which is better

ok this will probably spark a debate, but im wondering which bike would suit
me best. i have up to 5 grand to spend. i want at least a 900cc....(i love
torque). i also want reliability.
so.... will i be happier on an early model ducati/guzzi type bike.........or
a 90's model kawasaki/honda/yam/suz ?
im keen on sports tourers and im over 6ft tall
jas

 

Great bikes those.

Another good option in your price range is the Kawasaki ZZR1100.

I like V-Twins myself, but 5 grand is an awkward place for them... you
should get a cosmetically challenged LeMans for that or a selection of
fairly decent small block Guzzi's. I can't think of any Ducati's off
hand that I'd buy that are in the 5 grand price area...


G-S

 

one jap bike (VFR750?)

or

3 Guzzi's/Ducs
(one to ride, one being fixed and the other for spare parts)

hth

MH

 

In aus.motorcycles on Fri, 12 May 2006 18:49:51 +0800

Don't buy an early model Euro bike if you want 90's japanese brakes,
horsepower, and service intervals.

The Euro stuff is easy to work on, there's a thriving aftermarket,
they have heaps pose value, and I love mine dearly.

But ain't no way I'd recommend anyone to buy one unless they know what
they are getting. Which is a bike that is old tech and has to be ridden
that way, that has to be maintained well, that you have to locate the
spares for, and that you either maintain yourself or move to where a
recommended spanner-twirler lives.

If you find an early Euro appeals, then get the latest Guzzi or BMW you
can buy. Guzziwise any squarefin Le Mans (roundies are getting old and
sought after, although you might find a MkII for your money) but sit on
it first - if you are tall you might find your knees don't fit.

You can get airhead BMWs in your price range, but they won't be
cosmetically good, and while you can definitely fang them they are more
tourer than sport.

I don't think you will find a Ducati that won't be an "enthusiast's bike"
in that price range.

Generally, if you are asking that question, then the answer is "90s
Japper" every time. The only time you should think about an older
Eurobike is when you know you want one, you are just trying to decide
which one you want.

Zebee
- who didn't really realise she wanted an old Guzzi till one mugged
her, but isn't really a good role model...

 

In aus.motorcycles on Sat, 13 May 2006 15:32:53 +1000

no. One to ride daily, one for pose value, and one and a half for
spare parts!

Zebee
- who is still hunting a loopframe tank, anyone got one? can swap a
tonti frame tank plus taps....

 

You've already made up your mind. I have no reason to justify it.

 

I think 5K condemns you to turn Japanese
Any Euro for 5K is going to be a project and they're always costly

Possible exception is an air head BMW ,R80 maybe,but the performance wont be
startling, possibly acceptable but definitely not startling

Capt. A. L.