[Scout]

Written in 2004, but most decision making information still applies.

Oh, about a year ago, I was looking into purchasing a GSXR 1000. Having previously owned a 1986 GSXR 1100, and currently owning a 98 Bandit 1200, I knew what to expect from a Suzuki- BIG motor action. I also rode the Angeles Crest with a fast, experienced rider on a 01 GSXR 1000 and a less experienced rider on a 98 GSXR. Some of the riding we were doing was quite aggressive, though I felt I was being held back by my old tech B-12 (note: it was no less a fun and rewarding experience). The Bandit is a quick, comfortable, reliable, torque monster which also happens to be great for two-up sport touring on long trips, as well as commuting. Unfortunately, modifying it, though extremely inexpensive for the kind of rewards you get, would change some of what I said in the previous sentence. So it looked like I'd be 'scouting' for new. And, yes also keeping the Bandit.

I am a moto-mag-nut, and I research and investigate any purchases I anticipate making, even a year or two before buying. The current trend, for the last few years among those with the carbon fibre, unobtanium alloy egos, is to buy the best. And I know us mere mortals are sometimes swayed by the newest and latest thing. The majority of these riders if asked would surely state they can utilize every last centimeter of performance from their current machine and are ready for a step up. Whether this is true is up for debate, as a lot of the listings you see for late models are barely ridden examples with low mileage and few performance mods (but will usually have the fender gone, some bling shiny bolt-ons, and some soft rubber squared off with huge chicken strips).

Anyway, I could have easily fallen into this trap, and was ready to jump onto the Gixxer bus, until I truly examined What I Wanted from a bike. I wanted something modern, fast, light, comfortable, in a nutshell- a total package. Now there is no doubt the late model GSXR fits this requirement. But what did I need? What do we all need out of our motorcycles? The common ground for all motorcyclists? Believe it or not, there is a common ground:

1. We all want to stay riding with the shiny side up. (i.e. no design flawed crash-mongers)

2. We all want ease of use. (I have never heard: I wish (fill in: turning, braking, accelerating) was worse.

3. We all want aesthetics to our personal tastes. (If this were not true, we'd all ride white motor cycles, with white helmets, and white leathers)

4. We all want dependability. (Nobody wants to go for a ride, start up their bike, and have something go wrong. Or worse yet, go for that ride, and have something go wrong while you're in your favorite canyon or mountain pass, with no cell phone service.)

So, I realized I would combine my What I Wanted with What I Needed through self examination. Let's see, I've been street riding for more than a decade, off and on. I prefer a liter sportbike, because I'm 6'2" and 250 pounds, and as stated earlier - enjoy assertive riding.
In-line 4, because that's what I'm comfortable and familiar with. But do I truly have the ability to ride to it's potential a 150 bhp at the rear wheel modern rocket? It's great to hear about unintentional wheelies or breaking the rear lose coming out of corners from ‘test’ riders on your favorite brand bike (stating what a laugh riot it is to ride), or conversely backing it into corners on demand. How many of us regularly exercise that type of ability, or push that hard on the street, where 95% of all our riding is? Also, I knew I would compromise some utility for more performance, but not too much, due to the fact I'll only be riding street (maybe an occasional track day. Maybe.) and most of the really excellent roads are 45 minutes to 2 hours away.

Now so far, a late model GSXR still fits the bill, as reviews and owners state it is relatively comfortable, definitely powerful AND controllable, and most reliability or maintenance problems are a result of owner neglect - to include riding outside ones own abilities and crashing.

And what about other models? They also fit into my requirements. R1, 954, and GSXR thou's are equally good, and occasionally being reported as being beyond most peoples limits. In fact, I've seen reputable journalists state something along the lines that 'There are no bad modern motorcycles.' All bikes are as close to perfection as evolution can get.

So, if the bikes are at the top of their game, what would fit my style of riding best? Better yet, what would teach me or improve me as a rider. Lap times during head to head contests have those three models almost equal, with each exhibiting their own traits. And now we get down to precise decisions on performance. Do I truly want a mid-range torque laden fire-breather with more horsepower than I could use on the street (GSXR). Or a finesse machine with both good mid-range and roaring top-end (R1), though a little uncomfortable on longer rides when compared with the others. Or refinement which has 'ease of use' nailed down and is constantly reported by testers and owners as flattering to anybodies abilities, with a decent midrange and top end equal to the others (954).

How would you utilize each of these traits. Would you rely on straight line horsepower and torque more than proper braking, entry speed, and lines during cornering. I know I would if I could, getting a little sloppy on the cornering, but make up for it on the throttle during straights. And that wouldn't help me one bit. Besides, I get my kicks on the lean, not the straights. So, my GSXR is looking like a personal crutch to me.

Now, what about blinding top-end, a few less horsepower, and very specifically designed to race. That sounds good. But it also sounds like I'd feel like I have something to prove. And reportedly, the cockpit might put some strain on my not-feeling-any-younger wrists and knees. Yes, I understand you don't buy a sportbike for comfort, but if you buy one that happens to be comfortable(?). Well, goodbye R1, though I never knew you.

Now regarding the late models (CBR, GSXR, R1), I asked myself are they truly much worse for an average joe like me than the brand spanking new models out? It is hard for me to believe the new contenders for the crown: ZX-10, CBR1000R, and R1 could make the GSXR look like a B-List also ran, and that a heightened benchmark makes the GSXR no longer a viable alternative for anyone looking for a new literbike. Let's compare some 'old-new-old' models (ZX-7, GSX1300R Hayabusa, Blackbird, VFR-800, ZX-12R). All are respected in their own categories. None of them have technology lifted straight off the latest GP grid (Notice I said latest grid, RC30 fans. You know who you are). Does it stop people from buying them? Nope. What about planned for revisions or upcoming complete redesigns for these models. Uh-Uh.

So how would you feel about riding a screaming liter-bike that has had a major revision in the last two years, is quoted by many as being the best sportbike for the street ever, and has a design cycle that has lasted a decade - 2002 being the peak of its evolution. And what if I told you the brand new design that replaces it may be 20 hp and 40 cc's up on the old, but also 20-30 pounds heavier. Oh, and by the way, there are 0 mile examples being heavily discounted by dealers with 5 year extended warranties. Well, hello CBR954... I think I will own you.

And so I did. All this has been written as an example of what each of us should do when contemplating between upgrading the old, buying the old-new, or buying the brand new. Due to time and consideration, I have exactly what I wanted and needed, at a decent price to boot.

Oh, and for the others that also read everything motorcycle: believe the hype! You couldn't ask for a more complete package than the 954 on the street. And it's a Honda.

[leelover]

Nice write up, Scout!
Your selection process sounds similar to mine, though I will not be through with it at all soon. Life keeps changin'!
Of course, that means I must keep looking at bikes, and specs, and tests, and comparo's, and do test rides, and ask endless questions, and...
I better get to work!

[.OrgOwner]

An old post but still a good read

[Bigtoe]

That was an awesome read. Thanks.

[RDRACR]

I concur, great post!

[exit90a]

So it's not the AMA dominating GSXR1000 or the super sexy R1 rocket or the monster motor ZX10R. That's the conclusion I came to when I traded my old faithful 99' R1 (57,000 miles) for a 2007 CBR1000RR. It still has legendary Honda fit, finish and reliability and looks plenty racy if that's your thing. Also, it will haul A$$ just as well as any of those others regardless what the jaded magazine hacks say.