Looking for opinions/recommendations on 4 bikes

[norco4hun]

I had an 07 SV650 that I loved for ripping around the street on but was looking for something with a little more power. I'm looking to pick up something over the winter and was curious of what people's opinions are on the GSXR 600, R6, Ducati Monster and CBR 600rr. I'm looking to drop around $5500 so I think that probably puts me in the 2007-2008 area for most of these bikes with low mileage on them. I own an old R6 that's a dedicated track bike so I'm not looking for a street bike that will have to pull dual duty between street and track. Interested in what people's thoughts are... specifically in the following:

1) Low or high maintenance of these bikes (the SV I had for 3 years and it never needed anything other than an oil change)
2) Comfort after a decent days ride
3) Any known issues with these bikes or issues you've had with yours
4) Just in general why you'd choose one over the others
5) If you have a different suggestion that fits this general category, I'm all ears.

Thanks

[Pittenger5]

Busa

[Rossco]

Well, I can't see any of the choices, other than a Monster, as being comfortable all day machines. That said, the Monster is a Ducati, so parts/maintenence won't be as cheap as it would for the Japenese four.

I'd say, VFR800 or a Street Triple would be good bikes to consider.

EDIT Also, 1250 Bandit, Kawi Z1000, Yamaha FZ1,Honda 919, Triumph Sprint, Speed Triple...

[jwm2k3]

I rode an 08 R6 a week or two ago. For a streetbike it had a lot less power than I anticipated. Im sure at 13k RPM's at the track its a ripper.. But at legal road pace it did not impress me. Of course taking a bike that is not your own for a ride can sometimes be weird. I also rode a CBR600RR a few weeks before and that bike was way better, streetwise. Just my impressions from a few quick rides...

[xxaarraa]

Depends on what kind of Monster. Some of them are real gems, some of them aren't even Ducatis. If you can find a good example of an S2R800/S2R1000, I'd recommend it over the other options. Those air cooled motors are bullet proof and the torque is unbelievable. Riding position is easy/upright and that vintage (2006-2007) is one of the finest examples of pure Italian design. The aftermarket is infinite, 2 valves are very easy to work on yourself.

[Falko]

Look for a Tuono, still a twin, and powerful

[TheIglu]

ZRX1200 or FZ1 with $$$$$ leftover to spend on tons of upgrades and a couple weeks at the Gap.




Rode my Rex to work for the first time in almost a month today. It STILL makes me grin after all these years. Just so comfortable and sneaky fast. That motor....oh the motor.

[Karate.Snoopy]

EDIT Also, 1250 Bandit, Kawi Z1000, Yamaha FZ1,Honda 919, Triumph Sprint, Speed Triple...

+1 on the Trumpy S3
Helluva bike,nimble in the turns...
Looking to get one my self ....someday * sigh.. soon enough I hope

[Stromper]

big brother sv1000 ?

[norco4hun]

Thanks for the responses guys. I like the idea of the Triumph Speed Triple, I hadn't thought of that and it would be a nice upgrade from the SV650. I'll look into the S2R800's as well.

[kumpy]

Monster wins for comfort and getting around town, it's the most practical choice for street use.

[dankatz]

S2R800 is not powerful at all compared to your other bikes - in fact a 696 is slightly more powerful. S2R1000 is a much better choice if you are talking Monsters. From the R6/CBR600RR/GSX-R600 type of bikes, for the street a GSX-R750 has MUCH more usable power and is fairly comfortable. Also consider the older generations: CBR600F4i and ZZR600. the ZZR especially probably has the most power under 8k rpm and is not bad in the top end as well. I would personally pick either a 696 with one tooth sprocket down in the front (which I have) or a 2004/5 GSX-R750 if I wanted a supersport for the street.

[norco4hun]

thanks dankatz. I have a good friend whose a mechanic at naults and have been going there for a long time so im partially inclined to stick with a bike brand that they know and can work because i get a bit of a discount for going there so long. I had heard that gsxr's have some sort engine vibration problem or gearing problem though. I don't know if its only a certain year or model but i've come across people mentioning it on a few different reviews and in sites.

[dankatz]

For $5.5k you could probably pick up an even newer GSX-R750 (2006). I don't know the model's intricacies, but the engine has been in production for a while with minor modifications, so it is hard for me to believe that it would have any moaor niggles. The CBR600RR are actually quite nice for the street and having switched with a friend on a ride (he wanted to try my 696) I found that I could get used to the ergonomics quickly. The CBR was quite smooth for an inline 4 and did have more usable power than my last inline 4 (FZ6)