Cruiser rider looking for a sportbike - new or used?

[Ray]

Hi, I rode sportbikes in High School (1989-1991) then due to my cousins crash (riding the bike we co-owned) I left the motorcycle world untill 2006 when I decided to get back onboard (Did MSF, bought gear and the M50), but now, I'm frankly bored by the M50's performance. I'm looking to get into a road racing school, if only for the fun of it, I plan on eventually road racing summer weekends, and even then just for the joy of riding my bike closer to it's limits (not at the limit as, frankly I feel too old for that madness!!!).

Now, my first choice is going new or used. There's a very good special at a nearby dealership on '08 ZZR600's. ($6,600 OTD). But I can also get my hands on an '05 GXR600 with 950 miles, for $6,500...and then there's an '05 Kawi ZX6R for $5900 ....possiblilities are endless!!!!!!My brain tells me, let someone else take the depreceation hit and enjoy the used replica racer since in a couple of years I may want to upgrade anyway....but the new Black Kawi is dancing in my dreams!!!...HELP!!!!

Also, given my intention to ride easy on the street and hot lap it on the track, should I go with a value sport tourer like the ZZR, F4i, YZF600R????

[Motorcycle Forum]

[tricker]

zzr *cough cough*

[Clint]

My brain tells me, let someone else take the depreceation hit and enjoy the used replica racer since in a couple of years I may want to upgrade anyway.

Your brain's a smart fella. No way I'd pay nine grand for what I can get (a year or two old) for five.

[Ray]

Seriously 2 responses in two days!!!!

[MikeHump]

Don't buy the ZZR, they're horrible bikes Just kiddin....had to say it.

Definitely buy used, especially if it's going to be used on the track a lot. The 04-05 GSXRs are nice bikes, but the ZZR would definitely be more comfortable. If you're a professional rider, which I doubt any of us are, than you'd probably prefer the GSXR. But since we're all somewhere around average riders, you probably wouldn't notice the difference in performance between the two. I personally think that the older (2004ish) F4i is one of the best looking bikes out there, and they're supposed to perform on par with any other sportbike, yet still are supposed to be very, very comfortable for commuting purposes.

But, to answer your question very simply...yes, buy a used bike. The type of bike is up to you, find one that fits your riding style. Good Luck with the search.

[tricker]

I'd suggest just going out and looking at a variety of sport bikes and sitting on them. That's the best way to see what is most comfortable for you.

[Davecm203]

I might also suggest a Honda VTR1000 Super Hawk if you are looking used. A great daily driver, great v-twin torque, comfortable by sport bike standards (I put in many 500+ mile days on mine), it was a lot more fun to ride on the street than my Gixxer, and I could keep up with most anyone on it. The only reason I don't still have it is because it was stolen.

[GSX1100FL]

You should get the one you're most comfortable on & the one you like best.

You might have to compromise on your choice one way or the other.

If it were me, Gixxer.

[svjoe]

if its gonna be a dedicated trackbike that you are gonna flail the crap out of every weekend, then for sure get used.............

if its gonna pull x-tra duty as a daily ride i would look at new........

[Ray]

Well, I'm down to two choices, both ,05's. Kawasaki ZX6R or a CBR600RR, both are going for under 7K. The Honda ($6800) has 2,000miles on it, while the Kawi($6,100) has 14,000 miles. Both bikes are in good condition, no signs of crash damage, etc...

Both bikes are black.

I'm getting $4,000 for my M50 as a trade in.

[bigE]

I always buy used (from an individual, not the dealer). They're called a stealership for a reason....

That being said, you have to be VERY careful when buying a used sport bike. People like to flog the crap outta em.

Also, if you wait til the winter you will probably get a much better deal.

[Ray]

Well, I made it up to the dealership and they sold all the bikes I was looking for, except, they took in a trade in a sweet 2005 Ninja ZX6R with 5,990 miles, Team Green, Two Brothers twin undertail pipe...$6,300...I bougth it and rode it back home...110 miles... my body aches, my left wrist is a wreck...and I don't think I've had as much fun with my pants on!!!!!!!!EVER!!!!!!!

First impresions:

SMOOOOTH, smooth power delivery, smooth suspension...lightyears away from my M50...on the highway it seemed to have no top end (I only went up to 90mph, the sidewind was killer)...it handles like a dream, think about a lane change and it's done...you want the bike there...there it is...I've never ridden a bike that felt like an extension of my body...WOW!!!!!

Are all sport bikes like this??????


Another first impresion is of usable power, I babied first gear (and second and third) out of respect for the killer 600cc monster, but I truly expected it to be more unstable, instead, I felt more tractability and usable power than in the cruiser...

My first sportsbike was an FZR 1000 from 1989...GOD...the world has changed....

This bike has blown me away...!!!!

[Rickster]

Bwa-ha-ha-ha, now that the bug has bitten, the infection is going to rapidly advance, and your need/want/desire for more will grow.

The feeling you got from the step up in power from your "M50" to a 600cc sport bike will feel like it was just a baby step after your first ride on an honest-to-god liter bike. You have been warned.

Seriously, most riders, well at least the ones that have never ridden a sport bike really don't have a clue as to the kind of power & handling you have at your control. Be careful with that new "murder-cycle", the package is addictive, and it will quickly make you feel like your indestructible, don't be suprised if you find yourself wanting to rip your shirt open to check for a big "S" on your chest.

[tricker]

i can say it will be a bit before i go after a liter bike.. but when that day comes it will be a good day

[Clint]

LOL. Testify, brother. It really must be eye-opening for most long-time cruiser riders. You just can't appreciate the difference until you ride it.

How can a bike with 200 fewer cubes be that fast??