Younger and more flexibile without knowing the definition of cramping saw me being a sportbike wannabe streetracer. I didn't cross the line of leather jacket with a big number on the back or slapping a girl on the back with her tramp stamp and whale tail high in the air, but I was close to that poseur. Age and wisdom saw me on more upright rides like a Vmax or Street Triple. So I don't know why a CBR1000RR or BMWS1000 are being tested today. Something in me forgets why a short uncomfortable high rpm repli racer is not my cup of tea. I think it's the power to weight ratio and me thinking a sub-2 hour ride wouldn't be that uncomfortable. Not a track within 7 hours of home. But many dealers hawking these hyper powerful bikes to unknowing 20 somethings and guy much older who should know better.
Ya only live once. Do it. If you're asking people to talk you out of it, you're in the wrong place Do some core exercises to get your lower back, abs, etc in good shape so you aren't holding yourself up with your wrists and you'll be fine on them speed machines.
I'm with DevilNinjaDog. How many more new bikes are you going to be able to own anyway? You can always buy something slower, heavier, and maybe more comfortable later when that's all you can ride. There's a reason some people gravitate to sport bikes. Performance, handling, brakes, etc. Those things don't change for you just because you got old. I say this as someone who's well on his way to old.
How old are you? A friend of mine rides a GSX-R1000 K5 with no mods done to it and he rides quite a lot.....a lot! He can't stand upright riding position and neither can I BTW. Bolt upright like on a BMW kills my lower back....I'd rather kill my wrists Edit: Jeeebus freaking Crowbars.....Seems like I've hit the old man wall too....forgot to say my friend is 64 years young
Tested one. Liked it but I purchased an 08 Speed Triple with Arrows for a great deal. Two years ago, about. May keep it. Like the looks the uniqueness. It's been reliable (yes, a Triumph reliable). Sound. Ooohs and aaahs and I don't see one ten times a day. But I miss that fear, the "whoa that was stupid" sensation. I'm responsible and knock on aluminum every day remember not to get to casual riding a weapon on the street. But admittedly I want to ride and be scared. Just sometimes, ha. Realized 99% of my rides are solo and under 2 hours. I've owned R1 and ZX9R before but the midrange lure of the CBR1000RR is attractive for the backroad twisties. And the marketing and 20+hp of the BMW are nice but I'd like to stay away from riding at 10,000 rpm all day long.
What part of the world is it where you can flog a 1000 for more than a half of a single gear or for longer than 10 seconds???
2011 Ninja 1000? Allegedly has the midrange "whoa!!" that you're looking for, with good handling and relatively non-punishing to ride. I don't own one, but it sounds like you might be the target demographic.
Had a K5 GSXR-1000 which was great but sold it. Still have my RC51 which is increasingly old school. Did a test ride on a S1000rr and it was fantastic but would end up being too much like the K5 in the long run. Am currently thinking about a Duc 1198SP or the next version of that bike where they are going to ditch the trellis frame. I just love that v-twin sound and the 1198 makes pretty big hp too. Pricey though.
You can get cheap CBR 929/954 all day for under $3500. Buy it, have fun & sell it when you are done. Pretty much indestructible bikes.
As your only bike, this could turn into "what was I thinking" and you'll be posting in this thread http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=521473 You need a long test ride.
bikes are like tools in a tool box.different tools for different uses. if you need an adrenaline rush a 1000cc modern sport bike is the best tool.i own an old man's sport bike -yamaha fz1.would like to get a taller-more upright bike (multistrada,r1200gs)but cant afford it right now
I'm 62, love my 07 HD 883R, my 01 Kawasaki W650, but winter, cabin fever, and the recent motorcycle show in NY has me conniving big time to buy the new CB1000R. Sat on it, like it's tech virtues, great fit and spare trim. It'd most likely be the last new rig for me, but hey, what's left anyway? Nothing like scratching an itch.
When riding I-17 up long stretches of curvy mountains in central and northern Arizona, I love the feeling of slightly twisting the throttle in sixth gear and "whooshing" from 80 mph to 120 mph in a matter of seconds.
If you buy used and smart, what do you have to lose? If it doesn't do it for you, just sell the thing. I'm 44 and have never owned a full on sportbike. I have been toying with the idea of getting one before I'm too old to. The ZX-14, Hyabusa and K1200GT are calling me.......
I say Go for it! I'm 59 and recently gave in to the siren call of another liter-class supersport, one I've admired from near and far for years - a BMW R1100S. Back issues compelled me to at least put bar backs on it, but otherwise I'm lovin' it.
Nice bike, but "liter-class supersport" it is not. Some of the bikes mentioned in this thread make almost twice the power of the 1100S which is more on par with a machine like the VFR800 or ST3. For something with nice midrange punch and a more comfortable riding position, I'm sure it's great though!