Battle of the Used Bikes options...

[Vance]

Okay,

So I've begun formulating my list of bike options for when I am able to buy some time (hopefully early) next year... and I being who I am like to do a lot of research and overthinking about my options, as well as seek insight from others.

That said - here are the first three and a half options out of several that I am considering (I think my pool is of about 10-12 models between new and used) - and I'd love to hear feedback, pros, cons, owner insight, horror stories, brilliant stories, etc.

I'm not including what my search criteria is based on at this point because I have a few unique specifics that narrow down my search field automatically.

Bike Option 1: Triumph Daytona T595 / 955i Series (1997-2001)


Bike Option 2: Aprilia RSV1000 (2000.5 - 2003)


Bike Option 2.5: Aprilia RSVR1000 (2004 - 2009)


Bike Option 3: Ducati 998 (2002-2004)


And yes - I know I already owned two of these three and a half bikes... but I'm looking at this from a totally fresh and totally unbiased perspective as much as possible.

[Ghost]

Bike Option 2.5: Aprilia RSVR1000 (2004 - 2009)

/just because

[Fumet5uNo]

Had the bikes your looking at and if I was to pick one it would be the triumph fun comfortable and trust worthy

[mauser72]

The duc not the most comfortable or reliable but they always feel special

[derekm]

http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/3151057403.html

http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/3090790835.html

[Vance]

http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/3151057403.html

http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/3090790835.html

Derek,...

No naked bikes -- that's a rule to my search parameters. I don't dig on naked bikes too much. Caveat: A Superhawk might be an option - but a distant one.

And the 675 --- that is on my list of considerations for both new and used - but obviously not part of this list (yet).

[longrider]

Bike Option 2.5: Aprilia RSVR1000 (2004 - 2009)

Another vote here and this comes from experience. Having owned 2003 and 2009 Tuonos I can tell you the second generation engine is much better.

No opinion on the Triumph, and Ducati is a torture rack for ergos and until very recently they were high maintenance

[Foolds]

The Sprint ST dosn't really fit with the rest of those bikes. I just sold my Daytona 675 and bought a 08 Sprint st 1050 and I LOVE it

I'm Tall and Thin and I never could get feeling right on the Daytona and it killed me after a couple of hours.

[Mother Goose]

Door number 2.5.

[CaneZach]

I owned option 2.5 and while I really loved the bike, the joy I got from riding her wasn't worth the hassle of dealing with Pikes Peak Motorsports, aka Pikes Peak Harley Davidson. If you have a decent service shop to take the Ape to, I say go for it!

[kawasakirob]

This seems to be a very broad range of bikes(as in 10-12 different considerations, new vs. old). Some of the bikes you posted will obviously be used....while other bikes you are considering will be new. The range of the bikes you posted( from new being 2012/13 to the used Aprilia or Triumph) vary significantly. All those bikes are good, but they each have individual quirks that may deter one person from buying it while another person can live with it. In your post you also mentioned you like a lot of research... a good thing when buying used... Also a good thing when buying new since you will be spending a lot more cash. I think a good way to help decide which bike you want is to Determine which one you personally like best. Easier said then done right? After that, we can dig into the details and help choose which model(of the same model) is the right choice to ensure you get the best one that you choose. Keep in mind you may also be able to buy 2 used bikes for 1 new bike

[kawasakirob]

Are you considering any Japanese bikes?

[VFR]

2.5 Love the Lion on the side and do not seem them hardly ever.

[stubbicatt]

Until recently I would have encouraged you to get a Ducati over an Aprilia, and a Triumph over either of the others due to availability of replacement parts and a more extended dealer network. Now, however, since the earthquake in Panigale, the availability of replacement parts for the Ducati has diminished.

I love my Ducati, and don't envision selling it. I will however have to get an "adventure" bike in the near future, whether BMW, Triumph, or Yamaha I'm not certain.

[Vance]

2.5 Love the Lion on the side and do not seem them hardly ever.

Well the lion graphics were only offered I believe on the '08 and '09 but I may be wrong.

This seems to be a very broad range of bikes(as in 10-12 different considerations, new vs. old). Some of the bikes you posted will obviously be used....while other bikes you are considering will be new. The range of the bikes you posted( from new being 2012/13 to the used Aprilia or Triumph) vary significantly. All those bikes are good, but they each have individual quirks that may deter one person from buying it while another person can live with it. In your post you also mentioned you like a lot of research... a good thing when buying used... Also a good thing when buying new since you will be spending a lot more cash. I think a good way to help decide which bike you want is to Determine which one you personally like best. Easier said then done right? After that, we can dig into the details and help choose which model(of the same model) is the right choice to ensure you get the best one that you choose. Keep in mind you may also be able to buy 2 used bikes for 1 new bike

Well this is exactly why I'm asking these things now --- to get the personal experience and quirks and such explored BEFORE I begin to narrow things down.

As previous mentioned - I have owned the option 1 and 2 on that list (not 2.5)... so I do know their quirks and such, but I like to hear others' input on it too, like I said, to start fresh.

So... here is my list as I have it now:

Bikes not being considered / already eliminated based on criteria not revealed yet:

- Ducati 848 / 1098 / 1198
- Aprilia RSV4
- Honda CBR 1000 and 600
- Kawasaki Ninja 10 and 6
- Suzuki GSXR 1000 and 600
- Yamaha R6
- KTM thingy
- EBR 1190

Bikes Currently on my "list" (in no particular order of preference):

1. 97-2001 Triumph Daytona 595 / 955i

Obviously only available used

2. 2000.5 - 2003 Aprilia RSV Mille (not the R unless someone has replaced the tail section with the 2 up option)

Obviously only available used unless another unicorn like my previous one exists out there somewhere lost in some dealer's warehouse.

3. 2004 - 2009 Aprilia RSV1000 R or Factory

Actually - I have found brand new 2008's and 2009's at some dealers around the country.

4. 2002 - 2004 Ducati 998

Obviously only available used

5. 2007 - Current Triumph Daytona 675

Obviously ranging the gambit from used to new - excluding the 2006 because of the limited availability and bugs I've heard about in that first model year.

6. BMW S1000RR

New or used...

7. 1999 - current Suzuki Hayabusa

New or Used - I actually know very little about the variations of these so I'm not sure what are good years or aren't but they're on the list.

8. 2003 - current Suzuki GSXR-750

New or used obviously - I THINK 2003 was the year I started actually liking the body style - but I'll need to double check that.

9. ??? (not sure the actual year range) - MV Agusta F4 750

A long shot to find I'm sure but I've been recommended to investigate these as an option - and I do love me the F4s.

10. 2003-2006 Triumph Daytona 955i

Not the 2002 under any circumstances. Obviously only available used.

11. 2013 MV Agusta F3 675

POSSIBLY... I have to see one for certain.

12. 2003 - 2006 Honda RC-51

Obviously only available used

Are you considering any Japanese bikes?

As above.

[kawasakirob]

Well the lion graphics were only offered I believe on the '08 and '09 but I may be wrong.



Well this is exactly why I'm asking these things now --- to get the personal experience and quirks and such explored BEFORE I begin to narrow things down.

As previous mentioned - I have owned the option 1 and 2 on that list (not 2.5)... so I do know their quirks and such, but I like to hear others' input on it too, like I said, to start fresh.

So... here is my list as I have it now:

Bikes not being considered / already eliminated based on criteria not revealed yet:

- Ducati 848 / 1098 / 1198
- Aprilia RSV4
- Honda CBR 1000 and 600
- Kawasaki Ninja 10 and 6
- Suzuki GSXR 1000 and 600
- Yamaha R6
- KTM thingy

Bikes Currently on my "list" (in no particular order of preference):

1. 97-2001 Triumph Daytona 595 / 955i

Obviously only available used

2. 2000.5 - 2003 Aprilia RSV Mille (not the R unless someone has replaced the tail section with the 2 up option)

Obviously only available used unless another unicorn like my previous one exists out there somewhere lost in some dealer's warehouse.

3. 2004 - 2009 Aprilia RSV1000 R or Factory

Actually - I have found brand new 2008's and 2009's at some dealers around the country.

4. 2002 - 2004 Ducati 998

Obviously only available used

5. 2007 - Current Triumph Daytona 675

Obviously ranging the gambit from used to new - excluding the 2006 because of the limited availability and bugs I've heard about in that first model year.

6. BMW S1000RR

New or used...

7. 1999 - current Suzuki Hayabusa

New or Used - I actually know very little about the variations of these so I'm not sure what are good years or aren't but they're on the list.

8. 2003 - current Suzuki GSXR-750

New or used obviously - I THINK 2003 was the year I started actually liking the body style - but I'll need to double check that.

9. ??? (not sure the actual year range) - MV Agusta F4 750

A long shot to find I'm sure but I've been recommended to investigate these as an option - and I do love me the F4s.

10. 2003-2006 Triumph Daytona 955i

Not the 2002 under any circumstances. Obviously only available used.

11. 2013 MV Agusta F3 675

POSSIBLY... I have to see one for certain.

12. 2003 - 2006 Honda RC-51

Obviously only available used



As above.

that's a list! One bike I did not see on there is the EBR 1190. That gets my vote.

[Vance]

that's a list! One bike I did not see on there is the EBR 1190. That gets my vote.

Looked at it... no joy. Adding it to the "no" list.

[rybo]

Vance,

I'm weighing in with the 04-09 Aprilia. I'm loving the one I got for the racetrack. Rotax power is highly reliable, the bike is reasonably comfortable and the powerband is a mile wide making it an easy street bike.

Scott

[Ghosty]

That silver Triumph 955i is sexay!

[kawasakirob]

Looked at it... no joy. Adding it to the "no" list.

.....my second vote now goes towards the RC51! Not the lightest or the most powerful... But a bike with a lot of soul. If you plan on putting some distance between your destinations...the Busa. Solid, comfy, stable, a long range missile that does well( not as well as an S1000 by no means) in the tight stuff. Pack it down fill it up and point it in any direction. Very reliable with years of street cred. Light the wick and hang on.

[Snowman]

+1 Rotax, anything using an airplane motor gets my vote...

[bluedogok]

If you are considering a Daytona (like the one in your pic) and willing to travel some, I know of a very clean 2001 with low miles in the Dallas area. It is on a Texas MC forum that I am on.

Two Wheeled Texans - FS 2001 Daytona 955i - in Dallas, TX

[Wrider]

Well the lion graphics were only offered I believe on the '08 and '09 but I may be wrong.

Buddy has an 07 and it has the lion graphics, but not nearly as pronounced as the 08/09s.

[kawasakirob]

Of course if you go with the 998 there is also the option of the Bostrom Replica?


Or the 996 Foggy Replica?