Tripps
Retired superhero
- Joined
- Oct 9, 2010
- Messages
- 11,327
- Location
- Florida and NY
- Ride
- R3T,Sprintona,K1200GT, Blackbird,r/65 hack
Unfortunately you've sort of boxed yourself in a corner, looking for the "swiss army knife" of motorcycles that you hope will do all things well. Inevitably you will make compromises that may leave you dissatisfied. The R3 is a Muscle Bike. Wishing it to be something it's not may lead to your dissatisfaction. Recommend that you do some serious soul searching to determine what you really are after. If you can own more than one bike, you'll have your cake and eat it too.
if you live for the adrenaline rush, The R3 is your bike. It WILL deliver.
If you're truly planning LONG distance rides for two weeks or more, think carefully. You may do that once on the R3 but unlikely to repeat. It just isn't designed for that, no matter what anyone here tells you. If you think you'll ride two up, scratch it off your list. With a chick constantly whining in your ear your joy of owning an R3 will dissipate fast. If you are planning to leave her home, and live stop light to stop light, it is the ride for you.
I've been lurking on this list as I'm itching to buy myself a birthday gift by the end of the year. I currently have a Hayabusa, VTX1800 and Goldwing in my stable. (The GW was for my bride who suddenly never rides-thanks DEAR!!). The busa has almost 40,000 miles on it and it's been all over the country on two week jaunts of 6,000 miles or more. Best sport tourer ever made. I get all the adrenaline I need from that bike but the VTX is no slouch. I will let you in on a little secret. People don't know that shifting the Wing (NO DCT for me thank you) at 4,000 rpm or higher and you'll unleash the beast you didn't know it was. The Wing is a screamer and handles like a heavy sport bike. Strongly recommend you ride one for a couple hours before ruling it out. Of course, it doesn't look like a muscle bike so there's that.
if you can only have one bike, don't take anyone's word for it. And don't buy anything without a serious demo ride. if a dealer won't give you the keys, WALK.
Someone here posted how much fun it is having people come over asking about his R3.
Try pulling into a gas station on your Hayabusa. The kids see the Kanji and start to come over, only to recoil in horror when I pull off my full face helmet and they see grandpa with a full head of white hair riding a busa! Now that's what I call FUN.
Hyabusa is on my list for a last new bike, good to hear you like it. Originally I wanted a k1600gt, but the price.... The new Busa seems a bargain for what it is, although you have to add luggage.