Realising that I cannot wish the bike lighter, I have put it back to (mostly) standard and it's now in the for sale section! Various bits may become available shortly (if the buyer doesn't want them added back in)
My quest is over!
- Thread starter Katie
- Start date
Such a shame its a good looking bike.
Any ideas what your going for next?
Any ideas what your going for next?
Goldwing 
Just tested a Suzuki GSX-8R and QJMotors SRK921RR.
The first is a distinct possibility as my riding needs have changed a lot over the last couple of years (I used to average 3k miles a month, now closer to 500!). Light, steerable and surprisingly well behaved on dodgy road surfaces and bends approached a wee bit too quickly...
The second option had a fantastic engine but was really hard to turn and runs very hot. Great if you want a very sports-focused bike but not what I need
I tell you, more fun to be had on a wee Honda 125cc monkey bike, as for twisties, what twisties......weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee 
Try the R1300R . Massive amounts of fun and light (ish)
Larry Langford
Registered user
S
I have been looking at used harleys, but I'm put off that they haven't tackled the Cat problem, at all. I don't like to ride behind bikes or cars without cats on them, so I make sure mine have the cat too .....
sorry to hear this, i thought you were getting along with the bike. But I know myself the RS does tend to be tricky at low speeds in like say parking lots. To me it seems like a very light bike, after having a used GS fully kit-ed out. But when I bought it I thought it was heavy then. Health problems. Well I hope you find what you need. Myself, I wouldn't be caught without a boxer under me, having rode them since about 83"ish ..... they need yo make a smaller boxer that isn't on high suspension imo ....
I have been looking at used harleys, but I'm put off that they haven't tackled the Cat problem, at all. I don't like to ride behind bikes or cars without cats on them, so I make sure mine have the cat too .....
What bike did you have before the 1300RS? Did you have a test ride before purchase?
I only had twins in the past 23 years, RT,GS and now RS. For me the lower weight distribution was the reason for going for the RS, transformed the ergonomics to fit me. It took me most of a year to get used to the bike. Coming from a GS took a bit of work to get used to the RS. The ergo now on my bike is not far off from a GS. I see the Suzuki GSX-8R is about 40kg lighter but down about 50bhp on power? Not that it matters now days. I thought is was a sport tourer.
I only had twins in the past 23 years, RT,GS and now RS. For me the lower weight distribution was the reason for going for the RS, transformed the ergonomics to fit me. It took me most of a year to get used to the bike. Coming from a GS took a bit of work to get used to the RS. The ergo now on my bike is not far off from a GS. I see the Suzuki GSX-8R is about 40kg lighter but down about 50bhp on power? Not that it matters now days. I thought is was a sport tourer.
Previous bike was a Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello but I've had most configurations of engines. Favourite remains the V twin (lots of Aprilias) but the Suzuki is a parallel twin. Lower power but, combined with the lower weight, means it has the go were it's most useful. Saying that, I've got through a lot of bikes over the years so who knows what will come after that!
Probably also worth noting that 40kg is 2/3 of my bodyweight - makes a lot of difference when wrestling a bike round a series of hairpins!
If I would be looking at one bike, would be the new Honda CB1000GT. 147BHP, 229Kg, seat height 825mm and comes loaded with everything ready for touring for under £12k?
Took Honda off my list a couple of years ago. The indicator/horn switchgear switch around annoys me too much (and no, I never did 'get used to it')! I had a VFR800 and then a CBR650R, both of which I put old Fireblade switchgears on but that option has gone with the need to access menus etc.
Did you have the E clutch?
No, basic version (it was the first 650 model)
Funnily enough my first big bike was an SV650. The new version is even more basic than the GSX8R and lower powered (and heavier - weird) so I'd probably get bored even quicker
Funnily enough my first big bike was an SV650. The new version is even more basic than the GSX8R and lower powered (and heavier - weird) so I'd probably get bored even quicker
before I bought the V85 last year (after 9 years with an R1200RS and increasing discomfort due to hip trouble) I tried the Aprilia Tuareg. That 660cc motor is a peach and maybe the sportier RS660 might suit? 183kg wet, 100bhp.
Good luck in your search for a new bike, I hope you find something that more meets your needs. Let us know what you finally decide to get and why please. The RS is quite a big heavy bike and my 1250RS is better on fast open roads rather than the tight twisty stuff but it is quite capable if I ride smoothly and get my speed and lines correct, but it is a bit of a lump for me too at 5'7" and 72kg.
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