Author Topic: Next bike for me (Read 4700 times)

ant_129 · « **on:** June 17, 2006, 10:34:14 AM »

Hey guys, I know this will sort of be a biased opinion but I am almost ready to start shopping for a new bike. I will be coming off of a B4 for almost 1 year and 5K miles, and two years previous dirt bike experience (dr500).

Uses:
I will mainly commute back and forth in Webster, Tx (south of houston), but I will also need a bike that I can take back home at least once a month (230 miles one way, 4 hours) and of course something just to have fun on during time off.

Bikes I am interested in:
For the longest time I really thought that I needed an FZ1 just to keep up with friends with 600 sport bikes (gixxer, 636). I am now realizing that I do not need 150 hp because I am still a newbie.

I really like the FZ6, would consider the SV650 if I am convienced, and the 599 doesn't appeal to me too much because it is still carburated, but I would consider a 919 with a good deal and if you guys don't think that it is too big for me. I haven't heard too much about the Z750.

The reason I like the FZ6 is because it seems to be the best all around. I does have a significant more amount of horses than the SV. Now I am not sure if that is noticable or not but all I have to go on is numbers.

What do you guys think?

Swamp Rat · « **Reply #1 on:** June 17, 2006, 10:47:14 AM »

If your seriously thinking of purchasing the FZ6...screw it...get the FZ1. I know you said you are a newby but so was I when I purchased my B12 and couldn't be happier. If I were to buy a new bike today It would more than likely be the FZ1 now that they put a decent fairing on it. But I would change to an aftermarket seat.

My 2 cents worth.

Sven · « **Reply #2 on:** June 17, 2006, 11:09:54 AM »

Oh sure, graduates from college and then has to have a bike to reflect his status!

The only bike I've owned is VERY ridable for long trips, and is a commuter for about 7 months out of the year...my Bandit 1200S. I'm sure there are some '05 models still around, if you want NEW.

Seanybiker · « **Reply #3 on:** June 17, 2006, 11:13:28 AM »

I'd get the R6 if I had the money.

Desolation Angel · « **Reply #4 on:** June 17, 2006, 11:13:51 AM »

If you're gonna be hittin' the highway a bunch, swing for a larger bike. 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300. My opinion. If you're a sensible newbie, and take things easy and careful while you adjust to the larger bike, you'll be fine. Just keep in mind the cc difference every time you get on and don't PLAY! Good luck!

ant_129 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 17, 2006, 11:59:19 AM »

Well guys not what I expected but thanks for the suggestion. I might be looking into the FZ1 then.

I really thought about the b12, but two major things turn me off to those, they still have carbs and are air cooled.

Desolation Angel · « **Reply #6 on:** June 17, 2006, 12:06:02 PM »

Quote from: ant_129

Well guys not what I expected but thanks for the suggestion. I might be looking into the FZ1 then.

I really thought about the b12, but two major things turn me off to those, they still have carbs and are air cooled.

Nothing wrong with carbed and air/oil cooled, but the FZ1 is fuel injected and water cooled, as is the Z1000 and most other large bikes. You wouldn't go wrong with the little Fazer, but you'll be wantin' bigger awful quick!

Of course, money is a relevant issue.

Red01 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 17, 2006, 12:08:09 PM »

I know what you mean, smooth carburation sure sucks comapred to snatchy, lightswitch habits of some of the EFI's out there (though Suzuki seems to have the EFI thing down better than most)... and the lack of watercooling meants you can never enjoy heat wafting off the radiator, changing coolant or worrying about water leaks and electric fans... (but I guess as a B4 owner, you're used to that).

Does the much lower price of the B12 help to counter the EFI & waterpump of the FZ1?
It did for me.

snofrog · « **Reply #8 on:** June 17, 2006, 08:34:46 PM »

I thought i wanted an fz1 untill the 5th or 6th time I smacked my shin into the clutch cover while puting my foot down

ant_129 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 18, 2006, 11:37:11 AM »

Quote from: Red01

I know what you mean, smooth carburation sure sucks comapred to snatchy, lightswitch habits of some of the EFI's out there (though Suzuki seems to have the EFI thing down better than most)... and the lack of watercooling meants you can never enjoy heat wafting off the radiator, changing coolant or worrying about water leaks and electric fans... (but I guess as a B4 owner, you're used to that).

I may have to stick with the B12 just so that I can stay active on this forum for ya'lls' brutal honesty.

As for carburation, it would be nice for the two weeks out of the year when it is cold to not have to warm up the bike 10 minutes in advance but I guess I wouldn't profit from that much since it stays hot where I am going. Plus I would like to mess around with FI maps just to say I have done it. And there are no carbs to have to sync or tune up peridocally (it may not be that often but still).

As for air cooling, I just assumed that water cooling was superior and better for the engine in the long run. You guys don't have any problem in stop and go traffic?

Thanks red for your insight, it makes me think more. I might just end up buying whatever I can get the best deal on or find. I haven't seen too many B12s in this area for sell but I will be moving to Houston soon.

Anther concern of mine now is insurance. I was talking to a salesman and he was honest enough to let me know that insurance on a liter bike (no matter what kind) for a guy under 26 is killer. Right now I pay $125 per year on the B4 for liability, will it go up that much more for a liter bike?

jeepskate99 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 18, 2006, 11:46:59 AM »

Quote from: Red01

... and the lack of watercooling meants you can never enjoy heat wafting off the radiator....

I don't know about you but my Bandit fires up the ole crotch pot cooker everytime I go under 30 mph in the summer.

Red01 · « **Reply #11 on:** June 18, 2006, 12:48:59 PM »

I dunno... I don't get much riding in <30mph traffic in hot weather... it just doesn't get that hot here in western WA - and when I ride to hotter locales, I'm not doin much sub-30 riding either. Seems a lot of tests of water-cooled bikes include some kind of comment about hot air blowing on the rider, especially in low speed conditions.

With a jet kit (around the same price as a piggyback box like the Power Commander for an EFI bike), warm-up times are pretty short - even when the temps are hovering around freezing.

As for insurance on a liter/larger bike, the B12 is probably the cheapest non-cruiser to insure in that class.

txbanditrydr · « **Reply #12 on:** June 18, 2006, 01:37:06 PM »

Don't forget to compare routine maintenance procedures in your decision.... simple things like oil changes and valve adjustments get pretty complex (read expensive) on some models. One of the big reasons I wouldn't want to get rid of the Bandit is that I can do preventative maintenance myself with help from the folks here on BanditAlley (shameless plug...

)

tannerismyhero · « **Reply #13 on:** June 19, 2006, 12:17:36 AM »

heck my insurance is 180 a year for my bandito w/$100 deductible. I am only 25 tho. oh yeah, and live in the city voted safest city to drive in last year by allstate insurance.

Daytona · « **Reply #14 on:** June 19, 2006, 12:28:55 AM »

You can't beat the Bandit 1200 anyway! The most bang for the buck! hands down. make sure you list it as a GSF1200 when getting insurance, its cheaper that way. The FI models bikes get better MPG but not enough to make up for the added cost, same get up and go, Don't forget the B12 is not one of the more stolen bikes! Best for commuting, looks good dirty too. All good if its a zuki!!