My last hoorah!

[JakesKTM]

Looking for my last sportbile. Im 53 and figure if Im gonna enjoy another sportbike in my lifetime I better do it now. Im not an outlier like Ernie who’ll probly rail into his 80’s. My body prolly wont make it that far.

Im looking at used r1’s and panignales right now and pretty wide open to suggestions. Its gotta be sexy and fast and available usedsince I cant afford a brand new off the shelf.

Ive been out of the sportbike manufacturers race for two decades so I have NO idea what years were major technological milestones. Ive heard great things about the r1. Not so much the ducatis. Heard nothing about gsxrs or kawasakis? I know some here like the S1000rr and the Aprilla.

All of these are a consideration.

 

[m0t0_ryder]

As one on the downhill side of 50 my best advice is sit on each of them, or better, if you can, try riding each.

Even better than the old days is that the modern sport bikes are (for the most part) way more capable than the majority of riders.

I myself can no longer be comfortable for longer rides (the kind I like) in the sport bike riding position.
Gimme the upright ride of the ADV bikes.

Good luck shopping.

 

[Blankpage]

Unless you're a masochist you might want to remove Panignales from the list.
Took me about two seconds of sitting on one at the dealer to know thats not something I want for street use.

 

[usedtobefast]

You know you are supposed to buy a Multistrada, right?

My old guy sport bike is a KTM 990 SMT. Super comfortable. But it isn't an R1 in performance & handling, but it ain't bad.

For this sportbike itch, is it tons of power? Handling? Brakes? Looks?

Something like a KTM 1290 Super Duke ... has all that, but it isn't as painful as a pure sports bike.

 

[bikeama]

You know you are supposed to buy a Multistrada, right?

My old guy sport bike is a KTM 990 SMT. Super comfortable. But it isn't an R1 in performance & handling, but it ain't bad.

For this sportbike itch, is it tons of power? Handling? Brakes? Looks?

Something like a KTM 1290 Super Duke ... has all that, but it isn't as painful as a pure sports bike.

Grandkids and Multistradas just go together. :teeth :afm199 :teeth

 

[EastBayDave]

https://sacramento.craigslist.org/mcy/d/2004-kawasaki-zrx-1200/6726790870.html

Good all-around-ride that can go all-day in just about any mode & not kill your back. I've owned 2. :teeth

 

[OnFire]

I'm almost your age and have been thinking to get a newer sports bike, too. I currently ride a 01 CBR600 F4i and like it quite a bit.

A few months ago I sat on a new R6 (2017+) and was surprised how its ergos have become more street/every day riding friendly. It almost felt like it had a bit more room than my CBR. I'm 6'4"... Didn't take it for a ride, though.


Subscribing to this thread...

 

[KrustyKruser]

1 vote for panigale with Gilles vario bar risers. I would be happy with base model but if your into the electronic suspension get the S model.

 

[fubar929]

You know you are supposed to buy a Multistrada, right?

Even better: sell your Multistrada and buy a Ducati Supersport S. It looks like a Panigale but the ergos are comfortable enough that you can ride it all day. Electronics aren't quite as sophisticated as they are on the $27,000 Panigale V4S, but you'll have an extra $12,000 in your pocket to spend on track days...

If you're not a fan of Italian exotics, I was surprised at how comfortable my last GSX-R was. Put the adjustable foot pegs in their lowest position and that bike is almost comfortable. Almost.

 

[sf250gto]

Check out the riding ergo's of an Aprilia Tuono. A little more upright, but definitely a sports bike.

 

[Climber]

Have you thought about a 750 gsxr?

The R1 has more power than you'll ever get to fully use, a 600 has less than you'll probably want at times, the 750 is just right. Also, I've heard the gsxr is an easier bike to work on than a Honda and not as finicky as a Ducati.

Also, it seems like you're a bit undecided on what type of riding you want to do, the multistrada is a very different beast than an R1. You'll have to decide on that first.

 

[Johndicezx9]

Just get superbike bars and a Scott’s damper and any sprotbile is comfy as a Gold Wing..... :teeth

 

[Climber]

Just get superbike bars and a Scott’s damper and any sprotbile is comfy as a Gold Wing..... :teeth

Haven't ridden a goldwing yet, have you?

 

[Blankpage]

Ive been waiting over a month for a mirror from Ducati. Called yesterday and was told it hasn't left the factory yet cause ducati is restructuring or some such BS. That would be a factor in me buying another one.

 

[budman]

As a Mulit owner I noted that in higher speed carving the suspension just is not there to stay with a real spr0tbile. At lower speeds it is OK and you can ride around it.

Pure speed wise it does pretty well up to a point. I did roll on's at various speeds and gears with a S1000RR and got crushed except for a moment in second gear. There is no doubt the extra 40-50HP and lighter weight make it a killer machine. Following the boys on those in those higher speeds had me thinking that fucker is on rails while I move around quite a bit comparably.

The BMW is the one spr0tbile that gives an older guy a little more room. The Ducati had me saying no way immediately. The R1 was a bit better but still could not be considered due to knee bend.

A Gixxer was not bad and certainly they are reliable, capable and lots of bits to be had.

Whatever you choose... HURRAH!!! arty

 

[WeekEndWarrior]

Buy The most powerful, sexy, uncomfortable bike you can.

 

[Aware]

Looking for my last sportbile. Im 53 and figure if Im gonna enjoy another sportbike in my lifetime I better do it now. Im not an outlier like Ernie who’ll probly rail into his 80’s. My body prolly wont make it that far.

Im looking at used r1’s and panignales right now and pretty wide open to suggestions. Its gotta be sexy and fast and available usedsince I cant afford a brand new off the shelf.

Ive been out of the sportbike manufacturers race for two decades so I have NO idea what years were major technological milestones. Ive heard great things about the r1. Not so much the ducatis. Heard nothing about gsxrs or kawasakis? I know some here like the S1000rr and the Aprilla.

All of these are a consideration.

Two decades? Then I don’t think it matters which you buy, they are all amazing.

Aprilia RSV4 has been the best all rounder for the last few years.

The Penigales are also great.

R1 ... same.

Cbr1000rr is probably the most comfortable and street friendly.

The Tuono is a great suggestions too, for for instance.

If you are dead set on the Panigale or R1, try getting a test ride. But don’t ignore all the other great used sports bikes.

 

[afmotorsports]

Its gotta be sexy and fast and available used since I cant afford a brand new off the shelf.

C’mon now, only YOU can ultimately decide what “sexy and fast” looks like! I’m two years from the half century mark and last year I picked up a RSV4 for the simple reason that the V4’s sound gave me a boner. The BMW was faster, the Ducati was more red, but the Aprilia made me happy. They’re all more than capable for street and trackday duty, but “sexy sportbike” is just so subjective. Chances are that deep down you already know which one would get you out of bed at midnight to just go sit in the garage and stare at it for a while. Good luck with your purchase! :thumbup

 

[OldMadBrit]

Looking for my last sportbile. Im 53 and figure if Im gonna enjoy another sportbike in my lifetime I better do it now. Im not an outlier like Ernie who’ll probly rail into his 80’s. My body prolly wont make it that far.

Im looking at used r1’s and panignales right now and pretty wide open to suggestions. Its gotta be sexy and fast and available used since I cant afford a brand new off the shelf.

Ive been out of the sportbike manufacturers race for two decades so I have NO idea what years were major technological milestones. Ive heard great things about the r1. Not so much the ducatis. Heard nothing about gsxrs or kawasakis? I know some here like the S1000rr and the Aprilla.

All of these are a consideration.

I think you have a lot more years of riding than you realize. I got my first R1 at 50 and upgraded to a 17 R1M at 60. I just did my first ever motorcycle race at 61 and I don't expect to stop riding my R1 any time soon.

Back on topic, the major improvement in sports-bikes is the electronics, which have transformed this class. I put $,000's and hundreds of man hours into my 99/06 R1 but my 17 R1M was a massive improvement right out of the box. Slide control and wheelie control can transform track days, while ABS (+ all the above) makes street riding a lot safer. :thumbup

Personally, I'd recommend a '16 and up used R1 as the '15's had crank and gearbox issues. The BMW S1000RR and Ape RSV4 also have great electronics. Not a Duc fan, so cant comment.

 

[295566]

Rsv4.