Oh no, another what bike thread
Discussion
Evening all,I think the time has come to part with my trusty XJR1300 and move onto something more modern.
Sports bikes are out of the question for a chubbyish 40 year old lorry driver I’m afraid so we’re looking at naked or nakedish.
Now,I’ve been looking about quietly and so far I’ve got it narrowed down to a Z1000, GSXS1000 or an S1000R.
Which out of those 3 would you pick and why? Or has anyone got experience of all of them?
Really not keen on the looks of anything from Triumph or KTM stables so they’re out right away.
Edited because I can’t spell 😂
Sports bikes are out of the question for a chubbyish 40 year old lorry driver I’m afraid so we’re looking at naked or nakedish.
Now,I’ve been looking about quietly and so far I’ve got it narrowed down to a Z1000, GSXS1000 or an S1000R.
Which out of those 3 would you pick and why? Or has anyone got experience of all of them?
Really not keen on the looks of anything from Triumph or KTM stables so they’re out right away.
Edited because I can’t spell 😂
Had a GSXS1000. Great engine and gearbox, but just felt cheap.
Out of the BMW or the Kwak, never ridden either (had a ZX9R yonks ago) and I'd probably go for the Z1000 if you can handle the looks. Don't see many of them and they hold their value extremely well. Also will be very reliable (as would the Suzuki)
The S1000R looks to be great too though, and definitely the strongest engine but buying 2nd hand BMWs can be risky!
Probably depends more on what specific examples you can get for your money though.
Out of the BMW or the Kwak, never ridden either (had a ZX9R yonks ago) and I'd probably go for the Z1000 if you can handle the looks. Don't see many of them and they hold their value extremely well. Also will be very reliable (as would the Suzuki)
The S1000R looks to be great too though, and definitely the strongest engine but buying 2nd hand BMWs can be risky!
Probably depends more on what specific examples you can get for your money though.
I really struggle with the front-end looks of these, the strange insect-like twin led headlamp thing - and they all look very cartoony - but perhaps that's because I am old!
Personally the Z900RS and the CB1000 look great (especially with the bikini fairing on the Z) but then I suppose they won't be much different to your XJR
I think for my next custom build I need to take a couple of the LED lights and come up with a front end arrangement that is non-traditional but doesn't look like a Manga Robot!
Personally the Z900RS and the CB1000 look great (especially with the bikini fairing on the Z) but then I suppose they won't be much different to your XJR
I think for my next custom build I need to take a couple of the LED lights and come up with a front end arrangement that is non-traditional but doesn't look like a Manga Robot!
Fat Albert said:
I really struggle with the front-end looks of these, the strange insect-like twin led headlamp thing - and they all look very cartoony - but perhaps that's because I am old!
Personally the Z900RS and the CB1000 look great (especially with the bikini fairing on the Z) but then I suppose they won't be much different to your XJR
I think for my next custom build I need to take a couple of the LED lights and come up with a front end arrangement that is non-traditional but doesn't look like a Manga Robot!
I always disliked the non symmetrical bmw headlights for some reason. The bikes might be great but that one detail really gets to me so much that I’d never own one. Weird isn’t it what puts you off.Personally the Z900RS and the CB1000 look great (especially with the bikini fairing on the Z) but then I suppose they won't be much different to your XJR
I think for my next custom build I need to take a couple of the LED lights and come up with a front end arrangement that is non-traditional but doesn't look like a Manga Robot!
Stevemr said:
What are you looking for that the XJR doesn’t give you? More power, less weight, up to date traction control etc?
What kind of riding are you doing? Touring, Sunday morning bimbles?
All of the above really,I tend to be out with sports bikes usually and although I can make the big Yamaha boogie on it’s not really what it’s meant for. If I can keep it along with something else I’d love to. It’s an awesome bike but there’s just that few modern trick bits missing. What kind of riding are you doing? Touring, Sunday morning bimbles?
Living in the far north of Scotland we’re a bit limited for choice without a fair bit of travel. There’s a BMW on marketplace just not too far from me so I’m going to go and take a look on Saturday.
Fat Albert said:
I really struggle with the front-end looks of these, the strange insect-like twin led headlamp thing - and they all look very cartoony - but perhaps that's because I am old!
Personally the Z900RS and the CB1000 look great (especially with the bikini fairing on the Z) but then I suppose they won't be much different to your XJR
I think for my next custom build I need to take a couple of the LED lights and come up with a front end arrangement that is non-traditional but doesn't look like a Manga Robot!
Yes the looks leave a lot to be desired with most of them don’t they. Personally the Z900RS and the CB1000 look great (especially with the bikini fairing on the Z) but then I suppose they won't be much different to your XJR
I think for my next custom build I need to take a couple of the LED lights and come up with a front end arrangement that is non-traditional but doesn't look like a Manga Robot!
A Z900RS was a thing I lusted after for a while but I’m not quite at that stage yet,another few years with a bit more power first I think

TimmyWimmyWoo said:
S1000R all day long. If you're not bothered by the looks (and it sounds like you might be), an MT-10 SP over all of them.
Would certainly take an MT10 but my little brother has just bought himself a brand new SP. I couldn’t possibly have one too as I intend to keep telling him how rubbish they are 
TheThing said:
I'd keep the XJR. Old school muscle bikes are rare these days, I can't remember the last time I saw an XJ out in the wild.
Ideally I’d keep it too but between 2 bikes and the grey Fergie the garage would be a bit crowded. I get earache every time she goes in there as it is. She has no taste
Stevenr said:
Yes the looks leave a lot to be desired with most of them don’t they.
A Z900RS was a thing I lusted after for a while but I’m not quite at that stage yet,another few years with a bit more power first I think
I know what you mean, the XJR1300 was on my list, along with a GSX1400 but the ZRX1100 was the one I really wanted.... so I ended up with an FZ1!A Z900RS was a thing I lusted after for a while but I’m not quite at that stage yet,another few years with a bit more power first I think

I have a gsx1400 as well. It’s a better bike than the XJR. Bit quicker, 6 speed, better handling. Not as well finished, not as good looking. I will sell it this year and keep the Yamaha probably. Did look at Kawasaki ZXR as well but wanted air cooled.
OP If you want more power get a GSX and let holeshot, turbo it!!!! You won’t be left behind then! Well at least not on the straight bits!
OP If you want more power get a GSX and let holeshot, turbo it!!!! You won’t be left behind then! Well at least not on the straight bits!
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff