help me decide for next year: 748, rc51, 636, or gsxr750

[klohiq]

I'm considering getting a newer bike next year or the year after, basically whenever I feel confident with the power of this bike and just want a better handling bike.

Mostly I want a bike that feels pretty sporty, but isn't too uncomfortable to ride for a few hours. I can't really make my decision so anyone with experience riding one or more of the following would be greatly appreciated. I plan to test ride each of them before purchasing, but if I could narrow one of two of these out as a waste of time than it would definitely save some time.

Honda RC51 - A bit of a heavy bike, but it has a vtwin and great handling...

Ducati 748 (not bipisto) - looking more towards handling than speed so I think the 748 would be a better choice than a 998, also a bit cheaper

Kawasaki Ninja ZX6R (636) - light, quick and a bike you can at least push a little on the road without doing double the speed limit.

Suzuki GSXR750 (k5?) - great looking and a little quicker than the ninja

[Mintbread]

Unless I took it to the track every other weekend I would pick none of those.
Give me a 1200 Bandit any day. Capable of embarrasing a lot of "sportsbikes" in the twisties, more than enough power for public roads and comfortable during long distance travel.

If I had to pick one to show off to all my mates, I would pick the Ducati.

[TechTMW]

Mostly I want a bike that feels pretty sporty, but isn't too uncomfortable to ride for a few hours.

Then goes on to list various torture racks

Man. How about a monster s4r or a Multistrada ... both excellent handling bikes and comfortable too.

[klohiq]

My current bike isn't that compact by todays standards, obviously not nearly as tight as any of these bikes..handlebar height especially. I guess in my opinion the bike has to be a bit cramped. I sat on a Ducati 999 at a dealership and really liked how it felt, I didn't test ride it or anything so I can't say if I would enjoy actually working with ergos like that, but from just sitting on it I can't imagine riding it would be horrible.

I really like how a compact bike looks from a distance and how really aggressive ergos (extremely low handlebars, nearing-rediculous peg heights, etc) coupled with angular, but flowing body work make a motorcycle look like something more than just a vehicle...they make it look like art...

I want a bike that looks as good standing still as I feel when I'm riding it.

[9000white]

who gives a farthing about art??????

[oldnslo]

Form over function.

[Dennis27]

Let’s not forget the new Triumph 675.... three cyl. reported to have lots of torque and curves Brooke Burke would be jealous of. Or as claimed by Yamaha the new R6 is supposedly the most technologically advance "production" motorcycle to date... Fly by wire throttle, barge boards, and a red line of 17,500 RPM its expected to be putting out around 130 to 140HP at the crank and weighing in at only 357lbs dry... one sweet @ss 600. The 636 is cool.. I just hope you're into neck cramps and lower back pains... the seating position is very aggressive. You'll spend a lot of time on your wrists. Ducati’s are beautiful bikes. However, you're paying for the name. japanese bikes consistently spank the Ducati’s as seen with the new GSXR 1000 vs. the 999R in August 05' comparo in Sport Rider. There’s rumor that the new GSXR750 will again be named the best all around sports bike. I totally see this being the case with 750cc's of power and only 359lbs (dry) I love the new exhausts Suzuki and Yamahas are using and it makes total sense as far as lowering the center of gravity and just looks cool as hell. So at this point I cant vote because I myself cant make up my mind about which bike I want to go with the most. My three choices for this spring are the GSXR750, R6, or the Triumph 675. I want to put a down payment on one of these ASAP to reserve one. Especially with the anniversary edition yellow on the R6. I'm starting to lean towards the GSXR750 though. There's a reason there’s so many on the roads.

[jmillheiser]

If you think you like the riding position on a super sport try sitting in that position for a few hours. If you still like it then more power to ya. If your like most people you will probably be sore.

I am guessing you are on the smaller side if you find a super sports position to be comfy. I could see a smaller/shorter person being comfortable as they wont be cramped like a taller person will. I am only 5'10" and I find the position on a sportbike to be way too cramped. I also find that I am too streched out on a cruiser (dont like cruisers anyway), and I am seriously tip toed on the bigger dual sports. For me I find the position on the standards (bandit, FZ6, hornet, most UJMs) to be about perfect for me.

I could handle the position on a super sport if I were out on the track but not the street.

[Dennis27]

If you think you like the riding position on a super sport try sitting in that position for a few hours. If you still like it then more power to ya. If your like most people you will probably be sore.

I am guessing you are on the smaller side if you find a super sports position to be comfy. I could see a smaller/shorter person being comfortable as they wont be cramped like a taller person will. I am only 5'10" and I find the position on a sportbike to be way too cramped. I also find that I am too streched out on a cruiser (dont like cruisers anyway), and I am seriously tip toed on the bigger dual sports. For me I find the position on the standards (bandit, FZ6, hornet, most UJMs) to be about perfect for me.

I could handle the position on a super sport if I were out on the track but not the street.

I'm 6'1 215lbs. I have a 03 ZR-7S which is like your bandits, FZ6's, SV's ETC. and my 05' R6 is way more comfortable than my ZR-7S. Perhaps its just me. The R6 and the GSXR'S seating position are almost identical. There is def. a more upright seating position on these bikes VS. the Ninja's and Honda's. Also for 06' the GSXR'S have adjustable foot pegs for optimal comfort.