Discussion
I have an RSV R at the moment. It isn't the best bike for touring on and carrying luggage is a bit of a 'mare.
So I intended to buy a second bike. A more sensible, mile-munching option. So what did I buy? - a mates 2001 GSXR600 that was just too cheap to turn down. I've known the bike since new, 8000 miles and doted upon.
I suppose it will be *slightly* easier to live with when I take it to the continent next. And it will certainly use a lot less fuel. I suppose I can at least put throwovers on it.
Mmmm. Now where can I get some hard panniers for it ....?
So I intended to buy a second bike. A more sensible, mile-munching option. So what did I buy? - a mates 2001 GSXR600 that was just too cheap to turn down. I've known the bike since new, 8000 miles and doted upon.
I suppose it will be *slightly* easier to live with when I take it to the continent next. And it will certainly use a lot less fuel. I suppose I can at least put throwovers on it.
Mmmm. Now where can I get some hard panniers for it ....?
stooz said:
Jeez! with the constant gear changing I think you will miss the mille on a long jaunt..
try doing a really long ride and see if your not exhausted first!
I've had 600s before and really like them. The controls get a bit heavy on the Aprilia, especially through town. The gearboxes on Suzukis tend to be amongst the best, anyway.
And in some ways, gear selection can be more crucial on a big twin. They don't like to poodle round corners below about 3000rpm, when you aren't in the mood to press on.
For the touring job, I'd have thought big displacement is the key for an easier liffe. I certainly find the in gear torque is what makes the TVR an easy tourer - stick it in 5th and forget if I just want to potter along and enjoy the sun in France. Something like the new triumph Sprint ST with peak torque low down (5K) would be the sort of choice I'd make. Don't think a gixxer 6 would make for lazy riding either, plus a sports riding position might get on your nerves a bit after several hours in the saddle.
Steve.
Steve.
I own a gixer600 and my cousin used to own an RSVR. Certainly from a handling point of view, the gixer seems far superior and I'd be happier doing touring on a Jap bike. I just don't completely trust the Italian stuff to get me there and back without throwing up a reliability issue.
As for the engine. Well, you can still pull 2nd gear wheelies off the throttle at 75ish so it's not so bad.
As for the engine. Well, you can still pull 2nd gear wheelies off the throttle at 75ish so it's not so bad.
Collected the Gixer on Saturday. What a fun bike!! So easy to ride your Nan could do laps of the TT on it.
Power is very comparable to my old R6 although the slightly higher gearing (relative) gives the gixer a slightly less manic feel. Very smooth turn in and less fidgety handling than the R6. Throttle control is the among the smoothest I've come across. I didn't miss the torque of the Mille too much whilst riding solo as I tend to run 600s at stellar revs anyway. Gave a mate a lift home on it, though, and the smaller capacity was VERY apparent.
Bit more spacious than the R6, with very light controls.
TBH it would be fine for the medium distance work I tend to do, 1-up. And It'll see a few track days next year
[tongue in cheek]
So, all in all, a superb long-distance tourer!!
[/tongue in cheek]
Power is very comparable to my old R6 although the slightly higher gearing (relative) gives the gixer a slightly less manic feel. Very smooth turn in and less fidgety handling than the R6. Throttle control is the among the smoothest I've come across. I didn't miss the torque of the Mille too much whilst riding solo as I tend to run 600s at stellar revs anyway. Gave a mate a lift home on it, though, and the smaller capacity was VERY apparent.
Bit more spacious than the R6, with very light controls.
TBH it would be fine for the medium distance work I tend to do, 1-up. And It'll see a few track days next year
[tongue in cheek]
So, all in all, a superb long-distance tourer!!
[/tongue in cheek]
I know that Ducatis have a reputation for being very economical. Mine used to be pretty good.
My RSV seems to have a tank range of around 100 or so miles before the light comes on, although that may be down to me
Typically, my R6 used to do around 120-130 miles before the light. Took a mate down to LeMans on a ZX6R last year and it did 145 miles before reserve, two up at peak speeds of around 110.
My RSV seems to have a tank range of around 100 or so miles before the light comes on, although that may be down to me
Typically, my R6 used to do around 120-130 miles before the light. Took a mate down to LeMans on a ZX6R last year and it did 145 miles before reserve, two up at peak speeds of around 110.
RSVMilly, I can't help but think you've made a top choice. I think the gixer is more fun overall than the milly. It's extremely good on track too although eventually you find the usual things starting to get in the way...footpegs, suspension etc...but you can certainly lap pretty speedily on it.
On the fuel front, my GSXR's light came on at 86 miles the other day after a particularly hard thrash.
Doh!
On the fuel front, my GSXR's light came on at 86 miles the other day after a particularly hard thrash.
Doh! I just hope you are slight of stature and hard of hearing. Otherwise you'll be knackered and deaf. Still it will be a laugh! I did Le Mans on my Mille a couple of years ago and I did the North west 200 this year, I admitt I didn't take a tent but I had all my kit for 1 week on it. Oxford soft bags work a treat and the speed hump has a storage box in it.
bennyboysvuk said:I'm obviously not trying hard enough!!
RSVMilly, I can't help but think you've made a top choice. I think the gixer is more fun overall than the milly. It's extremely good on track too although eventually you find the usual things starting to get in the way...footpegs, suspension etc...but you can certainly lap pretty speedily on it.
On the fuel front, my GSXR's light came on at 86 miles the other day after a particularly hard thrash.
I just like bikes ... period.
I've never ridden a bike I hated, although I've always had the money to buy decent ones. Even a mates fat Trophy 900 was enjoyable to ride in a different kind of way.
The Aprilia appeals to me because it is different and it definitely has more character than the 600s. But on long journeys, in unfamiliar French towns, when my clutch hand is really tired and I can't find my hotel, it becomes a bit of a 'mare. And the fact that it only has one seat; at first seemed a great idea. In reality, how can I attach any amount of luggage and more importantly, how can I give cute girls a ride on the back?
I know, from chasing my mate who was on the very GSXR I've just bought, that it is a very fast bike. But because the controls are so light it will be better over distance.
I won't even have to sell the Aprilia.
The GSXR was only £48 to add onto my insurance. It was serviced, with new tyres only 800 miles ago.
door said:I did LM2003 on the Ninja and 2004 on my Mille. Luckily, my mates took all of my luggage down by car.
I just hope you are slight of stature and hard of hearing. Otherwise you'll be knackered and deaf. Still it will be a laugh! I did Le Mans on my Mille a couple of years ago and I did the North west 200 this year, I admitt I didn't take a tent but I had all my kit for 1 week on it. Oxford soft bags work a treat and the speed hump has a storage box in it.
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