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

[Alex@POD]

Hey all,

I passed my test 7 years ago, rode a ZX6R for about a year, then had to hang up the leathers for financial reasons.

I'm feeling the itch to get back on a bike, but I'm not sure what to get. I'd like my girlfriend to enjoy being on the back, and I only have a couple of miles to commute so that doesn't need to be taken into account, it would purely be a fun bike.

What can I get that's fun 2 up, without breaking the bank? I was thinking of getting something around the £800 mark, cheap to insure, and reliable(at least that won't require too much for the MOT). Then next year, either she likes it and I can invest in something good, or she doesn't and I can look at bike that are not pillion-friendly.

I keep coming back to Bandit 600s as they seem quite cheap, but I'm afraid it may be too much of a commuter and not fun? Or should I just go for a Bandit 1200 or equivalent?

[Alex@POD]

y2blade said:

I have no idea what you can get for £800 sorry.

If an old 1200 Bandit is in that price then go for it, they are a great bikes

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

[Alex@POD]

Yeah I would love an Italian bike, particularly a Ducati, but not until I can buy one in really good condition and keep it garaged, which will be out of my budget for a few years yet!

[Alex@POD]

Thanks for the replies so far, I guess I'm looking to know what type of bike will be suitable for what I want, as opposed to a specific model... Although on reflection, any bike can be "fun", so I'm just looking for a comfy backseat in budget?

[Alex@POD]

Thanks guys, I haven't check the insurance for VFRs actually, I'll have a look. Some bikes will just be too much to insure though, I can get a Bandit 600 for £95/year, but a ZX9 is over £800!

I have a few financial commitments coming up (wedding, house), so I don't want to get tied down with a loan right now, however if I don't get a bike before all this is out of the way, I just might get something good for a few grand straight away. I absolutely hate being in debt though, so it would have to be a cracking deal.

[Alex@POD]

Fastchas said:

I hope this doesn't break forum rules.
I've got a VFR750 if you're interested? I bought it off eBay last summer for £600. It's done 60k and starts/pulls great. I spent £100 on rubbing down & spraying the panels again, powder-coated the wheels, it had a new chain/sprockets from its previous owner and I had to put a new tyre on it about 100 miles ago. It's great two-up, your missus will love it. After owning one in 1995 I thought I'd enjoy it again but it's just not for me, a little too soft. I want to put a grand to it and get a '96 'blade. I'm hoping to get it to an MOT station this weekend to get a new ticket as it's just expired. I see them going for £800 so I want that, I reckon.

That does look good, I'll have a think about it.

[Alex@POD]

I don't suppose this changes things much, but it looks like my 1.5 mile walk to work will soon become a 60 mile a day commute! I'll need something I'm happy to do miles on everyday, in all weathers, so I might up the budget a bit to £1500-£2000, although I'll have to speak to the bank first.

With regards to that, how much difference does a half fairing make to protection (from rain, road crap, etc)? For example between a Bandit and a Bandit S, is it noticeable or just for looks? Or should I just go for a full fairing model?

[Alex@POD]

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

[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?

[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...

[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?

[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.

[Alex@POD]

Well, after a long time deliberating and watching ebay like a hawk, I had decided to buy a cheap 600 sports tourer as the best compromise, as a minimal investment until I know if my wife is happy as a pillion.















Then the heart won, and I'll be picking up my Blackbird at the weekend

[Alex@POD]

It's a blue one, here's a picture from the advert:


I can think of a few upgrades for it already!

[Alex@POD]

I went for a little ride today, I feel like my first time out on the 125! I got a bit better after a few miles, but damn is that thing heavy! I feel like I've lost a stone just pushing it about on the drive! I'm looking forward to nicer weather so I can get some miles on it