okay gents; Stoppie is officially on the hunt to get back on (a) bike.

My former rides were:

1999 CBR600 F4
2000 RC51 VTR1000rr
2003 RC51 VTR1000rr


I was on a mission to get a Duc 1098S; but looking at this year and what I want to do, financially, it's not making a lot of sense. So, I'm thinking of just spending around $5000-6000 and pay cash for a bike.

What I'm considering is either a used RC51- because I simply love the bike so much....

Or get a used (but newer) Honda CBR600RR.

Just so I'm clear, I'm a true Honda fan. Aside from the Duc, I'm not really interested in going with another make. I toyed with the idea of a Kawasaki ZX10; but for that money, I might as well spend more and get the Duc.

This is where I need some insight.

After 2 big liter V-twin RC's, I'm simply in LOVE and LUST with a VTwin. But if I get another RC, I'd have to settle on one with higher miles. There are a few with lower miles, but the Ad's on Ebay or cycletrader seem sketchy. A few of the bikes with 15-16k for miles seem to be owned by true enthusiasts. One having an RC-8 in the background of his pictures. I know the RC is a bullet proof engine and bike. I'm just not sure if I'll need to replace, or rebuild the front forks on a bike with that mileage.

The most miles I've ever had on a bike were 7800, and that was from new. The other issue is; because the RC holds such a special place in my heart, I've toyed with the idea of getting a 1st year RC- but waiting for the 'perfect bike' to come along and keep it as sort of a 'halo' bike for collection.

Or-

I can get a new(er) 600RR and just have some cheap fun for the summer. And by next year, get a 1098S.

I might be living in the past; but the RC was the last 'dream' that became a reality for me. I remember the day it came in from the factory and I went down to see it and test drive it. It was Oct of 2000. Man, the noises that bike made- Just SIIICK. But I'm afraid that maybe I'm just trying to reproduce days gone by.

Has anyone purchased a bike or car that was as good as the first time you experienced it? I regret selling my 2003 and only did it b/c I had to make some financial decisions. The 03 however I low-sided, and never seemed to connect with that bike as I did the 2000. (it's a long story, but I was forced to sell my 00 for attorney fee's against my ex.) That left such a bad taste in my mouth. I've not gotten on a bike and had the feelings that I did since that.


What am I battling with here? I think I need TS couch time....haha....

Thanks for the help. Or slap. LOL

 

OK...
I am not really helping here but have you looked at BMWs?

 

Aside the new 1000CC bike they're coming out with- I'm not a fan of the BMW bikes. Too many weirdos ride those things.

 

If you liked the big twin, I don't see how you'll be all that happy with any 600 I4 in terms of engine feel, but at least you'll keep the 1098 in sight.

I wouldn't worry about 15k miles if it was maintained properly.

Why not try something different while you wait for the 1098? Something ridiculous like this?


Triumph also has a phenomenal engine, the Daytona is a nice little machine.


Katoom Superduke are suprisingly cheap too, in the 6-8k range. I'm sure it would be a riot to ride.

 

My brother had a Daytona (single sided swing arm and 3 cyclinder); I was always picking his a$$ up on the side of the road from breaking down. Have they gotton more reliable?

 

Haven't heard anything bad in recent years, have ridden with a bunch of Speed Triples last year and never had an issue ... I'm pretty sure someone on TS has one, but I can't remember his nick to save my life. The Dolphins cheerleaders guy, nah? Thought it was SeanC but that nick doesn't come up ...

 

Zorro; you might be onto something here.....man that Red 675 looks gorgeous!

 

Completely different bike. The 955 has nothing in common with the 675, really...

Mine has been pretty reliable. It had one issue where the nubs at the factory screwed a screw through a wire which killed it. It consumes oil pretty bad at the track. They are pretty decent bikes...closer to Yamaha for reliability than Honda.

If you were buying I would recommend the 09+, they had a host of reliability changes. One big change was a deeper oil sump, necessary with the bike's consumption. I did three track days in a row, didn't check the oil...was down a full quart when I got home (out of three)! Lucky I didn't grenade the motor!!

 

Oh and those SXV prillers are basket cases, I had a dealer talk me out of one. He sold the things and he told me to stay away. I hear the issue is there was a gigantic recall that cost like ~1k to fix and probably half of dealers didn't do it. I don't remember what it is, but if you're buying used you need to make sure it's been done. And remember, it's a dirt bike as far as maintenance goes, you won't be touring on that thing.

 

No dirt bikes. Only street-sport bikes.

What year is your bike, Sean?