Any bikers among us?

[BigYin]

Many years ago I used to commute to work by bike (ZZR1100), but not long after the arrival of our fist child, and the death of a friend on his bike (although it was entirely his own stupid fault!) I lost a lot of the enjoyment of riding and sold the bike - a decision I've often regretted!

Now with train fares going up constantly, I'm starting to seriously contemplate dropping the train and going back to two wheels...

So, as a rather tall chap (6'6") I definately favour larger bikes - the smaller ones are simply too small for my frame! I am still in love with the ZZR1100, but I wonder if there might be other slightly more sensible commuting bikes out there that wouldn't command the same price as the ZZR, but still be comfortable for me to drive approx 200 miles a week, about 60% of that on the motorway.. ?

 

[stu brew]

Try cbr 600

 

[BigYin]

Never sat on a CBR600, but I kind of doubt it's big enough - I tried a ZZR600 and it felt smaller than the 1100..

One of the major factors is the seat height versus the footpeg height - too small and it just feels really cramped

It's annoying, because in many ways I'd rather not face the higher running costs of the ZZR1100.... although I do rather love them...

 

[simonkidder]

Look at the triumph sprint st. They are 1050cc with a sports touring look and quite often come with panniers or top box. Well worth the Money they are very well balanced and a good looking bike. I've been looking at them recentl and I'm very tempted

 

[snail59]

Big Yin. I'm returning to Road bikes after an 11 year lay off. (went racing for 5 years and the last 6 have been spent helping friends who race) I'm looking at a Modern Classic bike (RD250/GT250) at present. Never had a 250 2smoke as a teenager so having my midlife crisis. I'm after Something I can ride that is easy to look after myself (no complex electronics) and that wont get me in trouble with the police . There are some nice big modern classics around at present like the CB750,TX750,GS750,XS650 all can be found at decent prices too. Have a look at this site CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE SEARCH they import from America.

 

[BigYin]

They're not really my style mate. Must confess, I've been looking at loads of different bikes on fleabay, gumtree and autotrader, and still keep coming back to the ZZR1100's :lol: :whistle:

 

[artyb]

ive got a 1200 bandit... :thumb:
im only 5'8'' though,

 

[swiggingpig]

I'm 6'3" and I've been riding an Aprilia ETV1000 Caponord for the last 4 years, a lot of bike for your money.

25ltr tank so a good range.

Took it to France, Belgium and Holland a couple of years ago, no drama at all.

edit: Added piccy

 

[Bru4u]

A big trail type yoke, something like the africa twin, comfy for your frame, upright and will eat up miles without loosing the run of yourself.
I got a Moto Morini 350 Kanguro and use it as my everyday runaround, a XBR500 and a VTR1000 SP1, I love big singles and twins.

 

[snail59]

something like the africa twin

Be warned. If you are in the lincolnshire Wolds and you come across a Transalp. DO NOT try to race it. Chances are it will be piloted by ex national an Isle of Man TT race winner Steve Plater. :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[BigYin]

mmmmm - so much choice....

 

[critch]

big xjr or faser .....seen a faser thou in the local rag for 1200 the other day, mate got an older zzr1100 for 600 notes last month only done 15000, one owner from new, bargains are out there........

though id advocate a chop meself

 

[BigYin]

Have been spending FAR too much time looking at bikes on ebay and gumtree etc :lol:

Fairly sure I'll try and find a low-ish miles ZZR1100 as I feel most confident about riding and looking after one - it's also been a bit of a dream to get one ever since I stupidly sold mine!

Frustratingly, I've found one I really like the look of, and although it's a bit on the pricey side, I'm still keen. Problem is I need to wait until the cash becomes available (rumour a work is we're all getting a semi-reasonable bonus this year, due to be paid in a little over two weeks time) and I don't want to wait!!! D'oh! Must call on my homebrewing patience reserves!!!

 

[pondlife]

It's always a mistake to sell your favourite bike! I know, because I've done it more than once - the grass is always greener and all that...

I've got a classic K100RT sitting in my garage waiting for me to fix its brakes and steering head bearings and I hope to get it back on the road around autumn time. It has to be said I've been repeating that mantra for the last 6 years lol!

The only thing I'd say about identifying a specific bike (or a specific anything else really) is that interest becomes obsession very quickly and common sense goes out the window. Don't rush into buying something over-budget just because desperation sets in!

It'll be a hard gig to find something to fit your frame other than the bike of your dreams - I'm 6'1" and most bike seats nowadays feel as if they were made for Lance Armstrong! Best of luck in your quest.

 

[Mr.Everready]

Look at the triumph sprint st. They are 1050cc with a sports touring look and quite often come with panniers or top box. Well worth the Money they are very well balanced and a good looking bike. I've been looking at them recentl and I'm very tempted

That's what I've got, I'm only 6'1" though. Very comfy for use all day, also goes like *@#% too :whistle:

 

[andylanc1975]

Another vote for the Sprint ST, absolutely belting bike, proper quick when it needs to be but will eat miles for fun. Too many of the sportsbikes are now commuter no-gos, they're heavy on the wrists and seats that send your rear numb after only a few miles. I'm on an R1 and my mate has an ST and its always me who calls a halt before he does and he's always first to the pub whilst I'm still sat soaking in a hot bath trying to get feeling back in my limbs!

 

[simonkidder]

Loving the sprint pic. Ive just bought a house need to save up some cash then I will be buying one of those. I've always fancied the blue colour they do it in but it Looks good in black! If the guy at the triumph centre would have given me alittle more for my R6 before I sold it I was guna trade in.

 

[simonkidder]

Loving the sprint pic. Ive just bought a house need to save up some cash then I will be buying one of those. I've always fancied the blue colour they do it in but it Looks good in black! If the guy at the triumph centre would have given me alittle more for my R6 before I sold it I was guna trade in.

I'd did 2000 miles on my R6 in September 2010 going from Burnley down to Plymouth accross on ferry With my brother on his CBR to Santander and round Spain Andorra and France for 2 weeks. Best thing I've ever done in the life. Will defo be doing a bike road trip again. I did cheat and lean on the tank bag to save my wrists. My brother on the other hand didn't have the privilidge and struggled at times.

 

[hairybiker]

I've got an older Sprint (955i), great bike, but I can't hack long (200+ miles) on it, as my arthritis in my knees plays up
But it has been of the road for the past few years due to lack of funding, nearly got it back on last year, got as far as insuring it, but the weather was :nono: so didn't mot it. (Had to insure it to keep my 5yrs ncb)

I also have a Hornet great bike for commuting on, light and easy to ride, easier to filter on it than the Trumpet. :whistle:

 

[andymacintyre]

I also sold my bike about 5 years ago - Yamaha Fazer 600. It was around the time that my first child was on the way. Kids are now 3 and 5 and I am hankering after another bike. I really fancy a big BMW trailie, as I'm 6'3" but doubt the wife or the bank balance will allow it! :whistle: