First saw the 999, not impressed. A year later, looked OK to me. A few months later I liked it so much I bought one over a used MV Agusta. It took time for me to "warm up" to the looks. Today I still think it looks great, completely different to any other Ducati, but still great.
Two years ago saw the Buell 1125R. Hated the big ol' fairing and blue frame. WTF were they thinking? The white and red '09 models looked better, and interestingly to my eye the '08 started to look pretty good too. Would have bought one after 10/15/09 if I could have gotten one for the right price (aka dirt cheap).
So now there is another bike that repulsed me initially but looking at the whole now is in the category of "maybe". That bike is the 2008 CBR1000RR. That you can buy these things for barely more than $7000 brand-new means this bike is probably the best bang-for-the-buck in motorcycling. As long as you have a spare quart of oil, apparently they drink it like my 4-year-old can chug chocolate milk. Strangely enough, as the bike gets cheaper it looks less ugly. Is it gorgeous? Nope, and never will be. Still dislike the silver/maroon color scheme. The other colors all look pretty good though. I still wouldn't spend $12k on one, the price undoubtedly makes it more attractive.
Anyone have a bike like that, you initially didn't like it but for whatever reason became desirable?
Definitely the 999. I like it better everyday. I have owned two. I regretted buying the first one in 2006 (base model) but then bought a race 999R in 2008, which I thoroughly loved. Now if I keep seeing them today I think they look fabulous. Not all of them, but if done right... love em.
I felt the same about the SC59 Fireblade. Didnīt like it after its presentation but now I really dig it.
Buell, no way, they just look like a pile of shit. Donīt like the new MV.
I had a special thing happen with the RN12 Yamaha R1. I loved them in 2005 and 2006 and almost bought one at the beginning of 2009, but when I stood in front of it, it just looked bulky
Location: Glendale, California (formerly Phoenix, AZ)
Posts: 410
Well, when the 999 came out in 2003, I hated the styling even though I tried to like it. By 2005, I thought it was okay and bought one over a F41000 but by 2006, I hated the styling, traded it in for a 2006 MV. Took a big hit (and I mean a BIG hit) doing so. Since then, I decide that if I don't like it in the first 30 seconds of looking at it, then don't get it for looks. If I'm paying for it, then it shouldn't have to grow on me. Good example is the new 2010 MV F4. Not really impressed with it now and will most likely never get one.
But on the other side of the coin, I'm not impressed with the styling on the S1000RR but if I had to get a bike in 2010, that would be the bike -but not because of the styling.
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Current bike: 2009 Ducati 1198
Past Favorites: 2006 MV Agusta F4S, 2002 Yamaha R1; 2001 Ducati 996, 1996 Kawasaki ZX7R, and 1990 Kawasaki ZX6
The '08 Honda CBR1000RR grew on me as well. The trades gave it rave reviews. It looks so much better in race trim. So, I bought two: street and Holden's Corona_honda race bike. On the street it is a dream: size of a 600 with lots of linear power. On the track, however, I am struggling. Jumping from a 108 horsepower 600 to a 185 horsepower litre bike is proving to be more challenging than I had anticipated. I like the smaller grids of the litre class; but, the 600 is so much easier to ride fast.
The only bike is the BMW R1200GS. Mind you, I still don't get the iffy asymmetric headlight and a few other details but I've come to appreciate how good it is. Hell, it's even spurred Yamaha and Honda to get back into the game, which is good!
On the other end I was one of the very few (if not the only one) to believe the 999 was a vast styling improvement over the 916 family of bikes. I've never liked Tamburini designed bikes. And to me the present 1000RR in track trim is a thing of beauty: it's obvious they just slammed headlights and mirrors on it to make it road legal.
First saw the 999, not impressed. A year later, looked OK to me. A few months later I liked it so much I bought one over a used MV Agusta. It took time for me to "warm up" to the looks. Today I still think it looks great, completely different to any other Ducati, but still great.
Two years ago saw the Buell 1125R. Hated the big ol' fairing and blue frame. WTF were they thinking? The white and red '09 models looked better, and interestingly to my eye the '08 started to look pretty good too. Would have bought one after 10/15/09 if I could have gotten one for the right price (aka dirt cheap).
So now there is another bike that repulsed me initially but looking at the whole now is in the category of "maybe". That bike is the 2008 CBR1000RR. That you can buy these things for barely more than $7000 brand-new means this bike is probably the best bang-for-the-buck in motorcycling. As long as you have a spare quart of oil, apparently they drink it like my 4-year-old can chug chocolate milk. Strangely enough, as the bike gets cheaper it looks less ugly. Is it gorgeous? Nope, and never will be. Still dislike the silver/maroon color scheme. The other colors all look pretty good though. I still wouldn't spend $12k on one, the price undoubtedly makes it more attractive.
Anyone have a bike like that, you initially didn't like it but for whatever reason became desirable?
I own a cbr1krr as well as the rc51... It is a fuking beast. The looks are minimalistic/aggressive. Id say go check out 1000rr.net if you want the real scoop on them. Your not going to get it for $7000 OTD. More like $8k.
Power and handling, it surpasses the rc51 everywhere. It feels like its about 70lbs lighter, and pumps out about 35 more HP.
I dont really have any good pix yet cuz its been cold as fuk over here in PA all winter. Mine doesnt burn oil. I already dropped about 1k in mods on it.
GET ONE.
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2003 RC51
MR Carbon front fender, MR Carbon rear fender, MR Carbon mirrors, Carbon heel guards, Carbon V-Cowl, Carbon Clutch cover, Carbon Rad finds, Proton flushmounts, Sato frame sliders, pc3r, Devil Carbon pipes, second-look tank skin, blade-runner mod.
The '08 Honda CBR1000RR grew on me as well. The trades gave it rave reviews. It looks so much better in race trim. So, I bought two: street and Holden's Corona_honda race bike. On the street it is a dream: size of a 600 with lots of linear power. On the track, however, I am struggling. Jumping from a 108 horsepower 600 to a 185 horsepower litre bike is proving to be more challenging than I had anticipated. I like the smaller grids of the litre class; but, the 600 is so much easier to ride fast.
you have to be kidding me right? where did you get a 185 hp CBR LMAO
OH, don't tell me a akraprovic exhaust and tune either
"Exercise restraint and discipline, only responding to posts from legit customers and those with constructive positive intent, you will find that the handgrenades explode harmlessly. You have many satisfied customers who are happy to have the parts you've made. My suggestion to you is keep making good parts, keep getting more customers, take care of them and let them speak for you."
My local stealership has a Repsol rr and I must admit it has grown on me. Not enough to drop 14 large on it but I might consider it for the right price. Which if it sits there much longer may happen. I always liked the 999 but I am one of few there. I didnt like the bimmer but seeing the red white and blue one is bringing me around.
I own a cbr1krr as well as the rc51... It is a fuking beast. The looks are minimalistic/aggressive. Id say go check out 1000rr.net if you want the real scoop on them. Your not going to get it for $7000 OTD. More like $8k.
Power and handling, it surpasses the rc51 everywhere. It feels like its about 70lbs lighter, and pumps out about 35 more HP.
The cheapest I have found are two sister dealerships in OK and AR (luckily close to me). Silver/maroon or Silver/black for $7199, I pay taxes when I get back to MO. It explicitly says no other fees.
Even at $8k the bike is probably the best value you can get new. I can't think of anything else with as much performance.
you have to be kidding me right? where did you get a 185 hp CBR LMAO
OH, don't tell me a akraprovic exhaust and tune either
Superstock build motor. SuperFlow reads 157 Pk HP @ Rear Wheel. SuperFlow reads 10-15% lower than DynoJet. Dynoed with a slick= -4 HP. FMF not Akro. HRC ECU and exhaust.
"Exercise restraint and discipline, only responding to posts from legit customers and those with constructive positive intent, you will find that the handgrenades explode harmlessly. You have many satisfied customers who are happy to have the parts you've made. My suggestion to you is keep making good parts, keep getting more customers, take care of them and let them speak for you."
Do some bikes grow on you over time?
Linear Mode
