I took my trusty 1994 Yamaha XJ600 Seca II down to the shop for new tires today. (They didn’t have them, so I’ll take it back during the week.)
As the guy was looking up the tires in the catalog, I saw a brand-new 2002 Yamaha R1 sitting in the showroom. Being old stock, I thought I’d enquire about it’s price. As I approached, a couple got to the salesman first. Oh well, I don’t really need a new bike; even if it is only $9,500 including tax, license, dealer prep – “out the door”. Then I found out that with $1,000 down, the payments would only be about $85/month until 2005. Uh-oh.
But the nifty red-and-white bike was already spoken for. I’d have to wait until some nebulous future date to get an R1. (I don’t like the blue ones. Everybody has a blue one. Besides, by Seca is blue.)
“Do you really want a red one?” asked the salesman, “I think I can get one for you next week.”
I don’t see how I can pass it up. They aren’t making red ones now, it’s a new bike, and the price is reduced since it’s a 2002. I left my information and they will call me next week.
My Seca II is perfect for commuting. It’s a small bike, so it lane-splits well. It gets 50 mpg. After nine years, its compression is still great. It’s pretty darned reliable. I love this bike! It has over 71,000 miles on the clock though, and I’ve kind of outgrown it. I want something faster.
It’s an open-ended finance option. After January 2005 the interest rate jumps from 1% to 18% – but as long as you make at least the minimum payment, there is no time limit. For comparison, a 36 month loan is about $300/month and a 60-month loan is about $190/month.
Oh – I was just thinking about insurance. My Seca II costs $85/year for liability. I’ve heard that insurance goes up when you get above 600cc. The good news is that I haven’t had any citations in about 4-1/2 years. Also, I’ve had a motorcycle license since about 1976 and the insurance companies count longevity. (Unfortunately they don’t count the 5-1/2 years I was riding motorcycles before I got a license!) The bad news is that the Yamaha R1 is apparently a popular bike to steal. The sales guy said he pays $550/year for full coverage with his “perfect rider discount”. I’ll try my current insurer first, then try his GMAC insurance. As for security, I have a structural part of the building to which I can attach the bike with a very stout chain, and I can also attach it to the bumper of my Willys.
You make me sooooooo jealous! I can’t even afford a used bike yet. I can’t wait to get a real job and a bike. That sounds like a pretty good deal, although I’m not a big fan of Yamaha’s sport bikes (but I’d take a VMax any day of the week.) Good luck!
I’m not a Harley type. The V-Max has some appeal, but it’s still not my style. I considered a Ducati 900SS years ago, but an R1 delivers more bang for the buck. When I told the salesman I didn’t care for the blue R1s he pointed out the Aprilias. He said I could get a nice one with some nifty extras for $11K. But then I thought about Spiny Norman and Coldfire turning green, and decided I couldn’t do that to them. (Actually, I still think the Yamaha is a better deal.)
I went bike shopping with my dad today, for my first bike which I will buy after my class which is coming up soon. I think I am deciding between a suzuki or a kawasaki. But it was kind of fun sitting on the various bikes.
Any of the Japanese bikes are great. I learned to ride on my dad’s second-hand 1964 Yamaha 80, my first and second bikes were Yamahas, and I ride a Yamaha now. So having grown up with Brand Y, I like to stick to it. Hondas are probably better made (and I think Honda edged out the Yamaha in the 600 class sportbike ride-off done by one of the motorcycle mags recently). I’ve ridden a Suzuki GS500 and a GSXR750. I used to have a Honda CX500, and I’ve ridden a old-school Honda CB360T and a CB750 (which was way too big for me at the time!). But I still like the Yamahas.
Yeah, I just have the feeling that they require more fiddling with than Japanese bikes. Yes, they’re pretty; and yes, they perform well. But I want to stick to what I know. (Anyway, I find the Yamaha to be more aesthetically pleasing.)
I haven’t bought the R1 yet. I can afford it, but I’m having a total restoration done on a '66 MGB that is costing much more than I had anticipated. I think I’m going to buy the Yamaha. A) I’ve been wanting a red R1 for years; B) It’s no longer $11,000 plus “out the door” costs. C) I really need a more powerful bike. D) I’m in a pretty good financial situation right now (having put my house-buying plans on hold). But it’s been a couple of years since I’ve had “car payments”, and it’s a little scary. (Also scary is knowing how I ride, and the aggressive posture the R1 encourages! I hope I’m mature enough not to get myself in too much trouble.)
Anyway, the dealer should have a VIN by Tuesday so I’ll keep you all posted…
Now I have to wait for next week for it to come down from Petaluma.
The dealer was saying something about how I can go much faster now if I really wanted to . I said I’ll definitely go fast after the break-in period. He said, “As a motorcycle racer, certified engine tech…” (he basically gave me his résumé) I’d say you don’t have to break it in. Just ride normally it right off the floor. Well, it’s water-cooled and much more like a car engine than any of my earlier bikes. Maybe it’s true. But I’ll still read the manual and do what it recommends.
I dunno man, I’d be leary of running a brand new motor hard. It may be more like a car engine, but it still wears off pieces of metal that gets into the oil (which is why you change your oil after 500 or so miles). In fact, my friend got a new R6, and his dealership told him to be easy on it until 500 miles, then bring it in for the breakin tuneup.
Another friend of mine is considering getting an R1 too (2003 model though). However, I think he is too immature and far too inexperienced to handle a bike like the R1. He’s thinking of getting it as his FIRST bike, which I think is a rather foolish mistake.
Congrats, Johnny! Awesome piece of kit, the R1. Now I know I’m definitely not keeping ahead of you anymore in the canyons, with whatever piece of junk rental I turn up with. Oh well, at least the R1’s got a pretty rear to look at. Too bad your own rear will be in my view, too.
I’m assuming you’re keeping the Seca, what with the sentimental value and all? You could still use it as a commuter, and ride the R1 for thrills. It’s not exaclty an easy-cruising lane splitter.
And hey! You can now outrun Spiny again. Screw that V-tec crap, all hail the R1.
Me, I would have prefered the grey colour scheme, but I’m weird that way. The blue’s pretty too, but like Johnny said: EVERY R1 is blue, which takes the fun out of it.
Monster104: I’ll be doing it by the book, as I always have.
I’m getting new tires and brakes for the Seca. The shocks are not exactly new, but you can use it if you promise not to crash it. Oh, and if you don’t hold me liable for anything!
(Actually, I still think the Yamaha is a better deal.)
