Thoughts, opinions, and help:

Gary

Gary

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It's new bike time again.
My list has been narrowed down to the final five.
I'd like to hear from peeps who have actually owned the bikes I'm considering buying.
I'd prefer not to hear about any alternatives, nor price.
Interested in simple things like oil changes, tune ups and comfort is my main concern - some 10 hour days, etc.
I can't do the long days on a gixxer anymore. Off the list.
I spent the better part of an hour on a 1098, and had zero probs or complaints, and loved it / was impressed.
I don't mind the 'ss' seating, but, how does the RSV4 compare to the Ducati, for those that have had both?
The list is made up of brand new / available bikes.

1) 2012 Aprilia RSV4 Factory. (concerned about service and parts availability & comfort)
2) 2012 Ducati 1199 Panagale Stealth. (not the "R", not the "S". Already aware of the differences. Again, parts & service are playing tricks in my head. And the stealth - anyone have one? How do you clean that bike?)
3) 2012 Hayabusa. (no concerns. Owned one for 3 yrs.)
4a) 2013 Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC
4b) 2013 Honda F6B GL. (test rode it's Dad a few times)
5) 2013 Honda ST1300. (test driven a couple times.)

Cheers.
 
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option 3 is a great idea, like you note, no concerns, no surpises.
dont think you can really go wrong with any on the list
 
That's a hell of a range you are covering, from RSV4 to Goldwing. http://cycle-ergo.com/ tells me that for me, the Busa, FB6 and ST1300 are doable for full days rides, other two aren't. I thought about the ST, but I really wanted a sure thing and went for another busa this time. It's a good seating position for me, not too upright to kill tailbone, and knees aren't as folded up as a SS.
 
Fatwing said:
Well I'm partial to #4,but that's probably because I'm running an 1800 Wing now(my 6th Wing).
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Do you service it yourself? i.e. oil changes / air filters / tires / tuneups? if so - level of annoyance out of 10?

suzuki2000 said:
option 3 is a great idea, like you note, no concerns, no surpises.
dont think you can really go wrong with any on the list
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Did I mention a couple weeks ago that the Busa was the bike that spent the longest time in my stable? I'd almost never kept a bike a full season, let alone 3 yrs!! I'm torn - should have never sold it - but hindsight is 20/20 and what's done is done.

mikbusa said:
That's a hell of a range you are covering, from RSV4 to Goldwing. http://cycle-ergo.com/ tells me that for me, the Busa, FB6 and ST1300 are doable for full days rides, other two aren't. I thought about the ST, but I really wanted a sure thing and went for another busa this time. It's a good seating position for me, not too upright to kill tailbone, and knees aren't as folded up as a SS.
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You're right Mike - it seems like a wide range. I've test / demo rode almost every thing from japan, but I've yet to ride an Aprilia. My list is actually in order from 1 to 5........5 being the 1st off the list. (ST).

-D- said:
I bet you end up with the Hyabusa :)
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Don't bet it all ;-)
 
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You like to ride and you like reliability.
You will get a Japanese bike.
The St1300 is also a nice bike but kinda big.
The Busa gives you that nice balance of sport and comfort and well moar powaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
wait wait wait
What about the Kawi Concourse (Zx14)
 
-D- said:
What about the Kawi Concourse (Zx14)
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Riding position is terrible, for me. And - it's not on the list!!!
I had "moar powaaaaaa" for 3 yrs.
The thrill of that part of the bike was over the 2nd day I owned it.
I need to demo an Ape. BTW - the Tuono V4R ARPC should have showed up instead of the F6B. Will edit.
 
All great bikes and seeing you loved your Busa, have you considered the BMW K1300s? Take a teat ride if you have not done so alreay. I do not own one but have swapped bikes with a friend and it is a stunning bike. BMW also has 3 yr unlimited ks warranty! The Tuono V4R ARPC would be high on my list.
 
STARSHIP said:
All great bikes and seeing you loved your Busa, have you considered the BMW K1300s? Take a teat ride if you have not done so alreay. I do not own one but have swapped bikes with a friend and it is a stunning bike. BMW also has 3 yr unlimited ks warranty! The Tuono V4R ARPC would be high on my list.
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Yes - the bmw was considered. It didn't make the list.

SunnY S said:
I'd take a vfr1200 over the ancient ST
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Test rode the vfr. I wanted to park it half way through and walk back. It's not on the list for too many reasons, I don't remember them all.
The ST is at the bottom of the list for a couple 'ancient' reasons. 5 speed gearbox......wtf? No slipper clutch......I'd destroy the bike in a week. Dash is near impossible to see in sunlight. Very comfortable, and handles a heck of a lot better than you'd expect. Power windscreen, unlike the GL1800. Nice storage system, even though they ditched the rear tail bag, due to the extra weight lifting the front off the ground. Leave it to Honda.
 
Just because you handed my *** to me at Cayuga with your Busa doesn't mean the K1300s shouldn't make your list!
 
f1mauro said:
Just because you handed my *** to me at Cayuga with your Busa doesn't mean the K1300s shouldn't make your list!
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Too bad we didn't swap 'em up on the Parkway for a bit. I've only sat on one, and I lump it in with any Kawasaki - the riding position wasn't meant for me. I've ridden every Kawasaki that I'd consider buying (both of them). Never been on an Aprilia or a BMW for a ride. Sitting on the S1000RR was all it took for me to leave it off the list.
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