New to pavement

[El Matador]

Another 22 Yo here. Been on a Duc for 4 years. Was on a Cbr600 since I was 16 and on a YZ250 for a couple of years before that.

If you really race MotoX, then yes, I'd go for M1000 or an S2R1000. I have an S2R1K and it's amazing. Just remember, these don't get up from the ground quite as easily as the dirts.

I wouldn't go for an S4R simply because of the maintenance costs. They can be pretty stratospheric. OTOH, You can do most of the maintenance on a 2 Valve engine yourself if you're mechanically inclined.

[Goat_Herder]

  didn't think about the hyper - good suggestion.

A used Hyper would far exceed his budget.  The cheapest I've seen is in the mid to high 8K.

[R0CKETMAN]

Several hypers for 7k. Saw one recently for 6500'with 18k

[Turf]

Several hypers for 7k. Saw one recently for 6500'with 18k

which is still more that 5.5k

23 yr old here, agree that with your background either of the 1k's are fine...the s4r can be pricey maintenance wise as Matador said. The two valver's will teach you how to work on the bike easier as well.

[Jackk819]

From what I have seen I really like the S2R and the S4R, but I would probablly got with the first one just because of what you guys are telling me. How many miles is alot on these bikes? Where should I be looking at mileage wise? Found a S4R for $5500 and 7,600 miles where I live.
Another thing I might mention, I do not have a motorcycle license yet. But this is what is required in CO.
"The first is most likely the more inexpensive, but may not give you the necessary skills to take your riding to the highest levels of safety. It simply involves taking the written test at a local driver license office and then completing an on-bike skills test either at the same office (if it is a full-service facility) or through an accredited third-party company."
How do I get a motorcycle to any of these places without a license haha, and how am I expected to ever test ride a bike without a license?

[El Matador]

Go with a friend with a chase vehicle. Drive carefully as to not get pulled over

[Spidey]

7600 is not a lot of miles.  My buddy just sold his '04 s4r with 50 or 60k on it.  HOWEVER, and this is critical, when you are shopping for a Duc, make sure the 6k or 12k (7.5k and 15k) valve/blet services have been completed.  If not, factor that into the price.  The service can run from $350 to $800 or more for a 2 valve duc and more for a four valve (like an s4r).  If you're used to working on your own bikes, you can do the service by yourself.  Also, the timing belts (modern ducs don't use cam timing chains or gears) need to be changed every two years or every 12k (or 15k).  It's part of the 12k service.  So even if you see a bike with 7600 miles, if it hasn't ever had its belts changed and it's more than two years old, you'll need to change 'em.  Again, it's a pretty straight-forward DIY thing, but belts can run upwards of $100.

As far as maintenance, you need to keep up on the maintenance, but it's nothing like a dirtbike.  The only thing that is Duc-specific are the 6k (or 7.5k) valve checks and the 12k (or 15k)/2 year belt replacements.  Oh, and if you get a dry clutch Duc (S4r or s2r1000 or M1000), the clutch us likely to wear faster than other bikes.  Totally worth it in my book.  Otherwise, it's like any streetbike.   Change oil every 3k.  Tires last anywhere from 3k for a sporty rear tire if you ride like a lunatic to 12k or more for a front touring tire ridden by gramps.  Figure changing two rears for 1 or 1.5 front tires.  Chain and sprockets are totally variable, but will last 6k-20k, depending on their quality, maintenance and your riding style.  I'd take a complete guess that 12k or so is average.  Mine never last that long.  Lube chain and check chain tension every 500 miles or so.    Change brake and clutch fluid annually (or you can wait 5 years like others do).  The usual stuff.

Another thing I might mention, I do not have a motorcycle license yet. But this is what is required in CO.
"The first is most likely the more inexpensive, but may not give you the necessary skills to take your riding to the highest levels of safety. It simply involves taking the written test at a local driver license office and then completing an on-bike skills test either at the same office (if it is a full-service facility) or through an accredited third-party company."
How do I get a motorcycle to any of these places without a license haha, and how am I expected to ever test ride a bike without a license?

In CA, taking the written test gets you a permit.  Then you can ride the bike to take the on-bike test.  Then you get your full license.  CO may work the same.

[Spidey]

Lemme also add that you might want to think about a slightly older, but better-modded bike.  With a racing background, you're likely to want to screw around with the suspension and ergos more than most.  A bike with suspension work and aftermarket rearsets and/or bars might just fit the bill. 

[Jackk819]

Oh man, this is nothing like a motcross bike at all haha. I didnt think maintence would be that easy. Im use to new tires every other week, engine and tranny oil change twice a week, airfilter cleaning 3 times a week, new chain and sprockets every month, chain adustments every other ride, valve shimming once every 2 months, regreasing suspension linkage and steering stem every couple months, and the list goes on. Well im glad to hear that is over with! I will probablly call the DMV and see what they say I should do.

[Rufus120]

I have about $5500 to spend

As another one of the younger board members, I will warn you that number will skyrocket quickly.  I got a bike within my "budget" and before I knew it I was eating Ramen noodles to pay for the next shinny thing I "needed."  These damns bikes are a blessing and a curse rolled into one.  Welcome to the board, I'm sure you'll have a blast no matter what you end up with.  [moto]