Anyone gone the other way?

[crusty]

I have been biking a long time now, in my 50’s and have moved from sports bikes to super naked’s. Current bike is a S1000r.

Was driving at the weekend and a GSXR1000 came by, and thought to myself I really miss a sports bike (had a K5 few years ago)

Has anyone a bit older like me gone back to sports bikes? If so what was the reality?

Bike would be for general riding and an occasional trip into Europe

Edited by crusty on Tuesday 29th March 10:50

[Stone Cold]

I’m 59 and I tried to wean myself off SB’s via R9T, VStrom and Ninja SX1000 but Ive currently got a GSXR1000R (and the SX1000) and I love it, although not been out yet this year. I’m not fast and it is not comfy enough for more than an hour or two max (gets me in the hips) but I don't care as I still love the SB buzz even if it is only sunny Sundays, life’s too short so if you have the wherewithal do what you enjoy

[podman]

As stonecold says above, I can live with a sportsbike for an hour or so now but for trips into Europe, no way,
as the recent purchase of the H2 and Mrs P blade have proved. Was only a few years ago I swapped from a SB to a supernaked but my neck/wrists really do suffer on them now, sadly.

Love the look and performance of a SB but I cant ride them all day and the supernakeds have (nearly)!all of the power and handling of a SB but without the discomfort.

If you can squeeze one in as a second bike, could be a perfect combo.?

[Chainsaw Rebuild]

Try another sports bike op! I think it’s worth having some sports massage and doing some yoga/stretching too in order to get your flexibility and core strength back.

[mak]

You cant beat a sports bike for looks, there is no denying they are pretty. I bought this a few months back because I missed sports bikes. 2nd ride out on Saturday, fk me i was glad to get home after 50 miles.



I think for me its just for looking at and the odd short run on a hot day, no way would i swap it out for a super naked, Buy one to look at but not replace a super naked.

I've not ridden this since October last year so gave it a run after getting back on the Ducati, What a pleasure in every respect. At 53 there's no way i could have a sports bike as my only toy.

[Mr Squarekins]

Why wouldn't you?

Got to be worth a test ride or two. You'll either come back grinning, or with it out of your system.

[Iminquarantine]

I don't know if I should be on this thread as I've always thought sportsbikes are completely ridiculous, impractical and unpleasant since day 1 and I have never owned one.

But if you are happy to take an opinion for someone who has never owned a sports bike. Nope, I have absolutely zero desire to own or use a sports bike. Noooooo way.

[carinaman]

Wasn't the K5 powered GSX-S1000F designed for SB riders that can no longer cope with the SB riding position?:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xdop7g_AeHw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0ngQl8QWO8

[crusty]

Chainsaw Rebuild said:

Try another sports bike op! I think it’s worth having some sports massage and doing some yoga/stretching too in order to get your flexibility and core strength back.

Think I will try another GSXR as they are a bit more roomy

I am in pretty good shape for an old fart and still race the odd enduro and have also started yoga about 6 months ago

Just fancy the buzz you get from a full fat sports bike

[black-k1]

As someone who has never really understood the attrction of a sports bike (and I have ridden a few) I don't know if I'm fully qualified to comment but ....

carinaman said:

Wasn't the K5 powered GSX-S1000F designed for SB riders that can no longer cope with the SB riding position?:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xdop7g_AeHw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0ngQl8QWO8

I can see why the likes of the GSX-S1000F/GT the Z1000SX or the S1000XR may not attract. Compared to the superbikes they are originally based on, and the subsequent supernakeds, they're heavy and significantly down on power. But, isn't this the reason for the likes of the H2 SX, the SD1290GT and the Hayabusa? Near superbike performance with the space and comfort for those who don't have the black belt in origami required to fit on a superbike.

[snagzie]

carinaman said:

Wasn't the K5 powered GSX-S1000F designed for SB riders that can no longer cope with the SB riding position?:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xdop7g_AeHw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0ngQl8QWO8

That was the idea, yeah. Whether it ticked all the boxes for people in this position (pun intended!), I dunno.

It, and more so the Z1000SX has sold quite a few though!



I think people just want the looks and/or the status of a sportsbike rather than the performance of it 90% of the time.

Edited by snagzie on Tuesday 29th March 09:10

Edited by snagzie on Tuesday 29th March 09:18

[Triaguar]

crusty said:

I have been biking along time now, in my 50’s and have moved from sports bikes to super naked’s. Current bike is a S1000r.

Was driving at the weekend and a GSXR1000 came by, and thought to myself I really miss a sports bike (had a K5 few years ago)

Has anyone a bit older like me gone back to sports bikes? If so what was the reality?

Bike would be for general riding and an occasional trip into Europe

Whilst not having gone 'the other way' I am part of a small group of friends who all ride sports bikes...our collective ages are 64,66 70 and 71 we tour Spain and Portugal regularly for about three weeks at a time and put long 8 and 9 hour days in. Of course we get cramp..bum gets sore, back may hurt occasionally, but nothing that can't be put up with for the sheer fun of it all. Lots don't like or really cannot put up with sports bikes, but that's personal. Age itself is not the measure.

[blade7]

I didn't go full on the other way, but last year I went from a BMW to a Ducati. I'd always fancied one, and decided the looks and noise would make up for less performance. What I'd taken for granted is how easy the BMW was to ride.

[BobSaunders]

Currently in the process of selling the S1000RR. It's just too much for me anymore and i need a super naked. Will miss it greatly. Sometimes it's just worth admitting to yourself that your done on it.

However, if you can stomach running two bikes (i've a GSA1250) as Mak has said above, then get one to look at.

[ChocolateFrog]

The thought of taking a SB on a European tour gives me the shudders and I'm only in my 30's

[fred bloggs]

mak said:

You cant beat a sports bike for looks, there is no denying they are pretty. I bought this a few months back because I missed sports bikes. 2nd ride out on Saturday, fk me i was glad to get home after 50 miles.



I think for me its just for looking at and the odd short run on a hot day, no way would i swap it out for a super naked, Buy one to look at but not replace a super naked.

I've not ridden this since October last year so gave it a run after getting back on the Ducati, What a pleasure in every respect. At 53 there's no way i could have a sports bike as my only toy.

Just buy a painting of one. You don't have the pain of riding it then.

[Al Gorithum]

58 here. Looking to replace my Gen1 Hayabusa. Seriously tempted by a naked GSX-S1000 but the new Hayabusa is available in white now (don't like the other colours) and is a fantastic machine. Money is burning a hole so need to make a choice in the next week or so.

[Art Keller]

71 here ........went back to this

[stang65]

I'm 50 and have a sensible bike and a sports bike. But, my sportsbike is an old TL1000R. '90s bikes are normally much bigger to fit my 6ft2 onto and don't have the insane power of a modern bike - 135bhp is plenty for me as I rarely use full throttle on it. Maybe if you look back fondly on your K5 then get another of those as it'll certainly be depreciation proof if you decide it was a bad idea.

I would say choice of bike is important as I can do a fair bit of time on the TLR, but after about 45 minutes my old 851 had me in pain that I felt for the rest of the day. The stretch to the bars seems to be a key thing to keep an eye on, as a long stretch leans you forward more and locks you into one position.

[crusty]

I am thinking about a 2017 GSXR1000, as quite roomy, and just looks and feels a bit naughty (if you know what I mean)