Sportbike vs Standard naked bike: Questions

油井緋色

油井緋色

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Please read before posting, this may help out n00bs in the future.

I had originally planned to upgrade to a sportbike next year but then my gf, whom I got into riding this June, asked me was it even pratical? She brought up a good point. You'd never get past 3rd/4th on most sportbikes (at least I never left 3rd on the GSXR750 I test rode), and the only applicable situation to go balls out with the sportbike would be on the track. Most of my time would be spent commuting, around 300 km/week, and lots of highway riding. I had intended to begin tracking next year but looked at my wallet and realized it would be wiser to invest in my career but still plan to do it as some point. Then further research suggested that to track I'd have to tape lights, take off mirrors every time to meet regulations. So here are a list of questions for sportbikes:


  1. Posers aside, how are sportbikes practical for everyday travel?
  2. How much does it cost you, on average, for a track session?
  3. Are maintenance costs higher on sportbikes than standard/naked bikes?

I've always liked the look of naked bikes, despite that most North Americans seem to hate them, the ones I've been eyeing at were the FZ8, FZ1, CB1000, StreetFighter, StreetFighter S (if I somehow find one used or have a **** ton of $$$). I've heard wind protection is horrible on naked bikes. So my only question for the naked bikes is:


  • Does the wind bother you at all if you own a naked bike? Referring to speeds around 120-180 (lets say this isn't on the highway!)

Thank you ahead of time =)
 
Gen 1 FZ1, i rode ZX9's for many years prior to owning a naked bike.

Wind of course is more of a factor, a decent windshield helps. Does it bother me, actually no i enjoy the fresh air feeling. Bike does feel less stable in high winds though, not sure if it's just the bike.

Beware of heat to your thighs/legs. A naked bike lets you know when the engine is warm, more so than a fully faired.

For naked bikes to track and commute with i would look at a FZ6 or a hornet599.

Track will dent the wallet.
 
Jayv said:
Gen 1 FZ1, i rode ZX9's for many years prior to owning a naked bike.

Wind of course is more of a factor, a decent windshield helps. Does it bother me, actually no i enjoy the fresh air feeling. Bike does feel less stable in high winds though, not sure if it's just the bike.

Beware of heat to your thighs/legs. A naked bike lets you know when the engine is warm, more so than a fully faired.

For naked bikes to track and commute with i would look at a FZ6 or a hornet599.

Track will dent the wallet.
Click to expand...

Lets assume no crashes on track, simply replacement of tires and whatever else that naturally evaporates from track use, plus entrance fees, what would the average cost be?

Of course this all changes if I ever highside into oblivion lol
 
You can roll cheap and do Mondays and Thursday track days. Usually under $100.

Thats taking in the presumption that you have all the neccessary riding gear for a track day.

You won't be doing yourself any favours though running on worn down street tires for a T.D.
 
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Having been in the same boat this year after upgrading from a Honda F4 to The 07 CBR RR I can relate to the issues.

1. I'm 6' and find the CBR RR a little cramped. The seat as absolutely horrible. However I have managed to suck it up and have now over 12,000km only pleasure riding on Sundays and the occasional evening ride this year. Typical seat time is a minimum of 300km+ at a time. Other then the ergonomics i absolutely love the bike and have no complaints on the hwy, on the back roads or the occasional jaunt through the city. The clutch tends to be a little heavy would be nit picking.

2. The last track session a did was a long time ago but would estimate with transportation, food, and vehicle maint/prep somewhere in the neighborhood of $500 for the day. That was using DOT tires and a street prepped bike along with a compact car and trailer. However that doesn't include the cost of nice things to have at a track such as shelter, tools, consumables.

3. Maintenance costs should be similar from my research since they are essentially the same bike just better ergonomics, de-faired and de-tuned.

Which leads me to today. I have basically been torn between keeping my current bike and spending $1000 in upgrades to make it more real world friendly or sell it and purchase a 1000cc naked. I do know after riding a few different nakeds below the 1000 mark they just dont give me the rush my 600SS does.

P.S. performance wise all the 600SS are similar. For the amount of milage you are doing I would strongly suggest making comfort your priority and purchase the one that fits you best.
 
I commute to work 20-30 minutes every day both ways rain or shine in my GSXR600. It's pretty practical, going to see how long into the year I can keep riding though. For the gas money, and sheer joy or riding to/from work it's great. I have a backpack for my laptop and keep shoes at work. Dress shirt doesn't wrinkle under the jacket or get wet when a bit rainy. Tank bag on to hold the bike cover when its rainy. Space in the backpack to hold a packed lunch with some spare room.

If i needed it to get groceries i would just buy some luggage but I have a car to do that.

SS isn't uncomfortable at all for shorter rides. I haven't gone on a ride more than 2 hours but even then I wasn't sore. I find it quite comfortable most of the time and enjoy riding street with it. I use all the gears now to save gas but typically 3rd for local roads, 4th for the bigger/faster roads. Sure I could do highway in third...but who wants to hear constant screaming for 20 minutes?
 
@jeep
That's why I want the GSXR750. Besides being the only one I rode (lol), it gives me the same feel as my GS500F (handlebars are modded) but allows me to stay more upright due to a bigger gas tank. I've sat on the R6 and find it a bit tall (I'm 5'6). Haven't tried the RR or the 6R/1R.

But my issue isn't ergonomics, it has more to do with applicability. Lets be honest, I want a sportbike not only to race with, but to have a **** ton of speed. My gf thinks this speed is going to get me into serious trouble, not with the cops, but with a wall or something. I kinda agree with her (hence why even if I do not plan to track, I plan to take a track course of some sort next year...I know they're around $1,000 + deposits), so started to look into naked bikes. I mean, if I'm not going to be using 6th gear on the 750, might as well get a naked that can use it's 6th gear...legally.

...Maybe this is me just rationalizing so I don't piss off my gf or get myself killed, cause deep down I know I want the 750 =/

and @ sushi...I'm not going to judge, just want to be see if we have similar personalities: how often do you break the 150 speed "limit"? And if your answer is "why else do I have a sportbike?" then....=D lol
 
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油井緋色;1866666 said:


  1. Posers aside, how are sportbikes practical for everyday travel?
  2. How much does it cost you, on average, for a track session?
  3. Are maintenance costs higher on sportbikes than standard/naked bikes?


  • Does the wind bother you at all if you own a naked bike? Referring to speeds around 120-180 (lets say this isn't on the highway!)

Thank you ahead of time =)
Click to expand...


1. Amazing handling, blistering acceleration and phenominal braking are good things to have. You don't need to be taking your vehicle to the extremes of its performance all the time to appreciate its performance qualities.

2.I don't track my bike.

3. No. Other than somewhat increased tire usage.

Regarding naked bikes, I don't like the upright ridiing position as I find it uncomfortable and hard on my back. I also find my head gets beaten to hell on the highway due to windblast. My wife found the same thing. Others have had different experience. I conclude that if you like sitting up and you don't spend much time about 100 kph nakeds will work well for you.
 
Griffin said:
1. Amazing handling, blistering acceleration and phenominal braking are good things to have. You don't need to be taking your vehicle to the extremes of its performance all the time to appreciate its performance qualities.

2.I don't track my bike.

3. No. Other than somewhat increased tire usage.

Regarding naked bikes, I don't like the upright ridiing position as I find it uncomfortable and hard on my back. I also find my head gets beaten to hell on the highway due to windblast. My wife found the same thing. Others have had different experience. I conclude that if you like sitting up and you don't spend much time about 100 kph nakeds will work well for you.
Click to expand...

lol, my GS500F leaves me in a sport position (again, modded handlebars) so I really prefer it over upright (my gf's Ninja 250 is upright, feels like...well, ****) and rarely do I ever stay at 100km/h unless there is crazy traffic....seems like the answer is becoming more and more clear.
 
The solution is to stop listening to your girlfriend.

Seriously though, I own a 2006 GSX-R 750 and I love the ****ing thing.
I commute and do long distance trips from time to time while 2-upping.
My last trip was was to Niagara Falls with my girlfriend on the back, was ~700 KM's. (Took the scenic route)


Is it practical? No.

Is it extremely fun? ****ing right!

Will it get you in trouble? Depends on your character/self control.

Maintenance? Aside from scheduled maintenance (oil, spark plugs, tires, pads, etc.), I haven't done any serious repairs on my bike.

Track? I just picked up a CBR600RR as a track bike and I will let you know about the costs next year.
But getting everything prepared, like warmers, generator, trailer, 1 piece suit, and all the aftermarket goodness is adding up QUICK!
Though most are not necessary but they're pretty much mandatory for a dedicated track bike.

If you'll just be going to the track once a while all you have to do is worry about entrance fees, transportation, gas, food, etc.
If you find a buddy to hitch a ride with, then you split the costs of gas, trailer space and what not.
$500 sounds a little on the high side to me, but I haven't done a track day yet, so we'll see.
 
油井緋色;1866666 said:


  1. Posers aside, how are sportbikes practical for everyday travel?
  2. How much does it cost you, on average, for a track session?
  3. Are maintenance costs higher on sportbikes than standard/naked bike?
Click to expand...



  1. Not practical in any way (for me sport bike vs naked would be all the same) ... I find it a PITA to wear gear to the office, and the headache of traffic isn't worth it. My bike is a toy, no practial use at all, weekend rides, the odd run about or the track.
  2. Track days run $140-$200 depending on the track and the day, $120 gas for the car and bike, plus some extras). Getting gear and setup for the track is where the $$$'s come in, you need a suit, back protector, and boots as the basics, if you're okay with used you can find deals on this stuff too. Trailer for the bike, track body work vs street body work cost $$ too.
  3. Naked vs sport bike I assume maitnenace is a wash. Track vs street riding is where there would be a difference, the Track = more tires, oil changes, and other wear and tear.


 
Sportbike is more favorable if you do more 400 series hwy type commuting...and crouched position
Naked if your doing more around town and 2 lane hwy ridin and more upright position.
Get what suits your purpose.
 
OP, I came from riding a GS500F in my first year, and all I thought I wanted to upgrade to was a 600SS. I sat on all of the major contenders, GSXR600, ZX6R, R6, CBR600, Daytona 675's...all felt cramped to me except the Daytona and the Ninja (I'm 6'2", 190Lbs). Then I started considering naked bikes like you're doing. I don't ever intend to hit the track, so I have no feedback on that aspect. I eventually settled on a Triumph Speed Triple 1050 (a very naked bike) . In town I'm rarely out of 3rd or 4th. On the highway (120-140'ish) the bike is rock solid, and the wind blast doesn't bother me in the least, it actually "hold's" me up. But the Speed Triple is way less practical than the GS500F was. At least I could fit my ball cap under the seat...there is next to room under the Triple's seat. So I'm relegated to backpacks...I'm not of fan tank or tail bags. I put about 100-150 Km on my bike a week commuting to work and love it. Maintenance for a street ridden bike will be almost a wash no matter what you ride...oil, plugs chain lube brake pads (2 or 3 sets) is all the same. Although it is nice not to have to take of the fairings to do oil changes now.
 
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Mina said:
........

If you'll just be going to the track once a while all you have to do is worry about entrance fees, transportation, gas, food, etc.
If you find a buddy to hitch a ride with, then you split the costs of gas, trailer space and what not.
$500 sounds a little on the high side to me, but I haven't done a track day yet, so we'll see.
Click to expand...

$150 Entrance Fee
$200 Scrubs, Water Wetter, Oil Change, Brake Fluid
$70 Gas For Tow Vehicle
$10 Breakfest
$20 Lunch
$30 Dinner

It adds up real quick! Notice that doesn't include things like gear and other misc bike items.
 
I rode sportbikes for 20 yrs. No more. I used to think I rode the wheels off my GSXR when I was in the mountains, dragging knees etc....Once I began racing an old 96 YZF 600, I realized that I was riding my ancient YZF way harder and way faster than I had ever ridden my 06 GSXR1000. A sportbike's talents are wasted on the street. Anyone who thinks they ride their sportbike hard on the street is seriously deluded about their own riding ability, and has no idea what they are talking about.....I've been there. Sportbikes suck at being street bikes, and that is coming from a guy who used to ride a GSXR with a trailer behind it, 4000 kms in a week for a sport tour around NY/PA/WV/KY etc.
I still want sportbike quality suspension and brakes and handling, but I want upright seating, nice wide handlear for tons of leverage, and I want more personalized style than a sportbike can offer. Let's be honest.....from 50 feet away, every sportbike looks the same.
I am currently riding a KTM 950 Supermoto.
Other bikes I lust after- Superduke
Duke
Street Triple
Speed Triple
Dorsoduro
Brutale
X-Country
NC700X
V7 Classic/Racer/Stone
Bonneville
Multistrada
Monster
.......none of which have fairings covering their motor, or handlebars below the triple clamps, and some of which make less than 1/3 of the horsepower that my 06 GSXR1000 did.
 
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Best of both worlds, Ninja 1000 (Z1000SX)


2011-Kawasaki-Ninja1000b.jpg


Mid-range power & speed of a 1000 naked, plus you can use the range of gears depending on how & where you're riding. More comfortable somewhat more upright riding position without the wind blast & excessive heat. Can be modded to be practical with either tail or side bags. I haven't tracked it, but otherwise I'm pretty happy. Interesting review by MCN http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/N...12/June/jun2012-video-smart-money-superbikes/
 
^
Read it, watched it, then went to check the price.

Costs more than a GSXR-750?! =(
 
I'll also just throw in there that most naked/standard bike motors are based on their SS counterpart. For example the FZ-1 is pretty much an R1 but tuned differently (more mid-range, less speak HP) they still do like a million miles per hour in the first few gears. The power is routed to be more usable for street applications so thats another thing to consider.

Most fun I've ever had for street riding was a Z1000 (first gen) awesome mid-range with standard seating position and wide bars made for an awesome commute :) and theres nothing wrong with taking a naked bike to track days.
 
Yes. The wind is a PITA; I ride a naked SV650. You really feel it on those days where there's a 30+ km/h head wind; which means a reasonable 120 km/h feels like 150 :(

This is the only downside I've noticed on the SV, however. On the plus side, it has plenty of down-low torque at city (legal-ish) speeds, easy to use all 6 gears, enough high-end power to keep you interested, parts are everywhere and it's fully capable of a track day (and keeping up with most high-strung 600's)

(I'll be selling it this fall or next spring, btw. hee hee)

P.S. you get used to the wind, once you learn to "man up"
 
油井緋色;1866812 said:
^
Read it, watched it, then went to check the price.

Costs more than a GSXR-750?! =(
Click to expand...

I thought you were comparing with the FZ8, FZ1, CB1000, StreetFighter, StreetFighter S. It's way cheaper than the Streetfighters, even cheaper than to monster 1100. Same price as the CB1000R, except Honda has added a rebate now. Sure the Yamahas are cheaper, but if your looking at other 1000 cc nakeds, the N1K is cheaper than the Speed Triple, Brutale 990 & Aprilia Tuono. $800 more than the Z1000, but you get abs, bigger fuel tank, wind protection, nicer dash, better seats & luggage potential.

If you're comparing to SS, it's cheaper than any 1000 cc SS out there.

Take one for a spin & see what you think. Kahuna let me demo last year & I was sold!
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