Wanted fast new bike

[reidy]

Hello all

I am thinking about getting another bike. I have a question that I suspect has no clear answer but you don't know if you don't ask a lot of smart people. Therefore I am asking here.

I want a small bike that accelerates or more importantly feels like it accelerates to 100 km/h quickly and also feels fast at sub 100 km/h speeds.
I don't care about quarter mile times or top speed. The cheaper the better, read I don't want new or collectable. I also don't care what the stopwatch says. Some bikes feel fast and some fast bikes feel slow.

I am after something fun at legal speeds that gives me a rush. There is probably a forgotten gem of a bike out there that meets the requirement. 
Please share your ideas on how to achieve this.

Thanks Steve     

[steven c]

Buell.

[Scout63]

V50, or a Zero.

[PeteS]

Buell fits the description. I would suggest a Norton. Feel at 75 mph is like a modern bike at 125.

Pete

[Guzzidad]

   I know several people who have fast bikes but also have 400cc Ninja's. They just love their little Kawasaki's.

[Alfetta]

XR 650 R

[leafman60]

Buell is a good candidate unless you are tall. I'm 6'2" and I've ridden a Buell. I felt (and looked) like praying mantis trying to ride a termite!  To me they are pocket bikes, toy-sized.  If you're 5-6 or so, things would be different. 

Also be careful with some of the Buells as they had teething issues for a while. If you are barking up that tree, I would suggest the Harley Davidson XR1200X.  The engine is different from a Buell but still similar.  The H-D has an oil-cooled exhaust valve pocket and other improvements.  The XR is a larger bike but when you read the period reviews, even from Buell riders, the XR gets high marks for handling.  I have one and enjoy it. It handles quickly and accelerates strongly.  My XR1200 won't outrun modern sportbikes but, with a good rider, it won't be far behind and maybe even dust one off on occasion. Stick with the XR1200 X models made in the final 2 years- 2011 & 2012 (fully adjustable front and rear suspension, floating discs) .

Other "fast" bikes are out there - Ducati, BMW etc.   I've always been drawn to the low-end torque of a twin or single and that narrows the field.  This is a Guzzi site and I honestly must say that the late-model Griso 1200SE ain't no slouch in the speed category. It's a rather large bike and, although similar in weight to the XR1200, is not as nimble as the H-D. 

If you want something unique, the Husqvarna Vitpilen or Svartpilen singles are in a league by themselves for light weight, speed and handling.  They will blow your mind.

You should try to test ride anything that interests you.
.

[Kev m]

Buell is a good candidate unless you are tall. I'm 6'2" and I've ridden a Buell. I felt (and looked) like praying mantis trying to  tide a termite!  To me they are pocket bikes, toy-sized.  If you're 5-6 or so, things would be different. 

Also be careful with some of the Buells as they had teething issues for a while. If you are barking up that tree, I would suggest the Harley Davidson XR1200X.  The engine is different from a Buell but still similar.  The H-D has an oil-cooled exhaust valve pocket and other improvements.  The XR is a larger bike but when you read the period reviews even from Buell riders, the XR gets high marks for handling.  I have one and enjoy it. It handles quickly and accelerates strongly.  My XR1200 won't outrun modern sportbikes but, with a good rider, it won't be far behind and maybe even dust one off on occasion. Stick with the XR1200 X models made in the final 2 years- 2011 & 2012 (fully adjustable front and rear suspension, floating discs) .

Other "fast" bikes are out there - Ducati, BMW etc.   I've always been drawn to the low-end torque of a twin or single and that narrows the field.  This is a Guzzi site and I honestly must say that the late-model Griso 1200SE ain't no slouch in the speed category. It's a rather large bike and, although similar in weight to the XR1200, is not as nimble as the H-D. 

If you want something unique, the Husqvarna Vitpilen or Svartpilen singles are in a league by themselves for light weight, speed and handling.  They will blow your mind.

You should try to test ride anything that interest you.
.

Great answer - I don't think I can add anything to that.

[Kaladin]

Hello all

I am thinking about getting another bike. I have a question that I suspect has no clear answer but you don't know if you don't ask a lot of smart people. Therefore I am asking here.

I want a small bike that accelerates or more importantly feels like it accelerates to 100 km/h quickly and also feels fast at sub 100 km/h speeds.
I don't care about quarter mile times or top speed. The cheaper the better, read I don't want new or collectable. I also don't care what the stopwatch says. Some bikes feel fast and some fast bikes feel slow.

I am after something fun at legal speeds that gives me a rush. There is probably a forgotten gem of a bike out there that meets the requirement. 
Please share your ideas on how to achieve this.

Thanks Steve   

I might be showing how naive I am, but you just described my 2007 Norge.

[moto]

Hello all

I am thinking about getting another bike. I have a question that I suspect has no clear answer but you don't know if you don't ask a lot of smart people. Therefore I am asking here.

I want a small bike that accelerates or more importantly feels like it accelerates to 100 km/h quickly and also feels fast at sub 100 km/h speeds.
I don't care about quarter mile times or top speed. The cheaper the better, read I don't want new or collectable. I also don't care what the stopwatch says. Some bikes feel fast and some fast bikes feel slow.

I am after something fun at legal speeds that gives me a rush. There is probably a forgotten gem of a bike out there that meets the requirement. 
Please share your ideas on how to achieve this.

Thanks Steve   

I recommend a Kawasaki 250 Ninja. I've never had more fun at sub 100 km per hour speeds. That's 60 mph, approximately. When a prospective buyer showed up, I took him on a full-out, white-knuckles race around the neighborhood. On returning to the house, he was pale with fear, and immediately bought the bike!

Alternatively, if you want real acceleration at low speed, how about an electric bike?

[Kiwi_Roy]

A V7III checks all the boxes

[fotoguzzi]

I might be showing how naive I am, but you just described my 2007 Norge.

he said as all bike.

Ducati Hypermotard! Or Hyperstrada
Feels small, under 400# dry , did you say FAST? Yep..

[Sye]

Sounds like you want something light and under 50hp. They feel fast and can be a hoot to ride. BMW 310R is lots of fun and quicker than you think. Kawasaki Ninja 400 and KTM 390 both go like stink and take some keeping up with on twisty roads.
There are plenty more out there, ride them all and most of all have fun.

[Huzo]

L or M model GSXR 750

[ScepticalScotty]

SRX600 

[blu guzz]

if the ktm390 is available in your country, it is sophisticated, light weight and real quick.

i don't know what weight you are thinking, but any of the Japanese multis feel very fast, yamaha triple or 4 cyl comes to mind.

[Turin]

I'd look for a Japanese 600. I'd love to get my hands on a CBR F2, F3, etc or a 600 ninja, fzr/yzf etc

[AJ Huff]

I remember what seems like forever ago but Roper was pretty big fan of the Aprilia Mana.

-AJ

[bigbikerrick]

One of the newer Yamaha triples, would be my recomendation. Very nice bikes, with a crossplane crankshaft engine.
Rick.

[jcctx]

One of the newer Yamaha triples, would be my recomendation. Very nice bikes, with a crossplane crankshaft engine.
Rick.

How is a "cross plane" achieved on a triple??? Note~ this is a serious question as I have heard the same before regarding the Yamaha.

[twowheeladdict]

DRZ 400 Super Moto will be quick to 100 km/hr and will feel fast at 100 km/hr.

Some of the bikes above are really fast to 100 km/hr, but will feel slow at 100 km/hr.

[Tom]

Any Kymco 125, 150, 300 scooters would work.  Honda PCX 150.  Vespa 150 or 300.  All with the exception 125 engines will be quick off the line and top off at 60mph easily.  Great for zipping around town to do errands.  Just watch out for motorists that think you're on a moped.  Cheap too. 

[john fish]

MZ Skorpion. I let a fellow ride mine. Within 3 weeks, he had driven to North Carolina to buy one. Yamaha 660cc 5 valve single. Very reliable. Harris designed frame— you will never find a bike that handles better. Cheap— you will not pay over $4,000 (and that’s pricey). Almost always have enthusiast owners.  High quality machine and a total grin machine.

[bad Chad]

Fellas, the OP wants a bike that feels fast under 60 miles an hour.   There are a great many choices.

[bigbikerrick]

 Old Crossplane article, Cycle world.
https://www.cycleworld.com/sport-rider/yamaha-three-cylinder-crossplane-engine-stop-watch/

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

MZ Skorpion. I let a fellow ride mine. Within 3 weeks, he had driven to North Carolina to buy one. Yamaha 660cc 5 valve single. Very reliable. Harris designed frame— you will never find a bike that handles better. Cheap— you will not pay over $4,000 (and that’s pricey). Almost always have enthusiast owners.  High quality machine and a total grin machine.

Glad somebody likes them, but it ain't me. Couldn't get rid of mine fast enough. Sure, handles good, but uncomfortable (for me), vibrates more than I like. Not all that fast in feel or actual speed. <shrug>. The frame design is credited to Seymour Powell in everything I've read.

[reidy]

Thanks for all of the suggestions, there are a lot of bikes that I would love to have in the garage in the list.

The electric bike is an interesting idea that I had not looked at.
I have ridden a Buell years ago. It did feel fast but I may not have worded my question correctly.
I am after small cheap fun. The XR series dirt bikes may fit the bill if I can find one at the right price.

To add to my question, I live in Australia and our local rule enforcers, or more importantly policy makers have an idea that speed is the biggest killer and if you are a couple of k's over the limit you are a danger and must be stopped. Bikes like Huzo's suggestion of GSX 750 get to 100 very quickly and are just getting into second gear. I know I can back the throttle off but that takes a lot of self control. I would like to lesson the temptation.

A Norton may fit the bill on some accounts but unfortunately everyone else must think the same looking at prices.

Has anyone had any experience with something like an early 80's Honda CB400 twin. I have been told of a cheap one in running condition. Do they handle and can what are they like off the mark especially with a sprocket change. If they are a candidate I can grab a couple before the collectors get on board and keep it as a Fun bike.     

Steve
 

[AJ Huff]

How about a Royal Enfield Scram 411? Probably same price new as a used bike. Don't even know if it's out yet but looks.cool.

-AJ

[Seventy One]

A KLR 650 feels fast at 60mph....especially with the stock windshield. It feel likes you're getting your head ripped off. The noise is deafening. With stock tire pressure 15 and 19, you'll be all over the road. The vibration through the bars make it feel like the engine is disassembling itself.

It feels a lot like a really rusted out old Jeep. My old Cherokee felt like it was doing 200mph at 65.

My Versys 1000 feels like it's going 45mph at an indicated 90mph. If you "don't care about the numbers" and are simply seeking the perception of speed, avoid these. Get a KLR.

[rschrum]

The Aprilia Tuono, 03 to 2011 V twin. About 400lbs, Rotex motor is a peach!