Big Bike for a beginner....
Discussion
Hi All, My future in-laws are all into bikes of all shapes and sizes in a big way, the future father in law is also a training instructor so has offered to give me some family discount to get me through my test. I'm planning on heading down the direct access route, so will be starting out on a bigger machine.
Until i pass im just planning on using the test centres own machines, post test i really would like a super moto style bike are there any super moto's that would be suitable for a novice?
My maximum budget would be about £3000 any help would be greatly appreciated.
Until i pass im just planning on using the test centres own machines, post test i really would like a super moto style bike are there any super moto's that would be suitable for a novice?
My maximum budget would be about £3000 any help would be greatly appreciated.
Pick up a Kawasaki versys. 07/08 for that money, without ABS. Very easy to ride, and very easy to ride quickly and in the wet.
An older KTM of sorts 950sm perhaps. Bit more of a handful, but a real hooligan tool when used properly.
Maybe an older Ducati multistrada with the swivelly fairing?
Then of course, proper beardy bikes like TDMs, Transalps, and older BMW GS1150s. Bigger, heavier and more adventure than supermoto.
An older KTM of sorts 950sm perhaps. Bit more of a handful, but a real hooligan tool when used properly.
Maybe an older Ducati multistrada with the swivelly fairing?
Then of course, proper beardy bikes like TDMs, Transalps, and older BMW GS1150s. Bigger, heavier and more adventure than supermoto.
The best way to know which bike you want is to actually ride them! Try and do as many as possible as everyone is different.
The main difference between the Versys and XT660 is that the XT is more biased to dirt tracks and the Versys more suited to road. I do like both of them but I think the XT would have it for me so I can dream about going anywhere
The main difference between the Versys and XT660 is that the XT is more biased to dirt tracks and the Versys more suited to road. I do like both of them but I think the XT would have it for me so I can dream about going anywhere
Good video my dad made about the Versys a while back, tells you a lot you might want to know if your interested... It's a little slow in parts but really informative.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=igK7PgC-b5U
HTH
jackh707 said:
Good video my dad made about the Versys a while back, tells you a lot you might want to know if your interested... It's a little slow in parts but really informative.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=igK7PgC-b5U
HTH
Watched that vid a few times in the past,really good editing too,he does sound abit like the narrator from Thomas the tank engine though lolhttp://m.youtube.com/watch?v=igK7PgC-b5U
HTH
Tell him cheers for making it from me!
Hogg920 said:
It's more the super moto styling i like, I really like he yamaha XT 660, i'm not sure whether one would be a bit too lairy for a first bike?
XT 660 is about as non lairy as supermotos get, they look the part but are actually quite docile and easy to ride. In fact due to the XT being a bit porky performance wise they are not much different to the Suzuki DRZ400 SM.If it was my money, I would try and find one of these with a few more miles on it, and a little older (so cheaper), or raise my budget slightly... Beautiful things.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
odyssey2200 said:
The Aprilia might look the DBs but I would still take the (more) bulletproof XT every day and twice on a weekend.
Depends what your needs are I guess. If you need something for everyday use that has to be totally reliable, then your right, but if its just for a weekend toy then bullet proof things are not so necessary.Edited by MJDM on Sunday 7th October 20:13
Hogg920 said:
And he Aprilia SXV akes it!!! looks wise thats exactly what im after the budget going have to get upped methinks, will still have a bash on the versy and the XT though to compare, but hot damn that SXV looks good!
If you get the SXV you had better get some comfortable boots to avoid get blisters when pushing it because they have to be one of the most unreliable bikes out there.On the plus side do not worry about the horrific maintenance schedule with pistons and rings every 3700 mile, it will have blown up before then.
pozi said:
If you get the SXV you had better get some comfortable boots to avoid get blisters when pushing it because they have to be one of the most unreliable bikes out there.
On the plus side do not worry about the horrific maintenance schedule with pistons and rings every 3700 mile, it will have blown up before then.
Are youpeaking from first hand experience? I only ask because people say the same thing about ducati's, but on the whole it would seem to be a load of rubbish. Surely anything that is maintained with care and ridden with mechanical sympathy can't be THAT unreliable?On the plus side do not worry about the horrific maintenance schedule with pistons and rings every 3700 mile, it will have blown up before then.
MJDM said:
pozi said:
If you get the SXV you had better get some comfortable boots to avoid get blisters when pushing it because they have to be one of the most unreliable bikes out there.
On the plus side do not worry about the horrific maintenance schedule with pistons and rings every 3700 mile, it will have blown up before then.
Are youpeaking from first hand experience? I only ask because people say the same thing about ducati's, but on the whole it would seem to be a load of rubbish. Surely anything that is maintained with care and ridden with mechanical sympathy can't be THAT unreliable?On the plus side do not worry about the horrific maintenance schedule with pistons and rings every 3700 mile, it will have blown up before then.
Friend bought a Monster 600 loads of trouble
Mate had a 916 required constant attention
friend of a friend bought a brand new RSV mille and never made it home from the shop before it broke down and every time he wanted to go out on it, it wouldn't start.
However I have owned 3 Yamaha XTs and currently own a TT350 and have never had a problem.
I know 3 guys who run Ducati's. No problems whatsoever. I have an RSV which I bought cheap, put 850 miles on it in a month, has not missed a beat. Maybe your friends bikes were poorly maintained? I wouldn't use mine for an everyday work horse / commuter though, if the OP is planning on buying a bike for a toy then I would say buy with your heart and don't stress about reliability horror stories. If its going to see big mileage and winter use, then go for a sturdier Japanese ride.
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