So, can a new sportbike be jail bait?

[mcoyote]

As in, something more staid, sophisticated, whatever is somehow more moral and practical and you're thinking about it, but then you see...her. You feel like a creep -- too old, too fat -- but you can't help but look.

So...

Ural is out of warranty next month, Hayabusa is done in May (see M&M section for current why-I'm-not-riding-the-'Busa story). I love them both, but both are going to need more love as we go forward, and that's days and days of rental cars and $00's of dollars with each visit. In Seattle with a 20mi (each way) commute and shops far from my house, that's an issue.

In the 'Springs everything was 10min away, pretty much. If I had a break down, there's a decent chance I could push the bike wherever it needed to go.

Since they're paid for, I'm strongly considering selling them, maybe using the proceeds to get something new. Yeah, of course, it's getting to be spring. I know that. I have this problem every year, but it's gotten  less over the years I'm happy to say.

Anyway, had be meandering around the Suzuki/Duc shop but got depressed, thinking about my baby downstairs getting poked at. I knew I should want a motard, a dual-sport, some other type of urban commando bike, but I don't like long travel suspensions, thumpers annoy me, and I think the Multistrada and the GS are just too weird and european for me.

Had a big sigh, decided to burn my lunch hour at the Kawi dealership. I had seen a couple of ZX-14's in their window as I drove by the day before, so what the heck. Drove down, walked in, looked at them, my heart sank. What a couple of ugly damn bikes. To be fair, neither was black, and the black one is obviously the nicest.

Those big, Howitzer-style cans, that tail section that looks like it's been squeezed out of a pastry cone, the front end that looks like it got caught in something...blecch. Nice sales guy, really, very cool, we had a chat, I sat on them. Meh. Was like, "wow, this is big". Caught myself, realizing that, yeah, the 'Busa is pretty big, also. But this didn't wear it well at all.

Set her down, stood up, sighed, walked around. And there she was. Red, all 998cc's of her. ZX-10R. Grinned, swung a leg over. Hmmm...good leg position, nice reach to the bars, a lot like what I'm used to...mmmm baby...but smaller, short, and light. I bet if I played nice with the RPMs and gears this would be pretty tame in traffic, also. This could be cool.

Seat needs some work -- not tall enough -- gotta figure out what to do about heated gear. Ventura does make a rack for it. One thing that really turned me off, however, was the cable clutch. Verrry tight. In stop-and-go it would get old pretty quick, I'm guessing. Plus, I'm positive that engine is a roaster. Might coat the exhaust headers, however -- that could help.

(And, I can buy an extra 4 yrs of factory warranty )

Red (as in, might as well call the cops yourself), a nice blue (favorite), and this dorky flame/black setup with red wheels that I predict will age poorly. Much like the flame/white SE ZX-14.

So...um..er....what's the fuel range on a 2006/07 ZX-10R? Anybody ?

[JoelCool]

So...um..er....what's the fuel range on a 2006/07 ZX-10R? Anybody ?

It's just about right.  

[Nimh]

I feel your pain.  In a word, yes - a new sportbike can be jail bait.  But there's fantasy and then there's reality.

Fun to look at, and bearable to live with are two completely different things.  A glitzy package with a twitchy dual personality can get old very fast on longer rides.  I think a well stocked and rounded stable is superior to lusting after or pursuing a single purpose, albeit amazingly fast and attractive thoroughbred.  

Frankly, I think your current stable is near perfect.  I would consider a dirt oriented dual sport before clearing your garage and picking up a single sportbike.  I've had a fair number of bikes (yet, not near as many as some here) and one bike is not enough.  Maybe a XR650L or a KTM 625?  If you're looking at a sexy sportbike, how about a Daytona 675 - Pure Sex.  

That said, I've been seriously considering a Ural for over a year and if you decide to get rid of yours, PLEASE let me know.  A Patrol is exactly what I'm looking for!  

[Rigger]

Bikes are like women. Do you want something that is mature, reliable, entertaining, can go the distance ?  Or do you want something quick and easy that will only get you dirty looks?

[Bad Dad]

I just sold my Busa for a 2006 GSXR 1000 Ya might as well join the club

[Sock Puppet]

Do you want something that is mature, reliable, entertaining, can go the distance ?  Or do you want something quick and easy that will only get you dirty looks?

Depends on the day.

[Rigger]

Depends on the day.

I think I should be drinkin.   Thats the first time a sock puppet has ever talked to me.  Even more amazing is that I understood him/her/it.

[mcoyote]

Bikes are like women. Do you want something that is mature, reliable, entertaining, can go the distance ?  Or do you want something quick and easy that will only get you dirty looks?

Either way I win. My *wife* is the former, my bike might as well be the latter.

[tbeemer]

It ain't the bike that's the jail bait, it's what the *rider* does with it!  

I logged plenty of long miles on my 929, and I have a buddy who's logged about 60k-70k on his R1; so it's all in what you can tolerate.  For the record, I did recently "upgrade" to a Blackbird and he picked up a gorgeous new ZX-14 (but he's still got the R1).  In other words, it is what you make of it.  Indulge and enjoy is my advice, otherwise you'll always be wondering...

Tom

[Kelly]

I dont know the range on an '06-07 ZX-10R but I do know what an ;05 model will get.

I've gotten upwards of 150 with highway riding (it's hard not to abuse the throttle though). I'm sure it can be higher. I've gotten as low as 90 while doing high speed runs.

I've heard that the newer models are a bit more tame. I love mine. I'm looking for some soft bags and helibars for it so I can travel. I came off a Buell M2 so I was spoiled by the mileage, but I'm used to it now.

[daddysbike]

After having rode a ZX14 over 100 miles on hwy and mtns I'm close to selling the VFR I love and getting one!!
Very comfortable. Better ergos than a ZX10 for real world street riding and that smooooooooth power. I know I shouldn't do it 'cause it makes cruising at triple digit speeds feel normal but if I can control myself and just crank it open now and then for a bit of a thrill and enjoy the SPORT touring side of it I think I'll love it.

Anybody want a red VFR in great shape with stock and Heli bar risers and Honda factory hardbags?

Steve