Suggestions/Help choosing a middle weight sports bike | GTAMotorcycle.com

Suggestions/Help choosing a middle weight sports bike

brownelvis

brownelvis

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Oh hey

So I just sold my bike, a 2011 Honda CBF600SA and before that I had middleweight cruisers. I've been riding for about 7 years now. The CBF was a really good predictable ride but it didn't really have much balls to it, and my biggest beef is that it's extremely hard to lean over.

I want my next bike to ideally be a 600cc sport bike, I was mainly looking at Honda CBR600RR however I don't know if the ergos are for me considering that I like to do some light touring, including frequent trips to Ottawa and I also wanted to do the Cabot Trail this summer. A bike like the old Honda CBR600F4I is perfect for me, I was wondering if theres anything in production now that is similar in terms of ergos and power. I also would prefer an ABS bike - the ABS only kicked in once on my last bike during an emergency stop in the rain after I was cut off by a truck on the 401, now I'm sold on it.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
 
its not a 600 but a 2002 0r newer vfr800 can be had with ABS, is pretty sporty, and can easily handle the trips you describe...plus the insurance should be less than a 600 supersport...but , if you like the f4i..they are cheap and plentiful on the used market
 
I've considered the VFR and I've always been hesitant about the VFR for 2 reasons:
1- its almost 200lbs heavier than something like the f4i
2 - I'm really skeptical of the VTEC technology, theres alot more that can go wrong with a VFR than any other bike

Maybe I should test one out before I jump to conclusions though...
 
brownelvis said:
I've considered the VFR and I've always been hesitant about the VFR for 2 reasons:
1- its almost 200lbs heavier than something like the f4i
2 - I'm really skeptical of the VTEC technology, theres alot more that can go wrong with a VFR than any other bike

Maybe I should test one out before I jump to conclusions though...
Click to expand...

Its only like 80lbs more or so.

and they have the SSSA :D
 
Unlikely since no ABS, but If you are considering a F4i you may want to also consider a YZF600r - makes a pretty good tourer.
 
The VFR is about 100 lbs heavier than a F4i. It won't feel as light as the F4i at slow speed, but it's pretty nimble when moving (i.e. you don't notice the weight difference as much when rolling). The problems that show up are not VTEC related. The engine is pretty darn reliable, though some parts (like the Cam Chain Tensioners) are known issues.
 
You could just get a 98-01 vfr, they do not have abs but do have linked brakes. No ABS or cam chain issues.
 
ive got a 09 cbr 600rr and lots of injuries from sports and other things.
honestly, i find it the most comfortable bike and ergos for my preference (mind you, i still cant sit and ride it very long...but i do what i can). i sold my cruiser because the seating position put pressure on the herniated disks in a way that made it horrible, the cbr i have almost the perfect forward lean angle to reduce the pressure on all the injured spots.. 1/2" bar risers would probably make it ideal but ive got a corbin seat that lifts me up a little..factory seat would probably be better position but more sore ***... its a trade off.

ide say check out the FZ8... i really liked them, but the seating position was too upright for me, i think the 800 "touring"would have saved me on insurance though...

http://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport/products/modelhome/652/home.aspx

you can get a 2013 cbr600rr with abs...but i think its only red in canada
 
brownelvis said:
I've considered the VFR and I've always been hesitant about the VFR for 2 reasons:
1- its almost 200lbs heavier than something like the f4i
2 - I'm really skeptical of the VTEC technology, theres alot more that can go wrong with a VFR than any other bike

Maybe I should test one out before I jump to conclusions though...
Click to expand...

good points...the vfr is heavier, i think the VTEC is very reliable though. But alot of folks find the way it transitions from 2 to 4 valves annoying , also it makes valve adjustments more expensive.
I think if ABS is a " must have" youre pretty much limited to a newer cbr600rr or sv650 in the middleweight class
 
Apparently the 2006+ VFR800's refined the shift from 2 to 4 valves. This does look like the best all rounder for me at the moment, but crap are they expensive on the used market. I'll take a look at a few and see how I like them.
 
Nobody mentioned the SV650 second gen models yet, I'm surprised. Excellent power delivery, handling, light enough to stay nimble but heavy enough to feel stable on the road. There's really good deals on Kijiji.
 
Marinoni said:
I think if ABS is a " must have" youre pretty much limited to a newer cbr600rr or sv650 in the middleweight class
Click to expand...

Monster 696 can be had with ABS. Not too sporty riding position, but the seat will put your *** to sleep in 2hrs. There are some aftermarket ones available but I've no experience with them
 
Slono said:
Nobody mentioned the SV650 second gen models yet, I'm surprised. Excellent power delivery, handling, light enough to stay nimble but heavy enough to feel stable on the road. There's really good deals on Kijiji.
Click to expand...

They are close but he said he wanted SS performance, the SV650 might be a little sluggish if he is expecting SS power.
 
Huge difference in Ergo's between the RR and F4i. The F4I is basically Honda's SS from 99-00 with added FI. I could ride days on my F4i on my 07 RR not so much although I frequently try. The Honda 600 RR's are notorious for the "sitting on top" style of riding position. All that being said it seems we are looking for the same thing and all my research has pointed to the Ninja 1000 or Z1000.
 
Check out the Triumph Daytona. Extremely well sorted out bike and is exceptionally light. Tons of power and handles like a dream.
The riding position is rather aggressive, but might be able to have that fixed using some riders.
To compare riding positions between bikes, go to http://cycle-ergo.com
 
I am confused....you had the perfect bike for sport touring, and you sold it to buy a supersportbike, but want the one that is the best for sport touring?

Have you ridden a bike with upright seating, no fairings, but still has sportbike brakes, suspension, wheels, and tires?

I am hot for the Ducati Hyperstrada right now.
THUMB_WIDE_ducati_hyperstrada_sesja_w_toskanii_01.jpg


450 lbs or so, ABS, looks badass, v-twin sound and torque, and 100 hp or so...plenty to do anything you want to do.
 
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brownelvis said:
Apparently the 2006+ VFR800's refined the shift from 2 to 4 valves. This does look like the best all rounder for me at the moment, but crap are they expensive on the used market. I'll take a look at a few and see how I like them.
Click to expand...

You're correct.

Honda lowered the VTEC engagement from 6800rpm to 6400rpm. Honda also went with clear corners instead of the amber coloured all around.

VFR's are truly the best all around bike. Here's mine, looking all sexy with the rear pegs removed.

pGlp4XR.jpg


And here it is all done up ready to go camping.

CN8zzGW.jpg
 
I can ride my RR all day. I do have to stop every 2 hours or so but it's convenient when I gas up anyways. I've owned 2 other SS and the Cbr fits me the best, I'm short tho.
 
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