Topic: Thinking about getting a crotch rocket, what are your thoughts?

[sangyo soichiro]

I never really liked them before, but they're growing on me. 

For those that have one, or had one in the past, got any advice?

[HavocTurbo]

Flame me all you want...

Kawasaki.

For every reason and any reason I can think of.

Brakes
HP
TQ
Top Speed
Riding Position
Butt Dyno
Aftermarket Sillyness
Looks
Stock Tires
Transmission Feel
MPG

I'll try to sway you as best I can.

What size were you thinking?

[Johnny5]

Tell me about it.

I was in a dealership the other day and a bright burnt orange Suzuki caught my eye. Had some freakishly cool design going on with tank and front fairing. Love that bike.

[mlinder]

They are too fast.
Maybe people that are more reserved than I are safe on them, but I don't think I would be.

[myhondas]

Good Golly Miss Molly....Mark.... we agree..... Have NO use for one....uncomfortable to ride and asking to get oneself killed in a hurry or at least badly hurt.  Unless of course you are into stunt riding and such.  Go on u-tube and search bike crashes.....majority are ball busting crotch rockets....bike is more that the rider can handle....IMHO  that is

[HavocTurbo]

Good Golly Miss Molly....Mark.... we agree..... Have NO use for one....uncomfortable to ride and asking to get oneself killed in a hurry or at least badly hurt.  Unless of course you are into stunt riding and such.  Go on u-tube and search bike crashes.....majority are ball busting crotch rockets....bike is more that the rider can handle....IMHO  that is

In most cases I agree with you guys 110%

[Johnny5]

Technically you can get hurt on any motorcycle, it's all about using the power responsibly. If you cant, then definitely dont get one.

The shear take off speed and handling through some twists would be a blast, but they are definitely not comfy. There's drawbacks to everything.

[ProTeal55]

I wanted a modern/reliable bike I could chop apart and make my own and ended up with a 07 Ducati Monster S2R1K. The S2R1k is the air cooled 1000cc Monster where the S4R is the liquid cooled 4 valve scoot. If I wanted to really go fast I would of bought a Busa or something, but I dig Ducati's, love the sound of the dry clutch, the single sided swingarm, etc..I was NEVER a "crotch rocket" guy, but after owning the bike for the past two years or so I def. dig the brakes, reliability, and other things that go with owning a modern bike. Plus, the thing is fast as hell (atleast for me anyways)...

Here's how is currently looks after it has been stripped down, lowered, swingarm and front end powdercoated black, etc --->

Another reason I bought a Monster rather than one of their "superbikes" is the riding position. The Monster has a much more upright riding position than a typical sportbike. You actually sit upright, where on say a 1098 you feel like your going to do a forward roll over the gauges everytime you stop..

[Caaveman82]

I never really liked them before, but they're growing on me. 

For those that have one, or had one in the past, got any advice?

I'd go for a Triumph Street Triple, street, not speed.

Out of all the crotch rockets I test drove when I was looking for one, that was my favorite.

Most comfortable, had plenty of get up and go for me, good looking bike. I just enjoyed it all around.

Flame me all you want...

Kawasaki.

For every reason and any reason I can think of.

Brakes
HP
TQ
Top Speed
Riding Position
Butt Dyno
Aftermarket Sillyness
Looks
Stock Tires
Transmission Feel
MPG

I'll try to sway you as best I can.

What size were you thinking?

I'm not flaming you, you red neck, but I pretty much think all the damn jap bikes are cookie cutters of eachother. Different style but all in all the same.

[HavocTurbo]

I'm not flaming you, you red neck, but I pretty much think all the damn jap bikes are cookie cutters of eachother. Different style but all in all the same.

Well if he isn't going to buy new I'd recommend a 96 era Duc 900SS.

If he is going to buy new I'd recommend a Z1000 or a Versys

[sangyo soichiro]

What size were you thinking?

Not sure.  Got any advice on that too?

I have too much love into my CBs and am too afraid of dumping them.  I want a bike that I can play with.  Do wheelies and hone my riding skills.  I also want a fast bike.  Really fast. 

I want a super fast bike partly to show my father.  He's of the mindset that Harleys (he's a Harley guy, although he likes Hondas too) are on the same league as the sport bikes.  He thinks the aerodynamics and less weight and such make no difference (basically, he doesn't believe in the laws of physics  ).  Yep.  He imagines he could keep up with a crotch rocket with his saddle-bagged Heritage (although he concedes that his 750 Honda Shadow from years ago was "hotter").  He's hard headed.  I'm so sick of hearing about "so and so and his 'hot' bike."  All that work I put into my cafe racer, and all he's got to say is how "so and so's bike is 'hot'."  My Dad can't imagine why anyone would want a crotch rocket - they look uncomfortable, and he thinks they're no faster than any other bike.  I want to show my dad what a fast bike is.  I want to show my dad that physics works.   

Plus, like I said, I also want a bike I can 'get' on and not feel bad about it.  Something I can play with.


Anyway, got any suggestions on size?  I don't want too heavy a bike, but I want something that's guaranteed to be by far the fastest thing my Dad has ever ridden.  I never again want to hear about "so and so's 'hot' bike"!!!

[billybobobrain]

I never really liked them before, but they're growing on me. 

For those that have one, or had one in the past, got any advice?

Don't you already own one of the original "crotch rockets"?

[billybobobrain]

I wanted a modern/reliable bike I could chop apart and make my own and ended up with a 07 Ducati Monster S2R1K. The S2R is the air cooled 1000cc where the S4R is the liquid cooled 4 valve scoot. If I wanted to really go fast I would of bought a Busa or something, but I dig Ducati's, love the sound of the dry clutch, the single sided swingarm, etc..I was NEVER a "crotch rocket" guy, but after owning the bike for the past two years or so I def. dig the brakes, reliability, and other things that go with owning a modern bike. Plus, the thing is fast as hell (atleast for me anyways)...

Here's how is currently looks after it has been stripped down, lowered, swingarm and front end powdercoated black, etc --->

Another reason I bought a Monster rather than one of their "superbikes" is the riding position. The Monster has a much more upright riding position than a typical sportbike. You actually sit upright, where on say a 1098 you feel like your going to do a forward roll over the gauges everytime you stop..

DAMN!!!!

I have always wanted a monster but I think I am coming to chicago to steal yours.

[Gordon]

Plus, like I said, I also want a bike I can 'get' on and not feel bad about it.  Something I can play with.

There's no reason you can't "get" on your sohc4.  You should see the way Heffay rides his 350F!

[HavocTurbo]

If you are going to buy new...

The new Duc Maonster 1100 is it? Did a full write up in cycle world and it even impressed me on the looks dept.

I'm a Ducati man but my love of other bikes has gotten in the way.

The Kawasaki Z1000 is another standard type bike that keeps up with just about every other "sportier" bike in the class.

I personally rode one for our dealership tests for over a year. You can do everything on that bike that a regular ZX-10 will do.

If you've ridden for a while these would be good candidates. If you are new to the game start smaller.

Any 600cc class bike will bury your father's HD lawn mower.

[Chester345]

Well if he isn't going to buy new I'd recommend a 96 era Duc 900SS.

If he is going to buy new I'd recommend a Z1000 or a Versys

+1 on that Duc.  Vtwin is wicked.

Or a V4, VFR800

Or more traditional, an R1

Or a triple, Triumph Daytona 955i

Or half naked 4, ZRX1200R

Those are some of my favorites...

[tsflstb]

Check the insurance rates and get back to us.

They're fun bikes, but like driving a Formula 1 car on the street.  You'll never use one to a fraction of its potential without breaking lots and lots of laws.  I sold my VFR due to too many tickets.  I now have an old FZR1000 in addition to my 400F.  I ride it around with the throttle barely cracked on the street.  It's an exercise in frustration.  On a deserted stretch of road or a closed course it's a motherf'n riot though.

I think anything with 70+ horsepower will outpace your dad's bike.  A modern 600 puts about 100 to the rear wheel.  The 1000s are all in the 150 range.

[ProTeal55]

I wanted a modern/reliable bike I could chop apart and make my own and ended up with a 07 Ducati Monster S2R1K. The S2R is the air cooled 1000cc where the S4R is the liquid cooled 4 valve scoot. If I wanted to really go fast I would of bought a Busa or something, but I dig Ducati's, love the sound of the dry clutch, the single sided swingarm, etc..I was NEVER a "crotch rocket" guy, but after owning the bike for the past two years or so I def. dig the brakes, reliability, and other things that go with owning a modern bike. Plus, the thing is fast as hell (atleast for me anyways)...

Here's how is currently looks after it has been stripped down, lowered, swingarm and front end powdercoated black, etc --->

Another reason I bought a Monster rather than one of their "superbikes" is the riding position. The Monster has a much more upright riding position than a typical sportbike. You actually sit upright, where on say a 1098 you feel like your going to do a forward roll over the gauges everytime you stop..

DAMN!!!!

I have always wanted a monster but I think I am coming to chicago to steal yours.

You can try 

[mlinder]

What size were you thinking?

Not sure.  Got any advice on that too?

I have too much love into my CBs and am too afraid of dumping them.  I want a bike that I can play with.  Do wheelies and hone my riding skills.  I also want a fast bike.  Really fast. 

I want a super fast bike partly to show my father.  He's of the mindset that Harleys (he's a Harley guy, although he likes Hondas too) are on the same league as the sport bikes.  He thinks the aerodynamics and less weight and such make no difference (basically, he doesn't believe in the laws of physics  ).  Yep.  He imagines he could keep up with a crotch rocket with his saddle-bagged Heritage (although he concedes that his 750 Honda Shadow from years ago was "hotter").  He's hard headed.  I'm so sick of hearing about "so and so and his 'hot' bike."  All that work I put into my cafe racer, and all he's got to say is how "so and so's bike is 'hot'."  My Dad can't imagine why anyone would want a crotch rocket - they look uncomfortable, and he thinks they're no faster than any other bike.  I want to show my dad what a fast bike is.  I want to show my dad that physics works.   

Plus, like I said, I also want a bike I can 'get' on and not feel bad about it.  Something I can play with.


Anyway, got any suggestions on size?  I don't want too heavy a bike, but I want something that's guaranteed to be by far the fastest thing my Dad has ever ridden.  I never again want to hear about "so and so's 'hot' bike"!!!

I don't think I own a bike that couldn't beat a Heritage in every way imaginable. And none of mine are newer than 78. And none bigger than a 750.... I mean, they run 14's or something....

[HavocTurbo]

They also weigh about 1000lbs with rider and gear 

Lawn mowers for suuuuuure!!!!

[Caaveman82]

What size were you thinking?

Not sure.  Got any advice on that too?

Dude when it comes to a crotch rocket you don't need anything over a 600 really, you'll still be able to tear stuff up. If you get a 1k you'll be fighting the thing the whole way.

[HavocTurbo]

What size were you thinking?

Not sure.  Got any advice on that too?

Dude when it comes to a crotch rocket you don't need anything over a 600 really, you'll still be able to tear stuff up. If you get a 1k you'll be fighting the thing the whole way.

I smell.... sniff.... sniff



Chicken. 

[Caaveman82]

What size were you thinking?

Not sure.  Got any advice on that too?

Dude when it comes to a crotch rocket you don't need anything over a 600 really, you'll still be able to tear stuff up. If you get a 1k you'll be fighting the thing the whole way.

I smell.... sniff.... sniff



Chicken. 

Bwahahahahaha.

Just because you've allegedly "been shot", and allegedly "been stabbed" and allegedly "got hit by a car doing 2801280129 mph while you were at a stop light" doesn't make you a tough guy. If you want some day we can compare battle scars and then we'll see.

Brake a bone, brake some skin, who gives a crap it'll heal. Snapping a neck... only a slight chance of making it out alive, ya douche lol, not to mention what I said is true. Unless you have a ton of hours under your belt flying around with 1k under your @$$ is not smart, pure and simple. Especially if you want to tear around corners and what not, that 1k will control you and not the other way around, stick with a 600 and you'll be fine and still be faster than heck.

[sangyo soichiro]

Thanks for all the replies so far.  Good stuff.

I don't think I own a bike that couldn't beat a Heritage in every way imaginable. And none of mine are newer than 78. And none bigger than a 750.... I mean, they run 14's or something....

True true.  But I would also be racing his memories, and you know how in memories things happen more like how you wanted them to happen, and not so much as how they really did happen.

Check the insurance rates and get back to us.

Are they pretty high?  Like how high?   

I think anything with 70+ horsepower will outpace your dad's bike. 

'Outpace' is not good enough.     I want him to ride it and be absolutely amazed at the speed and power.  I want him, when he's talking to 'so and so,' to tell them about my "hot bike."   

[HavocTurbo]

I totally agree with Caaave.

He's a chicken. .......aaaaaannnnd....
Unless you have hours of riding the big ones under your belt they will rear up and snatch your head off.

Otherwise a good used ZZR600 will put that Harley where it belongs.

Even a stock one will do the trick. But with exhaust, jet kit, and air filter.. it'll add icing.


Also... Never even broken a bone. Not once.