Advise on a bike

[Ravin']

Hey guys, I'm currently looking to buy a second hand bike for daily riding and the occasional weekend ride, as quite a few of my friends have bikes as well. The main reason is to keep km on my car to a minimum as well as fuel consumption. I don't live far from work at all so it won't be a whole lot of riding either.

Anyway, at this stage I have my sights set on one of 3 bikes available. I'm still waiting for approval on the financing so it's not a definite, but just want some second and third opinions so long. I'm no noob when it comes to bikes, I've been riding all my life, but when you're buying one yourself, you want to be sure

Bike 1: 2011 Triumph Daytona 675 with 7500km (The one I'm leaning towards most because of the low km, but I'm worried about cost of services and parts on a Triumph? I know maintenance on a bike is expensive in general, but what's it like on a Triumph, as well as on a 3 cylinder?)

Bike 2: 2013 CBR 600 Repsol with 17000km (I like because of the newness regarding the model)

Bike 3: 2009 Fireblade with 18000km (I like because Fireblade )

So these are the 3, they're all in the same price range, so fire away with thoughts and suggestions. Any help would be appreciated, thanks guys

Edit: You can choose whether the thread title is "Advise me on a bike" or "Advice on a bike"

 

[iamgigglz]

"Advise on a bike" also works, although me it should be "Advise me on a bike"

What kind of riding have you been doing up until now?

The thing with commuting on a bike (instead of just a weekend toy) is it needs to fit into your life. Take stock of the stuff you carry with you to work and back (laptop, skuftin?). Now add a rain suit, maybe a pair of work shoes and that bag of shopping you suddenly realise you need on the way home...you're probably going to end up needing a top box, and they look completely stupid on a sports bike. Buy a dual sport! JK, but it's something to think about.

Between those three I'd go for the Triumph. They're finicky and not as reliable as the Honda, plus their dealer network is useless (in JHB at least), but that three cylinder motor is amazeballs to ride and it's SUCH a pretty bike. If you can find a reputable workshop to service it then you'll be fine. The best (only?) way to choose between bikes is to ride them.

IMO a 1000c superbike is like a 1000W PSU; people get them for bragging rights and the opportunity to use them to their full potential very rarely presents itself. 600 ftw.

 

[Ravin']

Thanks [MENTION=29209]iamgigglz[/MENTION] I haven't been riding actively for about the past 2 years, before that I had a dtsi 180, quite small but I would ride my uncles Blade almost every weekend, on the track as well.

I hear you, nice this is I don't carry anything into the office, work PC and all that is there, and I keep my lunch every day in a fridge in my office So that's not an issue, I was actually considering a GS650 or F800, I've ridden a GS650 before and it's an absolute pleasure But I'm so much of a sports bike person.

And I completely agree, the difference in top end between the Daytona and the blade is 270 vs 300 limited, I probably won't get near either one of those speeds ever, so I'm completely happy with a 600.

But okay I think I'll give a couple test rides and see But I think I'm with you on the Daytona being the winner Thanks bud

 

[CarboVan]

Tough choices here
I could be mistaken, but I think Mike Hopkins is the main Cape Town dealer for Triumph? I wont go into public details here, but personally I would not buy a can of oil from them anymore...
Sadly I havent had the pleasure of riding a Daytona ( or street triple ), though they are surely beautiful, and sounds amazing.

I can however comment on the other two. Commuted with them daily. I had the same '09 blade for just over a year, and I currently ride an '07 600RR.
If you were in Jozi, I would have said get the Blade and get it over with. We all know they like their straight road 300km/h shenanigans
With our amazing mountain passes and coastal roads, the 600 is just so much nippier, and you get to use your revs a bit more than on the bigger brother.
So yea, I downgraded from the 1000 to the 600. My daily commute became 20km (one way), and it simply did not make sense lugging through traffic with the equivalent of a twin-turbo V10 beast.

Under my circumstance it made sense, but if you won't be caught in heavy traffic on a daily basis, or if you will be riding with a pillion every now and again, or you don't like riding a bike hard and into the upper revs, where you essentially need to ride a 600 before it packs a real punch, get the Fireblade (over the 600 baby blade)

Good luck man. Any of these options will be sweet rides.

 

[SilvRav]

Thanks [MENTION=29209]iamgigglz[/MENTION] I haven't been riding actively for about the past 2 years, before that I had a dtsi 180, quite small but I would ride my uncles Blade almost every weekend, on the track as well.

I hear you, nice this is I don't carry anything into the office, work PC and all that is there, and I keep my lunch every day in a fridge in my office So that's not an issue, I was actually considering a GS650 or F800, I've ridden a GS650 before and it's an absolute pleasure But I'm so much of a sports bike person.

And I completely agree, the difference in top end between the Daytona and the blade is 270 vs 300 limited, I probably won't get near either one of those speeds ever, so I'm completely happy with a 600.

But okay I think I'll give a couple test rides and see But I think I'm with you on the Daytona being the winner Thanks bud

Gigglz gave you lots to think about and as he said go ride them all.

How far is your work? After about 25km a blade (or any super) becomes a uncomfortable to commute on. I did commute with my blade (will attach piccie once i find as I have to brag) from pta to sandton for about 2 years and never again. Distance is fine, but your are a lot smaller. This becomes an issue with carrying things (specially pc tech you get couried to you), cars not seeing you and in the rain you right in the arch of all the water spray from the cards, meaning visibility also becomes an issue.

If i had to choose from those 3....the 600..newer model good k's, and performance wise the best bracket for commuting .

 

[Ravin']

I remember your blade [MENTION=20700]CarboVan[/MENTION] I almost bought it, if the banks actually got back to me I would have But yes Mike Hopkins is for Triumph, haven't had any experience with them though.

I think I'm in pretty much the same boat you are, work is close and I hardly will have a passenger, however I don't see much traffic at all. You're making my decision difficult now That blade is tempting as hell, I've been on one before and loved it, but there's something about that Daytona

Thank you for the input though.

 

[Ravin']

Gigglz gave you lots to think about and as he said go ride them all.

How far is your work? After about 25km a blade (or any super) becomes a uncomfortable to commute on. I did commute with my blade (will attach piccie once i find as I have to brag) from pta to sandton for about 2 years and never again. Distance is fine, but your are a lot smaller. This becomes an issue with carrying things (specially pc tech you get couried to you), cars not seeing you and in the rain you right in the arch of all the water spray from the cards, meaning visibility also becomes an issue.

If i had to choose from those 3....the 600..newer model good k's, and performance wise the best bracket for commuting .

My work is 15km away from me, not a far ride at all. I hear you though, each one of you guys chose a different bike Now I have to really think, I also really like the fact that the 600 is much newer, should work in my favour nicely.

 

[CarboVan]

Ah right! Yup, you have to at least try the Triumph. Only way to know for sure. Your heart might want the blade, but your butt might say otherwise once that Triple fires up

 

[SilvRav]

My work is 15km away from me, not a far ride at all. I hear you though, each one of you guys chose a different bike Now I have to really think, I also really like the fact that the 600 is much newer, should work in my favour nicely.

haha, look the right bike will choose you. Also, the 2013 year was a good year for the blades..I absolutely hate the update shape from 2015..looks like a moffie dog

and here was my blade - F* miss this bike!

 

[Ravin']

haha, look the right bike will choose you. Also, the 2013 year was a good year for the blades..I absolutely hate the update shape from 2015..looks like a moffie dog

and here was my blade - F* miss this bike!

*Snip*

That thing is sexy as hell I do really like the look of the 2013 CBR, and it's a repsol, my favorite colours, I'm so torn between the 3

 

[iamgigglz]

and here was my blade - F* miss this bike!

I still see "Hannespree" whenever I see that bike

 

[Superflan]

Get a kwikasfaki. I mean kawasaki

 

[Ravin']

Get a kwikasfaki. I mean kawasaki

Prices on the zx636 are still quite high unfortunately There's one zx10 I saw but had very high km.

 

[thePridge]

Another .2c here.

I've always lived far from work (except now that I work for myself)... When I say far I mean between 50 and 100km from the office.

I've commuted 50km one way on a SV650s, which wasn't too bad. I've commuted 120km one way on a GSXR750... which again wasn't too bad in spite of what people told me.
I spent around 6 months commuting 80km one way on a Harley Street 750... Also pretty comfy.. but the brakes were weak.
Then in January 2016 I got the bike I'd been longing for since 2008... I blue Daytona 675!

I spent most of last year commuting 100km one way on a it. I didn't suffer from sore wrists or back ache...
Maybe my belly on the tank relieved the back tension and maybe my height (1.72m) helped?

Check this site out:
http://cycle-ergo.com/
It allows you to put your measurements in and shows you hip and knee angles etc.

At the end of the day... Buy what your heart tells you... and then buy some decent gear... and wear it.
I used to keep a pair of takkies in my drawer at work and commute with decent boots.
I had an accident in JHB CBD and am very thankful for the full gear I had on!

I do the basic services myself on the Daytona. Not too complicated.
I will however take it in to have the major stuff done (like valve clearance checks etc).
I've stopped commuting on my bike and put it in track gear only.
I prefer not to ride on the roads anymore because for me, and how I experience, the rewards (emotionally) I receive versus the risk on the roads is no longer paying out positive dividends.
Take it slow... if you want speed please go out to the track.

 

[Ravin']

Thanks so much for the input [MENTION=27803]thePridge[/MENTION] I'm 1.82cm but as mentioned I've been on a Fireblade which is one of the smallest "big bikes" around and I had no comfort issues, plus I'm pretty average height so I think that's okay. I'm not one for high speeds really, I just want the power to be there when I need it, overtaking and such. Also a firm believer in full rider gear

How is the ride of the Daytona? Is it as amazing as it looks?

 

[sabie]

I would say deffo go and try the triumph out.

I've taken both of [MENTION=20700]CarboVan[/MENTION] 's bikes for a ride and having owned a '08 R6 myself, I would say that the 600cc-class is an awesome daily considering your commute. I would however say the 600RR is a shitload more comfy than the R6 was, but the R6 was sexier and made more power

Now I commute on a 125 ... yet I'm still waiting for [MENTION=20700]CarboVan[/MENTION] and the supers to catch up with me on chappies
Bonus of the 125, loads of fun, around the legal limit.


On a side note: Also haven't had the best service from Mike Hopkins in the time I owned my two Kawasaki's

I prefer not to ride on the roads anymore because for me, and how I experience, the rewards (emotionally) I receive versus the risk on the roads is no longer paying out positive dividends.
Take it slow... if you want speed please go out to the track.

I've been very close to this over the last 2-3 months as I had an accident in CT CBD when a lady ran a red light. Full gear saved my ass. So will see how I feel when the motard gets back.
Definitely take it slow, it's part of the reason why I sold my R6 (missing it), but it had to go as it was just to tempting.

 

[Ravin']

I would say deffo go and try the triumph out.

I've taken both of [MENTION=20700]CarboVan[/MENTION] 's bikes for a ride and having owned a '08 R6 myself, I would say that the 600cc-class is an awesome daily considering your commute. I would however say the 600RR is a shitload more comfy than the R6 was, but the R6 was sexier and made more power

Now I commute on a 125 ... yet I'm still waiting for [MENTION=20700]CarboVan[/MENTION] and the supers to catch up with me on chappies
Bonus of the 125, loads of fun, around the legal limit.


On a side note: Also haven't had the best service from Mike Hopkins in the time I owned my two Kawasaki's



I've been very close to this over the last 2-3 months as I had an accident in CT CBD when a lady ran a red light. So will see how I feel when the motard gets back.
Definitely take it slow, it's part of the reason why I sold my R6 (missing it), but it had to go as it was just to tempting.

Haha at least you're paying virtually nothing for fuel I'll see if I can find another place to deal with then for the Triumph, I also reckon I'll do the small services myself on it though.

On that note, does anyone know the ideal service intervals for the Daytona?

 

[thePridge]

Thanks so much for the input [MENTION=27803]thePridge[/MENTION] I'm 1.82cm but as mentioned I've been on a Fireblade which is one of the smallest "big bikes" around and I had no comfort issues, plus I'm pretty average height so I think that's okay. I'm not one for high speeds really, I just want the power to be there when I need it, overtaking and such. Also a firm believer in full rider gear

How is the ride of the Daytona? Is it as amazing as it looks?

It's nippy. On the track I manage to give the 1000s in C (and sometimes B group) carrots with it because it's just so nimble and allows me to carry a little more corner speed.

It has more than enough power for overtaking... Granted you might need to drop down a gear or two where you wouldn't need to on a 1000.
The 1000 allows you to be lazy where the 600 class bikes will require you to shift gears more often.

That being said... It has a little more grunt lower down the rev range than the CBR600RR will have and is "easier" at slow lane splitting speeds due to having that torque lower down.
You don't NEED to rev the hell out of the Daytona, but it sounds like a flipping supercar when you get the revs up.

I've gotten an indicated 254 with my 100kg butt on it. It will easily get you in trouble with the speed cops on the road if you want that.

Go ride one if you haven't already. And then check it out lekker... Some skelms out there!

 

[sabie]

On that note, does anyone know the ideal service intervals for the Daytona?

Think it's 10 000km according to the manual. So similar to the R6.

I used to do oil every 5000km and then had the usual services done on 10 000km, mostly as I had a warranty I wanted to keep.

I'll see if I can find another place to deal with then for the Triumph

I know a local guy who owns a Street Triple R and he's been happy with MH, so maybe I've just had shitty service from them (It's been a few years), maybe they cleaned up their act a bit.
So don't write them off just yet, maybe ask around or check up on facebook or something if they've gotten better.

 

[thePridge]

Haha at least you're paying virtually nothing for fuel I'll see if I can find another place to deal with then for the Triumph, I also reckon I'll do the small services myself on it though.

On that note, does anyone know the ideal service intervals for the Daytona?

My owners manual says every 10000km or year, whichever comes first.

 

[Ravin']

Go ride one if you haven't already. And then check it out lekker... Some skelms out there!

I'll definitely do that, getting excited now

I know a local guy who owns a Street Triple R and he's been happy with MH, so maybe I've just had shitty service from them (It's been a few years), maybe they cleaned up their act a bit.
So don't write them off just yet, maybe ask around or check up on facebook or something if they've gotten better.

I'll probably go around there eventually and give them a fair chance

 

[SilvRav]

*snip*

I've been very close to this over the last 2-3 months as I had an accident in CT CBD when a lady ran a red light. Full gear saved my ass. So will see how I feel when the motard gets back.
Definitely take it slow, it's part of the reason why I sold my R6 (missing it), but it had to go as it was just to tempting.

Same reason i sold my blade. I had very good self control, but the control lingers every now and then, and unfortunately one such friday afternoon on my way home, coming from sandton, an R1 flew past me on the N1N....said Fuqit, dropped 2 guers and gave chase....before I Knew it we were sitting in 6th gear just before redlining it, through traffic...that very night I put it up for sale and went DS...now i am very happy, although my new GSA's redline is just as scary. Luckily because of the type of bike it is, you dont feel the need to redline it

 

[D3TTOL]

Another .2c here.

I've always lived far from work (except now that I work for myself)... When I say far I mean between 50 and 100km from the office.

I've commuted 50km one way on a SV650s, which wasn't too bad. I've commuted 120km one way on a GSXR750... which again wasn't too bad in spite of what people told me.
I spent around 6 months commuting 80km one way on a Harley Street 750... Also pretty comfy.. but the brakes were weak.
Then in January 2016 I got the bike I'd been longing for since 2008... I blue Daytona 675!

I spent most of last year commuting 100km one way on a it. I didn't suffer from sore wrists or back ache...
Maybe my belly on the tank relieved the back tension and maybe my height (1.72m) helped?

Check this site out:
http://cycle-ergo.com/
It allows you to put your measurements in and shows you hip and knee angles etc.

At the end of the day... Buy what your heart tells you... and then buy some decent gear... and wear it.
I used to keep a pair of takkies in my drawer at work and commute with decent boots.
I had an accident in JHB CBD and am very thankful for the full gear I had on!

I do the basic services myself on the Daytona. Not too complicated.
I will however take it in to have the major stuff done (like valve clearance checks etc).
I've stopped commuting on my bike and put it in track gear only.
I prefer not to ride on the roads anymore because for me, and how I experience, the rewards (emotionally) I receive versus the risk on the roads is no longer paying out positive dividends.
Take it slow... if you want speed please go out to the track.

Hehe... I know who you are now

 

[D3TTOL]

I have a 2003 Triumph speed four. Beast of a track machine it is. But it has been out of service for quite a while now because well it's going to cost a bit of my arm and leg to fix. It may be because it is an older bike. I have heard of people saying it doesn't cost that much and others saying that it costs well above it's jap competitors.

I had a SV650 which cost almost nada to maintain... one of the best bikes I have had.
I have a 08 CB1000R(naked blade). Though it does have a completely different engine to a 08/09 blade.
a major service + the cost of doing my fork seals costed me around R6K which I think isn't too bad for a Inline 4 1000cc bike.

On my commute home I often bump into a guy on a street triple. Very windgat and he likes to wind his right wrist all the time.
It is actually quite potent for something that isn't a 1000cc. Obviously we have pulled away from the lights together and well it doesn't really touch my CB but it doesn't trail as far as 600cc supers end up. I also noticed he changes gear a lot more often than I do. He will be halfway through 2nd gear and I will still be in 1st still 3K rpm from redline.

and my CB1000R has no where near the oomph that the CBR1000RR bigger sibling has.
The 675 will be a kick in the butt and will be a bit more than enough in traffic.
But there will come that time where a super or one of those power nakeds(1290 Superduke,BMW S1000R,Aprillia TuonaV4) will come next to you and they will put your overconfidence in place xD.

I tried to take on a older ZX10 thinking I could at least keep up with it...... Oh there was no way I could keep up.


Edit: As far as I know, the CB1000RRs are one of the best handling superbikes out there? I don't particularly see a problem with "lugging" it around.
My CB naked is heavier and I find no trouble in traffic, I would say its quite a bit more agile on the road than OMB GSs

 

[Ravin']

Edit: As far as I know, the CB1000RRs are one of the best handling superbikes out there? I don't particularly see a problem with "lugging" it around.
My CB naked is heavier and I find no trouble in traffic, I would say its quite a bit more agile on the road than OMB GSs

Well it does classify as a sports bike in stead of a dual sports, I guess that's why. But I do love the look of the CB

Another question guys, is 25000km a lot for a sports bike, when buying second hand? I tend to not even look at anything on offer that's over 20000

 

[iamgigglz]

Well it does classify as a sports bike in stead of a dual sports, I guess that's why. But I do love the look of the CB
Another question guys, is 25000km a lot for a sports bike, when buying second hand? I tend to not even look at anything on offer that's over 20000

Not really if it's been looked after. Modern bikes are passing 100,000km with no issues these days.
Also depends what kind of mileage that was. 7500 laps of Killarney is a lot. Joburg & back 9 times is nothing.

 

[Ravin']

Not really if it's been looked after. Modern bikes are passing 100,000km with no issues these days.
Also depends what kind of mileage that was. 7500 laps of Killarney is a lot. Joburg & back 9 times is nothing.

I might just broaden my horizons Thanks bud, I may go look at the Daytona this weekend though, I'm just scared it gets sold before the finance comes through

 

[iamgigglz]

I might just broaden my horizons Thanks bud, I may go look at the Daytona this weekend though, I'm just scared it gets sold before the finance comes through

Urgh, I feel your pain. I missed out on what seemed to be an amazing deal on a rare Husqvarna TE630 with an Akra system because the finance guys were dragging their feet (and the seller was impatient).
Ended up getting a 990 for not much more so I guess everything happens for a reason.

 

[Ravin']

Urgh, I feel your pain. I missed out on what seemed to be an amazing deal on a rare Husqvarna TE630 with an Akra system because the finance guys were dragging their feet (and the seller was impatient).
Ended up getting a 990 for not much more so I guess everything happens for a reason.

Ya they have all the time in the world, you're right though it does I'm not too worried though, there will always be a good deal hanging around somewhere

 

[CarboVan]

Mileage is a tricky one. If care was taken, it should not matter.
I rode my ER6 from 15k to 40 000, without a hick-up. Motor was still as great at 40k as it was on 20k.
Fireblade I had from 16k, to 29k? if memory serves me right. Only had to do fork seals and the usual. [ One issue I did have was unfortunate, and quite rare, and cant be chalked up to maintenance ]
Current baby blade I got at 9k, now sitting on close to 20k and going strong.
[MENTION=146]sabie[/MENTION] , I think he also rode his R6 for 20k+ km, and sold it at 40k, and rate it would easily have done another 40k.
That said, both if us do oil before intervals, so if book says 6k, do it at 5k. Fresh oil is king