33 replies to this topic

[Mickster]

Sorry guys - I'm sure this will have been asked before but I couldn't see it on the forum.

I know about the Techy differences between both these bikes but how different are they to ride.
Am looking for one and like the Yellow 850, but know that the 900 has fuel injection and more power etc.. possibly better suspension ?

My last bike was an FJ1200 and I missed having the extra 6th gear on that bike.

Advice appreciated.

Thanks all.

Mick


 

[leehenty]

850 has five gears simple rear suspension, carbs, some have a habit of using oil. Early mk1 is 360° crank later MK 2 270° crank.

900 has fuel injection, slightly more power six gears rising rate rear suspension but also has the bottom frame bush, some later ones have abs . All 900s have 270° crank. Ceramic coated bores and rarely use oil, good for 100,000 if cared for.

As to which is best depends on your needs.

Edited by leehenty, 06 February 2023 - 08:28 pm.

[Coopz]

The 900 is better laid out as well, battery removal takes 2 minutes compared to a partial disassembly the 850 needs, the seat is improved and attached better, the extra gear is a bonus but the gearbox on the 900 is night and day better than the tractor gearbox in the 850. The front brakes also feel more powerful.

[Mickster]

Thanks for all of info guys.
Now I just have to find one.

Cheers

[Snowbird]

The main downside to the 9'er is your pink fluffy dice get soggy when it rains, from what I can work out having never ridden a 9'er if you want to run up lots of miles touring go for the 9'er but if like me you spend the vast majority of you riding on localish roads playing like a hooligan in nice weather the Mk2a will more than make you grin for less cash and has that luverly 270 degree sound to it.

I bought my Mk2a on a whim from the bay of e's and don't regret a moment of it.

[dablik]

No no no    Mk1 is just the bees knees, i think you'll have to buy one of each, okay in my opinion Mk1 just looks the best of them all and the 360 is just nicer, Mk2 is on rails around B roads and the 9r is the best choice for big miles aka motorway, as mentioned the bonus of a 9r is no oil checks between changes, at least 99% of em, less maintenance on a 9r if you ask me, good luck their all good. Dont listen to me too much though i ride an Enfield these days 

[Snowbird]

 

okay in my opinion Mk1 just looks the best of them all

I do have to agree with that bit, looks less like a hamster eating a sock.

[ChrisG]

The 900 is better laid out as well, battery removal takes 2 minutes compared to a partial disassembly the 850 needs, the seat is improved and attached better, the extra gear is a bonus but the gearbox on the 900 is night and day better than the tractor gearbox in the 850. The front brakes also feel more powerful.

 

On the other hand changing the spark plugs on a Mk1 takes about 2 minutes whereas on the 900 you have you have to drop the radiator forwards.

 

Never had a Mk2, but personally I found the Mk1 better on really twisty backroads, with really good low end grunt to accelerate out of low speed corners, while the 900 is a better bike for faster roads with the extra gear and better faring.

 

Can't remember which year they changed the seat on the 900s but my 2009 is post change and more comfortable than the early models

[leehenty]

And you have to wear pink underwear on a niner. So Im told. I often find the thong a bit of a challenge

[PeterGriffin]

Would anyone agree with me that the 850 is the RD350...and the 900 is the cb400n.................

[dapleb]

They are all brilliant!!

Mk1 easiest to service and has proper forks. The battery position is unimportant on 850s, it doesn't have any unnecessary drains on it as riders less likely to fit heated jock straps and flashing pink neon tassles.

All great for touring.

9er better for motorways/commute.

[leehenty]

I love my Niner even though I have other bikes

[Mickster]

Thanks again guys.

ABS... Was it available on the 850?
Is it worth looking for on a 900?

I'd read that it is pretty crappy on the 900

[LAURENCEAUX]

IMHO 900A abs activates a bit too readily and makes you feel in dire trouble.

[Favs]

Crappy is overstatement. Early is true, but not horrendous, it is something you get used to and 9er abs is certainly a benefit regarding stopping distance compared to non abs 9er...this I know 2B true on p*ss wet cloggie roads, as does Splodge on his non abs 9er

Let the ABS vs NON ABS usual bunfight begin....

[Catteeclan]

Never experienced ABS on a 9er as none of the 3 I've had had it. Didn't want it at the time but since having a XT1200 and now a Tracer I would't want to go without after being assisted stopping safely on both bikes. Still got a TDM without but feel that little bit safer on the Tracer.

I liked the engine on my 3vd but it felt heavy. The 900 is my choice but many say the mk2 is the best handling.

Edited by Catteeclan, 08 February 2023 - 06:46 am.

[Pedro]

As you can gather Mickster,Mk1 owners will defend their oil guzzling man beasts and 900 owners will sing the praises of not being a dirty macho biker smelling of patchouli oil. I've never ridden a 900 but I like the 360° thrum my 30yr old 850 makes when I give it the beans. After checking the oil level of course.

[harvey krumpet]

I'm in agreement with the consensus. The 850 is more fun in the twisties but the 900 is a better mile eater.

 

Another ace up the 850's sleeve are the ergos if you like gravel and other slippy surfaces. It's easier to slide around and the front is more planted. Feels natural standing up fish tailing out of corners or unloading the suspension on very rough corrugations like a dirt bike.

Admittedly I have wider and higher bars than standard.

[Andy25]

As an owner of mk2a with blue spots & 900 with abs
I'm quite happy to slam on the brakes of the 850 lock up the back etc
But on the 900 it scares the s@#% out of Me don't feel in control at All when heavy braking
Handling - 900 is quicker and lighter steering nice light clutch etc good for commuting

850 (70k on clock 50 of that mine ) steering heavy ,clutch Heavy, drinks Oil, Headlight like a candle
Rust etc - But so much fun to ride just bought a new battery for it so hopefully get it up & running (Sat under a cover at work since Xmas )
Great fun on twisties bangining between 3rd & 4th
If I had to choose it would be the 850 Just needs a few xtra hp for motorways

Andy

[chrisr]

Looks like you can’t go wrong then Mick - especially if you go for the 900!