All,

I'm in the market for a new bike as I have recently been "relieved" of mine I initially started looking for another 954, but I'm seeing 1000s for similar prices. How do they compare?

I'm still a new rider, so handling and smooth power delivery are of the utmost importance, but I'm not pushing any limits on track days (yet). Also, I'm a taller rider (6'5") so comfort on the bike is a bit of a concern for when I'm in city riding.

Now that people have some years of experience with the two, what are your thoughts?

Thanks!

-ND

 

I love my 954. If I was to get a CBR1000RR, it would be an 08-up. The 2012 is awesome. The 04-05 1000 is nothing special compared to the 954. 06-07 are good, but still outweighs the 954 and doesn't have much more power.

 

Ditto the above, i have just been in your position about 2 months ago, i opted to buy a mint, low miles, 2002 954.... it was that or go for a 2008 and beyond and they cost a bit more than i wanted to spend at the moment, i looked at the 04-07 but as said, they are not that special and i found them not as comfy or .... '' right '', i am 5ft 7'' and the 954 is just perfect for me, it looks and feels like a 600 but with the power of a litre bike. Also they are not that common, i have seen a few RR4/5/6/7's but as yet i have not seen one 954 (except mine of course !!!). I can see my bike being worth what i paid for it in 2-3 years time and it has a certain kudos that the 04-07 simply does not have.

 

I disagree with both popsts in areas. You need to ride both. See which one feel's better for you. As far as the weight of the early 1000's??? Big deal they weigh a tad more. None of us are pro racers and aren't going to ride either one of these bike to there true abilities. I've ridden both and liked both. I have 954... like it very much. But I bought a bike that was not even broke in yet and 8 year old model. Couldn't pass it up.

 

Oh, I agree you won't notice the weight, but my point is, the 954 is the benchmark for comfort and performance. The 04-05 is much less comfy, but not much more performance. The 06-07 is better but I'd still take the 954 over it.

 

I agree, i just did not feel right on the RR6 I sat on, the 954 was like sitting on my favourite sofa at home ! The 1000cc bike also came across as a lot longer and not as compact, i know on paper the weight is not that much different but looking at the bikes side by side and sitting on them and riding them, to me they were chalk and cheese different. I also do like owning a bike that you will very rarely see on the road.

 

get a gixxer

 

lol !!!

 

^^ Bahahaaa

 

Thanks for the input all. I just saw a guy riding a 1000 on my way home from work with his knees sticking out...looked uber cramped. I didn't realize there is such a difference in comfort between the 954 and the 1000.

I didn't have any issues with the throttle response on my old 954, but I'm wondering did the 1000s improve on it at all? Is it any smoother?