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..Triumph 955i Daytona (SS) about '02 with around 20k
Lockup was broken into and they got the keys which were in a jacket pocket. Bike didn't start, but I may not be able to get another key cut. So, it looks like breaking for spares. That means I might be looking for another toy in a month or two. LAst time, i'd shortlised the Kawasaki ZZR1100 and ZX-9R as well as the 955i daytona and the one I did get - the Aprillia RST Futura. this time I's thinking the models of ZZr and ZX9 are getting abit log in the tooth, but the 955i seems to still be fresh enough to provide cheap'ish thrills and affordable spills.
I'm 6'2, not big on motorways but like the odd weekend away in Highland Scotland
Your opinions will be most welcome.
Ta
Futura looks nice on paper, but with panniers on looks just plain odd - like a VFR in all the wrong proportions. ZX9 will give the 955 a run for its money any day, but road tests of the day show that taking one over the other would be splitting hairs. At that ages, it simply comes down to condition and cost -take your pick. A Blade from 2000 - 2002 or a Gixer 750, would both be on the list as well. SP1 even!!!!
The problem with the Futura is that the servicing is both long and expensive, so they usually don't get done properly.
And any bike of that age will have problems, just buy the one which looks best - mileage/age irrelevent.
I recently did the same thing.
Tested loads and loads of bikes and would probably have been happy with any of them.
Then I rode a VFR800 and fell in love. It feels perfect, for me it was the fastest bike in the real world, it's comfortable and the noise that V4 makes is addictive. Add in bombproof reliability and you can't go wrong.
How about a Kawasaki ZX750R
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Bit cheaper on the insurance with it being a 750, and you can still stick some sports panniers on it and whack out the miles....
6'2" & likes to get away to Scotland...doubt he'll thank you after a few hours on a ZX7. 🙂 Be a laugh once you get it there though...
ZZR1100 is a big old beast. Fairly bulletproof. Cush drives biggest issue on the 1100 I think. They are big though, & bloody heavy. I tried a 600 once & that was ok though.
If it were my money, a Blackbird or VFR800, but probably the VFR. Lovely bikes.
I'd avoid a 900cc sports bike of that age, its going to have fallen into the hands of the **** brigade by now, unless its a known history.
Tried a few VTRs a couple of years ago. Seemed pretty bombproof - and sound lovely with after
market cans. Would have liked last VFR800, but too rich for my budget.
RSV?
Triumph Sprint?
955 is a fine bike... Always feels very heavy to me on the move but it's reasonably well put together and isn't scrunched up like some.
I think if I were you I'd be looking for a nice ZX9R, or an older Blade (up to the triangular 1000), or a Blackbird if your interests go that way. Or a K4/5 GSXR 1000 if you can abide the seating position, they're pretty cheap to buy for such a superb machine.
This was my first ride of the year. A loop around Loch Ness.
ZX9R E1. 20,000 miles (around 28k total) and only the horn has just failed in my ownership. The pic was taken at Glendoe,not Glencoe.[url= http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7231/6894342100_29105715cc_b.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/65460103@N08/6894342100/ ]Kawasaki glencoe rear view scenery 1 10 3 12[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/65460103@N08/ ]martinxyz[/url], on Flickr
[i]Tried a few VTRs a couple of years ago. Seemed pretty bombproof - and sound lovely with after market cans[/i]
VTR's are pretty crap on fuel, think 30mpg on a good day - and 20's when thrashed.
I ran a ZX9RC1 for over 50k (mainly commuting into and around London), and if you are over 6' they are a perfect bike. Very fast (faster than equivilent Blades, Triumphs etc, and even R1's), big fairing and lots of rider room and 40mpg no matter what. They handle ok, but at this vintage on any bike you'll need to be spending money to get them right.
Agree with the ZX7 crap riding position, and not sure you'd find one that wasn't in need of serious spend.
You though can't go wrong with big Jap 4's, cheap and easy to service and quick - but again at the age you are looking, condition is all.
Well I'll stick up for the ZZR 11.
Owned mine since 1993. 95k miles and has never failed despite sitting under a cover in the garden all year. Its 230kg, very comfy and not too bad on fuel. Its not a sports bike by any means but good for long distances or touring.
We are looking at BMW F 800 R as an alternative, it looks pretty good fun but the screen is low...
the VFR800 seems to me to be a better plan. Can't see what the others really bring to the table that the VFR doesn't beat them on.
After that, the ZZR1100 would top my list.
VTR's are pretty crap on fuel, think 30mpg on a good day - and 20's when thrashed.
Very true, and with a tiny tank as well - 16l?? IIRC
Lovely picture there Martin.
I'd suggest an R1 but then I'm a fan, as I like looking at it here's a picture:
MOD: Image removed due to malware
I've had a ZX9R (1998 I think C1?) anyway, I didn't get on with it but then I had just come of a GSXR600 and I'm a bit shorter than you (5'10"). Having said that the engine was fantastic, felt like if the road was long enough it'd pull until you took off. It'd be great for long journeys whilst sporty enough for the twistys...
Edit: Hey Rick, 95K I'm impressed
I'm a massive fan of the SP1 and wouldn't part with mine for the world, but it is not an easy bike to live with.
It is not what you would call comfy and the fuel range isn't brilliant, however for me; it turns every ride into a special event.
The sound of the v-twin engine combined with the whine of the gear driven cam is pretty special and the build quality is fantastic.
If you are considering Daytona's, then it sounds like you're looking for a bike away from the usual Blades / R1's / GSXR's etc; so maybe an SP1 or SP2 might be right up your street.
[url= http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7229/6895310976_f4c2c17585_z.jp g" target="_blank">
@ bellerophon ... its just sailed through its mot and I hope this year will be 100k plus (which I know is not a heap compared to some dispatch bikes... ).
amplebrew; got to agree, that is a fabulous bike and one on my dream list to have. Tank range is my only concern with it, when they first came out I was comutting and thought the tank range meant filling up just to get home, could be wrong though, so out of interest what are you getting?
Still Rick that ain't bad. Mine has a paltry 30K on it, funny thing about bike usage, I had one of these first time round and in the 18 months I had it I put on 28K miles (commutting), bought my current one in 2009 with 24K on it for the same money I sold the my old one.
bellerophon - Member
amplebrew; got to agree, that is a fabulous bike and one on my dream list to have. Tank range is my only concern with it, when they first came out I was comutting and thought the tank range meant filling up just to get home, could be wrong though, so out of interest what are you getting?
I usually get around 90 miles out of a tank before the fuel light comes on. In comparison, my previous RR8 Blade was doing 120 miles. That is based on me riding around the Isle Of Man where there is no speed limit on a lot of roads. I reckon I would get more miles out of it in the UK.
bellerophon, I've got a 2000 SP1 with PC3 fitted, most i've ever got was 110 miles on a tank. Light had been on for about 15 miles. Ace bike tho and you do sometimes see the 23 liter endurance tank on ebay.
Yep that's what I thought re mileage, although not quite filling up just to get home my commute was 85 miles all in, so I'd have been filling up every morning, I do remember the endurance tank 'upgrade'... hmmm I only play on my bike now maybe time to see what's available..
So basically the OP ask about a triple from british finest and people reply with some souless and tasteless in-line four from japan.
Go and figure.
Juan- souless is a good thing, means everything works. 😉
Well the OP did consider the ZZR1100 and ZX9R, which from memory are in-line fours from japan, the SP1 hardly soulness and in my view neither is the R1 from that era, but hey ho.
We did maybe digress, so how about an aprilia rsv mille?
ive got a vfr800 with abs for sale? 😆
Daytona's a fab bike (as is it's sister the Speed triple). Excellent build quality - better than all except Honda (IMHO, of course), Plenty fast enough, good on fuel and the sound ........
The only downside for me is the low bars - you see quite a few with top yoke conversions or higher clipons so I must not be alone. Buy British!
I think that the earlier 955 looks best (up to 2001), but the later one has more power (although most of it is at the top end).
There was an issue with the fuel tank connectors, but that will have been sorted by now and the bearings in the suspension linkages dry up and are a pig to get out - make sure the rear suspension action is nice and smooth.
What are the details of the VFR for sale ?
Bazzer
cheers for all the replies
it was marketed as Italy's answer to the vfr. If I could find a decent low mileage vfr750 i'd be interested, but linked brakes are out for me so vfr800 or later is no.Futura looks nice on paper, but with panniers on looks just plain odd - like a VFR in all the wrong proportions
comfort, dear boy, comfort. I like a fair number of miles and being able to walk once I've dome themA Blade from 2000 - 2002 or a Gixer 750, would both be on the list as well. SP1 even
that one, in blue. I've ridden one and it felt like it was made to measure for me. not in kwak green thoughZX9R E1
start point is central scotland. ongest trip on the futura was to cornnwall via liverpool, then portsmouth, then to wales, ferry to ireland, couple of days riding about around belfast then ferry to cairnyan and back home. on azx7 it would have taken weeks to recover. on the futura i did a 4 hour ride the next day just enjoying losing the weight of the luggage. it seriously was an awesome bike6'2" and likes to get away to Scotland...doubt he'll thank you after a few hours on a ZX7
quite - futura did around 140. try heading north of inverness to john o'groats, then along the north coast to durness and down the west coast on anything with a range less than 100 and you'll be more interested in fuel than scenery. just for a laugh, try it on a sunday, outside the tourist season.I usually get around 90 miles
too small, too ugly, too greenHow about a Kawasaki ZX750R
not having linked brakes.the VFR800 seems to me to be a better plan. Can't see what the others really bring to the table that the VFR doesn't beat them on.
You might, but I used on for a day whilst couriering in london (temporary arrangement from m/c hire place and all I could get till my gt550 came back. too small and too aggressive for meI'd suggest an R1
IIRC it's a faired speed triple, which I like, but unfaired bikes on long trips get a bit uncomfortableDaytona's a fab bike (as is it's sister the Speed triple).
totally agreeI think that the earlier 955 looks best (up to 2001),
how about an aprilia rsv mille?
hahahahahahahahaha - have you seen one - they're tiny. nice, but tiny
I'd seriously think about an SL1000 Falco though
Milles are tiny ? well compared to 950 Adventures they are yes... but compared to most they're not.
Triumph Tiger ?
the VFR800 seems to me to be a better plan. Can't see what the others really bring to the table that the VFR doesn't beat them on.not having linked brakes.
I was concerned about that, but it's a non-issue. I've ridden mine on ice and snow and I never even think about it now, it just stops.
If it's a problem though, you can have them un-linked.
IIRC on a par with small ducatis. the v4 particularly. no wait, now i think about it's the v4 i was thinking about, the original mille isn't too bad. a still a bit on the small/racy side for me though
Aprilia - I would stear well clear of anything they produce.
Triumph 955 - Could do a lot worse, but unlikely to be outstanding in any area.
ZX-9/ZZR100/ZXR750 - ZXR and ZX-9 are getting old now, and likely to feel it. ZZR1100 is a great bike, but its all sausage and no sizzle.
I would seriously consider a Honda Blackbird. Unrivaled build quality, incredible performance if you want it, a pussycat when you don't. They are comfortable, haven't really aged and now are temptingly cheap. VFR is also great, as would be a blade, but I would go for a blackbird.
The SP1 is a great bike. I sadly just couldn't live with the very limited fuel range.
bazzer,here she is,just waltzed thru its mot and got tax,i think a year but ill have to check...very clean.ive done around 1000miles on it and never wheelie!
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikes-for-sale/searchresults/detail/Honda/VFR800-VTEC/2005/_/R-NXGN-7573078?mfy=14.963163
Good job that's not red* ^^^. I'd be (unsuccesfully) bending my wife's ear
* Yes, I know, colour is not the most important consideration. But I always liked the VFR800 in bright red
* Yes, I know, colour is not the most important consideration. But I always liked the VFR800 in bright red
Colour counts - I did see that VFR in dark purple - much, much nicer than it looks in the photos
Used to see a repsol liveried VFR near us.
Looked fantastic, and a really unusual sight for Honda's "sport tourer". Sadly, last time I saw it, the bike had been dropped 🙁
photo nicked from the web - doesn't really do justice
[img] http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS_l6-kEjuina87SATMMoxDhJIQmfbr0XgIKc4Q3YYzG2E3GQP4Vg1wFvfr [/img]
Better one...
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WANT, WANT, WANT !!!
moe_szyslak - MemberAprilia - I would stear well clear of anything they produce.
You maybe never bothered reading the original post, but the Aprilia's going. Which is a shame because for a few years it was the best bike I've ever owned - not the fastest but fast enough, not the best handling, but good enough, probably the most comfortable - good at everything and the closest to a do-it-all bike I've ever had. Mechanically as sound as they come, the only reliability problem was an easy fix - short out the sidestand cut-out switch.
still that's based on a few years ownership and a round Britain jaunt, what would I know?
How about a fizzer? ❓
i doubt a fizzie could propel me uphill these days
You maybe never bothered reading the original post, but the Aprilia's going
Its history coursework all over again, scanned and missed all the key points!
Mechanically as sound as they come
As a rule of thumb (working in the industry) Aprilia as typically the poorest built of the large manufacturers, sounds like you got lucky!
Aprilia as typically the poorest built of the large manufacturers, sounds like you got lucky!
from what I know about it the original RSV Mille engine was a Rotax built unit which tend to be reliable. The same engine was detuned and mountedinto a more upright fram and sold as the SL1000 Falco, then again as the Futura. So what you have is an engine designed to operate at race speeds but in a far lower working range = fundamentallyreliable. being italian, still had the usual electrical gramlins, but also having had a Ducati, I'm reasonaly proficient in 12v electrics now. Can't speak for the later bikes, but the Futura was definately a reliable machine and my understanding is so were the Falco and Mille ()so long as you're handy with a soldering iron
Wasn't the end of availability of the Rotax twin partly the reason that Aprilia developed the V4?
RSV Mille engine was a Rotax built unit which tend to be reliable
The engine was (most rotax stuff is good, if uninspiring), i think it was mostly all the ancillaries that were the problem, slave cylinder, anything that had an electrical current passing through it. I think a lot of it came down to the owners, they just had to be kept on top of (soldering skills like you say are ideal!).
Wasn't the end of availability of the Rotax twin partly the reason that Aprilia developed the V4?
I believe it just ran it's course and they wanted to develop their own engine, and indeed one that could be competitive in superbikes.
juan - MemberSo basically the OP ask about a triple from british finest and people reply with some souless and tasteless in-line four from japan.
I kind of agree with the principle, but not the actual result... TBH the 955 was aimed directly at the soulless inline 4 market, it doesn't really do anything all that different to the japanese alternatives, other than being a bit bigger, a bit heavier, and a bit slower.
As a rule of thumb (working in the industry) Aprilia as typically the poorest built of the large manufacturers, sounds like you got lucky!
Disagree in all honesty. Apart from the clocks reset, the odd brown connector issue and the clutch slave (which isn't aprilia, it's Brembo) the bikes are good as gold. They're BIG twins and need some starting, hence why owners have issues who don't Optimate them etc... But you can't go far wrong mechanically, Ohlins/Marz forks, Sachs shocks and brembo stoppy things.. it's all good.
No one mentioned aDucati St series? A 2 or 3 mighr be at nearly 10 years old, affordable? And likely to be a decent compromise between tourer and sports bike that the poster wants, and more interesting than a big jap 4.
Nobody mentioned a Ducati because its not a 'triple from britains finest' as pointed out by someone earlier.. that somehow managed to see straight through the OP's original shortlist of 2 kawasaki's an Aprillia and a Triumph ;O)
That sounds like a fairly good reason for me to steer clear then! Oh I forgot, I can't steer.. I own a zx9 lol.I kind of agree with the principle, but not the actual result... TBH the 955 was aimed directly at the soulless inline 4 market, it doesn't really do anything all that different to the japanese alternatives, other than being a bit bigger, a bit heavier, and a bit slower.
Back to the OP. Like mentioned above, I reckon the zx9 would fit well. Its a bit long for me (bar height fine,but just a bit stretched) and I'm 5' 8". It gets uncomfortable at slower speeds/around town but I find it fine once out on the open roads. Not sure if that makes sense. Possibly to do with the weight being taken off the arms a bit once around 59mph ;o)
I'd seriously think about an SL1000 Falco though
Don't rule out the Tuono. Comfy over distance if you get a higher screen , an absolute hoot to ride and like you I had no reliability problems at all over 2 + years of ownership. All it needed was tyres and easy diy servicing.
[i]Don't rule out the Tuono. Comfy over distance if you get a higher screen , an absolute hoot to ride and like you I had no reliability problems at all over 2 + years of ownership. All it needed was tyres and easy diy servicing. [/i]
But, and don't take this the wrong way, you've probably done very few miles and/or not serviced it properly as AFAIK, a proper valve service is an engine out job.
But back to triple's; I've had two of the later 1050's (Tiger and Spring GT) and they are superb road bikes - safe, secure, well built and reliable (both sold with nearly 20k, but only one years' use) - and as fast as anything this side of a superbike, especially on normal roads.
The ZX9R for me is the epitomy of dull... it's just a terrible terrible bike.
Was out on one of my R1's last weekend and a mate wanted to try the R1 out, (he has now sold the 9R and bought an R1 BTW).
The tank on the 9r was VAST... like... well... enormous !!!, handling was average... performance.. OK... but it looked it's age a lot more than the R1 and really felt it's age.
Some really nice ZZR 11's on ebay atm...
But, and don't take this the wrong way, you've probably done very few miles and/or not serviced it properly as AFAIK, a proper valve service is an engine out job.
You don't need the engine out to check or adjust the valves. Bit complicated but not that difficult and some really good articles on the web on how to do it. Did 15000 miles on mine (not much I know)but didn't do the valves because most don't need adjustment for at least 20000+ miles. Certainly wouldn't put me off owning one. The OP has had a Futura so I'm sure he knows all this anyway.
Juan- souless is a good thing, means everything works.
You'll struggle to find ANY bike more reliable than a Triumph Triple. And that's a fact!
IMO they make Hondas look flimsy too.
I had a 2001 Speed Triple for 30000 miles. Utterly bombproof. I wouldn't hesitate to get another.
We've got a very rare bike now - Ducati ST3s. There's only 58 in the country! (and about 100 standard non 's' models)
It has, to be honest, an absolute peach of an engine. Perfectly linear power delivery, quiet when cruising with a nice growl when you open it up. The s model has Ohlins bouncy bits and ABS. It handles in that secure and stable Ducati fashion and is the best pillion bike I've ever piloted. We looked for the best part if a year to find the right one for us though. People seem to be surprised that there's a touring Ducati though!
It gets used too....
[url= http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6061/6124729238_95dd51f9ae_b.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter_atkin/6124729238/ ]IMG_2193[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/peter_atkin/ ]PeterPoddy[/url], on Flickr
I didn't mention ducati, because most of people here (except you my dear peter) have some very false idea about them. None of my riding mate ever had a problem with there ducatis... However the bike is out and about on a very regular basis. And the services are due in time. But as you pointed them out, the old multistrada or a ST3 will do the job nicely...
I love Ducatis, i've owned many, in fact only reccently sold the last one, the wifes 749, replaced with a 2004 R1.
However, Ducatis ARE more expensive to own/run than their Japanese counterparts, that's very much not open to debate. Also in the current climate that's very important.
The problem with a Ducati is not the Ducati but the owners who neglect them.
I've seen many a lovely Ducati ruined by an owner who has neglected it, tried to bodge it up, thrashed it and never paid it any attention etc.
It's not a Honda which you can pretty much turn the key and just go all the time. It needs some TLC. A well looked after Ducati is a lovely thing indeed. Except that ugly as hell sit up tourer thing they did! That was horrible!
Anyway, back to the OP - have you bought a Triumph yet?
The problem with a Ducati is not the Ducati but the owners who neglect them.
I've seen many a lovely Ducati ruined by an owner who has neglected it, tried to bodge it up, thrashed it and never paid it any attention etc.
Same as anything really. Dukes, being Italian, like to be ridden though. You're best getting one with more miles and a full history than one that's done 1000 miles in 3 years and been serviced once. Buy on condition and history, not milage.
Our ST3s there had done 20000 miles when we bought it but been astonishingly well looked after and fitted with good usable extras, not anodised tat.
I disagree with " Except that ugly as hell sit up tourer thing they did! That was horrible!" though. I assume you mean the original Multistrada. I really like them. I rode the 1100. Strewth, what an engine! We share our bike though and Mrs PP wasn't keen on the seat, which is why we got the ST3s in the end.
I agree with PP on the reliability of modern Triumphs. I'm on my 4th - a 955 Speed triple, a TT600, a Sprint St1050 and now a Speed Triple 1050 and, apart from a dodgy sidestand switch on the 955 (easily fixed)they've never let me down. I do all the servicing (apart from the valve check - only so that the next owner knows it's been done)and frequently carry a pillion. In particular, the early 955s appear to be carved from solid. There's a bit of cost engineering gone on recently, though.
My triumph Street Triple has been peerless. I know its not what the OP is looking for but its another vote for triumph quality.
That's the one Peter, the Multistrada. I don't diagree about it being a good bike, it just looked horrible.
TBH riding the Multistrada a thought it was a terrible machine. The KTM950SM and 950SMR were much better in a similar genre.
That's the one Peter, the Multistrada. I don't diagree about it being a good bike, it just looked horrible
See I love how they look. Saw them at the NEC when they were released and thought they looked odd, but like many odd things I think the design has aged very well. Same goes for the 999/749. Slagged off in the press but always a better looker than the 1098 and 1198 which look very boring and Japaneese IMO
Friend of mine had the previous Multistrada 1000. Toured on it with a pillion. Mechanically it was excellent, but he had a lot of trouble with the electrics. Which reminds me, he got a ZRX1200 next - they're a nice bike if you like retro style, the Eddie Lawson rep. green one looks fab, IMHO.
The ZX9R for me is the epitomy of dull... it's just a terrible terrible bike.Was out on one of my R1's last weekend and a mate wanted to try the R1 out, (he has now sold the 9R and bought an R1 BTW).
The tank on the 9r was VAST... like... well... enormous !!!, handling was average... performance.. OK... but it looked it's age a lot more than the R1 and really felt it's age.
I rode 2 R1's of similar age one day from 2 different dealers up here and although I liked the look of them more than the zx9 I just couldn't get past the gear shift feel compared to the 9. They must have been a bit thrashed as I would guess both would be just as slick as each other when in good condition. Maybe I'm wrong. The more head down position of the R1 left me aching before I got the bike out of Elgin. The handling felt sweet right enough.. like something between the zx9 and my cbr125 but that wasn't going to be the deal breaker.
The nail in the coffin was the smooth power delivery of the zx9 from slow speeds through the gears compared to both R1's. The R1 was screaming,lively,wanting to be revved to get the same oomph out of it and the 9 just seemed to get to where it was wanting to get to.. quick,smooth,composed,no fuss. Something that neither of the R1's felt like they had.They both had at least 10k on them over my zx9. I admit that they weren't the freshest of examples and on paper/everywhere you look the R1 seems to have the edge over any zx9 so I'll still keep it in the back of my mind that I need to try another example at some point. In the meantime, I'm no spring chicken and quite enjoy the more comfortable position of the 9!
Fair assesment that of a ZX9 and R1 mate yes. Good post.