I think it's time

Message

#1 Unread post by **Skier** » Mon May 02, 2005 1:05 pm

After putting in over 4,000 miles on my Radian and not quite a year's worth of experience, I think I'm ready to upgrade.

Anyone have a Hayabusa for sale?

... is what I would have said 3,000 miles ago. Now I know better.

Basically, I've reached the handling limits of my Radian with its old and weak suspension and I am getting kind of tired of fixing niggling things with it. I can either drop $500 on new front springs, chain and sprockets, find out why my front brakes squeak, do valve lash, deal with the leaky valve cover gasket, have a luggage rack fabbed up for longer trips, get a spare fuel cell mounted, buy a $300 aftermarket fairing, etc... and I'd still be on a 20 year old bike with almost 25,000 miles on it.

So I want something newer, not necessarily more powerful. I'd also like somethat that accommadates my 6' frame a bit easier - on the Rad I'm real cramped.

I'm open to suggestions on newer bikes. I have no brand/engine type preference, but I want some kind of fairing and something a bit roomier than my Radian. I am currently looking at a Ninja 500, since they are a bit bigger than their 250cc counterparts. Haven't sat on one yet, though. Should I just go to town and hit all the dealers and see what fits me to get a better idea of what I'm looking for? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Ride on.

High_Side · #2 Unread post by **High_Side** » Mon May 02, 2005 1:28 pm

I think you will be disappointed with the power of the EX after riding the Radian. Look for an older ZX600.
High_Side

#3 Unread post by **Skier** » Mon May 02, 2005 3:11 pm

High_Side wrote:I think you will be disappointed with the power of the EX after riding the Radian. Look for an older ZX600.
High_Side

Honestly, it's quite rare for me to rap the Rad up to redline in any gear. It just gets you to illegal speeds in such a hurry I don't do it (don't need the tickets). I'll look at those ZX600s...

MASHBY · #4 Unread post by **MASHBY** » Mon May 02, 2005 3:41 pm

Being a Big lad you might want to look at the Dual Sports.(V-Strom and the like). You usualy get screen to keep the wind off and they are very comfy for distance riding.And should have enough power to enjoy for a few years to come.

Toyuzu · #5 Unread post by **Toyuzu** » Mon May 02, 2005 3:46 pm

You might consider a Nighthawk 750. They've been made forever, so there's plenty of them out there, they are very reliable, bigger than your Radian. The only thing missing is a fairing, but you can add an aftermarket one.

Not really sporty looking, though if that's the kind of fairing you're after. You may have a hard time finding anything more roomy than your Radian if you go for a sportbike.

Toyuzu · #6 Unread post by **Toyuzu** » Mon May 02, 2005 3:48 pm

MASHBY wrote:Being a Big lad you might want to look at the Dual Sports.(V-Strom and the like). You usualy get screen to keep the wind off and they are very comfy for distance riding.And should have enough power to enjoy for a few years to come.

Another good suggestion. They are priced pretty low, too. A 650 V-Strom would probably have similar power to the Radian, too. (in terms of how much power, not powerband. The powerband will be completely different since the Strom is a V-twin.)

shawnhpi · #7 Unread post by **shawnhpi** » Mon May 02, 2005 3:53 pm

You don't want a hayabusa.

To much for me i think.

I started out last year on my 1st bike and 1st time riding. Bought a very nice 96 fzr600. ive got about 3000 total miles of riding.

I upgraded this year (april) to a newer same size bike.

I upgraded to a 02 cbr600f4i.

I tried an R6 before i bought this and thought to my self "bike looks sweet but I will def get hurt". Did not like the torque of an R6, don't like the way it feels when riding etc..only got it into 2nd before turning around and giveing it back to the owner.

The honda I liked every thing but the steering of itat 1st. and the seat sucks on a honda. But Its a good bike.

You should look into cbr600's. If you can find one cheap buy one or go and find one to test drive. All around an excellent bike except the seat. Where can i get a nicer more soft seat. Also wherecan i get a decent priced Undetail for my bike?

I am selling my 1996 yamaha Fzr600 (which is the bike i tought my self on and never dropped).

you can veiw details @ http://www.TheBossHoggShow.com (newest link on main page) or find it on the FORSALE section of TM forums.

Thanks

#8 Unread post by **Skier** » Mon May 02, 2005 3:55 pm

I saw a VStrom 1000 in a parking garage on campus not too long ago. It's a big boy, no doubt about that. It'd probably accommadate my frame. In general, I like the look of standards and sportsbkes more than cruisers. I'll try to find some local VStroms and see how they fit.

shawnhpi: I was kidding about the 'busa, if I don't use all of my Radian's power, what good would a 1300cc bike be?

shawnhpi · #9 Unread post by **shawnhpi** » Mon May 02, 2005 7:11 pm

I sensed your sarcasm.

Ide be scared shitless on a busa.

Such a sweet looking bike to.

..

furitive_revolution · Tue May 03, 2005 2:58 am

check out the suzuki katana 600 or 750. decent bike, plenty fast, looks like a sportbike without the insurance HIKE and is damn comfortable on long rides.