I wanna save my GTR......

[2kwacks]

[qoute] from kawrrgtr the zrx100/1200 option I hadnt considered (or even know anything about...) before you spend your hard earned cash
here is some info on the kawasaki zrx1200s..http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/kawasaki/2001-kawasaki-zrx1200s-15106.html
there a good allrounder, I had the 2003 model for 5 years. excellent strong motor, the sod could move when it wanted to as well! never let me down in the 5 years I owned it, infact I sold it to someone I knew in 2008. and he still owns the bike, infact was speaking to him last month, he said it's never failed to start and as not give him any trouble whats so ever. still handels and rides as good as when I had it, mind you there holding there price well. I sold mine in 2008 for £3,250.00 with 14,000 miles on the clock in the very condition as pictured in this topic, you would be lucky to get 2003 model with similar mileage for less than the price I got for mine 4 years ago, infact there demanding more money now. "another bad move by yours truely"

[mecki]

If it doesn't have to be a Kwack I'd recommend the Suzuki GSF 1250 Bandit.
The engine is a real torque monster and virtually bullet proof.
I had one for nearly 3 years before I traded it in for the GTR - best street bike ever and unbeatable on price! 

[100milesaway]

Here here

[O.C.]

Oh yesssssss... El Bandito, is cast iron.....and can be easily/cheaply 'improved' if you wish 

[Andy]

If you are travelling 350 miles a week I'd suggest something economical with a smaller engine e.g. http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/BMW/BMW-G650GS-2011-current/ speed isn't a issue on the M25...

[O.C.]

quite by coincidence I've just had this link sent to me

What a stunning bike and not a lot of money

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260969166803&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en

[Winston Smith]

That looks lovely Roger

[mecki]

I was actually seriously looking at a Versys  the other day as a winter bike.
But since I don't need to commute I couldn't really justify the expense.
Looked like a lot of fun, though. 
But if I find a better paid job I might be tempted. 

[kwarrgtr]

Cheers chaps  - Andy, ta but the 650 gs is too expensive, only 650 and its a bm, apart from that it ticks all the boxes haha, but ta anyway. Nigel the gtr1000 is pehaps a 'little too' last year....
Roger - that is indeed a nice looking bike for little money. Shame its in the back of beyond 
Actually spotted a very tidy rex (few usual knocks and scrapes) but only £2500 and in Essex. So I am gonna make that the first serious contender and hope to see it soon.

[Kwikasfuki]

What about the Suzuki VStrom?

[kwarrgtr]

What about the Suzuki VStrom?

now thats a cracking suggestion......

[Martin#30]

As someone pouring 15k a year on commuting too, I can understand where you are coming from, but don't forget about the extra insurance/tax/servicing etc of the second bike. Then there is the hassle of having to get a 2nd bike MOTd each year, plus space to store it. A bike cheap enough to make financial sense is not necessarily going to be as key-in and forget as the GTR, with seals, sprockets, bearings, fork oil etc. all potentially needing replacement at some point.

Most importantly, are you *really* going to open the garage door each morning, walk past that lovely GTR, and get on some old/small/budget/unexciting alternative bike?

I vote for keep putting miles on the GTR.

Martin.

[kwarrgtr]

Hi Martin, yeah i do know where your coming from. To be honest - this could be one of those things that the more I think about it.... the more I confuse myself. Walking past the gtr is not too much of a problem, there is actually joy in just looking at it, of course not as much as riding it.
I actually got the gtr late last year and if im honest - i only got it because i was in a position that... I could, I love the idea of having multiple bikes - even though from a pracical sense... as you say, it doesnt make any!!!
But - I know I am bloody lucky, I really have simple (read cheap) tastes - apart from motorbikes, and iam pretty sure, that now will be the only time in my life where I will be in a position to get another bike. And my (ridiculous) justification... well.... not only a cheap (ish) commuter, but I'll have a big incentive to do my own servicing and farkling. The gtr will go to the dealer, cos I'd hate to cock up with that beaut.!!!
Ps - someone else suggested a vfr.......
Oh no more thinking and not enough (any) brain cells left.......

[Martin#30]

..., I love the idea of having multiple bikes - even though from a pracical sense... as you say, it doesnt make any!!!

Now this makes much more sense to me. Don't do it to save money (you won't really, with second bike costs/hassle), do it to have another option for hopefully the same money that you save on the GTR. But I would strongly recommend something different, rather than a cheaper commuter.

Aprilia Tuono. Supermoto. Anything with a KTM badge. Something you can go off-road or green-lane on. Old Ducati monster. Stupid litre sportsbike. Some naked guzzi thingy.

I am lucky enough to be able to have other bikes than the GTR. Make it count, buy something you actually would desire though.

Martin.

[kwarrgtr]

I am lucky enough to be able to have other bikes than the GTR. Make it count, buy something you actually would desire though.

Martin.
ahhhh so the truth will out!! 
So... something I desire.... ummm I actually desire the new Triumph explorer