[pascal]

Hi there guys and gals. Thanks for all the great info on this board, I've spent the last two days scouring through the archives - lots of good stuff!

The stable has two bikes in it:
- 04 Yamaha R6 track bike with lots of goodies (nothing quite like tearing past an R1 on the back straight of FUSA on a 600!)
- 02 Kawasaki ZZR1200 set up for distance riding

I have come to realize I don't take the ZZR anywhere other than around town, so it is time to let her go. In the last two months I have been looking for what to replace her with.

the criteria:
- has to be a full sport bike, not a sport tourer like the ZZR
- something distinguished
- something sexy
- something that has a good sound to it (at least I'm honest)
- good handling (within reason, I'm not looking for something that will outhandle the R6)
- fun to ride
- passenger seat

With those options in mind I looked at Ducati, Aprilia, and the RC. The duc is too much money for power (that is not a rip on Ducati, just my finances relative to what I want) - The aprilia is awesome, but there are no dealers nearby and parts seem to be a tad hard to get.

so that leaves the RC - sexy, distinguished, solid performer, and great sounding!

So now the challenge is to find one. locally things have been pretty dissapointing.

I would like to find :
- a crated 03 or 04 in the 8500-9000 range.
- Used 02+ as long as the bike is mint with low miles.

Any suggestions?

thanks to all!

Working the R6 at summit point:

http://www.zzr1200.net/albums/album09/summit_small.jpg

[CBRVFR]

Welcome to the .org, pascal.

I've never heard of that postage stamp of foam on the tail of the RC being referred to as a 'passenger seat', but whatever you say...

[DUX]

The RC meets all of your needs except the passenger seat and "around town" capability. It fits neither of those very well.

Otherwise, the bike is a blast!

[Mattress]

If you're naturally hunch-backed, it'll be great around town
I wouldn't really rule out and '00 or '01 either, every year is great

[pascal]

DUX/CBRVFR

I hear you guys on the seat. The last girlfriend hated bikes (and I met her on a bike, go figure) so the passenger seat was no issue, The girl I am starting to see can't get enough rides in, so a seat is a must. she doesn't seem to mind that they are uncomfortable, as long as there is something there and a place to put her feet.

Mattress

The hunchback thing is not a problem. from track riding I have learned to lock in the knees and relax the arms. Our idea of track riding is back country road stuff so some handling is needed to keep up with my friends.

I'm getting really pumped up to get an RC...just have to find one! A local dealer is offering 9500 on a crated 04. At the beginning of this season there were crated 03's at 8500. If I can't find one before next year hopefully they will drop the price on the 04.

BTW, I am in syracuse NY. I can easily pick up a bike around NY and PA

[DUX]

Originally Posted by pascal

DUX/CBRVFR

I hear you guys on the seat. The last girlfriend hated bikes (and I met her on a bike, go figure) so the passenger seat was no issue, The girl I am starting to see can't get enough rides in, so a seat is a must. she doesn't seem to mind that they are uncomfortable, as long as there is something there and a place to put her feet.

Mattress

The hunchback thing is not a problem. from track riding I have learned to lock in the knees and relax the arms. Our idea of track riding is back country road stuff so some handling is needed to keep up with my friends.

I'm getting really pumped up to get an RC...just have to find one! A local dealer is offering 9500 on a crated 04. At the beginning of this season there were crated 03's at 8500. If I can't find one before next year hopefully they will drop the price on the 04.

BTW, I am in syracuse NY. I can easily pick up a bike around NY and PA

Try Track and Trail Honda in State College, Pa. I bought the last new '04 they had, but they did have a nice used '03 a few months ago. Who knows, they might even deal on an '05.

[gt702]

Originally Posted by DUX

The RC meets all of your needs except the passenger seat and "around town" capability. It fits neither of those very well.

Otherwise, the bike is a blast!

Adjusting the gearing (couple extra teeth out back) and raising the bars just a little definitely help the around town stuff. I used the Sato adjustable bars (from DK) and set them to my comfort point and it is an amazing difference. Ends of the bars are up a little over an inch and sit a little wider (interesting is all the controls have more clearance now); this makes a big difference to visibility and leverage around town.

Good luck and enjoy. I do.

[pascal]

thanks for the info guys. I'm talking with a guy on an 03. If all goes well I might have an RC soon!