Different bike suggestions?

[Pebbles167]

Hi all,

In the used market for something a bit different ready for next year, I don't really have much in the way on conditions that need to be met, as this will be a weekend machine. I guess I'd rather it was reasonably comfortable if possible. When I say different, I mean something with a bit more flair and rarely seen than your usual modern/sporty lot. It need not even be particularly good, as long as it is interesting.

I'm 25 years old so dont have an extensive bike knowledge, hence why I ask for some PH wisdom to give me a few ideas I might not have thought of

Current Ideas for reference:

1.) Moto Guzzi California EV 1100
2.) BMW RT 1200
3.) Triumph Bonneville
4.) Honda CB1300
5.) Suzuki GS 1000

I'd like to spend around £4-5k maximum really, any more and I'll need to sell my current bike too, which I'd rather not.

[MotorsportTom]

If it was me for different and sit up style which some of your choices seem to be I'd want to try a ZRX1100.

Dont see them very often and come in well under budget but then again I'm a sucker for a twin shock muscle bike.

No idea how comfy they are or what foibles they have I just think they look awesome

[srob]

Thought about going classic?

For that money you should get something like a nice Matchless twin, or maybe even a Norton twin or something late fifties, to mid sixties.

It'll sure be different, will open up a world of new events and you can tinker with it yourself. Plus it'll be far cooler than a modern retro and free tax and cheap insurance

[Pebbles167]

MotorsportTom said:

If it was me for different and sit up style which some of your choices seem to be I'd want to try a ZRX1100.

Dont see them very often and come in well under budget but then again I'm a sucker for a twin shock muscle bike.

No idea how comfy they are or what foibles they have I just think they look awesome

I do like the ZRX! Had forgotten about it! Had a 2013 Yamaha XJR1300 from new, which was a competitor in its day. What a bike... until I binned it

srob said:

Thought about going classic?

For that money you should get something like a nice Matchless twin, or maybe even a Norton twin or something late fifties, to mid sixties.

It'll sure be different, will open up a world of new events and you can tinker with it yourself. Plus it'll be far cooler than a modern retro and free tax and cheap insurance

I have indeed! But I know little of the classic bike market. I know a bit about Guzzi's and have always loved them, but little of anything else. Any good links or things I should look at to get me started?

[Tall_Paul]

MotorsportTom said:

If it was me for different and sit up style which some of your choices seem to be I'd want to try a ZRX1100.

Dont see them very often and come in well under budget but then again I'm a sucker for a twin shock muscle bike.

No idea how comfy they are or what foibles they have I just think they look awesome

Exactly what I was going to suggest. In the Lawson replica colors of course

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

Also, triumph bonne, moto guzzi v7, ducati monster, Yamaha xjr1300, cb1300.

[srob]

Pebbles167 said:

I have indeed! But I know little of the classic bike market. I know a bit about Guzzi's and have always loved them, but little of anything else. Any good links or things I should look at to get me started?

Have a look here: http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/cat/15/ and anything you like the look of, have a quick read up of the bike on Wikipedia. Any questions just shout and I'll help if I can

[Pebbles167]

Tall_Paul said:

Exactly what I was going to suggest. In the Lawson replica colors of course

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

Also, triumph bonne, moto guzzi v7, ducati monster, Yamaha xjr1300, cb1300.

Very rare to see fully naked. Gorgeous bike. As said before I had an XJR which I loved. If the ZRX is as good I'd love that. Better get a test ride!

srob said:

Have a look here: http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/cat/15/ and anything you like the look of, have a quick read up of the bike on Wikipedia. Any questions just shout and I'll help if I can

Sounds good, already seeing stuff I like! Ta

[MotorsportTom]

Actually if it's a weekend toy why does it need to be comfy?

Say balls to it and get an Aprillia Tuono. The MCN reviews reckon if you can't wheelie one you can't use a bike throttle

I'm definitely just suggesting bikes I want.

[Pebbles167]

MotorsportTom said:

Actually if it's a weekend toy why does it need to be comfy?

Say balls to it and get an Aprillia Tuono. The MCN reviews reckon if you can't wheelie one you can't use a bike throttle

I'm definitely just suggesting bikes I want.

By all means, go ahead!

It doesn't have to be, I'd just like a change from a sports bike, but for the right bike I'd go uncomfortable.

Also on my list was the aprilia RS250... but I thought that would throw the "comfy" bit out the window!

[Tall_Paul]

There's an American guy on YouTube who makes decent videos and rides one, might help with the decision

http://youtu.be/DbFwHhzIXSA

[MotorsportTom]

Have you ever ridden a V-twin?

Even riding an SV650 my mate had turned me into a slight hooligan and made me want to try a bigger twin! I have never grinned as much as I did the first time I realised the front came up easier than an Essex girls knickers come down.

An RS250 would be a great choice! I'd love a proper two stroke.

Considered an off-road based machine? Something like a 2 stroke KTM to really scare you silly?

[Pebbles167]

Decent link Paul, ta

MotorsportTom said:

Have you ever ridden a V-twin?

I have, but never had one as a permanent bike. An SV650 is as far as my twin experience goes. My bikes have all been fours.. I must admit to having a bit of an urge to get a twin.

I've never really thought about a KTM (or similar) thought they would be out of price range?

[MotorsportTom]

Pebbles167 said:

Decent link Paul, ta

MotorsportTom said:

Have you ever ridden a V-twin?

I have, but never had one as a permanent bike. An SV650 is as far as my twin experience goes. My bikes have all been fours.. I must admit to having a bit of an urge to get a twin.

I've never really thought about a KTM (or similar) thought they would be out of price range?

Precisely the same as my experience then! It made me want a twin for a long time too! Still do!

A quick ebay search shows them anywhere between £1000 and £5000 for an offroad bike although it's a mix of 2 and four strokes.
I said KTM as if money was no object and service intervals weren't an issue it's what I'd probably get. Loads of suitable laning bikes are available well under you budget.

Maybe get a £3000 Tuono AND a cheap laning bike? You know it makes sense!

[Tall_Paul]

What is your current bike? And how much power do you want/need?

If you want a big v-twin then a Hypermotard 1100, or (as already suggested) an Aprilia Tuono would fit the bill. The hypermotard would be a complete hooligan machine

[Pebbles167]

MotorsportTom said:

£3000 Tuono

Exactly the kind of stuff I was hoping for, didn't even know these existed

Tall_Paul said:

What is your current bike? And how much power do you want/need?

I have a K4 GSXR 1000, but I'm not an out and out sports guy. I just like that bike.

I dont need it to be especially powerful at all, as long as its reasonably pacey. For instance, I am STRONGLY considering an old Guzzi California. Cant imagine they are especially quick with their modest 75bhp, but I bet the torque makes is nice, smooth and easy

[srob]

If you're thinking 75bhp in a Guzzi may be a bit underpowered you may want to ignore my suggestions

[Pebbles167]

srob said:

If you're thinking 75bhp in a Guzzi may be a bit underpowered you may want to ignore my suggestions

I dont think that is under powered, just not fast. I nearly bought a V7 stone when they came out and I believe they are only 45bhp

Also, one of my favorite bikes I have ever ridden was a carb'd Bonneville, which was not especially quick.

[Tall_Paul]

Pebbles167 said:

I have a K4 GSXR 1000, but I'm not an out and out sports guy. I just like that bike.

I dont need it to be especially powerful at all, as long as its reasonably pacey. For instance, I am STRONGLY considering an old Guzzi California. Cant imagine they are especially quick with their modest 75bhp, but I bet the torque makes is nice, smooth and easy

Ahh that's cool, nothing will really be that much of a shock power wise then.

At up to £4-5k, there's soooo much choice out there, you need to get yourself down to a big dealer and sit on/blag a test ride on lots of bikes, it's quite frankly fking awesome just how much under £5k gets you. I'd get a few rides on a motard - Aprilia Dorsoduro/hypermotard/KTM950, then a retro/classic bike like the bonne/moto guzzi, then some muscle bikes like the ZRX/CB1300, then some big nakeds like the speed triple, tuono, monster and then go from there.

[Andy XRV]

srob said:

If you're thinking 75bhp in a Guzzi may be a bit underpowered you may want to ignore my suggestions

For a minute there I thought you had a classic bike convert but on the other hand who needs double figure horse power anyway

[Pebbles167]

Tall_Paul said:

Ahh that's cool, nothing will really be that much of a shock power wise then.

At up to £4-5k, there's soooo much choice out there, you need to get yourself down to a big dealer and sit on/blag a test ride on lots of bikes, it's quite frankly fking awesome just how much under £5k gets you. I'd get a few rides on a motard - Aprilia Dorsoduro/hypermotard/KTM950, then a retro/classic bike like the bonne/moto guzzi, then some muscle bikes like the ZRX/CB1300, then some big nakeds like the speed triple, tuono, monster and then go from there.

Good advice man, thanks... Only I've never actually been for a dealer test ride (or car drive for that matter) before! I've only ridden bikes that either belonged to me or friends and family.

Better go have a word down at the Blade dealerships in Swindon. They have licensed dealers that sell everything (almost) there, including Guzzi, Triumph and even Indian!