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.

[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?

[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

[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!

[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?

[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

[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.

[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!

[Pebbles167]

Andy XRV said:

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

Haha! A friend keeps banging on about getting a Royal Enfield. Apparently he rode one once and it was great!

[Pebbles167]

MotorsportTom said:

Ooh that means you're not too far from me (relatively).

I'll meet you and make sure you spend the cash wisely

When it's done can I have go on whichever bike(s) you buy?

Yes, and yes no problem.

[Pebbles167]

Wow! That's pretty impressive mileage. As i remember, you could grab them in the blue and white.. intriguing