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Go for an 03 or wait till next year

1.9K views 36 replies 26 participants last post by  PhilNUK  
#1 ·
I've been a member for a while now. Mainly just come on here to see what everybody BS's about. Now I have a question that am needing some feedback on.

I have been without a bike for 4 years now and I am ready to get another one. Looking at a 03 R1, pretty much stock. 6500 miles on it and I can pick it up for 6K. I haven't had the opportunity to ever sit on an 03 R1 or ride one. So I wanted to get some feed back from those who have an 03 or have had one. What I am mainly concerned aboout is the size/riding position of them. I am 6'3" and some bikes feel pretty cramped. A buddy of mine lets me ride his 03 954 when I want, and it's doable.

Wish I could go for an 04 or newer but budget dictates that and the wife dictaes the budget. Man I should have said that.

So give me some good feedback folks. Looking at picking this bike up in a week a or so.

Wow - my first post :confused:
 
#2 ·
The 03 is a great machine. Seriously, it's my favorite R1 thus far...and I'm not just saying that because I own one. You can't go wrong with it--it's fast, dependable, and good looking.

:)
 
#23 ·
Amen...

Got the chain/sprocket upgrade...the thing is a beast. 5-11 and 190 and there is a ton of room left on that thing...

14k miles and all I have done is change the oil, filters and tires.

paid 5500 with 3k miles on it...but it had 8k in extras added (I got the steal of a life time) 6k for 6k miles isn't bad...I'd offer 5495 and get them to take a few hundred off then use that to get an exhaust upgrade and a power commander...

GL man!

Great Bike!
 

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#8 ·
Alright fellas. Looks like I'm going to go for it. I mean what the F*&K, if I don't like it (which I can't see) I can turn around and sell it. Preciate all those who chimed in.

I could wait it out but I have waited long enough. I've been in a state of depression for the last 4 years and I'm ready to come out of it. It's on.

BlueDevil & Fire-R1 - I'm jealous of where yall are. I spent six and half years in Colorado Springs (Ft. Carson). Did a lot of my riding out there. Taking runs to Bishop's Castle, The canyons up north and many other places that I can't remember now. Use to get together with some of the guys from the Honda Sport Touring Association. Looking to make my way back out there before long.

So I guess all that is left now is the 12 hour trip to get it.
 
#10 ·
6'5 and comfortable on my 02. I love the bike, and long rides are not bad at all. I can also still get my chest on the tank with ease. A DB is almost a must for people our size though.

PS Brain dont chime in about my affair with your 07. It was a one time deal:boobies
 
#11 ·
The '02/'03's were very strong bikes with few problems. I loved my '03 Liquid Sliver. 6500 miles is not many. I would try to get it for 5,500 if he bites.
 
#12 ·
Agreed the 03 is an awesome machine you wont be disappointed

wish i still had mine:cryin

:machinegu thieves :boom
 
#14 ·
I would get least 04.. You can find them for 6k. Just look hard. 02-03 bikes were nice, but they have released 2 new models since then. I would say save another 500 bucks and find 04 with more power and redefined model.
 
#16 ·
I love my '03.

From what I have read here recently, the '04 model and beyond use a short-stroke motor, and they tend to produce peak power at higher rpms. The '03 and previous R1s offer more low-rpm torque. The other big difference with the '04 and beyond is the undertail exhaust. It looks nice, but some people don't like it, especially riding in very hot weather in traffic.

But again, I love my '03. I could not ask for anything more in a bike.
 
#21 ·
u WONT GO WRONG

IVE GOT AN O2 , STOCK STANDARD MOTOR (looking at putting sum graves goodies in soon as well as pc3 and full system) , and yeah dude it kicks ass ! and who said a 954 will eat the R1 is talking rubbish...an R1 will eat a blade although ive heard the blade is more comfy :eek:
 
#25 · (Edited)
Well I guess maybe when schambers gets his R1, he can enlighten us. Just have actually witnessed the 2 racing (street racing) and the cbr won both times. Maybe cbr had a better rider...

So, schambers, why did you sell your ZX9? Oh yeah, it was a Kawasaki...
Seriously though,wasnt that one of the first stock bikes to break into the 9's?
 
#34 ·
Well I guess maybe when schambers gets his R1, he can enlighten us. Just have actually witnessed the 2 racing (street racing) and the cbr won both times. Maybe cbr had a better rider...

So, schambers, why did you sell your ZX9? Oh yeah, it was a Kawasaki...
Seriously though,wasnt that one of the first stock bikes to break into the 9's?
That is the funniest sig. on the forum.:bs
 
#27 ·
Welcome!! If you can get if cheap go for it. 1 yr. is a long time to wait for a bike esp. the 09
 
#28 ·
I'd go the 03 over an 04... torque is more fun than power! :)

my 03 is now over 112,000 km's (69590 miles or thereabouts) making more hp now than when it was new :) only problem i've ever had was a stator and that's to be expected in that many k's anyway - only thing i've done is regular oil and filter changes and did the cam chain, sprockets and tensioner as a precaution :)
 
#29 ·
I've logged many, many miles on 929s and 954s. I have a 929 and a 02 R1 still. The 954 is more comfortable on the street, but not as nimble and not quite as fast. But in reality, you can't go wrong with any of them. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses - but all are great street bikes.

If you are going to ride on the street, get the 02-03 R1. It is just about perfect. If you are a racer, get a newer R1. The lower rpm torque of the 02-03s is perfect on the street, while the higher rpms power of the newer ones is better on the track.
 
#31 ·
Nice to see everyone chime in with words of encouragement. I do think this is going to be a great bike. We'll see if what I can get dude down to when I am actually in front of him.

Already bought most of my goodies for it. Graves slip-on (yeah just a slip on. the way I see it, these things are fast enough. For me, it's more about the sound.), Graves velocity stacks, 15T front sprocket, K&N Filter, Graves frame sliders, Puig DB shield, and I think that's it. Still plan on putting a PCIII on it, but I will wait for Christmas for that.

ridered - sold the zx9 in order to get the ole lady wedding ring.:sing: Not going to happen with this bike. If I ever do sell it, it will be to get another one. We'll find out eventually about the R1 vs. 954. It's inevitable since my buddy has one.

My buddy also has a cabin up in Gatlinburg (really pitman center). So our trip to the Gap will be coming soon as well. Can't wait for that ride. Still want to wait for just a bit before we go so the bike and I can get acquainted.

Anyway, road trip starts tomorrow night 7:30p. 12 hours up with a stop in Indianapolis on the way back. I'll for sure post a few pics when I get back and get settled in. Preciate all the response folks. Hopefully I will meet some of you at the next Gap convention. I'm there.
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#32 · (Edited)
ridered - sold the zx9 in order to get the ole lady wedding ring.:sing:

:ugh



Not going to happen with this bike. If I ever do sell it, it will be to get another one. We'll find out eventually about the R1 vs. 954. It's inevitable since my buddy has one.

:thumbup let us know...even if it hurts... although you might get disowned from this forum... good luck on the roadtrip!