Getting bored of my MT07. What next?

[Slowboathome]

I love the MT07's engine but the suspension is starting to get on my nerves. I'd like something that.…..

- feels more planted on less than perfect roads
- has a fairing
- slightly more sporty riding position (MT07 is very upright)
- around £5k (otherwise I'd be looking at the R7).

Am thinking of a 2011 onwards CBR600f.

Any other suggestions?

[Sycamore]

On the basis of a "slightly" more sporty position, rather than a much more sporty position, try and snag a ride on a Gen 2 Suzuki SV650s?

Won't be any faster though, but I'm sure it'd feel it. And you get a V-Twin

Comes with either half or full fairing, and if you liked it you'd have £3k change

[samjlevy]

Honda VFR800F?

Are you looking for a super sport?

If you are a GSXR750 would be a good choice.

Great road bike, comfy for a super sport, brilliant engine.

[Slowboathome]

Some great suggestions, thank you.

I do fancy something a little more substantial than the MT07 - I know that 'you can tour on anything', but the little naked Yamaha feels like hard work in the fast lane of a motorway, and tiring for a whole day in the saddle.

Must admit the GSXR hadn't occurred to me at all. I'll do some browsing.

[mersontheperson]

What about a boring but good Ninja 650? The engines are pretty similar I reckon, but you get a comfortable sportish bike with a fairing

[Patrick Star]

[
Are you looking for a super sport?

If you are a GSXR750 would be a good choice.

Great road bike, comfy for a super sport, brilliant engine.
[/quote]


This. Had a K1,loved it,(until I blew the head gasket)will get another at some point!

[KTMsm]

Sycamore said:

On the basis of a "slightly" more sporty position, rather than a much more sporty position, try and snag a ride on a Gen 2 Suzuki SV650s?

I have a CBR600F4i and a Gen2 SV650S in stock - the SV has the more aggressive position unless the later CBR changed significantly

I seem to be in a minority but I really don't like the SV at all and it doesn't compare to a CBR600 to ride IME

[Speed addicted]

If you’re looking for something a bit more sporty that’s good for touring surely the (previously mentioned) vfr800 is pretty much made for the task?

[Slowboathome]

These are all great suggestions. Thank you.

[AceOfHearts]

I'm not sure if the CBR650R is in budget yet? Practical and easy to ride but a little bit sporty

[Slowboathome]

AceOfHearts said:

I'm not sure if the CBR650R is in budget yet? Practical and easy to ride but a little bit sporty

If I allow for a bit of budget creep and hopefully a decent trade-in price it could be! CBR650R would make a lot of sense in a head over heart way.

I really need to get some test rides done.

[Herr Schnell]

I'm looking for similar criteria to move on from a CB650R myself, the FZ1 Fazer seems interesting but haven't found one close enough to try yet.

[FatboyKim]

CBR600RR ?

[snagzie]

Herr Schnell said:

I'm looking for similar criteria to move on from a CB650R myself, the FZ1 Fazer seems interesting but haven't found one close enough to try yet.

Early GSXS1000Fs might be in budget. Just look at replacing rear shock and getting a remap though with it potentially.

[black-k1]

It sounds to me that you are looking for a good, old fashioned sports tourer. A bike that can both cover large distances with luggage (and maybee a pillion) but can also enjoy mountain passes and back roads.

In that genre there are a large number of choices:

VFR800
Blackbird
ZZR1400
K1300S
Sprint 1050ST
Z1000SX (just about in budget)
VFR1200
Hayabusa
GSXS1000F

and many more.

All pretty good bikes which I'm sure would provide what you want .

Edited by black-k1 on Tuesday 28th June 13:15

[Slowboathome]

Well this is getting interesting! Everything from an SV650 to a Hayabusa

[black-k1]

Slowboathome said:

Well this is getting interesting! Everything from an SV650 to a Hayabusa

I'd suggest that the key question is what you mean when you mention touring. Do you plan to do some touring? If so, where to, for how long, on what type of roads? In addition, is that solo or with pillion and what's the approach to luggage (a clean pair of boxers and a credit card, or the kitchen sink?)

You can tour on anything but if you plan to do a week or two going, across the nice parts of Europe on tarmac (rather than trail/off road) either with campling equipment and/or with a reasonable collection of clean clothes then a larger engine in a bike that can easily carry luggage makes life a whole lot more comfortable. A SV650 will do the job but it's harder work than a VFR800 or a VFR1200

Likewise, a sports bike can tour and can offer a really focused experience but on the Old Gits trip to Norhern Spain a couple of weeks ago we had a S1000RR and a Panigale with us. Both (especially the Panigale rider) suffered in the move between the two hotels but even on the days when we left the luggage at the hotels and went out for some fun, both bikes were struggling to keep up. If you're not able to utilise the benefits such bikes deliver, I'd ask why put yourself through the pain and discomfort to have one?

[Slowboathome]

black-k1 said:

I'd suggest that the key question is what you mean when you mention touring. Do you plan to do some touring? If so, where to, for how long, on what type of roads? In addition, is that solo or with pillion and what's the approach to luggage (a clean pair of boxers and a credit card, or the kitchen sink?)

You can tour on anything but if you plan to do a week or two going, across the nice parts of Europe on tarmac (rather than trail/off road) either with campling equipment and/or with a reasonable collection of clean clothes then a larger engine in a bike that can easily carry luggage makes life a whole lot more comfortable. A SV650 will do the job but it's harder work than a VFR800 or a VFR1200

Likewise, a sports bike can tour and can offer a really focused experience but on the Old Gits trip to Norhern Spain a couple of weeks ago we had a S1000RR and a Panigale with us. Both (especially the Panigale rider) suffered in the move between the two hotels but even on the days when we left the luggage at the hotels and went out for some fun, both bikes were struggling to keep up. If you're not able to utilise the benefits such bikes deliver, I'd ask why put yourself through the pain and discomfort to have one?

That's a really helpful analysis, thank you. It's partly about wanting something that is comfortable over long distances. I don't think I need a full Pan-European Tourer, more something that is comfortable for a long day in the saddle and which is also capable in the twisties. I'm not planning on doing camping trips, and I can fit quiet a lot in my Kriega tail pack.

I should add, I'm pretty short and light so I'd prefer a bike that isn't going to give me a hernia when I'm maneouvering it around the garage and driveway.

Thanks again. This is all helpful food for thought.

[spareparts]

Would also add to the list - the BMW R1200RS or R1250RS depending on budget. If you are short and not 'a powerfully built company director', the low standover height and CoG of the boxer twin is great. Boxer twin offers more torque than most other bikes, is all day comfortable, faired for weather protection, and was designed for touring with excellent economy and performance on tap. The RS is used by Plod for their antics, and is good going slow or fast. Get a TE or Exclusive model and it comes loaded with all the toys and modcons.

[Slowboathome]

Thank you - must admit I hadn't considered BMWs, but the seat height issue is definitely relevant. I also do like a torquey engine - MT07 has been great for that.

One question: what are those bikes like for reliability?