Are you really suggesting one of the most challenging litre bikes ever created as an everyday commuting tool?
125bhp, slower than some 600's!
Sensible next move?
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125bhp, slower than some 600's!
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Went and sat on a Fireblade at the local Honda dealership last night, it felt a surprisingly comfy riding position and a very solid piece of kit. Smaller than I expected.
Also sat on a green ZZR1400 with luggage. Loved it.
The Triumph place had street triples and speed triples, which they recommended I consider. I think they detected my sports bike virginity.
I also sat on a Daytona 675, which felt absolutely miniscule, almost like a 125.
Also sat on a green ZZR1400 with luggage. Loved it.
The Triumph place had street triples and speed triples, which they recommended I consider. I think they detected my sports bike virginity.
I also sat on a Daytona 675, which felt absolutely miniscule, almost like a 125.
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I'm only around 5' 4" so I've been looking at one of those for my first sports bike.
I prefer the looks of the older blades with the single under seat exhaust. If you want a bike with some character it doesn't have to be so new.
Because its so easy to get new bikes everyone seems to have the new ones, so you are more likely to see someone of the same bike as you.
Plus its cheaper and you wont cry some much if you drop it
Because its so easy to get new bikes everyone seems to have the new ones, so you are more likely to see someone of the same bike as you.
Plus its cheaper and you wont cry some much if you drop it
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The Honda is a good all round bike, but they are bland at legal speeds as they are more refined than the other Japanese IL4's. It's also very old tech compared to the BMW, Kwak and Ducatti.
These bikes are designed to operate above 70mph, and when you get the right road with no traffic and speed cameras they are truly awesome. The rest of the time they can be far duller than a 650 twin. I quite fancy another litre bike as a second bike (is be looking at the S1000RR in motorad colours) but there's no way I'd have one as an only bike now. I had a GSXR1000 before the GS and it was a great bike, but you're very aware all the time that it wants to go a lot faster. Even on a tight track like Oulton it's hard to get beyond 4th gear!
On the SV you can probably ride it on the roads to 80% of its capability and have a lot of fun at legalish speeds. A litre bike you'll be more like 40% and the bike will be laughing at you, meaning you'll either feel frustrated or be tempted to go very very fast into license losing speeds
These bikes are designed to operate above 70mph, and when you get the right road with no traffic and speed cameras they are truly awesome. The rest of the time they can be far duller than a 650 twin. I quite fancy another litre bike as a second bike (is be looking at the S1000RR in motorad colours) but there's no way I'd have one as an only bike now. I had a GSXR1000 before the GS and it was a great bike, but you're very aware all the time that it wants to go a lot faster. Even on a tight track like Oulton it's hard to get beyond 4th gear!
On the SV you can probably ride it on the roads to 80% of its capability and have a lot of fun at legalish speeds. A litre bike you'll be more like 40% and the bike will be laughing at you, meaning you'll either feel frustrated or be tempted to go very very fast into license losing speeds
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Soldato
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But they're also so easy to ride, if you want to be lazy you can just stick it in 2nd or 3rd and not change gear the entire journey 
I found that with the mt10, I only needed 3rd gear!
On my CB when stopping in a 40 zone I have to go down 5 gears as I'm normally in 6th.
I found that with the mt10, I only needed 3rd gear!On my CB when stopping in a 40 zone I have to go down 5 gears as I'm normally in 6th.
But they're also so easy to ride, if you want to be lazy you can just stick it in 2nd or 3rd and not change gear the entire journey
They are easy to ride if you are just cruising, and much nicer than a 600 on a motorway as the engine RPM is quite a lot lower.
I used to have a '09 Fireblade which is pretty much unchanged from the later versions, save for ABS and cosmetic differences. I thought it was a very capable bike, but for some reason I found mine to be uncomfortable. I think this was just down to my particular shape, though. It'd make a good first litre bike, but I think you'd be looking for something more "special" in no time at all.
I find the S1RR to be more comfortable and way more fun than the blade ever was. Not sure if you can stretch your budget, but if so, I'd definitely try and test ride an S1RR. I see from a quick look at autotrader that 2010/11 models are going for around 8-9 grand. As for the headlights, I suppose that's something you either love or hate. Personally, I think it looks pretty good
I find the S1RR to be more comfortable and way more fun than the blade ever was. Not sure if you can stretch your budget, but if so, I'd definitely try and test ride an S1RR. I see from a quick look at autotrader that 2010/11 models are going for around 8-9 grand. As for the headlights, I suppose that's something you either love or hate. Personally, I think it looks pretty good
You'd be surprised how little extra tyres, chain and sprockets cost.
For example, from wemoto, for my CB400 (less power than the SV650) a chain an sprocket set is £97. For a 2012 CBR1000RR it's £110.
For a set of Angel GT's in 120/60 ZR17 and 160/60 ZR17 you're looking at £86 and £115 respectively. In 120/70 ZR17 and 190/50 ZR17 and it's £95 and £125.
So £19 difference in tyres (obviously you'll go through more rears on the blade
Looking at fuelly, a CBR100RR seems to be around mid-40's MPG, so again not a major difference.
Yeah the main thing is the tyre wear. If riding on sports tyres and ride it properly, they chew them to bits quite rapidly. However on commuting, it won't be as bad.