Best Value Used Sport Bike

[maxim_X]

Have you seen the FZ1/ fz6? I highly doubt you will feel the performance inadequate on the street of either of those bikes?

[nhbubba]

...makes me feel like a badass.

Meh.

It's all in what's important. What induces the joy?

Personally I require that I use my toys. I'm a heavy commuter and have a modest personal life on the weekends with people that don't ride. This means I need to be able to commute on my bike for it to get used. This means comfort over performance (or looks, or 'badass' rep). And I need to be able to carry some stuff now and then, which means bags.

A V-Strom with bags isn't cool; its downright geeky. But its fun as hell and I use it, which is what matters IMHO.

Maybe your situation is completely different; you don't like to commute but ride 3/4 weekends a month with buddies. Maybe you are a track rat but hardly ever street ride.

All effect your choice, no?

Incidentally, I have a Jetta wagon with the 2.0T. Think of it as a GLI wagon. It has the 6MT.. which is marvelous, even in traffic.


Anyway.

Suzuki and Kawasaki both have great value in their lineups. Bang for buck, I think those two are where its at.

[SRTie4k]

I'd say performance, practicality and reliability measured against cost. I'm really torn on the performance vs practicality/comfort issue here. I commute 25 miles to work, and semi-regularly ride 2 hours to my hometown in CT to meet friends for even longer rides. I also get a serious boner for supersports, however. I'm not sure if I'd be happier riding in comfort on a less exciting bike or riding in moderate discomfort on a machine that makes me feel like a badass.

An example of this problem: I bought a GTI with the DSG (auto transmission), thinking it would be less fun but infinitely more tolerable when crawling in commuter traffic. I now regret this decision, but I'm fairly sure I would feel the same way had I gone with the manual. The grass is always greener on the other side.

I know how you feel, but I jumped over from sport bikes to standard/naked bikes (the sporty variants) and I couldn't be happier. They are SO much more comfortable to ride, still have way more than enough power and handle better than I'll ever be able to ride.

Out of the handful of bikes I've ever owned, my Z1000 and my current naked TLS are easily my favorites due to their appeal of doing everything well.

[Kenn157]

Meh.

It's all in what's important. What induces the joy?

Personally I require that I use my toys. I'm a heavy commuter and have a modest personal life on the weekends with people that don't ride. This means I need to be able to commute on my bike for it to get used. This means comfort over performance (or looks, or 'badass' rep). And I need to be able to carry some stuff now and then, which means bags.

A V-Strom with bags isn't cool; its downright geeky. But its fun as hell and I use it, which is what matters IMHO.

Maybe your situation is completely different; you don't like to commute but ride 3/4 weekends a month with buddies. Maybe you are a track rat but hardly ever street ride.

All effect your choice, no?

Incidentally, I have a Jetta wagon with the 2.0T. Think of it as a GLI wagon. It has the 6MT.. which is marvelous, even in traffic.


Anyway.

Suzuki and Kawasaki both have great value in their lineups. Bang for buck, I think those two are where its at.

Colin, you need to ride more with us! Stop hanging around people that dont ride. And use the toy you have for more then just commuting! Boring!

[Falko]

How are those (Speed Triple and Aprilia) a good value? Great bikes, yes, but not really a value.

Admittedly it was a shameless plug for the bike I am trying to move, but in general, the Falco is a good deal for what it offers. It isn't a Mille and hold that value, but has a great engine, most have upgraded suspension, and the ergos of an SV. I'd keep this bike forever but even the comfy ergos kills my wrists, but that's a personal problem.

[TheIglu]

I know how you feel, but I jumped over from sport bikes to standard/naked bikes (the sporty variants) and I couldn't be happier. They are SO much more comfortable to ride, still have way more than enough power and handle better than I'll ever be able to ride.

Out of the handful of bikes I've ever owned, my Z1000 and my current naked TLS are easily my favorites due to their appeal of doing everything well.

If you like the TL and the Z1k, you need to try my Rex....


Another vote for a ZRX. More comfortable than any other standard I've ridden on. Faster than most too, the feel out of that front end really is top notch.

[Expat]

I'd say performance, practicality and reliability measured against cost. I'm really torn on the performance vs practicality/comfort issue here. I commute 25 miles to work, and semi-regularly ride 2 hours to my hometown in CT to meet friends for even longer rides. I also get a serious boner for supersports, however. I'm not sure if I'd be happier riding in comfort on a less exciting bike or riding in moderate discomfort on a machine that makes me feel like a badass.

An example of this problem: I bought a GTI with the DSG (auto transmission), thinking it would be less fun but infinitely more tolerable when crawling in commuter traffic. I now regret this decision, but I'm fairly sure I would feel the same way had I gone with the manual. The grass is always greener on the other side.

You need this!!

[reiobard]

I agree, the first generation z1000 is comfy, and a ton of bike for short money. they can be picked up dirt cheap for a great bike. Kinda wish i bought one

[reiobard]

I agree, the first generation z1000 is comfy, and a ton of bike for short money. they can be picked up dirt cheap for a great bike. Kinda wish i bought one

of course I love my FZ6 as well, and can also be had for short money.

[Expat]

Mine may be for sale but it won't be "dirt" cheap!! Look carefully at it, it is far from stock. Lots of mods and accessories on it!!

[csmutty]

If you like the TL and the Z1k, you need to try my Rex....


Another vote for a ZRX. More comfortable than any other standard I've ridden on. Faster than most too, the feel out of that front end really is top notch.

I have to disagree. The ZRX is a couch. Was too heavy for my taste, but it is good for soaking up the miles. Just was too heavy to really be "fun".

[TheIglu]

I have to disagree. The ZRX is a couch. Was too heavy for my taste, but it is good for soaking up the miles. Just was too heavy to really be "fun".

It sheds the weight pretty easy once you get the suspension setup well. A razor sharp trackbike? No. A really good handling streetbike for a 1.2l naked? Yes.

[nhbubba]

Guy I know picked up a slightly used Monster 696 last year for very reasonable money. Helluva value, IMO. Everyone thinks their 'girls bikes' or something, so you can get'em for reasonable money. My kinda deal.

Colin, you need to ride more with us!

Thanks man.

Commuting can be fun. Basically every day at 3-4 PM I find myself a little over an hour from home with 2+ hours to kill and the bike in the lot gassed up and ready to roll. Not such a bad deal, really.

The 'strom is actually pretty good fun through suburban MA too. Kinda makes me understand why those motard things are popular.

[Petorius]

I'm leaning towards an SV, seems to be the right balance and cheap. It also occured to me that street parking in Brighton might not be smart with something flashier. Getting theft on the FZR would have bumped insurance $700 for the year, which definitely tells me something.

You need this!!

this is damn sexy but i'll be honest, probably cant afford it

[stoinkythepig]

Commuting can be fun. Basically every day at 3-4 PM I find myself a little over an hour from home with 2+ hours to kill and the bike in the lot gassed up and ready to roll. Not such a bad deal, really.

The 'strom is actually pretty good fun through suburban MA too. Kinda makes me understand why those motard things are popular.

Sounds a lot like my (occasional now that I work from home most days) commute. What town do you work in?

[ThisBitch]

Maybe I ride like a pussy, but I've done plenty of triple digit rips through VT on the 650r and even when needing to make quick passes, I've never felt it was underpowered unless you aren't willing to downshift for more umph.

[ff36buell]

I'm probably going to get laughed at, but I love my bike.... and with the demise of Buell the hands of HD they are pretty cheap. The 1125R has enough power and is surprisingly comfortable for a sport bike. I personally haven't had any of the problems everyone screams about. All around fun bike....

[SVRACER01]

Honda 599/919.
or SV1K

[OreoGaborio]

This is a hell of a deal! http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=753115

SUCH a good lookin bike...
The FZ1 would be at the top of my list if I were in the market for a I4 1000 street bike followed immediately by the Z1000.

My recommendation:
First, objectively look at what you intend to do with this bike. How are you actually going to use it?
Second, make a list of your NEEDS based on part one, followed by your WANTS.
Third, give yourself a rough budget.
Lastly, make a list of bikes that fit.

Lotta good bike suggestions in this thread. Bunch of makes & models that you wouldn't necessarily think of right off the bat.

[scottieducati]

There's a 5th gen VFR800 on boston craigslist now for under $2k, it has 36k miles on it, but it's a Honda... and it's nearly stock. Amazing deals to be had, the best value is the best deal you can find on something. Now is the time to buy.

[TheIglu]

Maybe I ride like a pussy, but I've done plenty of triple digit rips through VT on the 650r and even when needing to make quick passes, I've never felt it was underpowered unless you aren't willing to downshift for more umph.

I've done VT sport rides on my KLR without an issue Jackie. Most people apparently don't know how to downshift.

[nhbubba]

My recommendation:
First, objectively look at what you intend to do with this bike. How are you actually going to use it?
Second, make a list of your NEEDS based on part one, followed by your WANTS.
Third, give yourself a rough budget.
Lastly, make a list of bikes that fit.

I feel like you've posted this before. ... Not that I don't agree entirely.

[OreoGaborio]

Yeah, i've shared that approach a few times now.

[mell0]

For real sporty bikes I'd suggest a Z6r or an R6. CBRs are uncomfortable as balls and hold there value pretty well, so they won't be cheap. IMO the R6 has the best ergonomics, are reliable, and depreciate to fair rates. I have yet to sit on or ride another sport bike that felt as "perfect" as an R6. The way the tank is shaped for your legs and the way you're positioned was perfect for me.

[golden chicken]

For real sporty bikes I'd suggest a Z6r or an R6. CBRs are uncomfortable as balls and hold there value pretty well, so they won't be cheap. IMO the R6 has the best ergonomics, are reliable, and depreciate to fair rates. I have yet to sit on or ride another sport bike that felt as "perfect" as an R6. The way the tank is shaped for your legs and the way you're positioned was perfect for me.

Weird. Every R6 I've ever sat on has felt cramped, while I often find "right" feeling CBR's.