My next will be a standard, probably...

[Woodys650]

Alright, I've read the myriad threads on which bike is the best for which situations,:giveup: I just haven't heard the negatives. I dumped my cruiser last week and am recovering from the surgery as we speak. After I return from my short stint to Iraq I'll be in the market for another bike. I'm leaning towards the sport standards.:rider:

Most of my riding is on freeway or state highways/backroads. No dirt/gravel at all. I want a bike that is comfortable enough to go to the store or across the state. I love the looks of the FZ1/FZ6 both. The power and supposed comfort of the Bandit 1250 gets my attention the most, as does the available ABS. SV650 naked style is not out of the question nor is something large and in charge like the Kawi Z1000. I'd like to stay under 9 grand, although the FZ1 is just over.

I know a ton of the cool features and high points. I'm looking for current or previous owners to tell me the LOW POINTS. What didn't you like about your standard/naked bike. Help!!

[collyer]

You can pick up an '06/'07 FZ1 for $7k +/-.

Look also at BMW R1200R (more than $9 used, though), and later R1150R twins (anywhere from $5 to $8k). Very standard, very willing to loaf across the state.

[poser]

I love my sv650s, but touring bike it is not. the stock seat leaves me wanting to get off long before I run out of gas.
its a GREAT commuter bike, and tons of fun at the track though

[Woodys650]

I hear the naked SV is a slightly better tourer, but also has some seat issues. I haven't heard of anyone using the Suzuki gel seat so don't know if it's any better. The R1150R is a bike I had not thought of. I'll have to give those a peek and see what the prices are running on them. THANKS!

[JimNtexas]

You're close to a late model FJR.

[kurt]

For a naked standard, I'd vote for the Bandit.

[Loyd]

No nakeds for any type pf touring...or a ride longer than say an hour.

I've always been a honda fan due to their build quality. They are a mite finicky on fitment to different postures/riding styles. You'd like the '00-01 vfr's. They do decent two-up. Excellent long rides and offer pretty good element protection. If you don't mind a bit more of a lean..go get that 99 XX, it's a good enough deal to store...and I won't have to look at it daily wishing there was another grand in the bank!!! :rider:

[treybrad]

You can get a brand new '09 Bandit ABS for < $8,000 OTD I'd imagine:

http://www.superbike.co.uk/imageBank/b/bandit_1250_web.jpg

Sprint ST 1050 also comes to mind:

http://www.bikez.com/pictures/triumph/2006/23411_0_1_2_sprint%20st_Image%20credits%20-%20Triumph.jpg

Then there's the VFR that just looks soooo good:

http://www.bikez.com/pictures/honda/2006/22427_0_1_2_vfr%20800%20interceptor%20abs_Image%20 credits%20-%20Honda.jpg

There really isn't a wrong choice...

trey

[Mic]

I have an 03 Z1k and I love the bike. Mucho power and it's very flickable. Negatives are buzziness in the bars at around 5k and the stock seat slides you into the tank.

I've handled most of the buzz with hvmp heavy bar ends, shot filled bars and taller gearing to get the bike out of the buzzy range during freeway cruising. I added some Stompgrip pads to the tank to take care of the sliding forward though a seat reshape may be in my future. My bike has a lot of other mods, but those are the only two 'issues' that I've had with the bike. Well, a third issue might be that I have sudden urges to roll on the throttle to feel the bike do what it was designed to do.

Oh yeah, there was quite a bit of wind blast at 'upper freeway speeds' :trust: with the stock bikini fairing. I've added a laminar lip to enhance sport touring and it creates a significant calm pocket of air where my helmet is not buffeted. My friend who owns a weestrom commented on the lack of buffeting when he rode my bike.

There are a lot of good bikes out there and I was hard pressed to settle on the Z. Mostly it's going to come down to what you like the look of the best.

[Woodys650]

I have an 03 Z1k and I love the bike. Mucho power and it's very flickable. Negatives are buzziness in the bars at around 5k and the stock seat slides you into the tank.

Thank You. I love the looks of the Z1000 but was unsure if there were any issues about it I should consider. I've also recently heard of some serious frame cracking issues with the Yammy FZ1. I appreciate all the inputs. Can't wait to ride again soon. :rider:

[Warpbender]

Excellent posts everyone!
I haven't had a problem with my fizzer except the seat does wear me out after 200 miles, and I can't keep tires on the thing-3800 is about it on the rear.
The after market on this ride is limited due to popularity.
If I could afford it I would love a new Bandit (you can bag it out easier for touring), or a full blown Buell Ulysis ready to tour is a fantasy of mine!

[DCF]

I love my Nighthawk 750, as standard as it gets, but if you want to tour you'll need wind protection. The Plexifairing III seems to solve this issue for most people. Fortunately for me the backroad twisties are close by, and an hour's detour on the way home is usually enough to satisfy.
However, I am keeping my eyes open for the next bike. Unfortunately, the one that I really want is euro-only: CB1300 ABS (http://www.doble.co.uk/theBikes/newBikeDetails.asp?bikeRefNo=337)
On the one hand: why won't manufacturers bring bikes like this to the US? On the other: why aren't US consumers interested in true standards?

[Woodys650]

:ponder: ... Unfortunately, the one that I really want is euro-only: CB1300 ABS (http://www.doble.co.uk/theBikes/newBikeDetails.asp?bikeRefNo=337)



WOW:eek2: Now that's a beautiful bike. It makes you wish they would import some of their euro bikes. I'd seen the CB1000 before,but not that one. I have a couple buddies in England. Makes me wonder if they could pick one up and have it shipped...?:ponder: Now I'll have to figure out how much hassle that is.

[JKDGabe]

You like the CB1300? Get a ZRX 11/1200 and save that shipping fee!

[DCF]

Nice, but.... half of the reason I would like the CB is the availability of ABS... the Bandit, ST1300, and FJR seem to be the only big bikes with that option here in the states. Of course, being pretty doesn't hurt.

EDIT: I should add the BMW line to that statement.... somehow I wasn't thinking of bikes that are 2x$

[Woodys650]

Nice, but.... half of the reason I would like the CB is the availability of ABS... the Bandit, ST1300, and FJR seem to be the only big bikes with that option here in the states. Of course, being pretty doesn't hurt.

And that's probably where I am leaning. You know the reason for this shopping spree is because of a wreck I "might" have avoided with better braking. (and a lot more skill) The skill I'll get with time and a lot of parking lot practice on emergency stops, something I had not done in months. The braking I can help with decent brakes, good tires, and hopefully ABS. Now all I need is a bike to practice on! :rider:

[Mic]

Thank You. I love the looks of the Z1000 but was unsure if there were any issues about it I should consider. I've also recently heard of some serious frame cracking issues with the Yammy FZ1. I appreciate all the inputs. Can't wait to ride again soon. :rider:

That brings up a good point that I forgot about. Some of the early Z1k's (03 and maybe early 04) had issues with a weld cracking up near the head. This was mostly an issue with people that wheelie a lot (standups, stunting, etc). On the Z1k forums that I have been on I haven't seen people that ride the bike normally have this issue.

I haven't had an issue with my bike. I ride pretty spirited with it and have gotten the wheel up a few inches being too hard on the throttle a few times. Kawasaki revised later frames and they don't have the issue.

Also FWIW, my bike with a K&N, Muzzy pipe, and PC3 with Muzzy tune gets about 41 mpg. It got about 45-46 with same parts and stock tune.

[Sleepy Weasel]

Nice, but.... half of the reason I would like the CB is the availability of ABS... the Bandit, ST1300, and FJR seem to be the only big bikes with that option here in the states. Of course, being pretty doesn't hurt.

EDIT: I should add the BMW line to that statement.... somehow I wasn't thinking of bikes that are 2x$

Of course, he hasn't said that HE is interested in just a "big" bike, so the SV650 & DL650 are also on the table with ABS.

Of course, if you want big & ugly, they have an ABS B-King, too.

[Woodys650]

Of course, he hasn't said that HE is interested in just a "big" bike, so the SV650 & DL650 are also on the table with ABS.

Of course, if you want big & ugly, they have an ABS B-King, too.

I was quite seriously looking at the SV w/ ABS as the kids get older and the wife more interested in scootin', a good 2-up bike wouldn't hurt. That's pushing me as well. It's looking like a gently used Bandit ABS. If I can only find one!

[ColGoodnight]

Of course, he hasn't said that HE is interested in just a "big" bike....

Daelim Roadwin 125 (http://www.scheibner-olk.de/shop/onlineshop/images/big/alle_0248.jpg)

Hyosung GT250 (http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery/Hyosung%20GT%20250.jpg)

Johnny Pag Sport 300 (http://www.johnnypag.com/images/motorcycles/gallery/sport/Sport_Pic1.jpg)

HTH,
Tom

[Woodys650]

I like the looks of the Daelim Roadwin, but dang... a 125? I'm all for small bikes, but I max out a rebel 250 around 75mph with the hamster screaming on the wheels. I can't imagine how hard you'd have to flog a 125 on anything resembling a highway, let alone interstate. That said, it sure looks nice. ;-)

[Txchas]

Triumph Street Triple???

http://www.parts-world.ch/Triumph-Street-Triple-tot.jpg

[DCF]

Triumph Street Triple???



Sexy.
Unfortunately for me, no ABS available.

Another standard with no ABS (yet) is the Shiver 750 from Aprilia:

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery%20B/Aprilia%20Shiver%20750%2007%20%202.jpg

The shiver is a v-twin and sounds fantastic with the stock exhaust. The stock healight however.... I would want to replace it.

[NorthOfDallas]

Skip the later model FZ1 if you're looking for an 'all-arounder' as it is too leaned toward sport than the Gen 1 (01-05). My only complaint is that mine eats a little oil between changes (about a qt). Beyond that, its excellent for miles or commuting, hooligan riding and just trotting around.

Its aftermarket support is pretty good, second only to the Bandit, but the Bandit needs aftermarket parts to be apples to apples (such as adjustable suspension), Bar Risers and other trinkets. The Bandit is a formidable competitor with gobs of low-end torque and comfy. I found the FZ was better for me as a shorter person, and the docile nature was great - only eclipsed by the light speed 7k-12k powerband.

If you're near me, you are welcome to test ride mine.

[pacman]

The bike you want is being discussed here. (http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34674)

[budzrex]

[QUOTE=Loyd;483233]No nakeds for any type pf touring...or a ride longer than say an hour.

Man, that cuts out 95% of the street riding I have done in the last
30 years

[pacman]

No nakeds for any type pf touring...or a ride longer than say an hour.

Man, that cuts out 95% of the street riding I have done in the last
30 years

No kiddin' I've ridden about 100k naked miles over the last 20 years. I like it alright. ;)

[Graubart]

For a naked standard, I'd vote for the Bandit.

Gets my vote too!

[tristan.duff]

I'm in love with the B1250 ABS, and I can tell you from experience that the ABS is definately a feature you'll be thankful for. It's an extra $500 over the non-ABS Bandit and worth every penny.

Negatives of the Bandit: It has a slightly forward-leaning seating position. With a backpack, I've rode 300 mile trips, but I had to stop every 100 or so and stretch. The seat is acceptable, but not something you want to spend all day on; I'm hearing that either the Suzuki gel seat or the Holeshot/Corbin racing seat is a good investment. If you're not careful with the throttle, the Bandit will smoke the rear tire in first gear without trying; she's got more low-end torque than she knows what to do with. Also, if you're the type of rider who likes to put stuff under your seat for storage, get that idea out of your head - you'll fit the owner's manual and maybe a pocket knife or your cell phone in there, but that's about it. Tire life is supposedly around the 4k mile range, but I haven't tested that one yet. Otherwise, she's reliable, competent, well-poised, and you get a feel for riding the Bandit within the first mile or two. If you're not planning on doing any distance riding, she's **** near perfect as-is; if you do want to rack up the miles, there's inexpensive handlebar riser kits that I hear do wonders for the riding position.

I'm sorry to hear that it took a drop to get you in the market for a new toy. I know how much the "crashing and surgery" thing sucks. My thoughts are with you.

Lastly, good luck over in the sandbox and stay safe!

[Grove Rat]

Love my '07 FZ1. Great all around bike.