The itch is getting strong, what bike to "get back into it"?

[Hooli]

Alex@POD said:

Mastodon2 said:

better yet, a Pan European or BMW R1200rt.

Yeah.... no. Maybe in 30-40 years time, I don't feel old enough to ride a Pan yet

Damnit, I was going to suggest the one I've got for sale

[equinepower]

At that money, just get the most authentic best looked after bike you can find. Avoid cheap old exotica and anything that has been butchered. Whatever it is, take it easy for the first month!! Bloody hell I am sounding sensible!

[dern]

What was wrong with that vfr?

[Alex@POD]

dern said:

What was wrong with that vfr?

Nothing that I can see to be honest, I'm just not close to making a decision. What sort of mileage are they good for?

[Undinist]

Mid nineties K1100LT is a bargain. 1200 for a 55,000 miler on ebay. Cheap to insure, easy to fix, amazing build quality. More fun than it looks to chuck around, great luggage, amazing fairing with adjustable screen.

[Glade]

Make me an offer on my SV!





I want one of these...

Edited by Glade on Friday 23 May 11:51

[peteO]

2 up for 800.... an old beemer?...

[Alex@POD]

Time to drag this old thread back up!

I've been patient (something that is quite surprising for me!) and can now budget around 2k. I still want something I can commute on, and comfy long distance. I have looked at bike adverts pretty much solidly for the last 3 months, and unfortunately I find myself very picky about looks. My head keeps saying ZZR, but I just can't get on with the looks.

My heart seems to have settled on either a Blackbird, a VFR800, or a Thunderace. I also really like the looks of the big nakeds (XJR, ZRX, etc), but I guess these may not be ideal for a euro trip 2 up...

I've heard only good things about the Blackbird and the VFR, but not much about the Thunderace, what are these like long term?

Either that or I might throw caution to the wind and buy a TLR/S... Can't beat a big V-Twin...

[RizzoTheRat]

Check servicing costs on VFR, if you're buying on a tight budget you might find maintenance a bit of a headache as if it's due a valve clearance check they're quite expensive.

If you're considering a VFR than also look at the Triumph Sprint ST.

[rat840771]

Look no further....

You would have change out of 2K with this and far more exciting than a VFR

Currently under a blanket in the garage waiting for its new owner.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/motorbikes/...

[crofty1984]

Alex@POD said:

From having a quick look the 1200 would be about £1500, still affordable compared to others though!

Maybe Yamaha FJ 1100/1200

[Alex@POD]

The FJ looks too old for me I'm afraid. The VTR could be good, don't these need to be filled up every 100 miles or so due to the small tank though?

[andburg]

rat840771 said:

Look no further....

You would have change out of 2K with this and far more exciting than a VFR

Currently under a blanket in the garage waiting for its new owner.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/motorbikes/...

You only have to worry about filling up every 3 petrol stations.

as OP has mentioned touring I'd not be recommending a VTR its thirsty and has a small tank

[rat840771]

andburg said:

rat840771 said:

Look no further....

You would have change out of 2K with this and far more exciting than a VFR

Currently under a blanket in the garage waiting for its new owner.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/motorbikes/...

You only have to worry about filling up every 3 petrol stations.

as OP has mentioned touring I'd not be recommending a VTR its thirsty and has a small tank

It does over 100 miles to a tank, but yes stops would be frequent, even if you had a greater range you always have to stop anyway to wait for your mates with limited range, so you might as well join them!

My Mrs did demo a VFR and it was a great bike, but she came back from riding it and said it was dull, as soon as she started the VTR she instantly wanted it!

[andburg]

its all down to the individuals needs, you want that break regularly when touring but have a small range always leaves you worrying about where the next petrol station is when you are in unfamiliar areas.

I have ab XR1200 and get 100-110 miles to a tank, no way would i consider touring for that reason.

OP might only be thinking hes going to tour at some point and never do it!

[Jonjo91]

I got a 600s recently, as a second bike for touring/taking pillion/general comfort.

Didn't pay a great deal more than your budget for a 2001 model, 15,000 miles. 8 months MOT. New chain, sprockets and brake pads. Decent tyres too.

I did have to travel 500 mile round trip to get it mind...
It's often referred to as the blandit, but it does everything it needs to and the engine is very reliable and will go on for thousands of miles with regular oil changes.
Very easy to work on with is a +.

[Clinton Baptiste]

Blackbird, you know it makes sense ;-)

[Alex@POD]

I think touring will happen as long as my wife likes being on the back, when I had the zx6 I went to the alps on it and it was good fun... I'm already thinking of going to the bol d'or.
Scotland appeals a lot too.

[andburg]

based on your requirements aside from the usual VFR I'd also be looking at a Triumph Sprint 955 and the Suzuki GSX750.

[RizzoTheRat]

In that case you need to be picking bikes by pillion seat comfort. A friend who's sow a lot of pillion touring reckoned a Triumph Trophy was better than the Blackbird her other half replaced it with