I was looking for a new bike last year that would be sporty riding and allow longer rides every now and then. So I bought a 2006 Kawasaki Concours.

MISTAKE of my life.

The bike is just not any fun. No adrenelin rush at all.

So I started looking at selling my Kawasaki and getting something more sporty that is still (or can be) comfy for at least 250 mile trips.

I went to a Honda dealer the other day and they had a leftover 2004 CBR1000RR. Yes it hasn't been sold yet. I believe it is $8995 but I think I can get it out the door in the 8's somewhere.

The Kawasaki was good for a 250 mile tripbut on the trip back later in the day it was torture (Changed seating position and blood flow was cut off from my legs).

I plan on getting some soft luggage, corbin seat (Or other if any exist), Double bubble screen,and either Helibars (1 3/4" up, 1" back) or some Convertibars (www.convertibars.com). The convertibars let you switch from low to high bars in a few minutes (Maybe not. They are more expensive than the Helibars)

Will this be a good bike for mostly short commutes, longer fun rides to blow off some stress, and an occasional 250-500 mile day after I lift the bars, new seat,and put on the luggage?

I got 36-38 mpg in mixed driving withthe Concoursand around 45mpg on highway. Will the CBR1000RR get similar gas mileage?

Thanks
Tom C

Sorry for a similar post in the Newb section but no one was reading it there.

 

Most of what you want is possible w/the CBR. If you're gonna be riding it long distances (or even for short distances) the seat NEEDS to be changed; the stock seat basically forces your crotch into the backside of the tank. The Corbin seat isn't cheap, but it's cupped in the back for comfort and it helps prevent your *** from constantly sliding forward. As for gas mileage, you're gonna get comparable numbers to the Kawi. I'm not sure of any luggage, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist - I've just never had any reason to search around for some. The ergonomics of the bike aren't too bad, more comfortable than a lot of other sportbikes. And then of course comes the fun factor . . . stock, the 1000rr is a fast bike! Start modding it with an exhaust, intake, PC3 etc and it gets stupid fast. You'll definitely enjoy yourself on it, even with all its power, it's still a very easy bike to ride - expect a big smile after your first ride. [sm=happybounce.gif]

 

That's what I was hoping to hear.[sm=happy046.gif] I did have a 95 FZR1000 that was a torque monster (Freight train). It was also long, low, and stable on the highway but it needed helibars to get the feeling back in my wrists. It wasn't a corner carver it was only for straightaways.

The seat is $219 at Corbin for the front which isn't too bad. I don't ride with a passenger so I don'thave need for the rear seat. I will have to carry a briefcase when going to work so I will need to find a way tobungee it. Or get a backpack. I think a double bubble is necessary here in upstate NY just to extend the riding season. Engine mods will have to wait. I do have a tank bag but they block the gas cap so I think I can get soft luggage for the sides or a large gym bag for clothes for those trips.

How well do the helmet locks work? On the Kawi they are not usable since the side cases block them and since they are too far in you can't use them without melting your helmet anyway.

 

an 04 for 8995? Not a good price man. I bout mine a year an a half ago for cheaper than that and have seen many 06s for prices like that. If you in SC Ill sell you mine for 7500 with all the extras on it

 

I just bought an 06 in May for that price.

 

The bike is a brand new (i.e. it has O (zero) Miles) 2004 model with warranty. It will cost $8595 + Tax. It has the silver and black color sceme and had the speedometer fix recall. I put some money down to hold it but I still have to talk to my banker on Saturday when she gets back from her vacation. Most of those bikes I have seen for cheaper are used. Look at cycle trader.

Now I've got to figure out what to do with my AC12 Blue/silver/white helmet and my blue and black mesh jacket. Maybe my brother will buy the helmet.

That seat is a board with a cover on it. There is no padding at all. Corbin Here I come. Scratch that Sargent here I come (Once I save $330).With the stock under seat exhaust how do you bungee things to the bike? Are there hooks somewhere to use or do they melt when you try? I am 220lbs so what settings would you use for general everyday riding on rough roads (Not race track or aggressive yet)?
Thanks
Tom C

 

not the best price man, I paid 8600 for my '06 in december with 0 miles.

 

It's your money but I think you would still be paying a bit much. I got a 06' with only 2k miles on it for $8,000 in mint condition. Hell, the first couple thousand miles are no fun anyways since you have to break it in. Have fun though, that's all that matters!

 

Since you are in upstate NY give Troy city garage a call (www.troycitygarage.com). I picked up a leftover '06 there in May for $8,900 ($10,065 out the door w/everything). They can probably still source a leftover one, takes about 10 days to get it. I would buy from them again.