Superbikes vs Super Motards

Hi everyone

I have been looking at getting a bike for a while now, and still am in no rush to get one, but am looking to get something 2nd hand.

A family member of mine has suggested to me that I stay away from superbike's and opt for something like a super motard and hyper motards because of how much easier they are to maneuvre in and out of traffic, and because cars see them better on the roads than sleeker superbikes, which according to him are much more dangerous.

Can anyone give their opinions on the topic as to why they would choose a super/hyper motard over a superbike?

I am looking at getting a 600cc with a bugdet of between R40k-R50k, but with these things in mind I'm not too sure what model, make or mileage to look out for.

I'm open to any suggestions, thanks gents.

Hey budi,
Its all very well that people suggest what you should ride. I think its a personal thing when choosing a bike. What do you like? What's your riding style? Motards are a lot of fun and a nice toy to have for short distances but I would want something with fairing and a screen for the long trips. Do you just want to commute on it?

ktm has the duke thats nice. nice in traffic. super bikes doesnt work for me because im to big. puts lots of strain on my hands.

Superduke 990 is nice. I think the 1190 is coming out aswel. The aprilia 1200 is also awesome but are all very expensive.

m.gumtree.co.za/ttr600-yamaha/v?adId=451358741&page=3#yamaha

i think fo 40-50k he wil only be able to get a 640/690 used

I agreed with Bandit1200... Its up to you.
If you going to used only to work and back, or also breakfast runs, rallies etc.
Naked street fighters are kewl. I have a 2008 CBR1000 and I wouldnt ride it in traffic as I feel you dont enjoy it as much as a street fighter in and around the city.
Z750 is really nice for traffic, enough power for breakfast runs, you can get a bubble screen and small fairings for it and the riding position is great for traffic as well....

Anyways, I would say ride a few different bikes and base your decision on what YOU like and what is comfortable for you.

The bike will choose you.

Regarding the comment that motorists see motards better than superbikes, I think that is utter BS. you can be lucky if they see you at all.

I have commuted for 4 years daily on the N1 between Jhb and Pta, and each ride was scary as shit. Had my off when a lady opened her car door in front of me...Luckily only a bruised wrist.

When you get a bike, get protective gear. I would rather sweat than bleed!

Buy anything you want. You will know when you see her.... :woohoo: Just remember you will never be the bikes boss, disrespect her and she will throw you like a vrotvel . I have been in wheelchairs a few years of my life due to being windgat on bikes.

But........... i am still a proud biker on and offroad.

Ps* Long trips 300km+ on a superbike can be a bitch. Doing jhb to dbn is kuk, not even talking jhb to cpt.....done both.

- Something like a on/off KTM 990/GS650/1000 + is much better for a long trip, alone or with your woman.

Myself and a few buds are going to Kenya Nov this year. I will be riding my old faithfull .GS1300.

If your a town guy, not into offroad, get a 600cc superbike. Love to travel, get a on/off.

Thanks for the replies guys, really appreciate it.

Well to be honest, I do prefer superbikes over super motards and hyper motards because I'm looking for something that I can commute on AND go for Sunday rides on with a mate, for example. Nothing too hectic or long though.

I've had various dirt bikes and a 200cc motard (more of an on-road bike though) and had to get rid of that when I moved cities. Also got hit on that by an elderly man when going around a traffic circle, as he didn't yield and ended up with several slipped discs in my spine, so I guess you are right SV.

And I'd prefer to start off again with something smaller like a 600 before moving up to bigger bikes like the 1000's. Something with a bit of speed that won't be too hectic for me though.

Been looking at bikes like the 2003-2005 Honda CBR 600 and the 2006 Suzuki GSR & GSXR 600 as ones with 35 000km of mileage and over are generally ones within my budget - but I don't know if they will give me problems with such high mileage.

Just a bit wary over second hand bikes though which is why I'm asking about them, as I've bought a dirt bike before for a relatively good price, and the engine blew within a few days of using it on sand dunes.

You can never go wrong with a Suzuki...

That Z750 is something I really like - it also fits my budget nicely

Z750 I can afford

Yeah I've heard about how expensive Honda parts are, and the Suzuki's are generally cheaper (from what I've found online) than Honda's.

Z750 is an awesome...
I was actually considering getting one, but got the 1000 instead, as it can be used for track as well.
The riding position is really good and doesnt put alot of strain on your wrists.
i just sold my CBR600 2005 for R40 000.... only 13000kms on the clock...

Bandit1200 wrote: You can never go wrong with a Suzuki...

Thank you for the truth!

Had an SV1000 S, awesome bike! Suzuki rules!

You can't go wrong with a gsxr 600. Z750 sure is sexy, but the wind @ 200+ km/h is kuk

I was in same predicament a while back 600 vs 10000 and Honda vs Suzuki

So many people said get the 1000 and get over and done with - will get board - always left behind if riding with 1000's etc

With my search the suzuki's were more expensive 07/08 models, 1000cc

I got one of the last 07 shape only registered 08 Honda CBR 1000RR Fireblade - awesome bike - get a Honda for the handling especially if it'sd your 1st superbike

Get a NSR / RGV / YZR 500cc 2 stroke and stop fckn around :lol: ......

SV wrote:

Bandit1200 wrote: You can never go wrong with a Suzuki...

Thank you for the truth!

Had an SV1000 S, awesome bike! Suzuki rules!

Also had an SV1000 a few years back. The copper colour. Loved it! Micron pipes on too. Twin sounds great! Unfortunately some dumbass turn infront of me and I T-boned him, bike in pieces and I broke my back... Luckily recovered but do struggle with my knees making squat quite painfull

A 600 with the right rider on will clap a 1000 around a mountain pass. 600 entry and exit speed in and out a cornor is much faster and can get on the gas with worrying about sliding the back end unlike the bigger 1000. Lots of fun...

Agreed, a 600 with the right rider can outperform a rider on a 1000 in the bends. Problem I find is that you get lazy on a 1000 because you have enough power in most gears, whereas the 600 is fun because you play with the gears more to get the full potential of the bike out.
I have not ridden one, but I hear the GSXR750 is an amazing compromise between a 600 and 1000.
My opinion, Honda is the easiest superbike to ride well.

MK wrote: That Z750 is something I really like - it also fits my budget nicely

Z750 I can afford

I've got a 2005 Z750, I prefer the 2005/6 model over the newer ones. I also have a Kawa ZX636, and to be honest, I prefer the Z750, of all the bikes I have ever owned or rode, its my favourite - Its easier to ride in traffic and its harder to get into trouble with it - in the end, go test ride as many different models as you can and then decide from there

I've recently had a GSXR750 and GSXR1000 and the 750 was the most awesome bike I've owned. Good speed and it sticks to the road like "kak aan 'n wol kombers". I have recently bought a Harley Davidson Vrod and its not a traffic bike but it encourages nice slow and decent riding.

Buy the 750, you'll love it! I promise

Id go for a GSXR600 or R6 over a motard any day.

You could also look at the suzuki SV's they are awesome bikes. Most will be in your budget. they are V-twins and sound mean. My dad has one with cowely pipes that are taken up under the tail. It looks and sounds sick. Would definitely suggest going for the thousand over the 650. My dad has no problem keeping up with the okes on super bikes. They are also pretty quick off the mark thanks to the torgue from the v twin engine.

Here is two.

mpumalanga.gumtree.co.za/c-Cars-Vehicles...S-W0QQAdIdZ451668217

Higher Km on this one

johannesburg.gumtree.co.za/c-Cars-Vehicl...S-W0QQAdIdZ428862097