Vs: Best Available Liter + class standard/Muscle bike

I wanted to punch this up but there are a few out there. Rule is anything considered a standard in the ergonomics category. No lay forward or back, and have what is considered to be a 1L+ engine. So why a FZ1 is in a R1 is out. The same goes for the Ducati, Monster in, Diavel out.

Suzuki has dropped the SV and Bandit liter versions for 14 so they are out.

CB1100F

Z1000

FZ1

Monster1200

R nineT

Harley, unfortunately, doesn't have anything to compete in this category. Lots of power cruisers, but no real standards (sorry Sporsters are still in the cruiser category. I think the V-Rod would do well in a power cruiser comparison.)

So what say you hive mind, muscle bikes are about the streets, which would your weapon be?

Moto Guzzi Griso:

None of the above. I've sat on them, and didn't find it pleasant. Especially the monster.

Instead, I would suggest visiting dealerships and spending some time simply sitting on various bikes, narrowing down this way at first. What looks cool and fast on paper may not feel good at all once your derier hits the saddle. And if a biggish motorcycle show comes up, go to it. More seat time and quick comparisons back and forth.

My vote is FZ1. I love Honda. I do not love the CB1100.

Kaw ZRX1200R. Not as fast as the other lot but a very comfortable bike. Good power and gobs of torque. Its hands down the best 80's standard ever.

On second look it appears you want new... of the Ines listed the ducati. Because ducati.

Out of all of them, the Monster 1200 or Speed Triple R would be what I would buy. I don't like the new monster frame and the fact that there is more plastic then engine visible.

A nice used B - King would totally fit the bill.

The BMW for me. Mainly for the styling.

I sat on the new CB1100 at the bike show earlier this spring; of course I didn't have a chance to actually ride it, but it felt and looked good.

I am old school in that I think motorcycles should look like motorcycles, and not like alien creatures.

CB900 aka 919 might be worth a look if it didn't have to be brand new. Surprised at how the not very pretty Z1000 keeps getting uglier. And the Monster used to be good looking as well! Griso seems nice, the Breva seemed nice as well, but both are kind of heavy. BMW boxer's never sound that nice to me and don't come cheap.

So the obvious answer is... 2014 VFR800!

http://www.visordown.com/road-tests-first-rides/first-ride-2014-honda-vfr800-review/24774.html

remember current production liter class so bikes CB919/900 B-king zrx1200R are all out, because they aren't in production. That is also the reason the 1200 Bandit and SV1000 are out.

Sport Tourers are also out because they don't qualify so no VFR

Doesn't Pres have a z1000?

Do they still make the Aprilla Tuono V4 R?

The vfr 800 is also a torqueless wonder. I had a friend with an 01 and it had lots a trouble under 6k rpms. Like 250cc ninja gutless.

I'm hoping the z1000 tanks in value. I want one and I have the ability to make it much prettier!

Of the choices listed I would go with the FZ1, but is there a reason that you are limiting this to bikes that in production right now?

IMO, the best Bang for the Buck in modern UJMs muscle bikes were the Bandit 1200 & B-King. I'd bet that it wouldn't be to hard to find well kept low mileage examples of both. I prefer the naked version

I didn't like the styling of the B-King when it first came out, but it's grown on me, and I like it now, I definitely want to test ride one.

In reply to yamaha:

I own a 2004 VFR800. My avatar is actually taken from the slightly later VFR 800 red white & blue paint scheme.

In reply to singleslammer:

Then your friend's VFR had problems, these bikes are pretty torquey, with a curve that is not like what you are describing.

For fun, here's a curve for the Z1000 from 2007 (I didn't spend a lot of time searching)

In replay to Flight Service:

See, this is why I can't take these threads too seriously. If you're going to establish such tight restrictions, what's the point? I mean, you want comfortable but no sport touring bikes? What's the point of this again? And buying a bike used, if you shop carefully, can save you tons of money. And opens up a lot of options.

No Triumph available in that range? (or close enough?) KTM? Buell?

For a street bike, they've had more than enough hp since the late 90's.

In reply to pres589:

Ahh, my bad. Someone here has a newish z1000......and as far as the restrictions, seems about normal for this board anymore. Its like asking for a 3 year old station wagon truck that happens to also be a miata for sub $2k.......

In reply to stroker:

Triumph Speed Triple definitely fits the bill. I think they're 1050cc these days and have a bit over 100hp.

If you are already considering the price point of the BMW R nineT and the Monster 1200, why not the BMW S1000R? Just an upright version of the S1000RR. And if not that, i would third the Speed Triple.

Appleseed wrote: A nice used B - King would totally fit the bill.

This.

it's a naked hayabusa!

The Tuono dominates the street fighter category.

pres589 wrote: In reply to yamaha: I own a 2004 VFR800. My avatar is actually taken from the slightly later VFR 800 red white & blue paint scheme. In reply to singleslammer: Then your friend's VFR had problems, these bikes are pretty torquey, with a curve that is not like what you are describing. For fun, here's a curve for the Z1000 from 2007 (I didn't spend a lot of time searching) In replay to Flight Service: See, this is why I can't take these threads too seriously. If you're going to establish such tight restrictions, what's the point? I mean, you want comfortable but no sport touring bikes? What's the point of this again? And buying a bike used, if you shop carefully, can save you tons of money. And opens up a lot of options.

Why not a Harley fat boy or GSXR then? there are people (like me) who don't want a fairing on the bike. I have a Monster S4Rs - my third monster. I have had lots of sportbikes - FZR/CBR/Mille. For whatever reason (age?) I just like bikes where you can see the motor. My wife wanted me to get a Ducati Streetfighter, but too much plastic, not enough motor visable.

ktm super duke

MV Brutale