Thinking about getting one of these 2 wheeled contraptions
Discussion
Hi all.
As the title says, I'm thinking about getting a bike and would like some advice, if you'd be so kind. Once Christmas is out the way and I've recovered financially I'm going to look at doing my bike license in Spring, selling my Z4, buying something cheaper and more practical (Fiat Panda 100hp possibly) and then having a little chunk (around £3.5-4kish if everything goes to plan) to buy a bike.
My first question is which bike?! Boring question which has been asked a million and one times before, but theres a lot of choice and variation for a relative newbie. My first thoughts are to go down the Supermoto route - I used to ride motocross, so will be fairly familiar with the layout - maybe Suzuki DRZ400 SM, Yamaha XT660x (too much?) and the various KTM's (could also then green lane if I fancy it). But, I also really like nakeds and a Ducati Monster 696 has been calling my name for a while now, and as of yesterday a Suzuki SV650 sparked my interest, but again I think that may be too much. Then again I guess you're only as mad as you want to be, and I like to think I have some self control...
Obviously I'd love a sports bike, but I'd rather start on something more forgiving.
Next one is for those in the Essex area - I live in the Braintree/Colchester area, and while there are some lovely country roads, I've noticed of late that it's annoyingly busy a lot of the time. What's it like riding around there, or am I just getting unlucky (although seems unlikely)?
TYIA
As the title says, I'm thinking about getting a bike and would like some advice, if you'd be so kind. Once Christmas is out the way and I've recovered financially I'm going to look at doing my bike license in Spring, selling my Z4, buying something cheaper and more practical (Fiat Panda 100hp possibly) and then having a little chunk (around £3.5-4kish if everything goes to plan) to buy a bike.
My first question is which bike?! Boring question which has been asked a million and one times before, but theres a lot of choice and variation for a relative newbie. My first thoughts are to go down the Supermoto route - I used to ride motocross, so will be fairly familiar with the layout - maybe Suzuki DRZ400 SM, Yamaha XT660x (too much?) and the various KTM's (could also then green lane if I fancy it). But, I also really like nakeds and a Ducati Monster 696 has been calling my name for a while now, and as of yesterday a Suzuki SV650 sparked my interest, but again I think that may be too much. Then again I guess you're only as mad as you want to be, and I like to think I have some self control...
Obviously I'd love a sports bike, but I'd rather start on something more forgiving.Next one is for those in the Essex area - I live in the Braintree/Colchester area, and while there are some lovely country roads, I've noticed of late that it's annoyingly busy a lot of the time. What's it like riding around there, or am I just getting unlucky (although seems unlikely)?
TYIA
Lots of threads on this subject and lots of different opinions.
I would just get on and do CBT. Having done your CBT you will have a better idea if biking is for you and it is only a days investment, plus the cost of the CBT. After the CBT and you still want to be a biker, just do it, I would not be waiting for spring, learning to ride in the wet and cold is part of biking in the UK.
As for first bike, just get the one you like / want the most. Some argue that inexperience and bike bike = instant burning death in a hedge, but it is up to you how much you twist the wrist. That said, there are a lot of 5-750cc bikes with decent performance and won't kill a new rider.
Look at going to the NEC bike show in November, an opportunity to sit on a lot of different bikes to help decide what you do and don't like.
Now whilst whilst this might be a slightly pessimistic view, I would not spend loads on the first bike as statistically, you are quite likely to drop it
I would just get on and do CBT. Having done your CBT you will have a better idea if biking is for you and it is only a days investment, plus the cost of the CBT. After the CBT and you still want to be a biker, just do it, I would not be waiting for spring, learning to ride in the wet and cold is part of biking in the UK.
As for first bike, just get the one you like / want the most. Some argue that inexperience and bike bike = instant burning death in a hedge, but it is up to you how much you twist the wrist. That said, there are a lot of 5-750cc bikes with decent performance and won't kill a new rider.
Look at going to the NEC bike show in November, an opportunity to sit on a lot of different bikes to help decide what you do and don't like.
Now whilst whilst this might be a slightly pessimistic view, I would not spend loads on the first bike as statistically, you are quite likely to drop it
Dakkon said:
Now whilst whilst this might be a slightly pessimistic view, I would not spend loads on the first bike as statistically, you are quite likely to drop it
I don't know why people keep trotting this out, I know lots of folk who have started biking and hardly any of them dropped their bikes, us older more experienced ones have had a few mishaps though, OP just buy what you want, and fit some crash bungs (just in case), I also guarantee that an SV650 will not be 'too much' Edited by barracuda.mod on Wednesday 18th October 20:33
Thanks for the replies chaps, appreciate the advice. NEC is a good shout too. CBT I could do now but the full DAS course would have to wait unfortunately, after all it will only be a toy so will mostly be riding in good weather 
The SV is rather lovely, with a Two Brothers exhaust even more so. That or something similar or a supermoto is tickling my fancy. Has anyone owned both types and compared?
The SV is rather lovely, with a Two Brothers exhaust even more so. That or something similar or a supermoto is tickling my fancy. Has anyone owned both types and compared?
I would echo the above. Get your CBT done and out if the way. If the worst comes to the worst it's a fun day out.
With regards to the what bike question, I would suggest something cheapish with strong residuals. In my experience (and alot of my friends) the first bike is used as a stepping stone, it's a useful tool to learn how to ride properly and learn how you like to ride.
I started out with an olderer monster as I love the look of naked bikes but after a year of riding I found that wind and rain protection was more important to me so ended up with something I wouldn't have dreamed of owning, a sports tourer!
If the bug bites, what ever you get you'll end up having an absolute blast, no matter what you ride. Try and see lots of bikes, try and get a sit on them to know you'll be comfey and can reach all the controls. With most bikes these days you can't go too far wrong and if you get something fairly easy to sell on when the time comes you can make a more informed choice based on your experience!
Whatever you get, get some pictures on here and get out and ride!
With regards to the what bike question, I would suggest something cheapish with strong residuals. In my experience (and alot of my friends) the first bike is used as a stepping stone, it's a useful tool to learn how to ride properly and learn how you like to ride.
I started out with an olderer monster as I love the look of naked bikes but after a year of riding I found that wind and rain protection was more important to me so ended up with something I wouldn't have dreamed of owning, a sports tourer!
If the bug bites, what ever you get you'll end up having an absolute blast, no matter what you ride. Try and see lots of bikes, try and get a sit on them to know you'll be comfey and can reach all the controls. With most bikes these days you can't go too far wrong and if you get something fairly easy to sell on when the time comes you can make a more informed choice based on your experience!
Whatever you get, get some pictures on here and get out and ride!
Try to work out what sort of riding you want to do. Are you going to be a weekend 1-2hr blat type rider? Are you going to want to to tour Europe on it? Are you likely to want to commute on it? These will make choosing a bit easier.
If you want a good road/street bike the Monster or the SV650 will be ideal first bikes. Neither of them are intimidating to ride and will be fast, fun introductions to road riding. Both of these bikes will be ok for all of the above types of riding too.
Get what you want, if you want a sports bike, get one. There's no point having something in the garage that doesn't make you want to ride it.
If you want a good road/street bike the Monster or the SV650 will be ideal first bikes. Neither of them are intimidating to ride and will be fast, fun introductions to road riding. Both of these bikes will be ok for all of the above types of riding too.
Get what you want, if you want a sports bike, get one. There's no point having something in the garage that doesn't make you want to ride it.
Jazoli said:
Dakkon said:
Now whilst whilst this might be a slightly pessimistic view, I would not spend loads on the first bike as statistically, you are quite likely to drop it
What a load of crap, I don't know why people keep trotting this out, I know lots of folk who have started biking and hardly any of them dropped their bikes, us older more experienced ones have had a few mishaps though, OP just buy what you want, and fit some crash bungs (just in case), I also guarantee that an SV650 will not be 'too much' gland said:
How fixed is that budget? My first year's insurance was £1700 and then there was the helmet, gloves, boots, jacket and pants to buy as well.
Bloody hell £1700! Out of interest how old are you and what bike? I passed Mod 2 yesterday and it's cost me £225 fully comp on a Hornet. I'm 38 but that's zero experience and zero ncd.I just bought a new SV650 - £5250 delivered to my house, plus a free top box and £400 pre-paid debit card. Can't really go wrong for that price. I'm getting back into biking after a break - I had a new Yamaha FZ6 10 years ago and it was more money than the SV!
Cheap insurance too - £120 fully comp with zero no claims.
Cheap insurance too - £120 fully comp with zero no claims.
Stormfly1985 said:
I just bought a new SV650 - £5250 delivered to my house, plus a free top box and £400 pre-paid debit card. Can't really go wrong for that price. I'm getting back into biking after a break - I had a new Yamaha FZ6 10 years ago and it was more money than the SV!
Cheap insurance too - £120 fully comp with zero no claims.
That's a cracking deal, well done!Cheap insurance too - £120 fully comp with zero no claims.
Where is it from?
Hi Jack, here is my experience:
for reference:
Did a DA course earlier this year
38, powerful director type build
Bought a monster 821 - insurance 400pa no ncd
budget: set aside £800-1000 for training, and £700+ for kit.
the 125 bikes you learn on weren't for me, a larger bike feels much more stable, gives you much more control and flexibility with the throttle.
i'd been hampering after a bike for a while and convinced myself to stay away from sports bikes because i'd kill my self, while the 821 was on order i was lent a panigale 959 - the 821 is much nice/comfortable to ride any type of distance on, and you can really throw it around quite easily - the 959 took much more effort to ride, given the ride position and commitment required. long story short: i love the Monster but I want a sports bike and at some point when finances have recovered there will be one keeping the Monster company in the garage.
I kept the z4 (e85 for the bmw model number geeks), but i'm hardly using it and contemplating selling, but i don't think i can bring myself to do so.
M
for reference:
Did a DA course earlier this year
38, powerful director type build
Bought a monster 821 - insurance 400pa no ncd
budget: set aside £800-1000 for training, and £700+ for kit.
the 125 bikes you learn on weren't for me, a larger bike feels much more stable, gives you much more control and flexibility with the throttle.
i'd been hampering after a bike for a while and convinced myself to stay away from sports bikes because i'd kill my self, while the 821 was on order i was lent a panigale 959 - the 821 is much nice/comfortable to ride any type of distance on, and you can really throw it around quite easily - the 959 took much more effort to ride, given the ride position and commitment required. long story short: i love the Monster but I want a sports bike and at some point when finances have recovered there will be one keeping the Monster company in the garage.
I kept the z4 (e85 for the bmw model number geeks), but i'm hardly using it and contemplating selling, but i don't think i can bring myself to do so.
M
Edited by MDUBZ on Thursday 19th October 20:19
Jakarta said:
Husqvarna Nuda R
I may be biased
good luck finding one for sale. A Few in Germany but rarely seen in the UK and good examples fetch 7-8k.I may be biased
Awesome bike though, wish they still made it (
Ducati Hypermotard is similar hybrid supermoto/naked street bike but again over budget at around 5-6k+
Edited by JoBlack on Thursday 19th October 11:15
Thanks for all the advice all. Would love a husky but as you say they're few and far between... I also love ridiculously annoying obnoxiously loud bikes, a Superduke 1290 R is dreamy but obviously wayyyyy over budget and not an ideal starter.
Stormfly that is an unreal deal, if I could I'd snap that up in a second, I don't think I could stretch to that but you can pick up a barely used one for a bit less.
Mdubz - good info, thanks for that. Think I'm of a similar mindset so I'm always going to want one, may as well bloody get it over with and p
s off my entire family 
both have Z4's too, although I have an E89. Not a big fan of mine and kind of wish I got an E85 coupe, so I won't have my heart strings tugged when it goes 
Stormfly that is an unreal deal, if I could I'd snap that up in a second, I don't think I could stretch to that but you can pick up a barely used one for a bit less.
Mdubz - good info, thanks for that. Think I'm of a similar mindset so I'm always going to want one, may as well bloody get it over with and p
s off my entire family both have Z4's too, although I have an E89. Not a big fan of mine and kind of wish I got an E85 coupe, so I won't have my heart strings tugged when it goes Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff