cautious rider so I'll definitely be taking it nice and easy, at least for a start.
 
Cool stuff Aram. Something about bike accidents totally turn me off of riding one. They're sexy machines and I'm sure it's a blast to ride..but, I dunno.

-Kegan
 
The very first day of shooting the guy on the crutches got hit by one of the bikes doing an endo. I thought the guy was dead when he got hit.
 
Ian,
I've been riding since 1985. In '04 I bought a brand new Suzuki GSXR 750. I can assure you of this. If you have never ridden before, the GSXR 600 will be more bike than you'll likely feel comfortable on for the next couple of years. It would be a great bike if, like your guitar, you're going to stick with it. The 1000 will wheelie at speed and the 750 has a mean streak. Anything produced in the last five to seven years is going to be incredibly fast. I wouldn't buy anything used because you really never know what it's been through. My bike looks brand new. However, I ride really hard, like track hard, and keep it really really clean. SO, you would look at my bike and think it was babied.
I have watched so many people get a litre bike right off and crash it within a month. I've also seen people crash scooters so... The most important things to remember are 1. The throttle isn't an on/off switch 2. Don't be a squid
Your pal with the 1000 turbo will be able to go really fast in a straight line, but will it turn?
But bike size aside, gear is the absolute most important thing you need to get. Helmet, jacket, gloves, boots and pants. Then wear them, every time you get on the bike. Someone once said, if it's close enough you don't need gear, it's close enough to walk.
I sat all the bike on the market when I was buying. I found and still find the Suzuki to be the most comfortable.
The following was done in an industrial park on a Sunday.
1204312803.jpg


I've also been a paramedic for 15 years. Gear saves lives, but only when it's worn.
-Will
 
Hey, thanks a lot for the info Will. The GSXR750 was one I was really looking at, probably enough capacity so I'm not bummed in a couple months wishing I got something more.

I'm saving for a house (actually looking to negative gear a couple if possible) so I can't afford to go new but I'll try to find something with low klms. Do you think under say, 30 000 klms would be alright (I know, very general and what you're saying about a bike could be thrashed and still look new)?

Don't worry on the gear front, I'll buy some good stuff and I will not be some idiot that wears his flip-flops instead of shoes.
 
my brother and a friend of mine have modded r6's that could take stock r1s. very sick bikes. And another friend has a modded r1.

In my opinion go yamaha. (no real reason to that opinion other than i like the looks of it, plus i know a bunch of ppl who love them)
 
Like anything else you buy, You have to like it. 750 is a great in between bike. Lots of power when you get used to it, forgiving enough to let you get used to it. Glad to hear you'll be getting gear. I know, there's nothing cooler than short and the bulletproof tank top. Except the girl on the back in a bikini top and short shorts. (with a helmet- makes identification easier)
I recommend you go sit on every bike there is. Spend a few minutes on it. Stand it up. See which one fits you best. Then take any used bike to a good mechanic. I the owner balks.... run away. In the end the bike you choose should be the one you like the best.
Let us know what you get.

Tom, Tell your step-dad Buells are mutants. Everyone I know who rides and get on a Buell says they feel like they are learning to ride all over again. Geometry is all weird. But they do look amazing.
 
I used to ride; once, when I was like 18. For about 6 months

And then winter came and I was like 'This sucks'

And promptly got a car.
 
Wild Imagination Films said:
Tom, Tell your step-dad Buells are mutants. Everyone I know who rides and get on a Buell says they feel like they are learning to ride all over again. Geometry is all weird. But they do look amazing.
Click to expand...

Oh man, I love riding that thing when I visit them... It doesn't seem weird to me at all. I find it very comfortable too.
 
w3productions said:
my brother and a friend of mine have modded r6's that could take stock r1s. very sick bikes. And another friend has a modded r1.

In my opinion go yamaha. (no real reason to that opinion other than i like the looks of it, plus i know a bunch of ppl who love them)
Click to expand...
What are the pros and cons of the R1(or 6)? Do you find them comfortable enough? The one I'm looking at is a Nov 99 model. I've heard they have a click in second gear but happens with all of the series, at least for that year.

EDIT: ok, think I'm gonna stay away from the R1 as after a bit of googling it seems to be the wildest bike, the fireblade (2000 model or so) seems like the best bet but I don't like the styling. The ZX9 seems to be the leading contender at the moment.
 
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You need to ask yourself what you intend to use the bike for. If it's to go out and race your friends down the motorway then a 600 is big enough for the job and to get yourself killed. If you are going to tour, then a larger displacement bike is the way to go. (larger bikes are usually more comfortable on a long ride) Daily commutes, get a scooter. Aggressive track riding or carving up the back roads, nothing less than a 750. 900 is a bunch o' bike.
Whatever you get, seriously, take your time getting used to it. Do lots of your own maintenance and really get to know and understand the bike. It helps later on, trust me. I spent the first 1k miles on my bike just puttin' around. Later, after I got more comfortable I was able to start having more fun and in the 4 years I've been on mine, any time something happened I was able to react calmly. (something like the front end pushing out in a hard and fully leaned over turn) Like I've said earlier, all of these bikes are going to be a blast. But you have to be responsible and careful.
I've watched guys on 250s smoke guys on litre bikes at the track. (until the straight) And I've watched two of my friends put really nice new bikes into the weeds because they weren't being careful.
I told my brother when he bought his BMW, "Ride like everyone woke up today with the single intention of hitting you with their car."

But hey, sorry about the soapboxing. Just something I care a great deal about.

-Will
2004 GSXR 750
 
Wild Imagination Films said:
But hey, sorry about the soapboxing. Just something I care a great deal about.
Click to expand...
Not at all Will. I'm definitely listening. I'm thinking a 600 would be good for me but I might not find a good bike for a month or two so may get a lot of practice in with a mate's (crappy) bike if possible and see what I'm ready for. I'd really like the GSXR750, early 2000 model but it's just a matter of what turns up. It's pretty much between the CBR (which from some articles say has the best manners), ninja and GSXR. Apparently the R1 is a uniclye :smile:.

I'll post some pics of my mate's GSXR1000 turbo that he should have in a week or two when I can.
 
Friend of mine has a CBR 600 RR and (gonna get killed for this) It's like sitting on a wooden bench. I've wheelied, kneedragged and generally thrashed his bike (all at his request) and I cannot get comfortable on it. Early (before 04) Gixxers are big comfy bikes. Friend of mine has an 01 or 02 and it's really nice. In '04 they narrowed them up quite a bit.
Look at the chain and the rear sprocket. If the chain is all goobered up and not clean, likely so is the rest of the bike. PM me if you want other stuff to look out for.
-Will
 
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