I’m finally getting bored of my first bike. Ive had a 2001 Fazer for nearly 2 years now, and whilst I love it and would recommend a Fazer as a first bike to anyone, I feel like I’ve learnt all I can from it.
So I’m thinking about moving up to an R1. With trade in I reckon I’ve got a budget of £4500 - £5000 and I’ve seen a few decent looking 2004 models around for that kind of money, so a couple of questions for the LB collective mind and wisdom…
Is going up to a 1litre bike a good idea? Is it too much of a jump or a sensible move from the Fazer (I enjoy a bit of pace and am finding the Fazer doesn’t excite me as much anymore)? Or should I look at a 600 sportsbike first? And any R1 specific issues I should know about? Also, is the R1 the one to go for or should I look at something else?
I’ve been really lucky with the Fazer, never given me a days bother, so kind of nervous about the next buy…
Good question. One i’m sure many have pondered. I was in exactly the same position a year ago. Having ridden my hornet 600 for 2 years, it was time for a change. I tried a GSXR750k6, loved the handling, but found on the test ride, I was doing 120 in 2nd… fun, but if you want to use a bike, then small is beautiful, and I am the proud owner of gsxr600k7. I can use the gears through the rev range, feel that I am using the thing, and plenty of scope for messing with it i.e. sprockets, exhaust etc. Just my opinion.
The R1 is a great litre bike because the power delivery is very smooth and it’s slightly more revvy than other 1000s so you have to work (a little) for the power which is better for a novice I reckon.
Get the motor up the revs though and it takes off. 185 mph indicated on an Autobahn last year…It’s like it has 2 power bands up top…As mine seemed to have a second wind +10,000 revs…Lovely
It’s like a GSX-R 750 with more torque if you know what I mean.
Mine is up for sale soon, but you probably don’t want that
Hello. I have owned my old R1 for years now, and use it to commute every day. I love it. It is way more capable a bike than I am a rider, and has proved to be ultra-reliable and lots of fun. I would recommend buying a low miles older bike, that way if it gets nicked or you put it down the road, it’s not the end of the world. If you are going to ride fast, fit a steering damper if not already fitted. Get crash bungs. Take off all the expensive factory fairings and put them safely in storage, and buy a replica fairing set off e-bay from Hong Kong. Don’t worry too much if the gearbox operates like one from a Russian Tank; mine’s always been like that, and the gear-change isn’t any different even after a clutch change. If you ride all year round in the wet, spray all the wiring connectors with WD-40. If you give it lots of stick you will go through chains and tyres and petrol like it’s going out of fashion. Mine has over 50.000 on it, and still going strong. Hope this helps…
I went from a 650cc to a 1100cc and haven’t regretted it one bit. In the beginning you won’t use half the revs a litre bike’s got, don’t worry, that’s normal. You’ll be wringing it through the gears within six months. Just take it easy at first and grow into all that power…
Remember, “With great power comes great responsibility!”
Just a question, what type of riding are you going to be using it for? Having had a Fazer before, maybe you did some longer distance trips? I’m totally biased, but I reckon the CBR954 is a great superbike in that you can spend some time in the saddle and it won’t bust your arse as much as an R1. But that’s just what they felt like to me…everyone’s different.
I used to come in and out of town on it daily, and for that, I really can’t fault the Fazer at all. It rules at the commute - but these days the bike’s only really coming out at the weekends for a bit of a blast…
That said, I wouldn’t want to rule out doing a longer trip on the bike either, I guess I’ll just need to try to get a half-decent test ride and see if it starts to hurt… Is height the main factor with this? I’m 6ft so not too tall, but I know some other 6ftrs have had problems with sportbikes, although plenty of others seem fine.
Forty2 is right, It may be an idea to try a test ride on one beforehand. If you are ‘heavy up top’ the riding position will be hard on the wrists… Good luck.
I’m doing the same, I’ve ridden a Transalp for the past (and first) 2 years and now I’m moving up to a Varadero 1000 today. It seems time for a bit more ‘umph’ (Sorry, not sports bike related of course)
mm never liked yamahas myself, always been more of a aprilia man. not to say they are bad, i just prefer the big twin.
i tell ya what mate, i have just finished with my kawasaki ZZR600 and have moved directly onto an aprilia RSV 1000 mille R and its fantastic. any revvs, any gear it will tear ya arms off and make ya saddle a whole lot browner lol
thing is it can be civilised. i dont own a car, i use it every day for work and its as reliable as any jap. austrian motor, italian styling, what more could you ask for? good in the wet and ice with good rubber, torque is grip!
and its classed as a sports tourer for some very odd reason, so insurance is an absolute bargain.
i would say atleast consider one. you’ll never go back to a 4 afterwards.
Interesting. I’m a skinny guy so the top heavy issue shouldn’t apply… And I hear you on the twin thing… but I’m used to a four, and like the way the power is delivered. I definitely would consider it, but perhaps after riding a bigger four for a while first…
Will report back if i go for it…