Own a VFR1200 - What Makes a FUN Second bike?

Good luck finding an RC51 anywhere these days..........seems like they've all but disappeared!

 

Like this? I guess I made a mistake....I'm looking for a third bike. Finally completed this baby last summer. It's fun for a quick jaunt to see the boys on a Friday night.

 

Besides, who am I kidding? I've got four kids, 10 and under, at home. If I need more than one bike, I'M LOOONEYYYYY!

 

So many motorcycles, so little time . . .




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If it were me I would try a Triumph Street Triple. The shop took one in on trade but they don't keep Triumphs on the floor. I got to try it out before it was whisked away and boy was it fun. It was lighter than a Speed Triple with a desire to be thrown into corners hard. It really begged to be spanked in the corners.

What do I know? I am twisted enough to have the hots for a Moto Guzzi Griso.

 

I see vmax and ducati have considered a diavel. Three ride modes comfort and power. And it handles the twisties to boot. Best of luck

 

NOS on another VFR?

 

Acceleration on the new VMAX is like nothing out there. Its just raw in that you really need throttle control or else you'll just spin the wheel.
You can't really compare it to a CBR because the weight difference allows you to grab more throttle with the Yamaha than a 400# bike.
She really shines when rolling @ 40mph and you just want to goose it!

I hate to say it but the new Honda's (including the Valkyrie) just don't pop with modern good looks like so many other bikes out there......

So today a friend of mine brought in his new Aprilia Tuono v4........WHAT A GREAT LOOKING BIKE! And from what I hear she rides really well too.

 

Well, I've narrowed down my choices for a FUN second bike, which I plan to use for bashing the twisties and doing the odd track day:
2013 Triumph Speed Triple - this would be a fun bike with a lot of pep, great in the twisties, and a wheelie machine. Sounds pretty good, but I don't know what it would be like if I do the odd track day with that upright position.
2013 or 14 CBR 1000 - I've loved this bike since I was a little kid, yet I've never had one. I rode one at a Honda Ride Event and loved it, for the time I had it. I think it'd be a great highway machine, but I don't think that buying it now is going to do anything for my riding abilities. I've never ridden on the track, so I'm positive that it'll be overpowered. I like the wheelie potential, though.
2013 or 14 CBR 600rr - I'd probably have more fun on the track with this one, but I'm worried that it's still overpowered for me in that environment. I've also heard that you have to rev them quite high when you're on the highway, so it will probably make for a bit of a buzzy ride, with lots of shifting. Does it wheelie well?
2013 Suzuki SV650 - I never thought I'd consider this bike, but it apparently makes one HELL of a great track bike, especially for newbies to the track. Exceptional handling, great midrange power, and a great platform for learning how to to ride the track. Good riders can BEAT riders on 600cc inline fours and inline 1000's with this bike, because they can track so well in the turns (at higher speeds). The best part is that I can get the base bike for $7000. I'd replace the internals of the front suspension to something better for the track (AK20's), and I'd replace the rear shock to an Ohlins or Penske. I'd add the Power Commander, an Arrow or Yoshimura pipe, and some better brake pads(but leave the calipers).....Voila!! Track bike!! All this for about $8500!
I really don't want to be that guy at the track that shows up with the kick-ass bike that can't ride it, so I'm thinking I should start humbly!
Curious to know your thoughts. The Speedy I found was a real nice grey and blue SE model, but I'm not sure that it's going to be the kind of bike I'll want to hang on to for a long time. It is a Beeeautiful machine, but pretty much ZERO wind protection. Any input is appreciated.[/SIZE]

 

Sorry hadnt checked my mail in a while. Riding the ninja 250 i rode was like riding a bicycle really fast. No way could it be my only bike and im like you being seen on one could be a little awkward. But as im getting older im finding i care a lot less about that. But riding one is a complete gas. Giggling in the corners and screaming the little motor for all its worth. Best part is how cheap they are and great on gas. Also im sure all the tracks have a class for them.

 

That's actually not a bad idea. I was thinking that it'd be better for me to rent a 250 for a few track days, then move up to the 650? That way I'm not stuck with it, and can move up to something that will be pretty much fun indefinitely.

 

Get another VFR.......800 0r 750. I still see them at the track.

 

Yes, I really wished I had've kept the 800 as it would have made a great track bike. I'm leaning toward the Speed Triple because it will be great on the road, whereas the SV will likely feel underpowered there. Since I'll likely only hit the track ten times a year, the Speedy will suffice. Will it serve as a learning platform for me at the track?

 

Lots of SV parts out there but to make it really decent at the track you will spend some cash; forks, brakes, ect. The Speed Tri is nice but depending on where you are parts and service can be expensive. If your going to be going to the track 10 times a year you will quickly spend a lot of money! If you got it go for it. You will probably end up on a 1K before long.

 

Oh? I keep getting the impression that neither the 1000's or 600's aren't that much fun, as they're overpowered for most riders. I'm an average road rider, but would be a novice at the track. I would feel more comfortable owning another Honda, but I'm not sure that quality story holds water anymore.

 

I don't know where you get the impression that 600 and 1k's are not that much fun. On tight technical tracks I wish I had a 600 as my 1K is a lot more work but still loads of fun. When I have been on friends 600's on big tracks I'm ringing the neck of it for more power as the 1K's zip past me. Your wrist and your brain are in control, start smaller and ride smart with some good control riders and coaches and you will have a blast on any of the bikes. Have fun.

 

Thanks. That's good advice. What about starting out on the 2014 CBR600rr without traction control? Will that be a good learning platform?

 

A very nice bike. I have not rode a new one, most Honda 600 I have rode were dedicated track bikes. 600 these days have plenty enough power for street and track. Spend a few dollars on her, drop some of the not needed weight, good suspension set up and let her rip. I really want a 600 myself but the garage is full right now and the not in the budget right now. lol

 

I sat on one the 600 the other day. It does feel a little cramped compared to my VFR. I'm 6' exactly. Is this something I'll get used to?

 

Its a true sports bike so that is normal. Not going to be nearly as comfortable as a VFR. I put my 1K back in street trim and rode it today, felt cramped compared to my VFR. But I have rode 300 miles+ a day in the mountains on the CBR and was fine.