Yet another help me decide - (lightweight?) SPORT touring - DECIDED!

[Dan K]

Hypersport-Touring, you know you want to!

 


Just found a source for lowers on Gen2 FZ1's, color matched, for just under $500....unless a deal falls in my lap, I think I'm waiting for my March 12 annual ride where I will be able to hop back and forth between a Sprint and an FZ1 (and an S1000r, a 1198, a K1300S, and a Monster 1100).

Maybe I can to do some more riding first...ARGH!

- Dan

[Rabidsnipe]

What was stopping you from putting lowers on the gen 1 you just sold?

[Dan K]

What was stopping you from putting lowers on the gen 1 you just sold?

I surveyed some Gen1 owners with lowers and the consensus was they didn't provide any weather protection.  An exercise in futility is what I was told - purely cosmetic.  I guess I should survey some more Gen2 owners...

- Dan

edit - posted a new thread at fz1oa.com to find out.

[marsman]

Dan,

For questions/answers on the Busa I would start here - http://www.hayabusa.org/ - I'm in the market myself and beyond the potential insurance issue (some folks seem to get great rates for these bikes although I still haven't found anyone here in Canada that I can get a reasonable rate from) I'm still looking at one for myself - that or the XX. I hear too many problems with heat around the legs on the ZX.

Good luck with the search!

Cheers,
M

[JonS]

I'm sure you remember this.


I was looking on eBay yesterday and there were a couple of FZ1 2008s for just about $5000.
Seems like the way I would go if I was in the market. I even checked out the one from Texas to see how far away it was.

[Dan K]

I'm sure you remember this.


I was looking on eBay yesterday and there were a couple of FZ1 2008s for just about $5000.
Seems like the way I would go if I was in the market. I even checked out the one from Texas to see how far away it was.

I'm still drooling over that ZX14...but is it hot in traffic?  Maybe I'll keep saving...wow, that bike is hot.

AS IS the FZ1 above.  Initial response is that Gen2 FZ1 lowers are effective at blocking wind, etc.

Decisions...

- Dan

[Big D]

The ZX definitely kicks out some heat, enough to be annoying at times. There are a couple fixes that are supposed to really help a lot. The number one is removing the cat from the header, either via amputation or with a full exhaust system, then some people do a jet hot/ceramic coating or heat wrap. Another one for about $50 is to add a second fan to the radiator. Also switching to water wetter, synthetic oil, and getting a few miles on the bike are all supposed to help.  I will be doing one or more this spring to try and improve the issue. Other than that, it is a truly awesome ride.

[redmille]

Dan, you've gotta get some test rides in!  A lot of bikes look good on paper, but just don't fit the bill once you ride them and all of our opinions are only as good as the best smelling, well you know what I mean.    I write this as I am drinking a few beers and changing the oil on my XX.  

[jadziadax8]

Dan, you've gotta get some test rides in!  A lot of bikes look good on paper, but just don't fit the bill once you ride them and all of our opinions are only as good as the best smelling, well you know what I mean.    I write this as I am drinking a few beers and changing the oil on my XX.  

Unfortunately, it's Chicago in the winter.  Test rides are pipe dreams.

Dan, if you're still thinking about a Sprint, MCC in Villa Park hosts Triumph Demo Days every year in late May/early June.  It's great fun.  You have to watch their site, because they actually minimize advertising to keep the squids out.

[Dan K]

Unfortunately, it's Chicago in the winter.  Test rides are pipe dreams.

Dan, if you're still thinking about a Sprint, MCC in Villa Park hosts Triumph Demo Days every year in late May/early June.  It's great fun.  You have to watch their site, because they actually minimize advertising to keep the squids out.

In March, I'm going for a ride with 6 other guys, and 1 will have an FZ1 (new) and one will have an '09 Sprint.  I'll get lots of saddle time on both.  Maybe I'll wait until then.  Don't want to get a bike that looks good on paper but is no fun to ride.

- Dan

[rgbeard]

I have an idea.  How about a 1985 GL-1200.  The blue ones are, of course, the best.

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,47303.0.html

Just think how much change you'll have leftover for gas.  

[redmille]

In March, I'm going for a ride with 6 other guys, and 1 will have an FZ1 (new) and one will have an '09 Sprint.  I'll get lots of saddle time on both.  Maybe I'll wait until then.  Don't want to get a bike that looks good on paper but is no fun to ride.

- Dan

That's exactly how I felt about the 09 sprint I rode, I liked the look and the Idea of the Triumph, but I liked nothing about it after I rode one.  Make sure you run that sprint over 90mph so you can watch the windscreen break down and the mirrors start vibrating all over the place!  Very unsettling!  

[nomagnashn]

That's exactly how I felt about the 09 sprint I rode, I liked the look and the Idea of the Triumph, but I liked nothing about it after I rode one.  Make sure you run that sprint over 90mph so you can watch the windscreen break down and the mirrors start vibrating all over the place!  Very unsettling!  

Interesting.  What was wrong with the one you rode?  I've never heard of this problem before.  Mine's smooth as glass all the way up to 130+.

[redmille]

The owner claimed it was a common problem with them, he mentioned that some people add some kind of support across the top of the shield.  After I wrote that last post I thought it might come across as Sprint bashing, and that's not my intent.  The bike just simply did nothing for me, but that's why we have so many options out there.  

[Craigart14]

Just for the hell of it, I'll mention the Honda CBR100f.  Fast (165 mph top end), smooth, powerful (125 hp), comfy, good brakes, good weather protection if you upgrade the screen.  Cheap, can often be found with very low mileage.  A tad heavy compared to new bikes, but no more than a Busa.

Craig

[GilaMonster]

Ok, I guess I have to be the designated K12S advocate.  Before you make a decision, ride one. It's fast, comfortable, and reliable.  If budget still gets in the way, take a look at '03-04 K12RS or GT.  It's the flying brick motor, and a hundred pounds heavier, but still a great ride.  BTW, I had an '03RS, then '04GT, and now an '06 K12S.

IMHO BMW suspension is not the greatest for knee dragging, but it is spectacular for diverse roads.

I'm with Dairyland, and my insurance is $150/yr for full coverage.

[Squareman357]

Another +1 for a hypersport tourer/commuter...





You're welcome to a test ride if you haven't made any moves yet.  I'm on the south side, and if you bring something for me to ride along with, I'll throw the bags on, and we can go for a ride.  It's wired already, so if you've got some heated gear and the right connectors you can plug right in!  Yes, she puts out a bit of heat on really hot days, but with the exhaust mods mentioned, coating the headers, and water wetter, etc., it can be made manageable.  The '08s have better heat management inserts in the fairings than the '06 and '07s did, but those parts are just foam cutouts and fully interchangeable.  The heat doesn't bother me that much unless I'm trapped in bumper to bumper traffic, in which case I usually split and the heat dissipates rapidly.  I love it!  

[redmille]

I love the 14's with the Givi Set up.  Very nice.

[LoVel]

The owner claimed it was a common problem with them, he mentioned that some people add some kind of support across the top of the shield.  After I wrote that last post I thought it might come across as Sprint bashing, and that's not my intent.  The bike just simply did nothing for me, but that's why we have so many options out there.  

That sounds like BS to me.  I had mine up to 149mph(that's what the speedo said) with no problem.  

[MadOzodi]

The more plastic pieces you have, the greater the chance of rattling.  Except for the seat and an annoying cowl vibe/rattle @ ~4k rpms, I really liked my buddy's '08 FZ1.  But the desire for a full fairing/more protection steered me away so I understand Dan K's search.  

Hypersport Tourer ZX14/Busa with converti-bars would be awesome if only I could afford the insurance.