Feeling the need to upgrade is so completely irrational...

[SkH]

*specifically to me.
 
Its been a year of owning the FZ07 and I'm having this extremely strong desire to get a stronger motorcycle.  I'm looking at FZ09 or Z1000.
 
But I took a ride yesterday and I realized there is absolutely no need to get a stronger motorcycle for my needs.  I don't do track days.  I don't street race.  I don't even commute on the highway.  The fastest street I ride on is 45 and the fastest I ever go on there is 60.  But why, why do I still feel I have to get something stronger.  Its so freaking irrational.
 
I chalk it up more or less to a desire for something new instead of strong, but since I want a new motorcycle, might as well get something stronger while I'm at it.
 
The sad thing is, I know if I get a new motorcycle, after a few months it will just be my normal motorcycle and I will once again have some desire to get a different motorcycle.  I never had this issue with cars.  I can drive my car 10 years without a thought.  But on a motorcycle...  Why is this?  A few months into owning the FZ07, I kept seeing so many members constantly getting rid of their FZ07 for something new.  I never understood it.  But I completely understand now.  It just took me a whole year to reach that point.
 
Ugh.

[ratlab]

bigger is better-not really,but i'm looking seriously at a tuono 1100 or the new on the horizon ktm 800.lol

[so1102]

If money (and garage space) were no object, I would probably have a whole stable of different bikes -- because each bike/manufacturer has a different character, and there are pluses and minuses to them all. I say this because I realize that I will never find the "perfect" bike, so I would rather have many to choose from. That being said, I only have the space and money for one (maybe two) at a time, so I will stick with mine for quite awhile. The grass isn't always greener...

[SkH]

I think the desire was compounded after getting my wife's R3. Having that different characteristic made me envy her little bike. I can rev continually to redline up to around 5th gear.
 
This made me want an R6 until I realized redline speed on 1st gear is 60-something, defeating that purpose. So being able to redline up through the gears on regular streets without going insane speeds is something only specific to smaller engine bikes. Which made me realize I don't need the R6 since I do not really like full fairing motorcycles which made my mind wander towards the FZ09. I don't like the way the FZ09 looks but it is stronger and different from my FZ07 so its sort of fantasizing on something that isn't what you've been with for so long.
 
I did think about the Ducati scrambler, but then is basically buying an italian retro FZ07. I wanted something stronger.
 
Z1000 looks so good but its far more expensive and I can get an FZ09 for cheap thanks to having a relative working at a yamaha dealership. Also, ever since I was small, the only motorcycle sound I know is an inline 4 sound (no one rode Harley's in Japan). I mean, that was the quintessential motorcycle sound to me. The FZ09 with after-market exhaust sounds very similar to an inline 4 and that engine noise is something I've been longing for all my life.
 
But once it again it goes to the fact that I really don't need a stronger bike.

[cassecou]

Their is the "I need" and their is the "I want" ....... your therapist should help you stir in the right direction O_o
 
 

[username]

It would be cool just to lease bikes and switch them every year that way you could just keep jumping around until you find a bike that you absolutely adore and want forever. I think everyone wants to get a new different bike just to try them out. Variety is the spice of life

[pantheraleo]

I'm looking hard at the Triumph Daytona 675. But, the intent is to compliment my FZ, not replace it. I've ridden a GSXR 750 &1000, and an R1. They're great bikes, but I think on the street the smaller supersport bikes are more fun.
 
Give up my FZ? Nah.
 

[Beemer]

I'm glad to see you aren't a heart breaker. So many people name their bikes and talk to/treat them like a significant other and then dump them the moment some fire red hussy/hunk with a 13,000 rpm comes along. 

[Guest Ralph]

I have had many modern bikes over the years and there's always one I fancy doing
a deal on but one thing stays the same I have a 40 year old Morini had it for
20 odd years and I never ever think of px'ing that, not sure what that says about
this post me or the Morini but it looks like wile many bigger faster moderner bikes
have come and gone the little 350 Morini will stay till I cant ride it due to old age.
 
 

[Beemer]

Ralph  
Your old age or the bikes? Whichever comes first I guess, it may outlast you. That's a sweet little 350 there, (front drums, awesome!) can't blame you for hanging on to it.

[fromthecage]

I feel ya on the want to upgrade. But I do a lot of highway commuting. The more optimal gear ratio and wind protection of a supersport appeals to me. Unfortunately this makes me realize that 600cc supersports aren't appealing to me because I have to rev the hell out of them and by the time I'm in optimal power range I will be going too fast. That's why the twins and triples are appealing to me...... either that or just buy a litre bike and be done with it.... (sound logic, I know)

[avanti]

Who cares what anyone else thinks? Do whatever is RIGHT for YOU!!! (and, don't look back) All the best.

[crazycracka501]

I kinda felt the same way for a short period of time. But I put some real thought into it and I concluded that, as so many others have pointed out, a faster bike really has no place on regular roads. They are just not usable in their power ranges without the possibility of either a gigantic ticket, impounded bike or worst case scenario death. So I decided to spend a little extra money and upgrade my bike, see how I felt about it then and make my final decision thereafter. After upgrading to a K&N air filter, EJK, and exhaust, adjustable leavers and front suspension, I once again found myself with more power and more fun. All the other extras making it look good and function a little better made just made the decision to stick with the FZ-07 as a long term bike. That said, I will be buying another 98 Triumph Adventurer for longer rides across the US with saddle bags and a more comfortable seating arrangement for the wife. But that can wait till I get the money in the budget for it and the FZ-07 will work just fine for any other riding I want to do in the mean time.
 
"Opinions (including mine) are like a$$holes, everybody's got one and they all stink"

[yamahappy74]

I have fallen in love with my FZ all over again in recent days but I was feeling the same as you up until then. I do still really miss the howl of an inline four, but I also love the characteristics of my FZ. Not enough incentive for me to sell it and get something else. Perhaps another 600 sport bike someday but for now, I'm quite happy.

[bigity]

Hahahah. This kinda of post makes me laugh....with you!!!! because I feel the same thing. I look at bikes like I look at relationships. Here are things that talk me outa getting a new bike.
 
1. Ever since I started riding, my top speeds have increased with different bikes as follows: 99, 120, and now 134. Each gets more boring the more time I'm in that top speed area. My Fizzy goes 134 and that speed IS slowly getting less exciting to me. I don't go to the track and if I keep bumping up the speed it will keep getting less exciting after a while and also become more dangerous....
 
2. We always want "more and new," that's why technology and society keeps growing. It's also a major component of going broke, divorce, and war! ever been in an excellent relationship with a wonderful, caring partner and with awesome sex? And you see someone at the cafe and you want her or him soooooo bad?! Then you go home to the person you love, you know well, and pleases you in all the wonderful predictable ways you want, and you wonder why in those moments of desire you even wanted anything else.
 
3. Going fast in a straight line gets boring. Unless you are dragging knee in all of the safe corners, there's soooooo much more excitement to find with you Fizzy! I can't drag knee, but in the country I work on leaning more and more and more and it gets more exciting every time. Just like a sex life you don't LET it get boring. Go out there and push your limits finding new fun on your long term bike relationship
 
With all that said, it took me three bikes to really be happy. So upgrade if you need, but really ask yourself will you be more satisfied or if you're just in the cafe checkin out something new.
 
Ha-ha, therapy session over. That will be $90.00. I accept PayPal

[oldsocks]

If money (and garage space) were no object, I would probably have a whole stable of different bikes -- because each bike/manufacturer has a different character, and there are pluses and minuses to them all. I say this because I realize that I will never find the "perfect" bike, so I would rather have many to choose from. That being said, I only have the space and money for one (maybe two) at a time, so I will stick with mine for quite awhile. The grass isn't always greener...

I empathize with the sentiment in this thread. I love my 07 and every time I ride it, I grin. It is just a ridiculous amount of fun but sometimes I daydream about other bikes. Reading on the internet and this forum about all the options out there makes me wonder. I think so1102 best captures my idea of the solution here. I have found there is no perfect bike for me, they all have the strengths and weaknesses and I think my only cure for the upgrade itch is to have a stable full of them.      Though the expense of insuring and upkeep for more than one bike is daunting, I still wonder what it would be like to be able to do it. I imagine then I would complain about having to choose which one to ride or maybe feel bad about letting one collect more dust than the others. I may have to become independently wealthy and quit my job so I can tinker with all these bikes equally. It seems like the grass may not be greener at all. Perhaps a quick ride on the 07 will help put this madness to rest! That and maybe just one more bike... :-)
 
-OS
 
 

[Lucius]

Great thread. I kept my last motorcycle for just a year and 700 miles. Very sad, I know. I've already put 3700 miles on the FZ07 in the past 5 months. I love this motorcycle. It's more than enough bike for me. But I too like to look at others. I do not have any desire to replace the FZ07. I just want to add others to the mix. Right now I would like to add a dual sport, maybe the WR250R and either a sport/touring or adv/touring. I want something I can travel happily across several states but still have fun when I get there. It might be a while before I can add to my fleet, but it will happen.

[ravenlord]

I like the idea of getting myself a new bike. I love the idea of another newer R6. Or a Ducati Monster 1200. Nice idea, but won't happen until I can scrape the pegs off this bike. As it sands right now I do not have the skill required to fully take advantage of this bikes performance threshold. Which is still fairly low all things considered.
 
However once I do go for a nicer, shiner, newer bike I will probably keep the FZ. It simply is one of the most well rounded motorcycles on the market today.

[qldnat]

Bikes are like girlfriends they are always great at first. But inevitably you always want a different one!

[riding4fun]

This is the thought that is going to get me a nice fz-07 for a great price this winter. You need a faster bike and the grass is greener over there. lol
 

[magsz18]

Its not always about a "faster" bike. Its sometimes about buying a particular tool or object that better suits your needs, wants and current mindset.
 
I really enjoyed my FZ, it was my first bike and it helped me learn quite a bit about riding on it. In six months i put 3700 miles on it and enjoyed it immensely but my location, driving style and method of use caused me to pretty quickly realize that i had bought the wrong bike.
 
I live in florida which is one flat, straight line. EVERYONE down here drives like a lunatic and traffic on the major highways routinely travels at 85-90 MPH despite the speed limits being 70. The FZ felt like shit at those speeds and felt wound out at those speeds. The truth is that it wasnt as it would pull all the way up to 115 without any real issue but at 115, it felt like it was going to speed wobble at any moment.
 
I also never felt planted and being blown around on the highway sucks ass, big ol ass.
 
I replaced it with a used 2007 VFR 800 and i couldnt be happier. The bike excels in the range of 40-100 mph and it feels sure footed and absolutely planted at any speed. For whatever reason, for ME, it is also more comfortable. Im also not being tugged off of the bike every time i exceed 60 mph so that's a huge plus.
 
Buy the right tool for your job, wants or needs and you should be exceptionally happy for a long time.
 
OR, accept the fact that you have grass is greener on the other side syndrome and give into your irrational lust. Neither approach is "wrong" its all about what YOU can accept.

[stefano225]

No problems here,no need to upgrade to faster bike.In my stable I also own a 150cc scooter and a 400cc yamaha majesty ,when my bike starts to feel boring my next ride will be with my majesty,and believe me the scoot get ups to 100+ and cruising speeds of 75/85 with no problems.When I go back to the 07 it feels faster again,hope you get my point  .

[SkH]

No problems here,no need to upgrade to faster bike.In my stable I also own a 150cc scooter and a 400cc yamaha majesty ,when my bike starts to feel boring my next ride will be with my majesty,and believe me the scoot get ups to 100+ and cruising speeds of 75/85 with no problems.When I go back to the 07 it feels faster again,hope you get my point  .

So what you are saying is I need to buy myself a Honda Grom!

[stefano225]

No problems here,no need to upgrade to faster bike.In my stable I also own a 150cc scooter and a 400cc yamaha majesty ,when my bike starts to feel boring my next ride will be with my majesty,and believe me the scoot get ups to 100+ and cruising speeds of 75/85 with no problems.When I go back to the 07 it feels faster again,hope you get my point  .

So what you are saying is I need to buy myself a Honda Grom!

I actually set on one,but I am kind on the big side right now not for me.But if he suit you go for it.

[databyter]

A Porshe got snippy with me on the way to the freeway today (because I had the audacity to pass him as he putted long), and he gunned it, and I lifted my front wheel and left him in the dust. I can't imagine more fun than that although I suppose it's possible. I'm glad I have no other experience, so I don't know what I am missing perhaps, but it is not the bikes limitations that stop me from going further, it is my ability to hang on and keep it on the ground. So I imagine I will be happy for quite some time.
 
I also find it quiet, comfortable, economical, and reliable. I have been around the block a few times, and I guess I am over the grass is greener temptations of my past. I do love reading about other bikes, and "shopping" them, bike porn I guess, but really I think Yamaha hit a home run and marketed it directly to my fantasy of what a perfect bike should be. A bike that may not be a status symbol, but probably does everything a bit better and cheaper than the bike that IS. She's the less cute but more fun girlfriend that will never cheat on you and knows how to cook.  I am not looking over the fence for more because I don't think it exists for me unless they get something like track days in San Diego. I am becoming addicted to speed and acceleration. I've been pretty careful to not get a ticket, because I am a professional driver and it could affect my bottom line, but it isn't because I don't speed every day on the freeway. 
 
I love to go fast, and I can do that on the FZ-07 and really feel it and be part of it, without the danger of a 160 mph top end. It satisfies my need for speed.
 
It also saves me money and gets me to work and back every day, which is usually the BEST part of my day, and no longer a frustration.
 
I can only imagine how much fun I'm gonna have soon when I slow down the workaholic thing I have been doing and ride some mountain roads on my days off. I haven't done that yet. If the freeway is this fun, the mountain roads must be amazing (if no traffic).