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Looking for a New Bike -- Opinions Please

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H

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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
I'm sure you guys get these all of the time - sorry to add to it.

I'm looking at getting a sport bike. I've been riding for a long time and currently have a Harley Fatboy. Anyway, I'm looking at (in order):

2003 - 2005 Kawasaki KZ-12R Ninja
2004 - 2005 Honda CBR1000RR
2003 - 2005 Yamaha R1

I'll probably get Heli bars for whichever one I get -- I don't want to be all hunched over, etc. (yeah, I'm a wuss). Anyway, I'd welcome all opinions -- pros and cons of each.

Thanks!
 
pickle.of.doom

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#4 ·
I have always heard great things about the riding position of the Hayabusa. Its not the corner carver that the 3 you named are, but its an all day freeway rocket, thats for sure. Any of the bikes just outside of the main four focused sportbikes (CBR, ZX, R, GSXR) mostly have a more relaxed position. Since yuo are a HD guy you also may want to see what a v-twin engine is like when its raped, such as a Ducati, SV1000, VTR1000. ANother great classic ride is the Kawi ZRX1200.
 
S

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#5 ·
Homer4598 said:
I'll probably get Heli bars for whichever one I get -- I don't want to be all hunched over, etc. (yeah, I'm a wuss). Anyway, I'd welcome all opinions -- pros and cons of each.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Without getting into any comments on any of these being a good choice for a first sportbike ... if you don't want the hunched over position, take a look at the Yamaha FZ6 and FZ1. They're sport "streetfighter" bikes devired from the R6 and R1, and may be something that would interest you.

If you are going for the full-faired sportbike look, then *any* modern sportbike is going to be as good as any other one. The latest bikes are so good, and the actual performance differences so minute (all of them are withing a few horsepower and a few pounds of each other) that you really can only see the differences on paper, or on a racetrack.

- Roach
 
H

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Discussion Starter · #6 ·
It's not my "first" sportbike. I've had sport bikes in the past, but that was several years ago. I've looked at a lot of bikes. Not interested in a sport touring, a generic street bike, etc. Looking specifically at the bikes listed. My friend has a Hayabusa -- nice bike, but I don't care for the looks (or at least I like the ones listed better).

While the performance is about the same (I'm not racing so I don't care if one is slightly faster, etc.), all bikes are different as far as riding position (some have the weight more on the legs that the wrists), reliability, and overall feel.
 
S

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#8 ·
Homer4598 said:
While the performance is about the same (I'm not racing so I don't care if one is slightly faster, etc.), all bikes are different as far as riding position (some have the weight more on the legs that the wrists), reliability, and overall feel.
Click to expand...
The R1 and CBR are going to be very similar, along with the ZX10R and GSXR1000. THey're all cut from the same cloth. The CBR is a bit heavier. They're all pretty ass-over-teakettle in the seating position department. I'm partial to the Yamaha myself, but that's more brand loyalty than anything else.

The ZX12R (Sorry, I glanced past it the first time ... thought you said 10R) is going to be ... different. It's more like the Hayabusa than the other 1000cc sportbikes you listed. More relaxed seating position, heavier, not as good in corners. Hasn't been updated in many years. The 10R is their liter class sportbike now.

- Roach
 
S

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#13 ·
Homer4598 said:
Sure there is -- I don't get tired riding the Fatboy and I can ride farther than I can run (not to mention making the motorcycle noises when I run draws a lot of attention)...
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Don't pay much attention to these guys ... they are sportbike snobs :D :D :D

I used to own a Dyna (twin cam)... I really liked it. It's just for a different kind of riding.

- Roach
 
E

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#17 · (Edited)
Trust me, When I tell you This is no joke of a bike.
It is not full faired but Sh!ts and gets. I have 127rwhp 145 advertised at crank, 10.27 1/4 mile Huge 180 rear tire
Full sport tuned adjustable suspension, And the motor is the original R1 retuned for sport riding in this somewhat heavier frame. With it's 11,500 redline it does 80 in first gear. I think the top speed was around 180 but is not confirmed by me. The FZ1 will hall the mail it is not Sport touring even though they raised the bars for two up riding. It is also declaired to be the Worlds Fastest Naked Sport bike. Acording to sportbike Mag. I have Titanium straight bars on mine for a More sport bike look And It had a slip on on it When I got it. All In all My wife and I ride it everywhere. I went with the 1000 also for power more so the stop and go with two of us on it but when I am alone. Trust me the bike dont know I'm here. Anyhow good luck with what ever you get and ride safe.

 
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bumblebee
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