Getting frustrated - need help

[Slartibartfarst42]

I'm looking at getting back to a sports bike and am having real difficulty choosing as all of my choices seem good in their own way but apparently all have problems from what I am told. I have too much information probably!

OK, me. I'm 47, I'm an average rider, I have no interest at all in top speed but I do want a bike that has a full fairing, great handling on Britisgh A and B roads and is extremely reliable with running costs as low as reasonably possible. I want it to be sporty but also comfortable so nothing too extreme. My budget is £2000-£3000. The possibilities are:

Triumph Daytona 955i

Pros = Powerful, loads of torque, fuel injection, great noise, good fuel economy.

Cons = Bloody big and heavy and I've read some very mixed reports about reliability and suspension.

Kawasaki ZX-9R

Pros = Powerful, loads of torque, very comfy, better weight than the D955i

Cons = Carbs that need work and mixed reports on reliability and build quality

Kawasaki ZX-6R A1P

Pros = 636cc engine in a bike that was still very comfortable, decent weight

Cons = Carbs that need work and lack of torque due to smaller engine size

Suzuki GSXR 750 2000-2003

Pros = K series bikes supposed to be very good, good torque, loads of power, very light weight, great looks

Cons = Questionable build quality and possibly too extreme to be practically comfortable (not sat on one yet)


I just don't know what would be best for what I want. Please help. Thanks.

[A82addict]

For that money a good 2003/4 Fireblade would fit the bill, good build quality, plenty around to choose from and a decent riding position...

[RichieRotten]

I do not know much about the 955i

But I do know about the others.

I got a ZX9R
Done 30,000 miles on it been fine - few problems but nothing I could not fix.
Been all around Europe - great road bike not a boy racer type of sports bike more a Sporty sports tourer.
Best thing about it is the engine.

Build quality not ace but as a road bike hard to better really - in the last 6 or so years of owning it I am still happy with it and I have no reasons to change it, well if I did trade it in for a new bike the difference would not be worth the expense.

Like a lot of bikes with carbs they can freeze in the winter but that is usually cured by changing the coolant filter - every time mine has frozen it is cause the coolant to the carbs {this warms the fuel} is restricted by a blocked coolant filter - apart from that just fine. Should think this is what you have heard concerning the carbs being a problem - should think it is the same problem on the 636.
Had mates that have had earlier ZX6R - again a good road bike and the above applies.

Gixer - got a 2008 750 yep sports bike great for going fast - best on a track what ever any one else says best fun I every had with it was on the track -

So in my opinion from your shortlist go for a Ninja.


But the Best advice I can give you

Take them for a test ride

At the end of the day they are all decent enough bikes made by decent manufactuters who know what they are doing so just pick the one that you enjoyed riding the most.

[shooey]

I have a K1 Gsxr, have to say its very comfortable and all day rideable, nowt wrong with the build quality, like everything it has to looked after 

However for quality at that age, you won't beat the Honda's 

[Slartibartfarst42]

A quick look on Ebay suggests that a Fireblade of the last 900cc generation (954?) is out of my price range.

Looks like I have one for the ZX9R and one for the GSXR, though in fairness there's no experience of a Triumph.

Is the build quality of a GSXR750 K1/2 any worse than the ZX9R or Daytona? I mean, will the GSXR last as long while looking good as the others I'm looking at assuming it's serviced and cleaned just the same?

[rotax81]

when you are looking at a bike in that price range you really need to look at it. my 636 is 5 years old now and immaculate. i have seen some in a right state, it all depends on how it has been used most of its life, serviced and looked after.
the 9r is a decent bike, the later E model would be my choice. it was replaced by the 10r and got left on the shelf.
the gsxr750 is a really good bike although they have/had the reputation of being a hooners bike.
i dont know much about the 955.
any blade 954 or newer would also be a good choice if you are willing to wait for the right one to crop up.

looks like there are some decent late 9r's on ebay for around 2.5k   

[Slartibartfarst42]

it all depends on how it has been used most of its life, serviced and looked after.
the 9r is a decent bike, the later E model would be my choice. it was replaced by the 10r and got left on the shelf.
the gsxr750 is a really good bike although they have/had the reputation of being a hooners bike.

It would be the E models of ZX9R I'd be looking at or maybe an F if I'm lucky and what you say about the previous owners is very true. I imagine that given its reputation and image, a ZX9R is not that likely to have been thrashed and the same is true of the Triumph but I'm guessing that given its image, the GSXR is more likely to have been caned.

Perhaps I shouldn't try to choose a particular model as it's fair to say that all the bikes I'm looking at are good. Perhaps I should just leave it to fate and get the first one that comes up that looks like a stonking buy.

[Biff]

I imagine that given its reputation and image, a ZX9R is not that likely to have been thrashed and the same is true of the Triumph but I'm guessing that given its image, the GSXR is more likely to have been caned.

Is this bloke saying that we cane our gixers ??

 

[Slartibartfarst42]

Well I sat on a GSXR750 this morning and while it was clearly a sports bike in its riding position, it was nothing like as extreme as I'd feared. I also tried sitting on an 03 Fireblade and that was even more comfortable. What sitting on these bikes also did was highlight the fact that it's not just my fading memory of sports bikes - the Daytona genuinely is big and heavy! Both the GSXR and the CBR felt like they were a fraction of the size and weight.

[Daytona]

Hi,
I run a 955i 2003 (standard swing arm).
I have had no problems in quality etc or breakdowns. Done about 20K since i got it.
Rode like a bag of shite until i set up suspension. Was just about to sell it but glad i havent.
It is heavy and high for me but like it. Maybe isnt better than your other choices but i like the looks, torque and sound....
I havent rode any of the others so cannot comment on them... I like the 955i
i'm only about 10-11 stone and 5'5".
I have dropped it but can soon lift it back up. Mainly due to only touching floor with toes. Okay when moving but a sod when stood on uneven roads. I soon learn where to stop and not to turn on gravel pulling the front brake (idiot...).
Hope this helps... Try one!!!

[Slartibartfarst42]

5' 5" and 10-11 stone and you're riding a D955i!!! I'm amazed you can reach the floor at all and I'm even more impressed you can pick it up so easily as it's 421 lbs without all the liquids in it!!!

If (and it's a big if) I can get a good example of 954cc Fireblade in my budget then that is certainly my first choice as I loved it the moment I sat on it. If I can't do that then I'll look at the GSXR750 next.

[Legzr1]

If you like the 954 Blade but it's a bit out of budget then have a look for a 929 version.

Similar size,performance and build quality but a fair bit cheaper.

Personally, I'd hang out until the right 954 came along at the right price (especially in white/blue).

[Alan@asperformance]

had loads of Y, K1 & K2 gixxers used lightly on road but mostly a fair few track days and i'd have another tomorrow, no problem................

[tripleMacca]

 
GSXR 750 a great bike,
but as with a lot of threads of this ilk there are other alternatives.
Fireblade, as mentioned
R1
Thunderace (probably as good as a ZX9R)
ZX7R


It depends if Slarty has his mind set on the limited bikes he mentions.

[Biff]

5' 5" and 10-11 stone and you're riding a D955i!!! I'm amazed you can reach the floor at all

Now he's having a pop at us short guys !!

Actually, I had an Aprilia RSV and I'm 5'7", and two Hayabusa's and weigh 11 stone