Need help choosing my second bike (motorcycle)?

  • Thread starter Thread starter John W
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John W

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I started riding in '07 when I took the MSF course, got my license, and picked up a leftover '06 SV650 (naked).
Since getting that I put on a custom valved Ohlins racing shock, redid the front forks with new springs and oil, lost about 70lbs (of myself), and put 12000 miles of Allegany Mountain twisties and 125mph straights on the sucker.
It's been fun, but I'm looking to upgrade.

The things I'm looking for are more torque (I like my low-end, but I'll take it where I can get it), more speed (don't worry about "where" or "when" I'll be able to use 150+, I'd just like to have that ability in the event I choose to use it), I'd prefer a full fairing, and I want to stay under ~$12k US for a base unit.

A few bikes I'm seriously considering right now include the Ducati 848, Aprilia RSV 1000 R, Triumph Daytona 675, Suzuki GSX-R Series (excluding Hayabusa), Honda Interceptor (VFR800), Honda CBR Series.

I've already decided that if I go naked I want a Triumph Speed Triple, I however would prefer something with a fairing after riding my naked SV at speed. This means I'm basically looking for a supersport to put up against the Speed Triple and decide which of the two gets my attention the best.

I do mostly street riding, but like the option of track days. I mainly ride around looking for good turns to play around on, but also open it up on a straight when I have the chance. I'd like to be able to fill it up with gas and ride until it hits E without wanting to die.
I'm a large/heavy guy. 5' 11", 315. I ride solo, but because of my weight you should think of me as 2 people (it makes a big difference between if I get a 600 or 1000 inline 4).

Am I correct in assuming a 600 inline 4 might be a little less than what I'm looking for? I want a very noticeable improvement in power over my 645cc v-twin.

Insurance is a non-issue (yeah I know, a CBR1000RR is like $3700 a year for me... I'll worry about that later). I simply help steering myself in the right direction for what I'm looking for, as from my perspective NOTHING seems to meet what I want. I need outside opinions.
No SV100's please, I think the SV's are ugly as sin. Great bikes, but very ugly.

And yes, I can locate an 848 and RSV1000R for $12k or under.
*SV1000's .
Jim!
Actually you're correct that I'm not right in the head. I'm an A-type personality with risk taking behavior. I was a volunteer firefighter for 4 years (2000-2004), and often do things I likely should not. The only reason I'm still alive is a combination of luck and the ability to recognize a close call and dial it back just a hair (and believe me their were a few in the beginning). The largest unknown is how other drivers (ie: cagers) will react. I know the road, I know my tires, I know what I can and can't do. It's being on a busy highway where things get dangerous.
If you email me I'd be happy to provide pictures or any other proof you require.
I honestly thought I was a typical guy who likes to ride. Apparently I am not.
I like that idea, so thank you.
 
really, id get a R1 yamaha or if i wasnt hard for money, the new Vmax which has power out the butt. That would be my ONLY choices.
 
The bikes you are thinking of are really too much bike for your experience. I think the 1000 version of your bike would be the best upgrade...and what kind of girl cares about what the bike looks like. It's all about performance.
 
From your description, the VFR would definitely not do ya. Too much weight, too little horsepower, too little low end grunt. And worst of all, the stock suspension is on the soft side.

For an alternative to a supersport, you might consider the Triumph Sprint, instead. A hair over 400 pounts, has got 125 horses, and has more low end grunt than an inline 4 to get you moving in a hurry. And comfort for your large frame. Unlike a supersport, it's designed to carry two people.. so you might find it easier to get the suspension tweaked.
 
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