First let me say that I am not a NEWB to riding.
I started riding in 1988 with a CB360 and a Suzuki GS550E after taking the MSF course.
I didn't like the feel of the Honda though and the GS550E was top heavy and blew all over the road when on the highway but it worked good for commuting.
I sold it and after school found a 1995 FZR1000 in 1998. That bike was long, low, stable on the highway (No trucker wake there), fast, did I say fast, but also took forever to turn. If I didn't lose my job I would still hve it now but with Helibars.
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 like the FZR and it gets blown all over the road by truckers, SUVs, even little cars. The one time I took it up to 95 just to try it out it felt like I was running with a hang glider in my hands. It felt like the fairing was trying to lift the bike off the ground.

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

I looked at a used ZX11, or ZX10R, or ZX12R, or even a FZR again. 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 250 milesbut on the trip back later in the day it was torture.

I plan on getting some soft luggage 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.

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

I got 36-38 mpg in mixed driving with both the Concours and the FZR and around 45mpg on highway for both. Will the CBR1000RR get similar gas mileage?

Thanks
Tom C

 

ive got an 06 1000 and i get 120 to low fuel..then i refill so i have never worried about economy and i rode to NC from Illinois and back in 3 days so it was comfy too...i rode a 600 for years...and then made the jump...im sure the 1000 will make u forget all about the Kawii hell uve been thru and dont change the ergo on a sportbike like a 1000 ...it defeats the ability to tuck when needed..and at 181..u need to to tuck..

 

250-500 miles on an RR may be a little rough, the higher bars should help, the seats are hard too, maybe consider that change. My buddy has an 05 1kRR and it is great to ride fast, but in its unmodified form, it is not my first choice for a long straight ride.

 

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Cute dog!