First bike for a mate with £2-3k

[Speed addicted]

One of the lads i work with is going to go for his bike test this year, and will have around £2-3k to spend on a bike.

Pretty much everything I'm interested in would be crap for a first bike. So I've suggested:
SV650
600 Fazer
Triumph Speed Four (street triple is too expensive, but he likes the style)
Honda Hornet

Anything else I've missed? Thinking something fun but manageable. Fairings are quite expensive on pretty much everything and first bikes are likely to get dropped at some point so I've avouded anything fully faired.

[Speed addicted]

Wildfire said:

For a decent starter bike and not too badly prided. Kawasaki Z750R

Good call, I knew Kawasaki did something more fun than the ER

[Speed addicted]

Yeah, he's had some fast cars (tuned suburu's etc) and is 30ish so has calmed down a bit. We both work on oil rigs so no need to commute, its just a fun toy with some possible touring later.

Main criteria is fun while allowing him to learn.

[Speed addicted]

Think the monster may be a little small, street triples are into the low 3s for high milers. I do think it's a pretty much ideal bike but they're too much cash for something nice.

Faired sportbikes are likely to cost a fortune to fix after the traditional newbie carpark drop, and insurance for a new rider is pretty high.

[Speed addicted]

Some good feedback, cheers. He's going to go fo the CBT and theory tests as soon as possible, then see about the full test.
Hopefully he'll be shopping for bikes soon!