What Bike After Years Away?

[MartynVRS]

Few years ago I decided to get by big bike test done for commuting, then into a busy city centre and bought a K7 SV650 and it was great for 4mths until a van cut the white line and I had to abandon it mid corner. Bike was written off but because of a new job and moving away shortly after I never replaced it. That was almost 4 years ago and I didn't think I could get another while I'm renting but I've managed to get some off road parking that's big enough for a bike so the thought of riding again returned. Car barely does 28mpg on the 10 mile commute as I often have traffic and people who genuinely don't know what the limit is to deal with.

Budget would be £2-3k, I have all the gear from before as it was all OK but i'm not sure what to get. Want something easy to ride and to get familiar with riding again. A little fun but not something I'll be hurting on after 10 mins. Was thinking of getting something smaller than a 600 but I'm over 6ft and 16st. I could go SV650 again but wouldn't mind trying something else. I'm definitely a novice and at this point I'd be treating it as day one again.

[MartynVRS]

I do like the Street Triple but can see that being the bike after this one. Last time I did look qt CBR600's but some tried to put me off. VFR800 isn't a bad idea. A previous senior tech of mine had a new VFR800 that he did well with and was his only vehicle so was in full touring mode. Surprising how much he could carry on it, not that I will be.

[MartynVRS]

Birky_41 said:

Bailey93 said:

Nice quad post above

OT though SV650's are great they even have that low RPM assist which is a nice addition to new riders or even veteran riders.

The MT07 is in the same category with a larger rear tyre 180 compared to a 160 on the SV but same MPG and Power.

I'd have the MT over the sv but not sure you'd get one in his budget?

I've seen reviews of both lately and some say the SV is better suspension wise but I never thought it was that good with the rear feeling too soft for my weight and brakes were never great either. But then someone in work bought a curvy SV as a temporary bike and they weighed not far off 17st and were 6ft 4 and found it good. I'm 6ft 1 and just over 16st.

I'm probably looking into too much detail as it's my first bike back. Done a few insurance quotes on a few things and I forgot how reasonable it was.

[MartynVRS]

I'm finding myself looking more at the MT07, sat on one a few days ago and the position seems good. Have read things about it being budget and apart from some of the plastics I think it looks OK. Usual dealer though trying to get me to try a 900 Tracer instead which being as it's new is out of my price range although is very nice and very comfy. Both Tracers were nice with more wind protection and longer swing arms which would help stability. They are happy enough for me to try a few things once I'm ready which is good.

Whatever I buy I think has to be cash as I don't like the idea of financing a £6k+ bike, something happening to it and me still paying for a bike I don't own. Do many people finance a bike? Had a few insurance quotes and a MT07 would be about £350 fully comp which given I'm 4 years out I don't think is too bad. I'll have to increase my budget but some are around £4.5k already so won't be long until they go to £4k. Bikes do seem to cost more than they used to when I last looked but then some have more tech, inflation, etc so it isn't surprising.