[avigil]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the forum here. I currently have a 2014 Kawasaki Concours (1400cc sport touring bike) with 20k miles on it. I want to get a second bike to complement it. I'd keep the Concours for longer rides and anytime my girlfriend goes for a ride on the back. For my second bike, I want something that is the following:
Great looking
Fast and fun to ride (on the street and the track)
Nimble
Reasonable to ride on the street for 4 hours in a day
Reliable (I really don't want to have it fail to start or anything like that)

I'm seriously considering the 959. It seems like a great complementary bike (obviously very different). I test rode one last Friday for 1.5 hours and was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable I felt on it, the street rideability, and that I didn't feel much heat coming up from the seat. But of course it was like 45 degrees out. I've been researching for almost a year and have considered the following:
zx10r, zx6r, mv agusta f3 800, r1, r6, rsv4, triumph daytona 675rr

But I keep coming back to the 959. It seems to have all of the things I listed above. My only concern with it is regarding heat coming from under the seat. But I would wear leather pants on almost every ride. And from what I've read there are things that people have done to mitigate the heat (shift tech carbon fiber, etc).

I'm definitely going to buy a new bike within the next month. Are there any major downsides to the 959 that I'm missing?

 

[VroomVroom]

Welcome to the forum!

Downsides to the 959? Besides the inability to stop riding once you're on it? Not that I've read about and it sounds like you've already made the decision. :grin2:

 

[rucks22]

Avigil welcome to the forum! I assume you test rode the 959 at Motocorsa? The are many things that can be done to minimize the underseat heat that everyone talks about, the crew at Motocorsa can do any or all of them. Also worth noting is that the 959 isn't as hot as my previous 1199... You mentioned that you will be wearing leather pants when you ride, if that's truly the case then you will be able to handle the heat even during the hottest of summer days.

 

[avigil]

Avigil welcome to the forum! I assume you test rode the 959 at Motocorsa? The are many things that can be done to minimize the underseat heat that everyone talks about, the crew at Motocorsa can do any or all of them. Also worth noting is that the 959 isn't as hot as my previous 1199... You mentioned that you will be wearing leather pants when you ride, if that's truly the case then you will be able to handle the heat even during the hottest of summer days.

I test rode at South Sound in Tacoma, WA. I think I'd wear leather pants 95% of them time. Rarely I'd do a shorter trip in jeans. I stopped in and checked it out again today (without riding). I can't wait for a no-rain day (which will be at least a week) so I can take it out one more time. I'm really falling in love with this bike. I already have a list of the mods that I'd do right away and the ones I'd wait on...

 

[VroomVroom]

Well if it's a bit moist, perfect time to test out that wet mode.

 

[corsa]

I test rode at South Sound in Tacoma, WA. I think I'd wear leather pants 95% of them time. Rarely I'd do a shorter trip in jeans. I stopped in and checked it out again today (without riding). I can't wait for a no-rain day (which will be at least a week) so I can take it out one more time. I'm really falling in love with this bike. I already have a list of the mods that I'd do right away and the ones I'd wait on...

What modifications do you have lined up to do so far?

 

[avigil]

Mod planning

What modifications do you have lined up to do so far?

Probably similar to ones that others are doing:

Immediately/for sure:
throttle spacers
NRC Undertail
Frame and front fork sliders - probably the T-Rex ones
stomp grip/some tank protection/grip
rear seat cowl - from the 1299 (pic attached) I saw yesterday it looks amazing

Contemplating:
comfort seat - will probably wait to see if current one is too uncomfortable
bright white headlight bulbs
brake/clutch reservoir replacement (most likely black)
These 2 would go together: bar end mirrors, front flush mount turn signals

Definitely waiting on. But likely will do later:
Full exhaust replacement - would love full system akrapovic but debating cost and will probably make the decision later
heat shield - carbon fiber shift tech or similar - may wait to see if heat is a problem

Suggestions/advice?

 

[rucks22]

Great list of mod's for sure, the exhaust is a pricey investment for sure but once you ride the 959 with the full Akra exhaust you won't have buyers remorse... I promise! lol

 

[gurneet]

Great list of mod's for sure, the exhaust is a pricey investment for sure but once you ride the 959 with the full Akra exhaust you won't have buyers remorse... I promise! lol

Does it really make that big of a difference?

 

[rucks22]

Does it really make that big of a difference?

If you lived close to Austin, TX I would let you demo my bike and see for yourself. But to answer your questions, "Without a Doudt, it makes a huge difference"!

 

[avigil]

It's going to the paint shop to get opti coat tomorrow

It's going to the paint shop to get opti coat tomorrow. I have to be patient until next week to pick it up and ride it. There is a spot on the showroom floor now...