Older Sportbikes

[chix]

I've been bitten by the bike bug again and am looking for my next bike. That and I just had knee surgery so I'm bored and want to talk about stuff.

I've been through tons of sportbikes, dirtbikes, supermotos, standards, etc and I'm finding myself wanting another 2005 R1. I think it is the bike that got away, so to speak. I had back surgery 5 years ago or so and thought I'd never be able to ride a sportbike again. Well, I was wrong and should have never sold my 05 Raven before my surgery. It was my second bike and always look back on it fondly.

However, time has moved on and technology has advanced. Some people I work with as well as my fiance keep asking me - why do you want such an old bike? I want something with power, looks, can get me in the HOV lane to commute in (80-90mph sometimes), and around $4500. Sure they are kind of big and heavy riding, but still...I have such fond memories.

What are y'all's thoughts? Too old, too expensive, thinking too much with my heart? Mostly just musing I guess, wondering if I should save and get something newer and try something new...or get back to the one I should have never let go.

 

[SighBored]

Personally I would opt for new, or at least newer. Mainly because with old/used you rely entirely on the current owner to have taken good care of it for it not to potentially because a garage potato should something mechanical go wrong.

 

[R-Rated]

I agree with SighBored, buying a used bike has a lot more risk than a car. Cars have websites like Carfax and many others to check their history. However, if you know the last owner and have a very good motorcycle shop to go over every nut and bolt on a used bike, you can go that route.

With you coming back to riding with a knee and back repair yourself, you might want to keep the layout of capital minimal because what if you find the riding position to aggravate old wounds. Having a new bike means you take a hit on depreciation if you have to trade it for a different style bike.

It would be great if you have a really good friend that would let you use theirs to ride your commute a few days in a row just to see.

 

[dandoolittle]

Bah if you want it and can afford it, buy it

Older doesn't mean better than new at all! Arguably the gsxr k5 is the best gsxr going and even my own l5 uses the same engine, just mine has better brakes and fancy stuff but it's still a 2005 behind the pretty stuff

Check brakes, history and suspension, sanity check and you'll be fine.

 

[dandoolittle]

Isn't that meant to be the other way around?

Newer isn't always better...

Whoops

 

[chix]

Huh, I should mention I always buy bikes used. Even my S1000rr with 15k miles haha. The fact that it is used isn't the issue, just the actual age and technology of the time. I've owned Aprilias and a few esoteric bikes, both new and old. Alwsys found an excuse to sell it. Except that 'ol R1.

I know how to rebuild engines, forks, etc etc. I'd never buy "new new" from a dealership if I didn't have to (new model, etc). So being worried about buying a pile isn't really the issue, just if I should save for a newer 08+ CBR1000 really. But I just worry about the cranks and oil burning at that point, one of the few sportbikes I've never owned or ridden.

 

[chix]

I had a 2014 KTM Duke and ehhh, just wasn't impressed. It was fun don't get me wrong...KTM just sometimes has a bit too much character hahha

The RC8 looks cool and sounds fun, but my days of spending that much on a motorcycle are probably over. Racing/freestyling stand up jet skis has taken over my life so bikes are my side piece at the moment

 

[dandoolittle]

Huh, I should mention I always buy bikes used. Even my S1000rr with 15k miles haha. The fact that it is used isn't the issue, just the actual age and technology of the time. I've owned Aprilias and a few esoteric bikes, both new and old. Alwsys found an excuse to sell it. Except that 'ol R1.

I know how to rebuild engines, forks, etc etc. I'd never buy "new new" from a dealership if I didn't have to (new model, etc). So being worried about buying a pile isn't really the issue, just if I should save for a newer 08+ CBR1000 really. But I just worry about the cranks and oil burning at that point, one of the few sportbikes I've never owned or ridden.

Well speaking from the track side, I think the 06 was the first r1s with the slipper clutch etc. Might be a better option for a few ££/$$ more? Also, 06 onwards had a better swingarm and I think they even had better wheels? I think the frame was updated as well

I do know a couple of people who moaned about the clutch/gearbox on the 05s as well. However, as said, this is track talk, no roady.

 

[chix]

The 07s R1s had the slipper clutch and other slightly new bits. My fiance had one, very similar bikes to the 04-06 model years. I'd almost feel like a dick buying a 2007+ R1 after he sold his and regretted it haha