Why do you like your nekkid bike?

[mtnairlover]

So, I'm thinking about what kind of bike I would get if I were to get a liter bike. I still want a nekkid bike...a standard suits me just fine. I figure I'd talk about why I like my Z750 and why I don't like it and maybe those of you who have nekkid bikes can do the same so I can get an idea of a possible upgrade.

Here's why I like my 750:

• enough power to pass on a steep grade (with ease...without freaking me out that I'll become an oncoming vehicle's hood ornament)
• comfortable enough to ride 500+ miles in a day
• good on gas mileage at ~48mpg
• ease of maintenance -- I don't do everything on my bike, but I change the oil, flush coolant (for track days), remove and replace the minor plastics it has
• it's a unique bike

Here's why I don't like my 750:

• the inherent vibration loosens header bolts -- and because of the vibration, the minor cracked engine mount it sustained last Fall turned out to be major a couple of weeks ago
• it's a unique bike

I'm thinking about saving up the $$$ to purchase a new/used bike like maybe next year. So, let me know what it is you like and don't like about your standard/nekkids.

[asp_125]

... if I were to get a liter bike.

Ahh that test ride has gotten under your skin. Ok to your questions, based off impressions from my old SV.

First the pros,
- comfortable ergos for the long ass rides you like to do
- easy access to the guts for maintenance
- not "another crotch rocket"
- no fairing wind noise
- semi usable mirrors

Cons,
- Wind blast
- fewer places to mount farkle or hide wiring
- exposed mechanical bits more prone to damage (though I think you'll have frame sliders pretty quickly)

Choices?
KZ-1000
Ducati Monsters (the larger displacement ones, M800, M900, S2R, S4R...)
MV Agusta Brutale (shyyeeeeeaaahhh you and me both)
Bandit 1200
FZ-1 (like Daniels)
ZRX-1200
Aprilia Shiver
others?

[kawasakirob]

I loved my Superhawk. Sounded incredible and was a wheelie monster. You can find them extremely cheap 2500-3. The only negative I had about it was that it would only get 100 mi to the tank. Less in the city and only slightly more(130) on the highway if I took it really easy) No reserve. You cold find some Monster's I'm sure for pretty cheap. Naked bikes look awesome. Bandits, Z1000's ZRX1100/1200 are all fairly cheap. Older FZ1's, I would be interested to hear about what you are considering.

[kawasakirob]

TL1000S are also extremely cheap. And the Vtwin's always feels good between the legs.
You could get a VERY nice Superhawk 996 or TLS for 2500-3. Both are Twins. Both do not get great mileage, but the grin factor is worth it.

[asp_125]

But TLs and VTRs aren't really "standards", nice though they are.

[mtnairlover]

I've just begun my hunt, but here's what I have because of friends who have these:

SV1000
Z1000 - still has that inherent vibration, but I did a lil test ride on a friend's and liked it bunches. The test wasn't fast enough to feel the vibration, tho...so, it's still on the list
FZ1

So far.

Oh and the MV....shyeeaaah...riiiiight! Thanks for making me drool a lil, Jeff.

[mtnairlover]

But TLs and VTRs aren't really "standards", nice though they are.

I might consider the TL...it's just that I like the nekkid and I do like my standard...I could stray a lil with the right bike.

[rforsythe]

Agreed that liter bike mileage isn't as good, but that isn't really the point. If you want 75mpg buy a Zuma. When I got my VStrom I was between the 650 and the 1000, and someone else put it best: The 650 will get you there, and has enough power. The 1000 just fucks off. My old superhawk was insane fun too.

I give much respect to SV650's and other <1000 bikes, but there is just some serious grin factor with them.

[mtnairlover]

Yeah, I dunno about the other <1000 bikes. I know I like the power my 750 gives me and like I said, it hasn't failed me.

Other <1000 Euro naked bikes would include (and I'd have to give 'em all a test ride to throw them out, or make them contenders):

Aprilia Mana 850
BMW F800R

Welp, at least I have time to think this through and do some test rides.

Give me more info guys...

[longrider]

One more to consider - Aprilia Tuono

Unlike the other standards it is a pure sportbike at heart, just no plastic or clip-ons. The only negative is price, '03s (the first year) are still getting 6 - 7k in good condition.

[salsashark]

My Speedie and why I like it...

Pros:
1. Comfortable seating position
2. Enough power that you don't need to be riding all day at 6K on the tach
3. 3-cylinder engine... some of that v-twin grunt, some of that I-4 high end and smoothness
4. Unique - you just don't see them everywhere and I'm fine with that
5. Short WB - begs for hooliganism!

Cons:
1. As mentioned already, long rides will tire you out more w/o a windscreen. Takes a bit more stamina to log serious miles.
2. Lack of dealer support - there are 2 Triumph dealers in Denver & I'm not a fan of one of them so it really limits my options... Thank God for Supertune Motorsports
3. ummm.... ok... all I really have is 2. I love my speed triple.

It's not the fastest bike out there, it's not the most well behaved, but what it does is put a smile on my face every time I ride it and isn't that what really matters?

[Humbucker]

Cathy,

I just bought an 08 GSXR 750. I have to sell my 2003 Silver SV 1000S.
Just in case you want to get a look at it? This bike is a great all rounder 90 degree twin.Just over 16K.Valves checked and new Pirellis Stradas and a few extras, no mods.

[dirkterrell]

I've always liked the looks of the 1984 1000 Interceptor. Semi-naked so it showed off the V4 engine nicely. Very comfortable and 1000cc of smooth V4 torque is something you just have to experience to appreciate. Honda is clearly undertaking a resurgence of the V4 powerplant so maybe we'll see a modern version of this.





Dirk

[1badb0y]

I had a nekkid SV650 for 4 years and now have a nekkid SV1000. The 650 wins for pure fun. At 375 lbs dry, you can toss it around like a dirt bike but still run serious pavement speeds in corners. It did lack top end, though, and was not much fun on the highway (80+ mph).
The 1000 has greater power, great in corners and fine on the highway but the additional 40 lbs takes away from the pure fun factor.
Wind on the standards is a nuisance.
One thing no one has mentioned is ease of serviceability on the nekkids. Everything is accessible without removing any plastic to get to it.

[Tipys]

All I can add is riding Nakkid FTW

[Captain Obvious]

TLS is naked.
Bandit 1200s
Z1000
Tuono

[Drift]

Yeah, I dunno about the other <1000 bikes. I know I like the power my 750 gives me and like I said, it hasn't failed me.

Other <1000 Euro naked bikes would include (and I'd have to give 'em all a test ride to throw them out, or make them contenders):

Aprilia Mana 850
BMW F800R

Welp, at least I have time to think this through and do some test rides.

Give me more info guys...

Looking just at those two...I would buy the BMW F800R

[mtnairlover]

I'll add this to my 750:

I'm not afraid to throw around a bike. Been doing that to the 750 and it weighs in at a hefty 425#s dry. Great on the highway and twisting canyons. I maintained average speeds between 85 and 95mph on a trip to Durango and back over a weekend in the summer of '07 with a bunch of other nut-balls. Oh and wind? Yeah, um...did I mention my bike is also (semi) nekkid right now? Stamina? Try me (sorry, lack of some things makes me a tad nutty)

As for the other comments:

Tuono?

Humbucker? If you still have that SV in a year...I may test ride it. I'm not ready yet. I've got to move and get settled and deal with the aftermath of moving as well. But, talking about this now, helps me to get focused on saving.

I love the fact that my 750 does not have a whole lotta plastics.

The Speed Triple is another on my list. I was curious about the shop thing...that's a bit disheartening. But, the triple is a good bike.

[Drift]

If you wanted to go Italian...I would look at the Aprilia Shiver 750 GT...

[FZRguy]

Speed Triple with the optional fly screen gets my vote. You can test ride one at Foothills.

[Matty]

Speed Triple with the optional fly screen gets my vote. You can test ride one at Foothills.

[asp_125]

Oh yeah.. Speed Triple and Tuono.

... more:
Triumph Tiger
Triumph Bonneville Thruxton
Ducati GT1000 or the 1000S if you prefer modern day cafe racer.

[daemon]

poor poor cathy.
i knew what would happen when she took off.

the vibes are less on the 2nd gen Z1000's BTW. if you can find one.

[daemon]

also ...... i like mine for it's torque,flickability and sexiness.....