Topic: Buying another bike - what should I get ?

[Lumbee]

here ya go teal...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/86-Honda-VFR-for-Parts-or-Project_W0QQitemZ4634482881QQcategoryZ6708QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

...would meet all your criteria, ready to customise with the added benifit of saying you brought it back to life...

[cyclezirk]

You could pick up a newer used Yamaha FZ-1, Suzuki SV1000, or Honda 919 fairly reasonalbly.  They are all naked bikes with sport feel, but more standard riding position.  My co-worker has the Yamaha FZ-6 and he calls it the "Honda Civic" of motorcycles.  No maintenance, no problems....hop on, go, shut down, get off.

[heffay]

adam~ the girlfriend has a 98vfr800... (what she rode to vegas and back)... it is a bit bulky and heavy but, so is the XX. they are both great bikes, the viffer has amazing throttle response but, if it were my choice between those two bikes... i could never turndown the blackbird!

I figure the only bike I have ever ridden is my cb750k2 (2 1/2 years now and 25,000 miles
) so I figure I will be in seventh heaven when I finally pick up a modern bike no matter what I get.

Have you had a blackbird?

been lurking on a blackbird forum to get a feel for the best years to get.

no, adam, haven't had a the black XX.

but, as a setup guy from 98-01 i rode every bike that went out of the shop...    got a real good feel for what i like 

[ProTeal55]

How about a Ducati Monster ?
See them around 5-6 grand used ?
Good bikes ? Problem prone ?
I really like the look of them , like the one below.
Def. my style...........

[cyclezirk]

Honda 919 Hornet ?

I have seen the 599 at the local shop and have read Motorcyclist review of both the 919 and 599.  Both seem pretty much a great transportation appliance.  (I thought the 919 lost the Hornet name in the States, but I am not sure about that).

[Noel]

How about a Ducati Monster ?

He said he wanted it to be reliable.

[ProTeal55]

How about a Ducati Monster ?

He said he wanted it to be reliable.

Thus the reason for this topic, to pick the brains of other riders.

So I take it the Monster isn't the most reliable bike ? I have never heard anything
good/bad about Ducati as a whole, except their bikes are big $$
I am trying not to buy this bike on loks alone, as I actually need to ride it/ have it be dependable to get me to and from work.

[Noel]

To be honest with you, my only personal experience was with a 748 that was admittedly perfectly reliable for the six months I owned it, including several rides in the rain.

OTOH, I know several long term owners -- although again, not Monsters -- that experienced electrical difficulties with less than 20,000 miles on the clock.

Myself, I think the Duc reputation for balky electrics is probably deserved. I'd love to own one of their modern retros, but I don't believe I'd ever fully trust it. As far as I'm concerned, when the word "reliable" is mentioned, the conversation begins and ends with Honda.

< edit > Oops, I didn't realize you were the one who started the thread. Goofball. Honestly, I second (or third, or whatever) the motion to buy the VFR. I'd like one myself. Second vote would be for the 600RR. Not nearly as practical, but might be better at scratching the sportbike itch you seem to have, eh?

[bill440cars]

            ProTeal, by the time you are ready to get the bike, (unless you've already decided) your heads
      going to be spinning like a top with all the different suggestions coming at you from all different
      directions about all these different bikes. I know I'm getting all bumfuzzled and I'm just an innocent
      bystander! It will be interesting to see which way you go. Good luck to you and what ever bike you
      decide on.  Later on,(glad it's not me)  Bill

[ProTeal55]

Not sure what the hell I am gonna do / Buy at the momment.
As usuall , the choices are endless.

If I buy something , I want it to somewhat look good.
Yes, It will be my daily transport for the warm weather, but I will also
ride it out and about while my CB is down (maybe sold).

I really like the Monster, as it has a def. streetfighter/industrial look to it, which I am a big fan of. ound a 1999 750 Dark with 6k on the clock for about $5grand.
Maybe even a older CBR 600 or something. I am going to look at some bikes this weekend (I say look and not ride due to rain) , so we will see what I come up with..

Keep the ideas / advice comming............

[amattel]

My understanding of the Ducati issue is it's the higher end motors such as on the 999/916/918/etc that are prone to high maint costs.

The monster is actually supposed to be quite relaiable from what  I've heard.

You've got the 630, 750, and 900 monsters that I know of.

If you really like them, get online and find a ducati forum and get the real deal as to reliability.

That would be how I would proceed.  They have that lovely Ducati exhaust sound

Adam

[Lumbee]

Ducati monster in action...

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8546620822104739126&q=ducati

[ProTeal55]

Diggin those bikes....

[JHansen]

If you have any interest in a late model CBR600, I'd take a hard look at them.

I spent 50 miles in the saddle of a 97 CBR600F3 last night with 19000 on the clock. I replaced the plugs for a friend of mine and helped him move it to another garage where he will be keeping it closer to home.

Excellent bike. After 19000 miles, still ran like a top. Pulls really hard from 4000rpm on up, and handles very well, however, I did get the stock canister and right foot peg to scrape in a tight sweeper, cornering clearances on the left side is better than the right. The brakes look small and ineffective, but they are really quite good. Not a CBR600RR in stopping power, but pretty darn close.

Pulled like a freight train through the gears and makes wonderful sounds at WOT. I topped it out last night at 145, probably not too much left after that, but that OK.

My biggest complaint is the dated styling, but for such a fun bike, such a blast to ride, I could easily forgo it.

Ride one and see.