Hi guys, I currently own a CBR600Fx and a CBR954 Fireblade. I love both bikes and wish I could afford to keep them but sadly I can't and they don't tick all the boxes. The Blade is phenomenal but no good for two up touring and is really uncomfortable on long distance/duration stints. The 600 is a gem of a bike but again isn't quite enough for two up. I am considering selling both and getting a bike that ticks all the boxes, nimble and fast enough to play against sports bikes and adaptable and sturdy enough to load up and tour Europe with the missus. I test rode a Sprint ST 1050 and it bored me. I have also had a VFR800 VTEC loaned to me for a few days to try out, I like it but I'm not quite sure. (I think it's the V4, I'm used to and like the howl of the inline four). I really do wish Honda made a CBR as adaptable as the VFR (single seat sports to full luggage in minutes), basically a VFR with a Fireblade engine and a CBR600 riding position. But sadly that is never going to happen, so my question is... Are there any other compromises/alternatives I could consider??
CBF1000 have a Blade engine, its a shame Honda detune them so much. A couple of mates have bought Kawasaki Z1000SX Kawasaki Z1000SX and really rate them - shame Honda don't do an equivalent!
Yeah, a mate of mine has the Kwak Z1000SX and he rates it big time. To be honest on the road (without getting suicidal) I can not get away from him on my 12 Blade on a weekend blast around Wales so it should tick all the box's for ya. Brucie Bonus is Kawasaki are doing Zero % finance on them at the mo, get in there my son!
Faser? Vfr1200? Zzr1400? Though I haven't ridden the zzr I found the seating position uncomfortable. The vfr is spacious for arms and back but leg tuck was quite tight I seem to remember.
Speed triple - I've made a few changes in the 6 weeks I've had it Comfy 2 up so the current wife says, plenty of fun and it takes 2 minutes to remove/replace the rear footpegs and seat cowl - View attachment 12933
Yup, the speed would be my choice, but it lacks the touring box tick... 1050 sport, does it all.... And in the right hands is certainly a match for mr Sunday sportsbike After that. K1300s all day...
I'm also thinking Z1000SX - esp now you can get it with ABS without luggage (when first launched it was ABS with horrid metal luggage rack only) THink they need a few minor mods like new cans, power commander to get the best from them as again too de-tuned for the style. I am tempted to grab a test ride and maybe chop the R1 in for one!
Its a love hate thing! Love the sound and way it rides - hate the potential trouble it can get me into oh so easily!
ha - the mileage on the R1 is low, just ticked over 2,000 - I've got used to the fuel use now and limit it short local blasts out - but makes 'a run to Matlock bath for breakfast' or 'down the Raven for a chippy tea' an expensive bacon roll etc when you add a tank of fuel..
They're only just over £8K new as well! What's not to like if a out and out Sports Bike is too much for ya!