Spec me a superbike for £3500-4000 (second hand obviously)

agnes · 24 Jul 2011 at 23:49

Owned 2 Ducati 748's now, I want to buy something I can run everyday whilst I slowly rebuild the Italian whore.

I always wanted a R1... But much prefer the older style.

Looks are important to me, has to be a 1ltr, not fussed about miles, black is sexy. Already got a red bike

ags

helpimcrap · 25 Jul 2011 at 06:45

apart from the gixer thou i'd have to say the original R1 as looks are important to you. every bike since has been based around that but not quite matched the rawness of it.

i-bert · 25 Jul 2011 at 11:39

I'm in a similar situation. It will be my only mode of transport so I don't want anything too crazy, but fast enough for a few track days. Looking at either a blade or RSV Factory but I've yet to sit on one.

Dogbreath · 25 Jul 2011 at 11:56

You could get a lovely RSV for that money. It has the looks, the grunt and the sound. In fact it's rather like a Ducati, but with lower running costs and reliability issues.

agnes · 25 Jul 2011 at 12:27

I am going to steer clear of twins on this new bike.

My Ducati is my main mode of transport but the 10 mile trips to and from work every other day (mostly every day at the moment) is killing it. Engine doesnt even get up to temp by the time I get to work as it only takes me 10-15 mins.

However, I have like I said, a need for a rice burner, no idea why... Might consider something a little less than a super(sports)bike to accommodate a passenger.

I did rather enjoy a VFR 800 (newer one) I had as a loan bike for a couple of weeks. Was nicknamed the grandad bike by my self and mates, but it was easy to ride, comfy and a good laugh when the throttle was jammed open...

Honestly... Not sure where to start looking, I am such a Ducati freak they are all that I know about lol.

ags

acemastr · 25 Jul 2011 at 12:41

I'd probably say an R1 or a Blade, the Blade will be comfortable as well as quick.

Snaggle · 25 Jul 2011 at 14:17

second vote for rsvr .. much better to ride than those ricers !!

agnes · 25 Jul 2011 at 14:34

Persil said:
second vote for rsvr .. much better to ride than those ricers !!

I heard they run wide when cranked over from a few people (including a mcn vtwin review).

ags

Snaggle · 25 Jul 2011 at 16:10

never had that issue (although mines a tuono) although heard it a lot about the TL

Fireskull · 25 Jul 2011 at 17:24

Surely thats all tyre / suspension and rider ability related though, on the TL and older RSV most likely bad suspension setup though.

Another vote for the RSV though, if you want a decent rice burner though your going to have to stretch to GSXR 1000 k5 prices though

kidloco · 25 Jul 2011 at 18:42

easy choice. I went back to a carbed R1 after trying few newer and more expensive toys. Love it and it only cost me 3k with all the newly fitted bits fitted.

So far all I have down is fit a new front sprocket, 1 down on the front.. Goes like stink now. Just need to get the forks re worked and a new rear shock fitted for next year then ill be happy as a pig in you know what.

helpimcrap · 25 Jul 2011 at 19:49

i like that very much kidloco.

a mate has one same colour with the seat unit a 1 seat race unit with LED rear lights and no indicatos on it + tiny plate. his looks the dogs. espesh in the early evening!

Sagalout · 26 Jul 2011 at 10:39

There's a lot to be said for carbed bikes. Its the one niggle on the new GSXR1000 I bought recently. Fabulous bike in every way, even comfort, but the part throttle fuelling is, well, crap compared to a carbed bike, and its going to cost a lot of money to sort out

Its been the same with every FI bike I've owned.

Sagalout · 26 Jul 2011 at 10:44

As for recommendations, GSXR1000 K5 if you can find one in budget, otherwise up the budget a few hundred quid. Its the best litre bike around that budget IMO, especially if you want something thats semi confortable

agnes · 26 Jul 2011 at 12:43

Ok, so option between a carbed R1 and a GSXR1000 K5...

I must admit, the R1 looks HOT! The GSXR, too common for my liking, mind you, R1 not far behind it.

Hmmmm, good choices

ags

Fireskull · 26 Jul 2011 at 12:54

The R1 does look good, but the k5 GSXR 1000 is a phenomenal engine on the road.

Snaggle · 26 Jul 2011 at 18:29

gsxr is a better bike than the r1 (r1 has no character) and you missed out the rsv

try one before dismissing one

Draeger · 26 Jul 2011 at 21:38

agnes said:
I heard they run wide when cranked over from a few people (including a mcn vtwin review).

ags

Negative. I've perched my bum on countless superbikes and owned loads and the Mille is by far and away the best handling bike I've ever owned.

There's very little, including much newer tackle, that can stay with me on the road if I decide to stretch it's legs. :cool:

Ok, I'm slightly biased but I'm a competent fast road rider but nothing special and I genuinely feel the RSV is ridiculously easy to ride at an incredible pace on the road in real world situations. They certainly flatter the rider, the guys here with Mille's or Tuonos will understand exactly what I mean by that.

kidloco · 26 Jul 2011 at 22:05

Each to their own I guess. I have ridden 3 different models of mille and couldnt get on with any of them. Found them all top heavy and felt like they fell into corners. Mind you I couldn't get on with the 999 either. Not ridden a vtwin I like the handling of to be honest.

Draeger · 26 Jul 2011 at 22:22

Then you are destined to be an IL4 ( or maybe a triple ) rider m8. Some folk just can't take to twins. And I don't mean that in a patronising way.

Personally, I'll never go back to an IL4. Twins are "my bag".