Conventional wisdom
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Stage II
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
Conventional wisdom
Hello everybody,
I need some advice. I'm the not so proud owner of a 2009 Kawasaki Ninja250r. About a week ago, I was on my way to Chattanooga, TN to purchase a 2007 Yamaha R6. On the way, my father calls me wih a proposal. Because my parentals are Harley Davidson enthusiasts and openly against me owning a high power sportsbike, they offered to match me on the price if I bought a Harley. I'm a college student, so their offer would enable me to purchase a relatively new Harley for about $1000 more than a sportsbike.
I went to a dealership and rode a Street Bob and a 48. The Dyna felt clunky, but the 48 impressed me as soon as I sat on it. The R6 beats the Harley in almost every category. (Mileage, range, horsepower, price, adrenaline factor, ect.) However, not many things are cooler than a Harley Davidson.
Not many good things happen past 100 mph, but bottom end/ 0-60 time is an important factor in my purchase. In terms of low end power, what can you do to a 48 to increase its performance power? Is it possible to make a 48 go 0-60 in less than 4.0 seconds? If so, what parts would be needed and about how much would it cost?
I need some advice. I'm the not so proud owner of a 2009 Kawasaki Ninja250r. About a week ago, I was on my way to Chattanooga, TN to purchase a 2007 Yamaha R6. On the way, my father calls me wih a proposal. Because my parentals are Harley Davidson enthusiasts and openly against me owning a high power sportsbike, they offered to match me on the price if I bought a Harley. I'm a college student, so their offer would enable me to purchase a relatively new Harley for about $1000 more than a sportsbike.
I went to a dealership and rode a Street Bob and a 48. The Dyna felt clunky, but the 48 impressed me as soon as I sat on it. The R6 beats the Harley in almost every category. (Mileage, range, horsepower, price, adrenaline factor, ect.) However, not many things are cooler than a Harley Davidson.
Not many good things happen past 100 mph, but bottom end/ 0-60 time is an important factor in my purchase. In terms of low end power, what can you do to a 48 to increase its performance power? Is it possible to make a 48 go 0-60 in less than 4.0 seconds? If so, what parts would be needed and about how much would it cost?
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 176
Likes: 12
From: in a house
If you're so embarrassed of the Little Ninja I'll gladly take it off your hands. There are good times to be had aboard that bike; grow up a little and you'll realize that.
As far as the Sporty goes, you can make it as fast as your heart desires. All it takes is money.
As far as the Sporty goes, you can make it as fast as your heart desires. All it takes is money.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,335
Likes: 27
From: San Diego, CA
First thing to keep in mind is Harley Davidson motorcycles are "cruisers" not "rockets". That is probably the main reason your parents want you on a Harley rather than an R6. Although there are a fair share of bike accidents of people riding Harley bikes, I see a lot more than their fair share for people riding crotch rockets. If you want to go really fast in a short time and zoom fast around corners that get the R6, If you want to ride more mellow and take it easy around corners and "cruise" they take advantage of your parents offer and get a Harley.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,250
Likes: 515
From: USA
As above...the Harley Sportster does not compare to a Ninja or R6.
My recollection is that a 1200 Sporty will run just under 90 mph and a R6 130 mph in the quarter.
I'd vote no you can't get the Sportster to have 0-60 in 4 seconds without spending thousands (and thousands) of dollars. For an idea of parts and cost: Balance/ knife the crank, larger pistons, cams, valve work and springs, gear box work, chain drive conversion, tuner kit, AC and pipe, then brakes, tires and suspension, other setup = $7500
Best wishes in your decision.
My recollection is that a 1200 Sporty will run just under 90 mph and a R6 130 mph in the quarter.
I'd vote no you can't get the Sportster to have 0-60 in 4 seconds without spending thousands (and thousands) of dollars. For an idea of parts and cost: Balance/ knife the crank, larger pistons, cams, valve work and springs, gear box work, chain drive conversion, tuner kit, AC and pipe, then brakes, tires and suspension, other setup = $7500
Best wishes in your decision.
Last edited by Kenny94945; Sep 18, 2013 at 08:39 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,368
Likes: 41
From: In the foothills of southwestern NC - US of A
Welcome to the forum!
I think it's great that you've come here looking for advice, and I really hope you decide to heed the advice that you get here.
It seems that the questions you asked about better performance for the '48 is a way of skirting your parents wishes that you ride a Harley instead of a donor bike? The two types of bikes are worlds apart, and I sure won't lecture you on the differences.
But I will tell you what I did. My son was Jones'n for a liter bike, you know, a gixxer 1000, and he was thinking that either his Mom or myself would spring for or cosign for a note on a shiney new one. Oh he had his plans all set in stone until both his Mother and I told him there was no way in hell that his punka$$ was gonna' get that bike. Boy was he pissed!
Now I had known about a possible "other" choice for him. A friend's Dad had an '02 883 that he was contemplating selling, so I called up my bud and arranged for us to go see it. At first my son was like "eh" but soon realized that it was a diamond in the rough and as soon as he found out that the old man was gonna' spring the $2,900 for it, he all of a sudden liked the idea. Go figure, LOL. I took it for a spin and all seemed well, so out came a small wad of cash and it was home in 20 minutes.
So I guess what I'm trying to say here is this; the Sporty doesn't have to be brand new, only new to you, and the owners experience can be a wonderful experience for both you and your Dad, as you learn about the mechanics, maintenance, and repair of it. Not to mention the Sporty's are very flickable and nimble, to give you a fun riding experience nontheless.
As stated above the Sporters aren't crotch rockets, but then again they weren't designed to be. Yet what they do do, they do well
Whichever you decide, ride safe!
=8^)
I think it's great that you've come here looking for advice, and I really hope you decide to heed the advice that you get here.
It seems that the questions you asked about better performance for the '48 is a way of skirting your parents wishes that you ride a Harley instead of a donor bike? The two types of bikes are worlds apart, and I sure won't lecture you on the differences.
But I will tell you what I did. My son was Jones'n for a liter bike, you know, a gixxer 1000, and he was thinking that either his Mom or myself would spring for or cosign for a note on a shiney new one. Oh he had his plans all set in stone until both his Mother and I told him there was no way in hell that his punka$$ was gonna' get that bike. Boy was he pissed!
Now I had known about a possible "other" choice for him. A friend's Dad had an '02 883 that he was contemplating selling, so I called up my bud and arranged for us to go see it. At first my son was like "eh" but soon realized that it was a diamond in the rough and as soon as he found out that the old man was gonna' spring the $2,900 for it, he all of a sudden liked the idea. Go figure, LOL. I took it for a spin and all seemed well, so out came a small wad of cash and it was home in 20 minutes.
So I guess what I'm trying to say here is this; the Sporty doesn't have to be brand new, only new to you, and the owners experience can be a wonderful experience for both you and your Dad, as you learn about the mechanics, maintenance, and repair of it. Not to mention the Sporty's are very flickable and nimble, to give you a fun riding experience nontheless.
As stated above the Sporters aren't crotch rockets, but then again they weren't designed to be. Yet what they do do, they do well
Whichever you decide, ride safe!
=8^)
Definately go with the Harley. It's not about how fast you get there, but how you look on the way.
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 614
Likes: 79
From: Virginia
Don't forget insurance costs. Young male on a R6 would probably be mighty expensive.
Here's an old video that might help calm your fears about bottom end performance/0-60 times on a v-twin VS a sportbike.
http://www.liveleak.com/ll_embed?f=4a88a935f5f0
Here's an old video that might help calm your fears about bottom end performance/0-60 times on a v-twin VS a sportbike.
http://www.liveleak.com/ll_embed?f=4a88a935f5f0
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Advanced
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 76
Likes: 4
From: Fort Mill, SC
Bro, don't get caught up in the 0-60/0-100 game. There will ALWAYS be someone/something faster that you. I have had A LOT of bikes over the years, and in the end, except for little bursts of adrenaline, the upright bikes are always the best long term.
Consider these factors:
1. Sport Bikes, like an R6 bike, are uncomfortable. The Ninja 250 is not a hard core repli-racer bike, so it's way more comfortable than the R6. That R6 is like a rolling torture device. Strike one crotch rocket.
2. Insurance. You're uckfay'ed. 'nuff said. Strike two crotch rocket.
3. Squidlyness. You know the guys I'm talking about, the fake mohawk on the helmet, leaning off the tank in like EVERY turn. Douchyness galore. Is that you? Strike three crotch rocket.
4. The 48 is like the coolest production bike on earth. That bike is sexy as hell. Chicks dig that bike. Score one HD.
5. "A Harley." The best answer when asked "What do you ride." Score two HD.
6. Your parents are willing to basically give you money, put you on a badass Harley, and probably save your life by keeping you away from other squidly riders. Seriously? Is this is tough call? Score three HD.
Lose the 0-60 ego, and get a cool bike that people will want to look at. People besides other squids.
Consider these factors:
1. Sport Bikes, like an R6 bike, are uncomfortable. The Ninja 250 is not a hard core repli-racer bike, so it's way more comfortable than the R6. That R6 is like a rolling torture device. Strike one crotch rocket.
2. Insurance. You're uckfay'ed. 'nuff said. Strike two crotch rocket.
3. Squidlyness. You know the guys I'm talking about, the fake mohawk on the helmet, leaning off the tank in like EVERY turn. Douchyness galore. Is that you? Strike three crotch rocket.
4. The 48 is like the coolest production bike on earth. That bike is sexy as hell. Chicks dig that bike. Score one HD.
5. "A Harley." The best answer when asked "What do you ride." Score two HD.
6. Your parents are willing to basically give you money, put you on a badass Harley, and probably save your life by keeping you away from other squidly riders. Seriously? Is this is tough call? Score three HD.
Lose the 0-60 ego, and get a cool bike that people will want to look at. People besides other squids.
Last edited by BrainsB4Beauty; Sep 18, 2013 at 10:03 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,095
Likes: 11
From: Central Illinois
I think you will regret buying a Harley and you really do WANT a sportbike.
I came from sportbikes, I still own a 600 and I love it.
If that is what you want, get what you want.
Don't get a harley that you aren't passionate about.
I came from sportbikes, I still own a 600 and I love it.
If that is what you want, get what you want.
Don't get a harley that you aren't passionate about.