Need Advice on Bike Purchase

49over

Well-known member
Site Supporter
Need some advice,

I've been Honda Loyal for 20+ yrs, but the new Honda Line up Does nothing for me. I ride with my older siblings, one is a loyal Kawi Lover and the other is a loyal BMW lover. To prevent teasing and "ribbing" that rules out those two Manufactures. I'm not a fan of Yamaha or Suzuki, can't afford a Ducati.
I pulled my 08 1000rr off the road last summer and made it a track bike, now I'm looking to replace it to have a road bike. I like the power of a liter bike and I think I would be bored with a smaller displacement.
Aprillia is where my eyes are looking, but I know little about them. Style is awesome, but will it be as bullet proof and reliable as my Honda's have been (never had to send to dealer to get repairs done).

What ever I get has to keep up to a Kawi 1000 and a K1200 Beemer, or I get called pokey like I use to call my brothers...lol

Things on the Wanted List
-reasonable comfort
- power
-reliability
-a good dealer to deal with
 
Your in love with Honda...go on get another one...nobody else's will ever be good enough
 
They've lowered the price on the RSV4 and RSV4 factory by 2 and 3 grand respectively. They are straight competition with the big 4 now. The factory model is compelling for the upgrades for about $5k more. If its just for the street as you suggest, you probably don't need the go-fast parts, although they are attractive. As they become more mainstream at the new price point, parts availability should follow.
 
If a Ducati is out of his price range, so will an MV F4R and RSV4. Personally I would look at the Aprilia Tuono V4, it's the naked version of the RSV4, slightly detuned and upright. Test drove one last year, the sound of the engine is like a crack addiction. They will have to tear you off that bike. List price is $15,500 I believe.



Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
 
Take a look at the Triumph street fighter 1050. Last year I took my MV in for a recall, the dealer was very nice in lending me a 1050 for 3 days. Loved the bike; couldn't stop smiling. On my list of "next bike to get".

triumph1.jpg

triumph2.jpg



Note:if you don't like attention, this might not be the bike for you, It got lots of attention everywhere I went.

I also rode the RSV4, amazing bike, great sound but 2 years ago getting parts was an issue; might have been solved by now.

Aprilia1.jpg

Aprilia2.jpg


"Lightcycle" riding the bike on the second picture.

*sorry about all the photos; just love taking photos bikes.
 
Last edited:
I read a good piece of feedback on buying Aprilia on the net and you may find it helpful. He basically recommended much of the decision on whether to buy should be bass on how close you are to a dealer, how good that dealer is, and the robustness of the dealer network. In the case of that guy, these aspects were problems for him, and his ownership experience ended up being less than optimal.
 
Last edited:
Unfortunately as you probably know, the dealer network for Aprilia in North America is small. It's too bad since Aprilia is now part of piaggio which is one of the largest manufacturers of motorcycles in the world. I can't comment on part availability because my Aprilia has been reliable with no issues that needed parts. But that being said, I've had nothing but headaches trying to get parts for my Hondas. So maybe size of the company has nothing to do with parts availability. I guess the market in Canada is too small. Luckily for me the Hondas are quite reliable too so the need to get parts is not often.
In my opinion, if you will be doing a lot of stop and go city type riding, I would stay away from the RSV4. It's a horrible bike for that. Unless you are constantly moving, the 2 rear cylinders get really hot, and the rear exhaust pipes are next to your right ankle. Under 5000 rpm the bike pulsates, chugs, and eats crazy amounts of fuel. Compared to your Honda 1000 it may be a disappointment. The Honda 1000rr does everything so well.
Prior to putting mine on the track, most of my miles were put mainly in the mountains of Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The bike rocks in those types of conditions. Obviously Not the most comfortable but the engine had so much character, it is addictive.
I have never ridden the tuono, maybe the detuned engine and upright position would make the v4 a good option.
Hope this helps, good luck on your decision
 
If you want a naked bike and want to stick with Honda, check out the CB1000R it is pretty rare in North America but has a good style and easy riding position. It may suit your needs.
 
What is your price range?
 
I find this thread a bit strange, asking others what bike you should get is kinda like asking which girl you should date.

Just my .02, no need to get all jerry springer on me. :)
 
I've never really looked at naked bikes, so far full fairing has been my choice.
Price Range is hopefully under 18,000.
My only payment now is a Mortgage and I'm trying to keep it that way... Not looking like that's gonna happen... Lol

Need somethin like $13650 plus tax and pdi

2012 Honda CBR1000RRA $13599 plus tax and pdi...there ya go under $18000
 
You can get a used 1098/1198 for under $18k....but I'm slowly falling in love with the RSV4 that thing is looking sweet with an even sweeter price tag. All the reviews seems to be pretty good.
 
Back
Top Bottom