Moving Up From A 200cc To 1000cc Sportbike Or 600cc?

RiderInRed

RiderInRed

The guy who rides in red
Is this a good idea? I'm thinking of moving up to a bigger bike but not quite sure on what to get. I got a good offer from a friend on an R1 2007.

I'm going to be riding in the city mainly and while it's not a daily work commute I'm still going to be driving in traffic.

I've heard a lot of people say R6 isn't the best bike for the city and that R1 will be more comfortable to ride at lower speeds/rpms.

What I'm wanting to buy is something that'll stay with me for good few years.

TL;DR: Riding on a 200cc sportbike, thinking of moving up to either R6 or R1. Ergonomics isn't a problem for me. Just wondering if R1 might be too much for me to handle?

Been riding for good two years and I'm pretty mature, so speeding or anything illegal isn't something I'm really looking into.
 
Years ago I knew someone asking a similar question. I heard one of our other friends point out that the throttle is variable. A person does not need to go wide open throttle like on a smaller bike.

One issue I would be concerned with is engine temperature management I traffic.
 
R-Rated said:
Years ago I knew someone asking a similar question. I heard one of our other friends point out that the throttle is variable. A person does not need to go wide open throttle like on a smaller bike.

One issue I would be concerned with is engine temperature management I traffic.
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Could you elaborate a little more on the last point?

I've heard an argument that a liter bike tends to ride easily in the city and since you have torque thruout the powerband, you don't have to keep it up in the rev range. Thus you can ride at lower gears. Thus you don't push the temps on the engine too far as you would on an R6
 
RiderInRed said:
Could you elaborate a little more on the last point?

I've heard an argument that a liter bike tends to ride easily in the city and since you have torque thruout the powerband, you don't have to keep it up in the rev range. Thus you can ride at lower gears. Thus you don't push the temps on the engine too far as you would on an R6
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Well, I think you are on the right track, lower RPMs can lead to lower engine temperature but the R1 has larger cylinders and would have more fire per cylinder. I would check for forums on each model and specifically look for anyone complaining about engine Temps or radiator problems.
 
Having an R1 to ride in the city is not the best option, at low speeds it can get hot and uncomfortable next to your legs, besides is not the handiest bike on traffic
 
I hate riding sportsbikes in traffic, they are so uncomfortable. TBH, jumping from a 200cc bike to a 600cc sportsbike is a BIG jump in power, so you'd be just as likely to hurt yourself on that as you would the 1000cc sportsbike. Neither would be my choice but that is not what you are interested in.... Get the bike your heart tells you it wants.... but test ride one in the environment you want to use it (city traffic) before handing over any cash!
 
The jump in power and size means nothing, its still YOUR wrist that controls the speed.

Here is the thing with the R1 though. Its like riding a oven, especially at low speeds. They really need the air flow to cool everything. Also when the fans kick it its almost though they are designed to blow the hot air onto you.

I'd suggest a test ride on a warmer day to see if you can handle the heat or not.
 
Having had a Sprint 1050 sports tourer (more sports position than touring), and a Street Triple 675, I’d take the Street as a town bike any day.

Only thing I have against the street is that you can’t easily do luggage.
 
If you're worried about the power, it is gonna be a big jump, but at the end of the day it is your wrist and your maturity that will keep you safe & alive!!

and as Hippo said, test ride the few you have in mind in city traffic and see what suits you best buddy!
 
Hi guys and thanks for the input! I also appreciate the fact that you still addressed my initial question instead of telling me to get a cruiser or an ADV or something else that is better for the city.

Also thanks for the info about the heat. The thing is, I've heard people here who ride sportbikes say that a liter bike will work better in traffic due to low rev roque than an R6 for instance. I've still not had a chance to go and check the bike out in person, but will be doing that soon. If I don't like it, then it being a liter or not won't really matter anymore.
 
RiderInRed said:
Hi guys and thanks for the input! I also appreciate the fact that you still addressed my initial question instead of telling me to get a cruiser or an ADV or something else that is better for the city.

Also thanks for the info about the heat. The thing is, I've heard people here who ride sportbikes say that a liter bike will work better in traffic due to low rev roque than an R6 for instance. I've still not had a chance to go and check the bike out in person, but will be doing that soon. If I don't like it, then it being a liter or not won't really matter anymore.
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Please update us on your experience of both as well as what you decide.
 
R-Rated said:
Please update us on your experience of both as well as what you decide.
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Thanks I'll be checking out the R1 in a few days here. I've ridden R6s and liked the seat moer than a GSXR 600. Not sure I'll get to ride an R6 anytime soon since the season is closing so R1 is my last hope this year :D

bbut yeah I'll definitely keep you guys updated!
 
It's all but impossible to have one bike which is a good commuter but works for fun stuff too.
What's the 200cc bike worth?
I'd keep it and use that for the boring stuff and see how you get on with a sports bike in traffic.
After a few trips with it the problems might make you prefer the small bike again to ride to work.
I'd be concerned about security if you have to leave it on the street regularly too.
 
If you riding ride around the city I would keep the 200cc. I ride a 125cc on the daily and the ownly gripe I have is I live in a semi rural area and it does fine at 60mph so a 200cc would do perfectly. I did an event back in October and we were doing low speed riding and out of all the bikes that got hot it was the 1000cc's. Add I don't know your riding ability but jumping from a 200cc to a 1000cc sounds like a one way ticket the disaster. A 600cc would be better but if I was you I'd keep the 200cc
 
RiderInRed said:
UPDATE: So I rode the R1. It was in a perfect condition for a used bike.


Basically I BOUGHT IT!

Pics will be coming later on. But I'll have to prep it for the next season just the right way first!
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Congrats on the new addition. What are you going to name it?
 
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