raghhhh cant decide what to do

[Tefal]

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.

 

[Tefal]

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.

 

[Tefal]

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.

 

[Tefal]

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.

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.

 

[Tefal]

Triumph Sprint ST? Or one of the ZZ-R's maybe? It sounds like you want another sports tourer, right?

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.

 

[Tefal]

Aprilia Futura? Another litre V-twin worth a look.

I looked that that lovely looking bike but seems a bit too motorway focused where say an fjr1300 would be better and cheaper.

What about a Triumph Tiger 1050? Lovely, lovely engine, can take panniers and top box, handles very well with it's proper road tyres, commanding riding position, comfortable.

and now I contradict myself by asking how's the tiger on long motorway trips lol?

Whats the range like on an SV1000? You can get side boxes and a top box for them, change the bars and screen and could good?

I did use to fantasise abour having a tls streetfighter lol a lot of the old tls riders seemed to think the so was very toned down and dull

What's your budget? A Multistrada might fit the bill?

Triumph Sprint is another dull bike to be honest. Essentially you're after the holy grail - an exciting bike that is still practical and comfortable! Personally, if you want an IL4 engine I'd go for the Kawasaki Z1000SX

Budget can be around 10k for the bike alone. What's the multi strata like for long journeys?

Tiger, sprint, strada all added to the test ride list.

What's ducati like for getting test rides?

 

[Tefal]

i dont think the gs is really for mew i do quite like the sports side of sports tourers. rather than the adventure stsyling side.

 

[Tefal]

its a Kawasaki,its always gonna be perfect

Don't the green machines tend to get a bit rusty come winter?

 

[Tefal]

11:30 test ride on the zx booked.

 

[Tefal]

so the z100sx lovley engine pulls in any gear and very good acceleration and the breaks are like literal anchors dont think i ever used more than 1 finger.

but the bars are just too high and too far back the upright position absolutely killed my back.

seems the more lent forward sporty position is much more suited to me.

sat on a hyabusa in the shop and that was very comfy indeed. (also 10,395 with 0% finance for 4 years with a deposit from anything from £1 lol)


but sadly they didnt have a demo bike for that.

so looks like this rules out the more upright adventure biukes brining the blackbird back to the number one spot.

hyabusa and zzr1400 need to be added to the list to onow though lol


one thing is i know theres good options for lugagge on a zzr and blackbird but has anyone heard of any fore the busa?

also how do we thik a busa or zzr would handle being sat outside in the cold at night at work?

 

[Tefal]

Well dora the vfr is all fixed the region rec had burnt out the conditions in its plug (looked absolutely fine from outside) so was intermittently shorting.


Also got the bike fully serviced at the same time the starter valves were massively out of sync, all new fluids Inc break an clutch (did not realise how bad they were till fixed) all suspension linkages and swing arm lubed etc. Valves have never been a shimmed and at 34k are still within tolerance lol.

Feels like a new bike but it seems thw fast idle wax uint may be sticking at times itnwrmitently it was dismantled cleaned and greased but it seems to drop off when hot but only rarely so that'll be getting looked at this week.

All in including fluids, new break pads, all filters and labour 330 (30 per hour on the labour as referred through a friend at work).


Some more money will go on new luggage rack and some extra kriega bags.

As for spending the new bike money going for the suggestion of something totally different. ...laser eye surgery lol.


But might pick up a little 400cc thing as a few of my mates have them and they seem a right laugh.

 

[Tefal]

what are starter valves?

yh a bit of tlc and it will be like new again

cold idle speed things on a vfr, not seen them on anything else.

used to be attached to a "fast idle" fake choke but on mine they run off the coolant temp.

 

[Tefal]

Why not look at the BMW K1300S or VFR1200F?

I am saving my pennies and might be able to get a £2k bike in 3 months or so. been so skint and so desperate to ride I looked at a 2002 GSX600F (teapot) and might go look at a Yamaha TDM 850 lol.

Get a cbr600f4i or f3 if your really skint.

Bomb proof, wonderful to ride, powerful and fast.