raghhhh cant decide what to do

Tefal

Tefal

Tefal

Caporegime
Joined
30 Jun 2007
Posts
68,867
Location
Wales
so current bike is a 2001 vfr800, and I've had it just over a year and its been great done everything I've asked of it.

but it's now on 34k (half of that was me)

It needs its major service, and it's just developed a misfire, along with the exhaust joints blowing ((needs new gaskets and cleaning up) .

suspension noticeably more wallowy too now especially the rear.

also as much as i love it i am getting a tiny bit bored.


so the point I'm at is


1) do i spend god knows how much for major servicing, and chasing down the problems and getting it all ship shape but still issues like suspension etc.

2) do i buy a used blackbird, reliable fast, good luggage options but heavy and wide.

3) the post 2014 z1000sx looks really good, abs traction control fast and comfy, but only paniers or top case not both.

3) the post 2014 vfr800, more expensive than the kwaker, but a few nice features like gear indicator on the dash, but no more power than the vfr i've got and heavier. (30 hp down on the kawasaki)

(options 2-4, the vfr becomes a part exchange )

4) other options?




So riding wise, the bike is my only transport gets used for commuting, a bit of fun at the weekend, two up if i take a lady out, and part of my non forum friendly hobby which we'll call "couch surfing" at the weekends usually = long motorway ride to a distant town/city for the weekend and a bit of fun on some new roads, but not always secure parking so security of a new bike a bit of an issue.

bikes also used in all conditions and times of year.


just don't know what to do :(

money aint a massive issue, i earn far more than i spend atm, and have been trying to decide on a new bike for so long now that i've got a fair bit saved up.
 
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If you're getting a little bored of the VFR, I wouldn't get the new one, esp if it's your only bike. I had a vtec VFR and while it was a great bike, it just didn't have the power. I think the post 2014 model is pretty much the same as the previous vtec model.

From that list, I'd get the Z1000SX. Modern, comfy, plenty of power, and looks good too. I looked at getting one myself a couple of years ago, but in the end went in an altogether different direction and bought an R1200GS.
 
What does your heart say?

You've made a lot of posts about the blackbird, get one!

Edit: The Kwak is a big fat whale too! It weighs so much!
 
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Another vote for the Z1000SX.

I want one myself but can't afford it at the moment.

But, i think Kreeeee above is right... What do you want?
 
spend a bit more getting the current vfr back in shape? no matter what bike you get its gonna reach 34k miles in the end unless you keep endlessly changing/updating

most you can do yourself,you'll find the misfire will be something simple more than anything could be a dodgy plug?

pick up a newer second hand shock or buy aftermarket replacement

you don't have to follow the major services to the letter,ive skipped all mine from 18k to 61k and its still performing well

if its the geared cam model even less to worry about
 
Daftbrown said:
Another vote for the Z1000SX.

I want one myself but can't afford it at the moment.

But, i think Kreeeee above is right... What do you want?
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I've just been researching it. I want one for my longer trips!

But the Super Blackbird is FAR better value for money.
 
Tefal said:
also as much as i love it i am getting a tiny bit bored.
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Happens with every bike, the cure is to go and try out as much stuff as possible and just buy what you fancy at the time. Just go and test ride a bunch of bikes, even stuff you'd not normally consider, you might be surprised.
 
I was never that impressed with the blackbird... It didnt feel that fast and was pretty mediocre in the corners .

I tested the 1000sx and it was nice and comfortable.. felt quick enough (but not amazing for a 1litre) but fell down up the back roads.. felt soft and lacked precision . The newer one might be better as i tested it when it first came out (2011 maybe >? )

The K1300 i had for the day was an epic mile muncher... quick and efficient like most german things but had no soul ... Dull if you like but a great way to get somewhere quickly !

Not sure why im writing this as i dont really have a suggestion .. The new vfr kinda sucks and a naked would not really fit the bill . ZZR1400 maybe ? or bmw offroad/touring whatsit
 
The new z1000sx supposedly fixed the suspension (also a nice big easy remote preload knob for the rear shock now).

Think this weekend now I've got my license back (lost it ) ill go do a bunch of test rides.
 
I went from my trusty VFR800 up to a VFR1200 and I love it. With pilot road 4's on its great in any weather and the engine is lush. It's a marmite bike though, there aren't many around. Which is fine with me tbh as it's not as likely to be stolen to order, it does get allot of compliments though. The blackbird is a good choice too, nice to ride, reliable, and rapid. From your existing fancies that would be the top of my list. At least to test ride.
 
The blackbird is a great bike but lacking a bit in character. I've had 2 and personally much preferred the older carbed version. It was just a bit more raw and exciting, whereas the fi version was just too smooth, and as said above, hides it's speed
 
Any alternative bikes that people recommend?

Only problem with it being a bit of an all rounder means I have to settle a bit in terms of excitement otherwise I'd be getting a cbr600 loved my old one lol but just not cut out for multi hour rides on the motorway and 2 up trips.
 
Choices like this for always come down to if i feel any affinity for the vehicle.

I'll quite happily chuck money at something I really like, often without question.

If I ever find myself umming and ahhing, I more often than not end up not spending the cash.
 
atpbx said:
Choices like this for always come down to if i feel any affinity for the vehicle.

I'll quite happily chuck money at something I really like, often without question.

If I ever find myself umming and ahhing, I more often than not end up not spending the cash.
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i do love the bike but its an issue of it is my only means of transport so its something that icant really sit and tinker with unless i have a second bike for work etc.

i'd really like to keep it as a project bike but room and time and money mean its unlikley atm.
 
Wucked said:
Triumph Sprint ST? Or one of the ZZ-R's maybe? It sounds like you want another sports tourer, right?
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yeah i like the sporty side but i need long distance comfort and tank range.

heard some good things about the sprint, but heard it doesnt last too well through winter salt.
 
My old man had a new Sprint ST and said it was the most boring / soulless bike he's ever owned. Just depends what you want from a bike.

For me as i said, out of that list it would have to be the Z1000SX.
 
Yeah the sprints a bit uninspiring, it's a bit like the FJR In that respect in that it's a motorbike and thats about it.
 
Why not get the Blackbird and spend the difference between that and a ZX1000SX on something completely different?
 
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