Is now a bad time to buy something special?

Is now a bad time to buy something special?

Author
Discussion

graham22

Original Poster:

3,299 posts

211 months

Friday 20th August 2021
quotequote all
I'm looking for something a bit different to my S1000R to have as a second bike.

The BMW suits me fine and I'll keep it but want something to use less often and not lose a chunk of value and still be fun.

Was looking at are R1s and SP1s but feel everyone thinks their carb R1 is a future classic and are pricing them accordingly, £4-5k for mid/high teen bikes. SP1s, £8-10k for similar.

GSXR1000 K1/2 seem good value, I had one before but feel it's too much like the BMW. K5/6 models seem to have the same mentaily as R1s - overpriced for average bikes.

Been watching R1 and Fireblade SP models but are they special enough to warrant £10k.

RC8Rs are grabbing my attention but I feel the styling is too dated and awkward (despite owning an early Superduke when new) likewise RSV Factories don't appeal.

Not into Ducatis, a early Monster would be nice but I don't fancy the hassle.

Do I sit tight and see if R1/SP1 values get sensible again or buy now before they go really silly.

I recently suggested a Thruxton R to my Dad as he was fidgeting over getting another classic, an idea he has taken on and is trawling the ads to get one ASAP. Got to admit the idea of one appeals to me.

The massives thoughts would be appreciated.

Jazoli

9,199 posts

256 months

Friday 20th August 2021
quotequote all
I don't think any of the bikes you have mentioned are particularly special and are just run of the mill stuff apart from the SP1 maybe, a Thruxton is a good shout, it really depends on what you want, its such a broad spectrum of choice.

Maybe a Mille Colin Edwards edition or similar, RS250 2 stroke?

Edited by Jazoli on Friday 20th August 21:33

Moulder

1,513 posts

218 months

Friday 20th August 2021
quotequote all
Having a few older bikes I think we are more likely to see "really silly" than "sensible", with sensible possibly having gone for good.

If you would like an early Monster without the Ducati element, how about a TRX850?

KTMsm

27,483 posts

269 months

Saturday 21st August 2021
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Moulder said:
Having a few older bikes I think we are more likely to see "really silly" than "sensible", with sensible possibly having gone for good.
Probably this ^^^

The prices have gone up in the last 18 months due to Covid and at the lower end, I'd expect the prices to drop now all the free money has gone but the best examples of any remotely desirable bike are only going one way in the foreseeable future

Zarco

18,403 posts

215 months

Saturday 21st August 2021
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I think RC8s still look great. Not dated at all IMO.

graham22

Original Poster:

3,299 posts

211 months

Saturday 21st August 2021
quotequote all
Appreciate the replies, better reply myself:

Having owned X7s, 350LCs, YPVSs, RG500 and hillclimbed KX250 and CR500 I'm not adverse to two strokes at all but happy to leave them as great things in my memory, deliberately avoided riding a mates RG recently for that reason.

Always rated the TRX where it sat in the market but want something a little more special than that - would love to see Yamaha do something with the 700 motor in a trellis style frame rather than abusing the R7 name!

Interesting to hear you don't think the KTM looks dated, I have always liked the Kriska (?) styling but think KTM have moved on with the split style headlights. Had both the RC8 and RC8R as loan bikes in the past, would be keen on a good one, with an Akrapovic of course.

Have a SP1 lined up to look at after the weekend as well as a Thruxton R.

Walter Sobchak

5,725 posts

230 months

Saturday 21st August 2021
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I’d go with what someone else suggested with an RS250, or if you do want a litre bike, it’s big V4 powered sibling, although that isn’t particularly special it’s great,

Rubin215

4,085 posts

162 months

Saturday 21st August 2021
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If you want special but still everyday usable then look at something like an older Bimota.

Prices are fairly stable, they ride really well and there is enough support out there from other owners to make just about everything fixable.

lukeyman

1,025 posts

141 months

Monday 23rd August 2021
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Good timing this thread.

A friend left me some money recently... I mean, he wasn't a biker, but he did use to rib me for staring longingly at my R1 when we house shared! Good enough excuse to get another one, right?

Kawasicki

13,425 posts

241 months

Monday 23rd August 2021
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lukeyman said:
Good timing this thread.

A friend left me some money recently... I mean, he wasn't a biker, but he did use to rib me for staring longingly at my R1 when we house shared! Good enough excuse to get another one, right?
Yeah, deffo!

HughiusMaximus

703 posts

132 months

Tuesday 24th August 2021
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Zarco said:
I think RC8s still look great. Not dated at all IMO.
I love the look of them also - looks might be a bit marmite though.

Supposed to be a great road bike, the only problem with that is that if you are buying as an investment you probably shouldnt be putting big mileage on it....

graham22

Original Poster:

3,299 posts

211 months

Tuesday 24th August 2021
quotequote all
Decision made and deposit paid.


Not necessarily an investment but something to sit alongside the S1000R without depreciating drastically.

Already decatted, some Weslake cans going on the credit card soon.

lukeyman

1,025 posts

141 months

Tuesday 24th August 2021
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Blimey, you don’t hang around!

Enjoy.

Anyone heard of Hells Bells in Donington? Reasonably local. Might head there to compare some old stuff for size.

mak

1,441 posts

232 months

Tuesday 24th August 2021
quotequote all
graham22 said:
Decision made and deposit paid.


Not necessarily an investment but something to sit alongside the S1000R without depreciating drastically.

Already decatted, some Weslake cans going on the credit card soon.
That'll do. I fancy something like that myself for a change, its an age thing but its lovely .

Kawasicki

13,425 posts

241 months

Tuesday 24th August 2021
quotequote all
graham22 said:
Decision made and deposit paid.


Not necessarily an investment but something to sit alongside the S1000R without depreciating drastically.

Already decatted, some Weslake cans going on the credit card soon.
Not my taste, but I can 100% understand why others love them.

It’s very different to the BMW too, so good choice… enjoy!

Kawasicki

13,425 posts

241 months

Tuesday 24th August 2021
quotequote all
I’m mentally juggling a Honda SP1, Aprilia 125 Sport Pro, Bimota DB6 Delirio at the mo.

It’s quite an enjoyable experience.

Rubin215

4,085 posts

162 months

Tuesday 24th August 2021
quotequote all
graham22 said:
Decision made and deposit paid.


Not necessarily an investment but something to sit alongside the S1000R without depreciating drastically.

Already decatted, some Weslake cans going on the credit card soon.
Special?

blade7

11,311 posts

222 months

Wednesday 25th August 2021
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Kawasicki said:
I’m mentally juggling a Honda SP1, Aprilia 125 Sport Pro, Bimota DB6 Delirio at the mo.

It’s quite an enjoyable experience.
Is it to ride fast, or just to look at? Someone I knew bought a brand new SP1 or 2, don't remember which. He couldn't get on with it, and sold it after a few months.

Kawasicki

13,425 posts

241 months

Wednesday 25th August 2021
quotequote all
blade7 said:
Kawasicki said:
I’m mentally juggling a Honda SP1, Aprilia 125 Sport Pro, Bimota DB6 Delirio at the mo.

It’s quite an enjoyable experience.
Is it to ride fast, or just to look at? Someone I knew bought a brand new SP1 or 2, don't remember which. He couldn't get on with it, and sold it after a few months.
To ride, and look at.

Riding fast, what does that mean? I once was “riding fast” on the TT course and John McGuinness overtook me. Turns out I was actually riding slowly. smile

I owned a mint SP-1 for a few years, 15 years back. It had a nice 2 into 1 Arrow titanium exhaust and a power commander remap. It was a fun bike to ride. I miss it. I bought a Ducati 999 a couple of years back, which is also fun, but it isn’t the same. The SP-1 is still fairly cheap, I don’t need a mint example. Maybe it’s a silly choice, having 2 bikes that are fairly similar in concept.

Here is my old SP-1 beside the bike I replaced it with, a KTM 525 EXC.





Aprilia Sport Pro 125



Bimota DB6


Edited by Kawasicki on Wednesday 25th August 14:53

okenemem

1,370 posts

200 months

Wednesday 25th August 2021
quotequote all
Zarco said:
I think RC8s still look great. Not dated at all IMO.
nononono