[ChR1s]

I'm in the market for a temporary ride until my 16-valve 2007 R1 shows up. Having never ridden either of those Japanese V-twins, I'm considering one since I see a couple of them on the market now and would like to see how they compare to the Italian twins I've sampled. I'm interested in feedback from anyone that can offer some direct comparisons from their personal experience with them on the street. My assumptions are that the TL-R is a portly pig with a more street-biased setup, and that the RC51 has a more rev happy engine and much stiffer chassis. My preference for now is a bike that is "fun" on the street, and holds some value when trade time comes.

-Chris

[LiononaLeash]

You'r assumptions and what you have heard are generally correct.

TLR is more streetable than the RC51. I'd pick a stock RC51 over a stock TLR for the track. As far as the weight is concerned, once you are rolling, I don't notice the 503 Lbs wet weight when I'm going around the track, with the exception of the transition from left to right between turn 7 and 8 at NHIS.

There is a thread about someone who just traded his TLR for an RC51, and he wants his TLR back for the street. I used to want one for the street until I tried one. Stuck with my TLR. I'm a pretty big guy and the TLR's seem to fit larger(read: tall) riders

Its totally up to you though. Good luck

I was in your situation a while back and bought a Katana 600 just to ride in for one season waiting for a particular model to come out.

clicky

[Currently]

Maybe I am a bit biased ...

How about a SV

either the 650 for screwing around in the twisties
or the 1000 for a bit more grunt and a little less manuverability.

[Rye]

I like the TLR alot. I remember riding Stoneman's home when my 7 carbs were f'd...Great wheelies, stoppies, power slides easily, great off road and in the whoops ...most importantly...out-runs the fuzz. Sorry Jay. Other than that, I prefer the looks of the TL and although power seems equal, the TL delivers it better with nice gearbox. Too bad Suzuki gave up on it.

[Half Squid]

I love my RC.. IF I get my radiator fixed soon I will let you have at it for a bit!

[mycirus]

RC51 has Soul. Try one, youlle see.

Bruce

[union]

I think youll find that the rc51 is a bit more developed then the TL if you go with the 02+ model. This was the year honda updated the rc51 with various things. Suzuki made the TL and said here it is and did nothing more.

Ya the rc is a bit harsh on long rides but its fun. With a few mods to it the bike steps up to a new class of performance. You should be able to pick up a used rc with most of the proper mods done to it.

Another thing to factor in is the rc is still being made. So if you intend to keep it for a while parts should be pretty easy to get if you need them.

[throttlejunkie]

I had a TLR for over 2 years and spent some time on a RC. I liked the RC much better. It seemed to respond to my input better, ya the longer rides it is equivelent to a torture rack but it if you can find one used that in bad shape grab it.

I am hoping ot add one to my garage next spring.

[rmbbikes]

Forget about both of those toilets and get yourself a Superhawk.

You can score a decent one for about 3000 bucks.

Plus they will school a Tl amd an RC!!!

KB

[LiononaLeash]

basically you have the owners of a particular bike suggesting their bike.

Good luck with the decision!

[Half Squid]

Originally posted by rmbbikes
Forget about both of those toilets and get yourself a Superhawk.

You can score a decent one for about 3000 bucks.

Plus they will school a Tl amd an RC!!!

KB

The only way a superhawk will tool an RC is if your riding it! But if you were on the RC the Superhawk wouldn't have a chance in hell.. All that would be seen in the rear view mirror would be dust. Gone.... Your one crazy Mofo!!! Heres proof just how crazy you are! Check out this lean angle!

[Half Squid]

ChR1s I think with the way you ride you would love the RC for it's torque and the smooth endless power throughout the tach, plus it's ability in corners, but hate it's weight and how much your going to have to work this beast to get down! Funny thing with the RC.. The faster you go the easier it is to handle! Thats my excuse and I'm sticking to it!

It's is a completely different animal compaired to what you have ridden so far in your riding years. The ZX10, PB's R6, your R1 Etc takes the corners all by themselves compaired to the RC and the TL.

Like I said you are welcome to try mine out. Just let PB know I own the R6 if you crash mine bike!

[Half Squid]

Originally posted by LiononaLeash


basically you have the owners of a particular bike suggesting their bike.

Good luck with the decision!

Yip.. But I have ridden a TLS, and a few Superhawks, I preffer my RC by far.

Advantages with the others..
Superhawk is super comfy as where mine is not... The power has not been exactly the same, THe Hawk does not have the same power band as the RC. I have ridden 3 and they are somewhat similar, non where modified except RMB's Pipes. So if you want comfort, smooth cornering but a heavy/underpowered bike go with this. Overall the bike was a nice ride, just not what I think ChR1s would be happy with.

I dont really remember the ride with the TL? I will have to borrow Joel's again and let you know!

ChR1s what I would suggest you choose and I know you would love is a Duc 748, 998, you can pick up a used one reasonable and still have a good resale next season.

Also you can really get good deals on RC's as not many people understand them and how great they are, so the morket for them is very weak. If you pick one up cheap enough you will not loose to much with a resale. I have a feeling you will not want to get rid of it though!!!

[R7]

chR1s, I think you're going to hate both of those bikes

[Half Squid]

Originally posted by R7
chR1s, I think you're going to hate both of those bikes

Stop being such a bike racist, everybody has their own tastes and trust in manufacturers. Your just a Yamaprude...

Get over it... HONDA is Better.

Thats it.. You have made me change my avitar again!!!

[R7]

Originally posted by Half Squid
Stop being such a bike racist, everybody has their own tastes and trust in manufacturers. Your just a Yamaprude...

Get over it... HONDA is Better.

Thats it.. You have made me change my avitar again!!!

It's not a brand thing at all Knowing ChR1s has had the latest and greatest sportbikes sence 1999, I can't see him being happy stepping back to a 7 or 8 year old design after riding new tech stuff every time something new comes out He's worse than I am when it comes to buying/selling bikes

[ssg]

Originally posted by R7
chR1s, I think you're going to hate both of those bikes

+1

I never rode one, but thought the TLR was not even in the same class as the RC as far as handling goes?

The RC...hmm, I think all that matters its an 03+ ? or was it 02 they made some significant changes?

I'm just a dork for HRC I guess.

[union]

Originally posted by somestrangeguy
+1

I never rode one, but thought the TLR was not even in the same class as the RC as far as handling goes?

The RC...hmm, I think all that matters its an 03+ ? or was it 02 they made some significant changes?

I'm just a dork for HRC I guess.

02+ for the changes on the rc.

[Half Squid]

Originally posted by union
02+ for the changes on the rc.

Very minor changes! No Power difference, mostly weight savings repositioning redisigning the Radiator to run with two fan keeping her cooler, lighter/shorter swing arm helping it turn in quicker. ( My 02 swingarm mod is in route for delivery! )

[union]

Originally posted by Half Squid
Very minor changes! No Power difference, mostly weight savings repositioning redisigning the Radiator to run with two fan keeping her cooler, lighter/shorter swing arm helping it turn in quicker. ( My 02 swingarm mod is in route for delivery! )

Actually the power did increase according to honda by 2hp. Its not a lot and Im not even sure if its 100% true but its what honda claimed. One of the big differences is the throttle bodies. The 01 has 54mm while the 02+ has 62mm bodies. Also the jets were increased from 4 to 12. Its supposed to give you the power faster. Whether it does or not well Im not a motor guy so I really cant say.

forgot to include this. A decent write up of the 02 changes
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ro..._rc51_vtr1000/

[Half Squid]

All that for 2hp... What a waste..
BUt that I did not know. I am also not a motorhead. Nor Am I any kind of mechanic.. I pay people to fix most of my stuff... Luckily I also have friends that are good with most motorcycle/truck experience to help me!

[Doc]

I have one word.

DUCATI


and don't say they are too expensive, you can get a used one for the same amount you are going to spend on the TL or the RC. (the supersports or Monsters, not the Superbikes). They look cool, people see "Ducati" and the OOHH AHH factor goes up, V-Twin, they sound Awesome and handle great!

What more do you want?

I'll sell ya mine for $4500 firm.

[Karaya One]

I'm thinking V-Strom 1000. Much more comfortable.

[richw]

I have only 1 experience with
riding with both
Tillers and RC's

Both of them low siding off the pavement

Chris I have confidence you will have fun on any bike you buy so why not lurk ebay, cycletrader, bargainnews and buy a value that you think you can get out of next year for almost same money.

I also think that gixers are up for an upgrade next year. I would also not buy next year without looking seriously at a KTM SUPERMOTARD 950. That is a bike for Berkshire backroads !

[jwm2k3]

I like both the TLR and the RC51, but I own an RC51. I prefer a stiffer chassis so the Superhawk is not for me, its TOO flexible. I was considering a TLR when I bought the Rc51, but I was coming off of a GSXR, so the TLR was was almost like what I had and I wanted something different.