[Mihau]

Ok. So I currently have a deauville. Great bike, words can't describe how much I love my deauville etc.
However I think it has a HUGE disadvantage. It lacks a 6th gear. Recently I started to to a lot a motorway riding and I find it annoying at times the lack of the 6th gear.
On the other hand I love the fact that it has a lot of storage (not the main reason why I bought a deauville), but most important I love the way it sits on the road no matter if it's raining or if it's extremely windy. I ride my bike everyday no matter what the weather conditions are.

So having the above aspects in consideration I was thinking of getting a R6 or a Blackbird. I need a bit of advice as I don't really know these bikes very well. What are the strong points and what are the down sides. Things like eating the tyres, eating the brakepads, miles per galon, how much I can get from a full tank, but most important how are they in bad weather condition.

Thanks for looking and thanks in advance for your advices.

[The Greek AKA The cat]

R6 will be very different to ride compared to the Deauville. Whereas the Blackbird is similar.

The Bird will feel similar in weight to the Deau whereas the R6 will be a lot lighter and handle a lot better.
Motorways - I would the bird every time over the R6.
Twisties: R6 wins every time.

There are panniers available for the Bird but you will struggle to get any luggage on the R6. And a top box is just wrong on so many levels on the R6.

Both will be a lot thirstier than the Deau but the Bird will be closer and can be ridden with some economy in mind, The R6, for me, would burn a hole in my pocket because the temptation will be to keep it wide open. It's that much fun.

So if you are looking to go a bit faster but still commute with luggage then the Bird. If you just want to have fun the R6 is the job, but it will be harder to adjust to the R6.

[Mihau]

Thanks for the advice

I guess I'd better clean my bike and put some pics to sell.

This post has been edited by Mihau: 17 November 2011 - 09:57 AM

[Darkcloud]

Mihau, on 17 November 2011 - 09:56 AM, said:

Thanks for the advice

I guess I'd better clean my bike and put some pics to sell.

and then you can buy my Blackbird

[PaulB]

The blackbird would be alot more comfortable and if you are doing alot of motorway miles it would be a better choice DC on here has a nice one for sale.
The R6 is a very different machine, depending on your height you may find the seating position crampt. But its really down to what you want, pure sports bike or sports tourer. If you are doing big miles then BBird, if the bike is used for fun and shorter runs then the R6. I have an SP1 which is always considered as a full on sports bike and uncomfortable, but I have no comfort issues with it, the most ive done is 200 miles in a day and it was fine, but Im not tall so that helps.
Another bike you should conside is a Hayabusa, its a sportier than the bbird and still v comfortable, I used to commuet 120 miles a day on one and it was fantastic.

[Blade RR]

Those 3 bikes are worlds apart.

If you were considering R6 or bbird, the bbird would be the one to go for. Be aware the seating will be different from your deauville so you will have to gain confidence in wet coditions with the extra weight etc and different riding position.

Change is good, so why not if you feel you're up for it.

[whose-law-anyway]

If you dont like the lack of 6th gear cause of the extra engine revs / noise then you will HATE an r6.

Its also not that confident in he rain or bad weather due to the clip ons. (riding position) There would be no storage or hard luggage options and pipes etc could melt soft luggage.

did you look at the V Strom, big engine, rides well, can get hard luggage easy, commanding position and feel safe, cheep.

[KopFan06]

If your doing a lot of motorway milage why not go for a Pan European
I cover over 100 miles a day 5 days a week too and from work
The luggage boxes are slightly bigger than the deauville and its
powerfull enough to collect points on the licence (no need for a 6th gear)
and the important bit ...Its a shaft drive as well!!

[Kelpie]

If you're doing any amount of city riding, you will HATE the R6. Although I've never ridden one, my R1 is pergatory in traffic due to the riding position. The bird is a great bike but getting a little dated and it's also a big machine to be throwing around/parking etc.

If you want something that's a bit of craic, has power, economy, rideabilty and versatility, then look at the TDM900 or the more available Vstrom. I can't fault my TDM and get around 250 miles to a tank of fuel.

[John Bulleteer]

Deauville is designed for what you are doing.
She may not be very exciting, but she will be economical, steadfast & reliable.

I would stick with the Deauville.

Bulleteer.

[Mihau]

Darkcloud, on 17 November 2011 - 09:58 AM, said:

and then you can buy my Blackbird

Might be a long shot but can I have a look at it?

[Slow Poke]

r6 is a no no straight off as its for twisties and driving on and all that ,, the seating will cripple you if your not into sports bikes ,, it woulding be the best in the wet as shes very light and you will have it opened ,,,

the bird is beautiful for comfort ,,, all the power in the world (172mph flat) you can throw everything up on it including the kitchen sink ,,, its a good all rounder but ,, in slow traffic if your filtering mind out the weight dnt make you loose balance ,,, if your right hand is heavy say bye bye to the rear tyre ,,, i got 3 thou miles out the bridgestone 021 and currently running with the 023 there better but still not good nuf ,,

shes weighty and if you do power on the petrol hand will start to drop ,, it has the best dash ive seen on a bike lovly bike for night time driving ,,,

as with all bikes theres pro's and con's ,,, as for me ive had the bird bout 4/5 months now and selling/trading again as its not for me im too used to the sportsbikes for now so going back to gixers and the likes ,,thats and the bird makes me fee 40+,,

my bird is goins be for sale if youd like ,,, but you ever consider a vfr 8 ,,, she might be a bike to consider ,,,

[somedayisnow]

First of all - I definitely don't have a Blackbird for sale!!

I'd agree what the others have said about this bike - both the pro's and the con's (few as they are).

She is heavy, but well balanced even at very slow speeds - as for parking, I plan ahead and make sure I'm never trying to push her back uphill. I'm not heavy but quite tall
which helps with one or two feet firm on the ground when necessary. I had a Bandit before with Renthal bars, but adapted instantly to the more forward riding position, no problem.

The only other thing I'd say is this bike likes to "go" and have the air about her and so can get quite hot in heavy traffic queues, filtering situations - thankfully, in Wexford, don't see too much of that!

Fuel consumption varies between 170 to 140 miles from empty to reserve, that's 18 litres, so 35 to 45mpg approx, I think.

I have ridden in high winds and rain - yes, the fairings can act a bit like a sail with a strong gust from the side, causing movement - but the bike's weight countereacts it a bit. I try to relax and keep my body, arms and hand firm but flexible.

I have used Michelin Pilot Road 2's and got 8000 mikes out of them, the front didn't really need changed but now I have the PR3s which are excellent in the rain and surface water - obviously, riding for the conditions helps!

Are you keeping the Deauville or trading in? It's a good time to buy, not so much for selling tho'.... best of luck anyway.

[Mihau]

somedayisnow, on 17 November 2011 - 07:40 PM, said:

First of all - I definitely don't have a Blackbird for sale!!

I'd agree what the others have said about this bike - both the pro's and the con's (few as they are).

She is heavy, but well balanced even at very slow speeds - as for parking, I plan ahead and make sure I'm never trying to push her back uphill. I'm not heavy but quite tall
which helps with one or two feet firm on the ground when necessary. I had a Bandit before with Renthal bars, but adapted instantly to the more forward riding position, no problem.

The only other thing I'd say is this bike likes to "go" and have the air about her and so can get quite hot in heavy traffic queues, filtering situations - thankfully, in Wexford, don't see too much of that!

Fuel consumption varies between 170 to 140 miles from empty to reserve, that's 18 litres, so 35 to 45mpg approx, I think.

I have ridden in high winds and rain - yes, the fairings can act a bit like a sail with a strong gust from the side, causing movement - but the bike's weight countereacts it a bit. I try to relax and keep my body, arms and hand firm but flexible.

I have used Michelin Pilot Road 2's and got 8000 mikes out of them, the front didn't really need changed but now I have the PR3s which are excellent in the rain and surface water - obviously, riding for the conditions helps!

Are you keeping the Deauville or trading in? It's a good time to buy, not so much for selling tho'.... best of luck anyway.

Good review. Well I would love to keep the deauville and buy a blackbird but I can't really afford the luxury of having 2 bikes, so I have to let the deauville go and fund the bird. have bout 1000 aside so hopping to get around 2200-2000 for the deauville which should be enough for a very good bird.

[nab301]

Mihau, on 17 November 2011 - 08:50 AM, said:

Ok. So I currently have a deauville. Great bike, words can't describe how much I love my deauville etc.
However I think it has a HUGE disadvantage. It lacks a 6th gear. Recently I started to to a lot a motorway riding and I find it annoying at times the lack of the 6th gear.
On the other hand I love the fact that it has a lot of storage (not the main reason why I bought a deauville), but most important I love the way it sits on the road no matter if it's raining or if it's extremely windy. I ride my bike everyday no matter what the weather conditions are.

I wouldn't sell the dv until you've at least had a spin on something else. While ultimately boring they are ideal for the above because of everything you've mentioned.
What sort of rpm's/ speed are you riding it at ? are you sure the clutch isn't slipping I ridden one on and off over 3 years and initially I reckoned it was overgeared....then quickly within a couple of km/s decided it was just underpowered , then just appreciated it for what it was/is. By the time I start looking for another gear i'd be worried about my licence

This post has been edited by nab301: 17 November 2011 - 08:30 PM

[Mihau]

let's just say that I can't actually say the rev count and speed :-)

[Shinwacker]

It's amazing how everyone loves the bike they have, Kelpie on the TDM and so on. Lots on here with the VFR 800 and it sure is a nice bike as is the TDM, I had a blast out on one last weekend and it handles brilliantly.

Someday gave a good review of the Blackbird and I'd say most of the same. It's fantastic bike, Kinger had mine for years before me and used it to get to work in Dublin every day. Some think because of the weight it's hard to handle, but they are well balanced as Someday says and parking can be a problem, but if you just hop off the bike and push it backward it's easy enough to get it parked.

The Bird has everything, power to go and stop. Once you get used to the sitting position and relax into the bike it just becomes second nature to ride it. If you keep your weight off your arms and get all of your weight on your bum and into the saddle it then becomes so comfortable. Did I mention the power, it sure can be quick and if you give it some in any gear mine just takes me to the limit of my abilities every time at light speed.

If your out and about on a spin anytime soon your welcome for a blast out on mine, usual rules apply, you bend it you mend it. Other than that your welcome to give Felix a run out, I know you won't be disappointed. there are a couple of lads on here selling Bird's at the moment and it is a good time to buy, but a bad time to sell the Deauville, although you just never know who's on the lookout for what. I've put an SMBR (Sunday morning breakfast run) on Sunday, why not come along and sure you can have a blast out on mine to see what you think before you spend any cash. see here http://www.irishbike...001#entry621001

Shins

This post has been edited by Shinwacker: 18 November 2011 - 01:22 AM

[Mihau]

Shinwacker, on 18 November 2011 - 01:20 AM, said:

It's amazing how everyone loves the bike they have, Kelpie on the TDM and so on. Lots on here with the VFR 800 and it sure is a nice bike as is the TDM, I had a blast out on one last weekend and it handles brilliantly.

Someday gave a good review of the Blackbird and I'd say most of the same. It's fantastic bike, Kinger had mine for years before me and used it to get to work in Dublin every day. Some think because of the weight it's hard to handle, but they are well balanced as Someday says and parking can be a problem, but if you just hop off the bike and push it backward it's easy enough to get it parked.

The Bird has everything, power to go and stop. Once you get used to the sitting position and relax into the bike it just becomes second nature to ride it. If you keep your weight off your arms and get all of your weight on your bum and into the saddle it then becomes so comfortable. Did I mention the power, it sure can be quick and if you give it some in any gear mine just takes me to the limit of my abilities every time at light speed.

If your out and about on a spin anytime soon your welcome for a blast out on mine, usual rules apply, you bend it you mend it. Other than that your welcome to give Felix a run out, I know you won't be disappointed. there are a couple of lads on here selling Bird's at the moment and it is a good time to buy, but a bad time to sell the Deauville, although you just never know who's on the lookout for what. I've put an SMBR (Sunday morning breakfast run) on Sunday, why not come along and sure you can have a blast out on mine to see what you think before you spend any cash. see here http://www.irishbike...001#entry621001

Shins

Thanks for the invitation and I appreciate you letting me try out the bird. Unfortunately I can't come as I've loads of exams next week and saturday and sunday will be mostly study, However if you want I can come where you want to for half an hour to have a quick spin. Thanks in advance

[Tazzzie]

Kelpie, on 17 November 2011 - 12:55 PM, said:

I can't fault my TDM and get around 250 miles to a tank of fuel.

WOW

Bulleteer, on 17 November 2011 - 03:01 PM, said:

Deauville is designed for what you are doing.
She may not be very exciting, but she will be economical, steadfast & reliable.

I would stick with the Deauville.

Bulleteer.

I am tending to agree with the man. However, I do know how it is to be riding a bike thats not your 1st choice.

Tough call.

[Mihau]

Tazzzie, on 18 November 2011 - 10:10 PM, said:

WOW


I am tending to agree with the man. However, I do know how it is to be riding a bike thats not your 1st choice.

Tough call.

Well I'm not in a hurry cause first I have to sell the deauville I will give it about 2-3 weeks. If it doesn't sell for at least 2 grand the I'll put the money that I had and make my deauville unique.