[SafetyFirst]

I’ve been hunting around Craigslist looking for bikes.

What I really want is a 50cc – 125cc class bike just for fun on pleasure rides for the heck of it around town and maybe commuting, since I never have to hit more than 40 the whole way. Not finding a lot of those.

But I keep finding a lot of nice old GSX-Rs and others up to even 1100cc for around 2K. Of course, most have a lot of miles, and are late 80s/early 90s design. Will an old 750 or something be as aggressive as a newer one? Or is this just a way for me to move up to an I-4 when the time comes without spending a bundle?

[eternal05]

For street riding, sportbikes haven’t changed a whole helluva lot in the last 10 years. Most of the improvements in said bikes are seen on the track at high speeds. That said, what you’ll get with an older sportbike is a lot more weight. My friends mid-90s CBR weighed close to 600 lbs wet.

Honestly, if I didn’t love the track, I might not have a GSX-R at all. I’d maybe have a torquey naked (I do have my eye on those Triumphs…), but the track orientation of the gixxer is really a comfort-killer on the streets. The irony is that, among sportbikes, the gixxers are known for being “street-friendly,” and while I’m sure you can find plenty of sportbike enthusiasts that insist that they’re “friendly enough,” there’s just no comparison against a street-focused bike.

Listen, if you really want this, nobody but you is going to stop it from happening. You just can’t kid yourself about what you’re getting into. These are not easy bikes to ride, and the standard worry of straight-line power is NOT the main reason. If you’re up to it and you’re ready to put in the long, long practice hours required to become fully proficient at things like low-speed first-gear maneuvering, body positioning, smooth throttle application, smooth and progressive braking, etc, then you might consider a 600 or 750 made in the last 10 years.

I would not get a sportbike that’s 25 years old just so you can afford it, however. Trying so hard to force this issue should be sign #1 that you’re not able to see things objectively.

[AtlAggie]

Not sure where you are located, General, or your size. But if you’re really looking for a small, inexpensive bike for back road rides or low speed commutes, and your inseam is not more than 30-32″, I’d recommend a used Rebel 250.

Lightweight, low seat height, 75+ mpg, and there’s at least a dozen of them on my local Craigslist for under $2,000.

If you have little or no experience, I DO NOT recommend a 750 or larger as your starter bike, especially in a sport bike design. If you’re really set on a sport bike style, I’d recommend either the 250 or the 500 Ninja.

[SafetyFirst]

I already have a Ninja 250, but it seems all the bikes I want I can’t seem to get.

I love the sound of an I-4. Back in the late 80s/early 90’s, Suzuki made some pretty neat GSX-Rs with the dual circular headlights. If they sold in the US or not, I’m not sure, because I can’t find them used anywhere. GSX-R400 and especially the GSX-R250. A 250 I-4, what a hoot of fun that would be to ride moving up from a parallel-twin 250, with about 10 HP more power. http://www.gsx-r.eu/History_gsxr250.html

It sucks that the only way it seems to move up to an I4 is take the plunge into a big CBR600 or GSX-R600 or R6. None of which are really a good idea with three months riding under the belt.

Then there’s the CBR-125R, which is a current model, but only sells, well, everywhere else in the world it seems, except the US. I could mess with customs to import a 2008 model in white and black from Canada, but it seems like a lot of work. Still, 95 MPG, FI, lighter than my 250 and a sportsbike design look would be fun to ride to work or ride around town.

Not a fan of the Rebel, it’s not ‘eye pleasing’ to me. It’s gotta have fairings.

[eternal05]

…why not a Yamaha FZ6R?

[AtlAggie]

Sorry, didn’t realize from your original post that you already had a Ninja. And that you were only interested in the sportbike style.

Then I saw the other thread where you plan to try the BRC again this weekend, and hope to pass this time.

IMO, if you already have what most folks call the ideal starter bike for the sportsbike fan, and you haven’t been able to pass the BRC yet, then you need to put in some serious miles on the bike you have before you start shopping for a liter+ bike of any style. And don’t assume an older 750 will be less power to handle than a newer one. Just not true.

[SafetyFirst]

You know, that really looks like an I4 that wouldn’t try to kick my rear, when I look at your spreadsheet.

Is the diff between the FZ6 and FZ6R the fairings?

Only thing is, I don’t think I’ll find one for the price range I’m lookin’ in.

[Moto J]

The 84 Magna 700 I just bought is NOT fast. It has 37,000 miles and I think it needs a vavle adjustment. But right now, it’s slow and heavy. Once I have more experience I’ll spend the $250 for improved performance.

[WeaponZero]

The FZ6 has about 25 more horsepower and a much racier type of power delivery. Definitely not for beginners. Its pushing 100 hp.

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