I use to own a 954 for one year and then I bought a 07 zx10r but sold that to get a 929 (got stolen)

I test rode a 954 yesterday and kinda felt like it was missing some top end power and it felt really really light and flick-able. Is it just me or the power difference between the top liter bikes and 954 is very noticeable?

So my question is; stock to stock, does the 954 makes enough power to keep up with the new liter bikes? or is it no match

I'm only talking performance, torque, horsepower and drag time. I know that for a fact that 954 handles really well and has more than enough power but I also want to know if tuned correctly, would it be able to give the new 1000rr, zx10r, r1 or gsxr1000 a good run?

I'm saying this because I have two options.
(1) The 02 954 I test rode, I can get that for $3500. It has 6k miles. All stock but it needs a new front tire asap.
(2) Or I can keep looking for a 04 to 08 10r or 04 to 07 1000rr or 04 and up R1

My budget is $4000 to $5000. Is it worth going for a bit newer liter bike or getting that 954 and spending $1000 for upgrades.

Either way, in the end, I would want something that will either be a new liter bike or match the performance of a newer one. Any ideas?

 

Wow, alot of options you have there

Not really sure wich way you should go. But i remember the first time i ran a 900. Scared the crap out of me! LOL. That was in the 90's. Running 07 1k now, and still working on getting totally comfortable with all the power and handling. All are great bikes, just need to pick the one that fits you best.

 

agreed.

any 600 has more than enough power for the street or trackday. so if you want a 954 or a liter, pick the one that YOU are most comfortable on. they'll have plenty of power, all of them.

sure the newer liters (especially the '03/'04 10r - i still think its one of the most insane bikes ever made motor wise) are going to be faster up top than the 954.

the 954 to me just feels like the complete package. it just barely loses out on top end to new liter bikes, but it handles soooo much better IMO. for the street, for the track, the 954 is the way to go.

if you're racing - then its a dfferent story. the 954 would definitely lose

 

6k & $3500! Your asking the wrong group here. I would jump on that bike! Ride it for awhile.............fall in Love with it..........and forget about HP and torque numbers! If you are looking for all out, straight line performance in a bike that will hold its own with current liter bikes. The 954 is not for you.

 

Its funny how people purchase by the numbers.lol I know guys on 600's that can kick the crap out of all the average riders at the strip just because the really know what there doin. Thing is 85% of us can't and never will be able to push the 954 or any of todays supersport bike to near there limits. Go buy the bike that you had the most fun on riding. Mean handling,Ergo's,and best money spent. You may suprise yourself.

 

Thanks for the replies.
To Moderator: Can you please move this thread to off-topic? So opinions would be unbiased. Not saying that it is so far or anything

 

I remember I ran against a buddy's 954 when I had an '01 R1. We were both stock with just slip ons. You're right, the top end on the 954 may be a bit lacking, but with good shifting you shouldn't notice the difference until you're seeing 150+ on the speedo... and if you can trap 150+ with a stockish 954 you should be going pro.

 

exactly.

 

BadS1 you nailed it. Buy what makes you comfortable and happy. You have to remember, there's always going to be a bigger, badder, faster bike out there. Take the new BMW's for instance, absolutely insane. They run away from me like I'm a 600, but i have 1/5 the money in mine and still run out in front of the group most of the time. The bike is almost 10 years old but holds its own very well. I wouldn't think twice about buying my 954 if I had it to do again.

 

If your aren't going to buy it, could you tell me where I can find this deal? $3500? I'll take it if you don't