Need Advice - GSXR750 [Archive]

centerline

Wed 1/24/07, 6:17PM

Read alot about latest GSXR750 - sounds really good. I love my SV and turns out my brother (here in town) will take it if I go with the 750 - so it would stay in family. I love the SV and know that I would miss it being at my disposal every day though.

Anyhow, I am in a position wherein I could afford to finance the 750 (about $11,000 OTD). I am sort of stuck in awkward position though, realizing that the 750 is almost twice the cost of what I paid for my SV. I am not a crazy slob on a bike, pushing for ungodly high speeds - more I am a adrenaline junkie within the triple digit barrier with respect for overall riding ability (cornering, braking, etc.). I love "useable" power and my usual ride is more commuter and weekend grocery getting (yes, I am an older fart than alot here, 38 yrs old, 195 lb, 6'-0"). As a result, I refuse to consider an "upgrade" a bike that lacks enough low-to-mid range punch like alot of the 600 cc I-4's.

Would appreciate hearing what people here think about the 750 given the picture I have painted. Is it just stupid to go for the 750? For the money, I would hate to have saddled up to a disappointment. FYI - I have never been on a GSXR750 or even a 600.

JaJaBinx

Wed 1/24/07, 7:17PM

How about an SV1000S ?

Darth Lefty

Wed 1/24/07, 7:36PM

FZ1 FTW!

centerline

Wed 1/24/07, 7:49PM

I have good friend with the SV1000s. I hate to split hairs, but I am not big fan of the massive dual exhaust look. The idea of more torque and power sim to SV650 is good though... I suppose it is worth my consideration.

I have to admit though - that the stock setup of the 750 seemed perfect regarding ergonomics, suspension, etc. - a tad low to the ground though versus the SV. Slipper clutch also sounds pretty cool.

What really sucks is that once I set myself in motion to get another bike, I am sort of like a man on an mission. It won't be more than a day or so before I do something - right or wrong. This motorcycle thing is definately some sort of sickness. Must.... get.... another.....bike.... or come to my senses somehow.

JaJaBinx

Wed 1/24/07, 8:10PM

Buy what you'd like....

racinteach

Wed 1/24/07, 8:33PM

if you commute adn get groceries and stuff saddle bags look funny on a super sort bike...they tend to be more of a weekend bike but I se emany commute on them daily as well...I do know they run best in higher RPMS...

SilverRider

Wed 1/24/07, 9:19PM

You can get a two into one pipe for the SV1000.:D

eisme

Wed 1/24/07, 9:20PM

I do miss my SV650, but there really is no real competition with my 750. Razor sharp handling, endless power, super stability, It's all there. The SV has a little bit more in the first few thousand revs, but the rest of the 750's powerband more than makes up for it. You really haven't experienced smooth until you've ridden one of these. I guarantee you won't stop smiling for the first month you have it, and then you'll wonder why you rode that SV for so long. Just keep in mind the 750 is very different from the SV and deserves a bit more respect as well. It will bite if you're not careful.That's part of the fun though, isn't it?

Burke

Wed 1/24/07, 9:29PM

Originally posted by centerline
(yes, I am an older fart than alot here, 38 yrs old, 195 lb, 6'-0")

Would appreciate hearing what people here think about the 750 given the picture I have painted. Is it just stupid to go for the 750? For the money, I would hate to have saddled up to a disappointment. FYI - I have never been on a GSXR750 or even a 600.

Hey! Watch it with the age thing mister...

I want a 750 too... I hear it's the perfect balance. Not a 1K which Is insane anyway, but more power than the 600. Plus I hear the thing is smooooooth as hell. I say go for it. :D

AgentNitz

Wed 1/24/07, 9:30PM

What about the Honda VFR? I know we're all suzuki lovers, but I've heard nothing but good things about their v4 engine. And I would imagine it's gonna have all the low-mid range torque you could want. Plus I hear they're way comfy for commuting purposes, and they still carve some serious canyon. Just something to consider =)

Burke

Wed 1/24/07, 9:33PM

Originally posted by centerline
I have good friend with the SV1000s. I hate to split hairs, but I am not big fan of the massive dual exhaust look.

Yosh 3/4 2 into 1 system... Adds Horsepower and it's only got 1 can...

steveb

Wed 1/24/07, 10:55PM

centerline,

You're still very young, so I'd recommend an '04 Gix 750. Easier on the pocketbook, (get your own financing and buy a nice one from a private party) and you should lose little money if you decide to move on to another bike in the near future. I have owned an 01 and an 03 and loved them, but the 04 I rode was fantastic.

The gix is very different from an SV, you may love it or maybe not. Good used is a better value buy if you are uncertain of long term ownership.

I have an 01 R1 which I like better for the street than either of the two street Gixxers I have owned. On the race track, the gix 750 is awesome!

Ride some more bikes before you make a choice also, if you can.

Setter32

Wed 1/24/07, 11:10PM

Originally posted by centerline
FYI - I have never been on a GSXR750 or even a 600.

...then you shouldn't conclude.....that you will be unhappy with a 600....

....don't believe everything you hear........experience it for yourself....

....having said that.....

....I believe that you will find the modern 600s.......to pack alot more punch than the sv650...........and yes......I'm talking about midrange.....

....towards the top........like about 8 or 9000 rpm on........forget about it........

....which brings us to another point........

.....I don't get the complaint about weak low end....etc....etc....

....if it has a weak "certain range".......you just ride it at a range where it's not weak.....................what is the big deal?......:confused: ....

....the 600 will have beaucoup of a punch for you..........if you don't want to spend $11K....

....which brings us to another point......

.....at $11k for a 750.........you sir.......are paying a little more than you have to.....

......got mine for much less.......otd....

...which brings us to the 750......

.....I was shopping for another gix 600......but they didn't have the color I want......and it would take too long for the color I want to come in......

....so I said I would buy the 750.......if they give me a good deal.......which they did......

....so following the laws of physics.......of action and reaction...........I bought the damn bike....

.....I had reservations about buying a 750........cuz I thought it may have too much power for my skill set.....

....but after riding her.........I was pleasantly surprised to find that she's actually easier to ride than a 600....

...why?..........cuz of the linearity of the throttle.........which makes controlling the 750 that much more precise and pleasant.....

....to conclude......

....get the 600........if you are lacking in funds......

....get the 750........if you don't mind dropping down $11K.....

....either one...........you will have a blast.......

.....gixxers are splendid......:hug:

:D

centerline

Thu 1/25/07, 5:15AM

Thanks for the input. I am sort of in a good position since my bro will take the SV. I could always horse trade back and forth with him. Even trade bikes on weekends. If it weren't for my wife saying that over her dead body am I going to have two bikes - I would just keep the SV too.

Good point on the linearity of the 750. I did spend some time comparing HP and torque curves and the 750 looks sim to the SV from near off idle through 10K... but keeps pulling for another 4-5K! The upper end does sound like fun, but the mid-range is what I drive more often and what I want to make sure I don't give up much too.

Regarding price, I can't seem to find a dealer anywhere here in FL that will go less than $11k for the k7 750 as OTD price. I might be able to work them down to $10.5K.

Gotta go to work now...

SilverRider

Thu 1/25/07, 5:58AM

It is hard to get a good deal on new 750's. They are the hottest bike on the market in that class. Which is a lonely class I might add. Even the big dealers here is San Diego hardly ever have them in stock. They sell them pretty quickly. Supply and demand makes it tough to get one for cheap. It just depends how bad the sales person wants to sell a bike and if his dickhead sales manager is not present at the time. Good luck on getting one. I will get one in the near future but I am most likely going to get a used one and save a couple of big bills.

Karter18

Thu 1/25/07, 6:24AM

I would have to agree with Setter on his point on the 600's. I ride an R1 and thought that the 600's did not have any torque especially when a firend of mine stalled a CBR a few times but he was riding a busa at the time.

I have ridden friends R6's on the street and on the track and while I can't say anything about the other 600's the R6 has plenty of power for the street. The place I noticed less torque was on the track where I can be lazy with the R1 you really have to pay attention to what gear and revs with the R6 but when you get it right it is awesome and it would definetly make you a better overall rider especially on the track.

One thing I did love about the R6 was how fast the thing reved up past 10K RPM's, that shift light just keeps coming on and past 12K the thing rips! Great sound from the exhaust and intake also.
Plus the best stock suspension in the business period!

I don't think you can go wrong with the 750 but certain 600's are pretty nice also but it really depends on your riding.

bigpig

Thu 1/25/07, 9:33AM

I was at the dealer last week and the 750 is my next bike for sure. I'll probably have to save another year so that I can pay it cash. By then, maybe I can get a better deal than now. Rent the bike if at all possible. If they don't have the 750 get on the 600. The fit is exactly the same except it's like 20 more HP and about 20lbs heavier.

If it was me, I'd be at the dealer right now closing the deal. It's always nice to have useable power whenver you feel the need. 750 is the best around.

Know Talent

Thu 1/25/07, 11:43AM

There is another post on the 750...

While I imagine the gix spins quicker do to lighter internal mass
the difference in power between a two-teeth up SV and a OEM geared gix 750 is a toss-up (butt dyno wise) up to 9000 RPM, where the sv starts to fall on its face the gix is just starting to make serious power.
The problem with the gix is it makes XXX speeds too damn easy.
Not a good street bike if you like something you can flail IMO.
Even if you're disciplined enough to manage the power, it's too addictive and will know doubt draw attention of the man if you start flailing it on a regular basis.

It's a helluva lot less expensive getting pulled over for a 80-90 infraction vs. 110+ (which is where the 750 will easily put you if you do not excercise restraint)

SilverRider

Thu 1/25/07, 1:01PM

The R6 is another bike I am very interested in getting. I do not know why I am not to into getting a gsxr 600. If I were to get an I4 600 it would be the R6. I have heard nothing but good things about them. They are a lot easier to get than the 750 gsxr's as well. I would buy a used one though as they are bank new. The new 2007 R6 is insane looking as well. Such a sexy ass bike.

jayson9253

Thu 1/25/07, 1:51PM

In my humble opinion it all depends on what riding you want to do. When the 05(?) gixxer 7 came out it was faster around the track then the newly release zx10r. It all came down to the bikes ridability. Personally I wouldn't go back to an I4. I can take every 6 i've met off the line and through the first corner at least (until my weight catches up to me). Now don't get me wrong I love all super sports. but given that I ride mostly on the street and mountains of north county I haven't found a bike more suited to my needs. If I wanted to race willow I'd get an r6 (even though I'm a suzuki person) or the 750 if i didn't want to compete and just be crazy fast. Race replica's on the street don't make sense to me but probably because I've wasted all the one's I've met... Now maybe we should talk monday... Things might have changed...

centerline

Thu 1/25/07, 7:17PM

I am in sort of unique position... the SV can stay close - in family - in town.

Compared HP and Torque curves btw SV650 and 06 GSXR750 - they look identical from off idle through 10K. The 750 just keeps going though. Like having 4-5k more powerband. I would go 3 tooth on the 750 rear though - not needing the taller gears so much - pushing the torque instead. Sound likes a pretty mean machine. 600 seems too shallow on torque down low for me.

I am pretty disciplined - just want to taste different flavors from time to time before I am too old to care and wind up finding myself on some big ass gorilla size cruiser talking shit about my juvenile sport bike days. I have been off and on I-4's and twins for many years - all of which have been fun in thier own way (from 250's, 450's, 750's, 650's, etc.). Don't need a liter bike though. SV has been the best bike of my life so far. This forum helped lead me to that decision years ago. Thanks.

Willing to make a mistake and back up a bit if needed. Like I sort of said before in a round-a-bout way - life is short - have fun. Be careful of course - live for tomorrow - but have fun.

Have new bike on hold with dealer till tomorrow. Still mulling it over. Hardest choice of 20 year bike career turns out to be stepping off SV for awhile - even though it only goes next door to my bro. Wierd.

JAYSON -

I live in FL. No real hills or turns. All straight and flat. I live everyday wishing for some twisties. I purposely go out of my way to find safe, curvy roads. Nearest track is Jennings in North Florida - a long ass haul from here. If I were in different place in US, I would no doubt think totally diffently about my choices.

I envy you guys in places like SOCAL so much. Some day I hope to move someplace with some decent riding and/or closer proximity to a track.

Know Talent

Fri 1/26/07, 6:09AM

Originally posted by centerline
I am in sort of unique position... the SV can stay close - in family - in town.

Compared HP and Torque curves btw SV650 and 06 GSXR750 - they look identical from off idle through 10K. The 750 just keeps going though. Like having 4-5k more powerband. I would go 3 tooth on the 750 rear though - not needing the taller gears so much - pushing the torque instead. Sound likes a pretty mean machine. 600 seems too shallow on torque down low for me.

I am pretty disciplined - just want to taste different flavors from time to time before I am too old to care and wind up finding myself on some big ass gorilla size cruiser talking shit about my juvenile sport bike days. I have been off and on I-4's and twins for many years - all of which have been fun in thier own way (from 250's, 450's, 750's, 650's, etc.). Don't need a liter bike though. SV has been the best bike of my life so far. This forum helped lead me to that decision years ago. Thanks.

Willing to make a mistake and back up a bit if needed. Like I sort of said before in a round-a-bout way - life is short - have fun. Be careful of course - live for tomorrow - but have fun.

Have new bike on hold with dealer till tomorrow. Still mulling it over. Hardest choice of 20 year bike career turns out to be stepping off SV for awhile - even though it only goes next door to my bro. Wierd.

JAYSON -

I live in FL. No real hills or turns. All straight and flat. I live everyday wishing for some twisties. I purposely go out of my way to find safe, curvy roads. Nearest track is Jennings in North Florida - a long ass haul from here. If I were in different place in US, I would no doubt think totally diffently about my choices.

I envy you guys in places like SOCAL so much. Some day I hope to move someplace with some decent riding and/or closer proximity to a track.

IMO If you live in an area with no curves a gix 750 will eventually get you in trouble as the only way to get your kicks will be to flail it to excessive speed. If you're cool with the prospect of losing your license, getting the bike impounded, etc... go for it, it's your money. :D

You've got the right idea by upping the teeth, but that will put you in no-no land even quicker. You need to get over to Alabama, Georgia or the Carolina's and get in the hills

Do you have access to a track nearby?

JaJaBinx

Fri 1/26/07, 7:23AM

Daytona ?

jayson9253

Fri 1/26/07, 11:54AM

center since you are more looking for variety if this is a step you want to take go for it. i just have to agree with know talent... the opportunity for getting into trouble is high but i think its a wonderful balance of speed, torque and handling. yoy goot my vote.

maxpower220

Fri 1/26/07, 3:18PM

Center,
Go down to the local aprilia or Ducati store at check out the V-twin powered super sports. More torque than the 750, with close to the same hp. The price (for the aprilia) is only slightly higher than a new 750. It will have everything that you love about your sv and everything that you will like about the Gixxer.

The Gixxer is a great bike, you probably won't need to lower the gearing. You will have enough trouble keeping the front tire on the ground with stock gearing.

Jennings is less than 2 1/2 hours from Orlando, and it is well worth the trip.

steveb

Fri 1/26/07, 4:32PM

I've got to agree with maxpower, the Aprilia is awesome.

Spec sheets are just one piece of information, and don't easily translate to your mind and body.

Where the Gix is a rocket which goes faster, faster, the longer you hold open the throttle,

the Aprilia is stout from much lower RPMs. But hold open the throttle and it will let you know it is a bona-fide liter bike.

Pride of ownership of an Aprilia is high, it's a sexy Italian, but still reliable and the Brembos are awesome.

LowSpdWobble

Fri 1/26/07, 4:32PM

Originally posted by maxpower220
Center,
Go down to the local aprilia or Ducati store at check out the V-twin powered super sports. More torque than the 750, with close to the same hp. The price (for the aprilia) is only slightly higher than a new 750. It will have everything that you love about your sv and everything that you will like about the Gixxer.

however, since commuting is in the equation...keep in mind the higher maintanence costs and the joys of finding parts for italian machinery.

Center...after selling my sv for the gsxr i can say i have no regrets. BUT i do miss my sv ALOT. I wish i could've kept two bikes but it was financially impossible.

Having ridden/commuting on both bikes...i can honestly say that the gsxr is too much for the street (not necessarily a bad thing, but its the truth). i kno you said you can't keep both, but i'd say...try again. And if it really is "over her dead body" that you can have two bikes....so be it! :p

Originally posted by Centerline
Would appreciate hearing what people here think about the 750 given the picture I have painted. Is it just stupid to go for the 750? For the money, I would hate to have saddled up to a disappointment. FYI - I have never been on a GSXR750 or even a 600.

U can't be disappointed by the bike. My only disappointment i've ever had related to the gixxer is that i don't make enough money to go to trackdays more often.

btw, wat do you think of the triumph 675?

centerline

Fri 1/26/07, 9:03PM

Tried sitting on the 675. It really puts your butt in the air and hands down low. What a shame because otherwise it is awesome. With better ergonomics, I would already have it in my garage.

Aprilla idea does sound interesting. I will definately check that out. They do look awesome.

Test drove the GSXR750 today. It is was great (both the bike and skipping work). A bit "buzzy" up around 6K+, but so is my SV. Maybe that would sort out a bit during break-in. Below 6K it was like a magic carpet ride - smooth, smooth and smooth. Plenty of torque in that range too. Exhaust note is nice. Air box is noticeably louder compared to SV when throttle is twisted more than 1/4 turn. Overall, it is still the bike to beat for me.

Agree that most GSXR's are really too much for street. As are so many other bikes out there. SV people understand torque and practical use of street power... but to get that on some bikes, they come with the tempting high performance, lose your license side - or are wheelie monsters. I personally do not need to use that upper end on street granted the down low - midrange has more than enough for daily grins. The scared shitless upper end is best saved for track days. Also have no need to launch front tire skyward. Stunts just aren't my thing.

Both Jennings and West Palm tracks are about 2.5 to 3 hours away. I want so bad to do some track time. Gotta get my bro up and going on my SV and get both bikes out on the track. Wish I knew more people who did this sort of thing here in FL.

One cool thing is that with any good enough deal (and assuming no serious crashes) - you only need to keep a bike for a couple years before you can trade it on out without going cash backwards. No matter what I try next - I can do it again in a couple of years.

PaGuy610

Sat 1/27/07, 7:37AM

If you're able to spend that kind of money, why don't you look at Ducati? There is a leftover S2R Monster at the local dealer and they are asking $8500. Its an 800 V-twin, so you'll still have the torque down low,and it has the sportbike parts so you'll have the handling you're looking for. On the downside, the maintainance can be expensive, but you'll have more usable power around town (and you won't look like every other boy-racer wannabe on the highway) The riding positon is MUCH better for us "older" guys. I've done 4 hour rides on my naked bike with no problem, but after 45 minutes on my buds Daytona my lower back and wrists were killing me.

maxpower220

Sat 1/27/07, 8:44AM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by LowSpdWobble
[B]however, since commuting is in the equation...keep in mind the higher maintanence costs and the joys of finding parts for italian machinery.

The Rotax engine in the aprilia has about the same maintenance costs as the Gixxer. The warranty will be 2 years on aprilia. If you are really interested, check apriliaforum.com and rsvr.net. This will give you an idea of service and loyalty.
The Ducati does have a high price tag and high mx costs.

You can ask many people at cycle meets, pull up on a gixxer and you are 1 of 1000. Ride Italian and many people will be interested in your "exotic" bike. If you ride one, that is all that it will take.

LowSpdWobble

Sat 1/27/07, 4:08PM

Originally posted by maxpower220

The Rotax engine in the aprilia has about the same maintenance costs as the Gixxer. The warranty will be 2 years on aprilia. If you are really interested, check apriliaforum.com and rsvr.net. This will give you an idea of service and loyalty.
The Ducati does have a high price tag and high mx costs.

You can ask many people at cycle meets, pull up on a gixxer and you are 1 of 1000. Ride Italian and many people will be interested in your "exotic" bike. If you ride one, that is all that it will take.

I heard about the similar maintance costs of aprilias, seems like they have a good warranty as well. How're they on parts availability and reliability. There's no doubt in my mind they make a good machine, but when i hafta special order things from the dealership for my suzuki and it'll take "a business week" to get....makes me wonder about what the owners of the italian bikes go through when they need anything.

It's true that the italian bikes get more attention from fellow bikers who know a rare thing when they seem them. I wonder if italian bikes are any less of a theft target cuz they are so few and far between compared to the japanese bikes.