Modern Vespa

I have had several sport bikes in the past and I am considering upgrading to a 2006 Yamaha R1 LE. Other bikes being considered are Ducati 999S or R which is a bit more expensive, and a Honda RC51 which is the least expensive.

Please keep in mind I am 6'3" and about 200 pounds so fit matters.

The Yamaha is appealing simply because it is an LE version of the bike and has the Kenny Roberts color scheme.

The Ducati is a Ducati. The R version is sweet, but the S is nice as well.

The Honda is a Ducati without the maintenance schedule cost nightmare. Although I have heard that they have improved.

Am I missing any other bikes that I should add to the list? GSXR 1000 keeps showing up as an amazing sportbike.

Here is a picture of the R1LE.

Yes I will keep the Vespa. I have learned from others that they regret selling them once they get a larger bike.

Honda all the way

Bombproof engines and excellent build quality.......

I was the new VFR so bad...

I have a few Duc's and one Yamaha RZV500

The collectable are

998SP

999R Xerox

D16RR

sold my 2012 MTS Pikes Peak and my Hypermotard

I think you might look at the Hypermotard SP, I will be up next year to pick one up from Moto Corsa

I think with your riding style and area you would choose the same..

GB

Hodna.

Ducati ? Pah !

Bill X

The question of what sports bike has but one answer, and it matters not what age /mileage/condition you are considering.


That answer is.....'blade

+1

oh yes.....

+2. Awesome machines, from the three mates I know who ride them.

the new triumph speed triples have been getting good reviews, also the new mv agusta 800 tripple, I have a ducati as well, but there is a legroom issue with people over 6ft. tall.

And there's also a clutch that sounds like a bag of spanners.

You don't get that with a Hodna. Help Help me Hodna.

Rhymes with Donda and has an "H" in it.

Birreh !

+3

Ive owned 2 of em

One got stolen and I smashed the other (and my pelvis too )

All of these bikes require being on your game when riding. I'm partial to the Ducs, and as Gee Bee states, the Hyper is an amazing bike. Easy to ride, sketchy over 100 mph, but that's good because it keeps the rider grounded. There's not a bike out there that performs 0 to 100 mph like the Hyper. Easy to ride, sounds amazing, has the clutch rattle and chatter and gets respect from anyone and everyone and has gotten extremely cheap. I love mine. Best of all, the upright riding position. Complete hooligan bike

^^^^^ +1 LOVE the Hypermotard!

My dream bike. Very usable powerband. Very versatile.

The new one with the 848 water is even better...

Next will be the list of parts for the build

The dealer said take it for the weekend...

2014 is going to be a great year, New DD cups for my girl and a another new Duc...

GB

+1 on the Duc, not a fan of bolt-ons, however. Keep the silicon accessories to the vehicles.

On of my club mates is riding the Aprilla. He loves it.

Gee Bee, you're the man. I admire a man that enjoys the finer things in life and the farkles that go along with these. Boys need their toys, hopefully you'll get lot's of enjoyment out of the new toys and she'll undoubtedly enjoy your enthusiasm.

I will be doing the hoses for it also, that way the Bike is a tax write off for the build...

Here are the 848 hoses I do now

These are the race version : the flow 30 % more coolant without a thermostat

Matte Black -Gloss Red-Gloss black

I will be doing CF wheels and Akrapovic exhaust with black ceramic coated pipes...

GB

aka : Gee-Bee Racing

I certainly will endorse the idea of keeping the Vespa regardless of which motorcycle you decide to take on.

I've ridden a number of sportbikes but my long legs (6'2.75") and aging hips just can't deal well with the riding position. And the seats -- like riding on cinder blocks.

Of all the "sporty" bikes I've ridden the Ducati Hypermotard was probably my favorite but like someone said you really need to be on all the time. They aren't forgiving machines and with so much power at hand things can go bad in a hurry.

Still, I had some nice rides on this one...

^^^ +1 on the DD cups.

Even my fathers live in cook/ maid is pimped...

Who cares if she cant see her toe's

Gina says' , Everybody is always so nice to me...

Go Gina !


Happy New year to all here....

I think it is a sad world we live in if someone has to do that to themselves to feel attractive/good about themselves.

The only enormous cans this thread needs.

sit on a r1 before you get one they are tiny compered to some of the other bikes

I always liked the R1 for exactly that reason. But I'm a short rider, so it fit me well. The Hypermotard really appeals to me now that I'm 52 years old. I don't want to lay on the gas tank anymore. The Hypermotard has a very comfortable seating position for me. The tall seat height means I have to hang off the side though.

-Craig

People rave about the Triumph Daytona, even though it isn't a litre bike. Apparently it is fairly roomy despite its diminutive form factor. Don't buy the Honda if you want some soul.

It's a sports bike choice. TT wins will always trump soul.



.......'blade

If that bike is in the conversation, how about the Kawa ZX-6R? Who has to have a litre bike to rip it up and have fun? That said, the Daytona does get my nod for "character".

Based on his area and the speed limits there, a Aprilla RSV250 would be just as fast...

Its all about where you live and the type of riding...

Iam adding a 1991 BMW K1 ( brick) to my collection

I have a four car garage and hanger so I have room...

GB