Motorcycle power question?

In the process of compiling information about motorcycle selections I came across this forum and figured it might be the place to ask a question that I need answered...

I am in the process of searching for another bike and I am in need of some opinions. But, before I ask my question I will plug in a short history of me so nothing gets confused. I have been riding motorcycles for about 9 years and have completed all three levels of the MSF courses. I started off with a trusty old Honda Magna 750(slow). After that I owned a Buell Cyclone(favorite). And now I just sold my Harley Softail(sslllooowwww). I have been riding my friends Suzuki Bandit 1200 for about 6 months and am now ready for the next motorcycle purchase.

Now for the opinion part. I have decided that I was not quite ready to make the Harley cruiser leap. So, I have decided to make the full switch into japanese sportbikes, being as I love riding my friends bandit. But the hard part for me is not knowing that much about the motorcycles. I have decided to go with the Yamaha due to the fact that I love the looks and have sat on one and like the seating position, but have not had the chance to ride one. But, the 1200 Bandit is the most powerful bike I have had the chance to ride. So, IYHO, would the R1 be too much motorcycle, or do you think I would be happy with the R6?(Don't call me a noob :-P) All opinions appreciated...

ThE CoRrUpTeD OnE

I wouldn't call you a noob at all. You seem to have more experince than many bikers.
Personally. I like the Bandit because its closer to a 'standard' bike, that is, it mak look like a sportbike, but has a much more comfortable riding position for longer trips.
Its a good compromise between a 'sportbike' and a cruiser, both of which IMHO sacrifice too much comfort in order to look good.
Some of the cruiser and sportbikes I have ridden have been far too radical to ride comfortably for any length of time.
If I may ask, why did you buy a Softtail? Most people who buy them wouldn't touch a Japanese sportbike with a pole.

I thought I was ready to settle down and cruise was my purpose of buying the softail, and I am fond of the Harleys in that aspect. I am not one of those Harley riders that sticks his chest all out and spits at the sight of a japanese bike nor am I one that will not even wave to someone riding one. Those people are %&#@*@%. I give all motorcycles the respect for what they are. I am a fan of motorcycles in general, no matter what you ride.

I wouldn't mind the bandit except that I really don't care for the bike. I enjoy riding it, but I really would not want to own one. I guess I am kind of tired of the plain bike. :smile: It's looks just do not attract me at all...

Have you considered the Yamaha FZ1 at all? It's sort of Yammi's stab at the Bandit. I've never actually ridden any liter bikes, myself... except as passenger. I saw an FZ1 the other day, though and found myself quite impressed with the looks. Hell, it looks a lot better than my Yammi (but then again, doesn't everything?!?).

Honestly, if you've ever liked or ever want to go cruiser, I doubt you'll be happy with either the R1 or the R6. Both are VERY forward seated and race-inspired. Another option that you might enjoy is Honda's Interceptor (VFR800). It's got Vtec for performance, but sits rather upright for the sport-tourer in us all. It is a fun bike, IMHO, and I have logged about 2500 miles on my dad's 2002. Just another thought.

if you have been riding for 9 years, I will presume you are over 26, if not pretty damn close. So insurance prices will more then likely be low for you, in comparison to me atleast. If you like in a metro area make sure you get comprehensive.

Anyway if you have been riding the bandit 1200 I wouldn't really worry about not being able to handle the power of the R1, because in all honesty they are pretty damn close untill the end of first gear. The thing you need to really ask yourself is the purpose of the motorcycle, If you want to be comfortable for long rides it won't happen on the R1. Also sine you have been riding the bandit 1200, a rather large bike, I will also presume that you are probably 5'10" or taller, which will make the R6 cramped, and give your legs problems for awhile.

Anyway you can pick up used R1s in good shape now for 6K, so the price isn't unmanageable either. You also seem pretty confident that you want a R1, which is an incredible bike, if you have the restraint not to kill yourself on it.

Btw, what year was your Magna, the newer Magna is pretty damn quick for a cruiser.

It was a '94 Magna. That was my first street bike when I started riding. Is the R1 leg position quite a bit different than the R6? I am pretty much done with the long haul rides. I have gotten that all out of my system for a while, and when I do decide to do it again I will get a bike just for that purpose. The town I live in is pretty small. About 150,000 people, but I have checked the insurance pirces and it is not TOO bad. I am mainly looking for a bike to go around town on, and to be ALL there when I want it ALL there. Then maybe an occasional 60 mile trip. That is about it... Oh, and I am 6'2"

I also have another question. What is the average mileage that the motors on these bikes are good for? Just wondering so I can look for a bike that is not about to crap out.

Still have questions. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

:)

Mileage doesn't matter, the owner does.

Mileage doesn't matter, the owner does.
A well-maintained engine can go for 100,000 with regular oil changes, tune ups, and some tweaks and replacements thrown in here and there. I have a friend with a 1990 CBR1000F that he bought 5 years ago with 900 miles on it... he now has over 93,000, and he's still going strong!

The late model Magna was down in power from the originals, however, they'll run with some of the 600 sportbikes when modified slightly. I suspect yours had some carb issues. Personally my 83 V65 Magna can out accelerate most modern day sportbikes, no, it's not stock. Try a 1113cc overbore, stage 4 motor, billet pistons, undercut transmission, 5 angle valve job, ported and polished heads, balanced and blueprinted lower end, cryo treated crank and rods and the NOS system. On the bottle it'll put 240 horses to the ground.
Now, top end? Sportbikes will get me, it's still a brick in the wind :-)

Getting back to your question..

both of the bikes are frickin fast, so its basically up to you... it sounds like you are experienced on a bike and can handle the R1 and would have fun doing it.

if i were you.. go to a dealership and sit on em... thats the only way to find out which you would fit you the best.. they are all different.. and are you only wanting the R6 or R1.. what about the other sport bikes.. the CBR's , Gixxer's, and Ninja's.. they are all sweet bikes and one of those might be more comfortable..

anyway hope you figure out what you want and hope you have fun.. be safe buddy

Hey checkout a YZF600R. They come with the Yamaha quality, mine keeps up with a R6 while outhandling an R1 and one of the most comfortable sportbikes I've ever ridden.

A well-maintained engine can go for 100,000 with regular oil changes, tune ups, and some tweaks and replacements thrown in here and there. I have a friend with a 1990 CBR1000F that he bought 5 years ago with 900 miles on it... he now has over 93,000, and he's still going strong!

It's actually over 120K now, he updates it every once in a while.

Anyway, I'd worry more about crashing or damaging the frame than engine durability.

if you do eventually decide to go for long hauls, check out the honda st1100 (or he newer 1300 that replaced it), my dad has one and he sais it's comfortable for the driver and passenger, it has good power, acceleration, and handling concidering it's weight, it's practical, and it looks pretty good. plus shopping for parts is easy, honda only changed 2 things on the bike in the 11 or so years it was produced, the windscreen, and the alternator, when shoping for parts you dont even need to know what year your bike was unless shoping for electrical crap.

It's actually over 120K now, he updates it every once in a while.

Anyway, I'd worry more about crashing or damaging the frame than engine durability.
He's WELL over 120,000 miles now, but it doesn't count b/c he tore the bike ENTIRELY APART over the winter... FOR FUN... Dad is a SICK mofo, SICK!!!

I'm mad b/c I hardly have over 1,000 miles on the year, and he probably has about that many THIS MONTH!!! I think I might go home and ride. I'm itching to.

heehee ive got 763 miles in 5 weeks and the day isnt over yet!

i got my bike in mid april.. had like 21000 miles... now it has 24200... but the mileage is off about 20-20%.. so prolly closer to 2500 miles... which isnt too bad huh... haha... just took a 500 mile trip on the 4th to the lake :D... love riding... i know im addicted for life.. i just hope this bike will last