Sub £1500 bikes
Discussion
Hi all, I'm considering a cheap bike for a short commute and weekend rides. It will be my first big bike since passing in 2017. While insurance is affordable on something like a cbr600f, this is a bit of a cost saving exercise (and an excuse to satisfy the desire to own a proper bike since I was 10), so I'll be looking more at naked bikes due to insurance being less than half that of the faired bikes I've had quotes on.
So far I've been looking at bandits, hornets, fazers and triumph speed four. Any suggestions on others that I haven't thought about?
As I've nothing to compare to I don't really have a preference, just something that's still fun but reliable as possible so I'll be looking to buy on condition.
Also, what sort of mileage is acceptable? I see most are relatively high at this budget...for example there's a local speed four with 52k, would this be a problem if serviced well?
So far I've been looking at bandits, hornets, fazers and triumph speed four. Any suggestions on others that I haven't thought about?
As I've nothing to compare to I don't really have a preference, just something that's still fun but reliable as possible so I'll be looking to buy on condition.
Also, what sort of mileage is acceptable? I see most are relatively high at this budget...for example there's a local speed four with 52k, would this be a problem if serviced well?
I can't help you with what bike be be prepared for some work being needed at this level at higher mileages. Having bought a blackbird last summer for 1800 that rode ok subsequently need the following after being pressed in to daily service... Overhaul of brake system although in my case I replaced all discs, pads,I delinked the system and flushed it all out. The rad was shot so that need replacing. The chain need replacing and I ended up having to do the fork seals and oil. I then had to fix a small oil leak and then an electrical problem with the earth block. None of it is too bad but it adds up so you should compare that with the next level up of available bikes and factor in the time you will spend.
RizzoTheRat said:
You should find some of the Adventurish type bikes are cheapish insurance too. TDM, Varadero, VStrom etc make nice comfy commuters that are also fun in the twisties.
My brother actually mentioned the Varadero and I keep seeing the TDM pop up on older threads...they are giving some of the cheapest quotes so they're now on the radar.dern said:
I can't help you with what bike be be prepared for some work being needed at this level at higher mileages. Having bought a blackbird last summer for 1800 that rode ok subsequently need the following after being pressed in to daily service... Overhaul of brake system although in my case I replaced all discs, pads,I delinked the system and flushed it all out. The rad was shot so that need replacing. The chain need replacing and I ended up having to do the fork seals and oil. I then had to fix a small oil leak and then an electrical problem with the earth block. None of it is too bad but it adds up so you should compare that with the next level up of available bikes and factor in the time you will spend.
This is true, but some maintenance will probably need doing if I spent 3k. I'll just have to buy carefully and be prepared.mickymellon1 said:
Suzuki SV650 is well worth a look, they can be had for reasonable money, manageable size wise, go & sound great.
I have actually been looking at these as well, I just forgot to add them on.Pat H said:
Can you cope with something older?
Insurance really tumbles once a bike turns 15.
All of the above are older than 2004 anyway, but I'm not adverse to something older as long as it doesn't need fettling every weekend.Insurance really tumbles once a bike turns 15.
I have a fazer 2002. Get a new exhaust system if it doesn't have one already as they like to melt in the rain. Engine is great, breaks are really good, get some braided lines on the front brake if you find it spongy. Get some after market bars that are lower/wider and some shorty levers. You can also get a jack up kit that will improve handling although they do handle very well from stock!
iacabu said:
RizzoTheRat said:
You should find some of the Adventurish type bikes are cheapish insurance too. TDM, Varadero, VStrom etc make nice comfy commuters that are also fun in the twisties.
My brother actually mentioned the Varadero and I keep seeing the TDM pop up on older threads...they are giving some of the cheapest quotes so they're now on the radar.TooLateForAName said:
Can I join in with an extra question - which of these cheaper bikes might be good for tall riders? (6'4"). I have trouble with my knees.
If you go for the taller adventure type bikes the more upright seating position gives way more legroom than sportier bikes, and the higher than normal ground clearance means you lower the pegs for more legroom, or jack it up a bit for even more clearance. I've got shortened dogbones to lift my TDM up an inch or so, and then MRA Vario pegs that are an inch or so lower than the originals.As well as the SV650, you'll find higher mileage SV1000s fall into your price bracket as well (mines about to be put on the market)
the advantage over the 650 is that the brakes aren't awful!
You'd find VFR750 in your range too, which while faired, will be buttons to insure comparatively.
Good hunting!
the advantage over the 650 is that the brakes aren't awful!
You'd find VFR750 in your range too, which while faired, will be buttons to insure comparatively.
Good hunting!
Thanks for the comments so far.
I wasn't expecting the insurance on an SV1000 to be pretty much the same as the 650, although I'm not sure how mpg compares between the two?
I wasn't expecting the insurance on an SV1000 to be pretty much the same as the 650, although I'm not sure how mpg compares between the two?
podman said:
A Honda Firestorm can be picked up for that kind of money and should be in better condition/less miles that some of the bikes mentioned above.
As much as I like these, in yellow especially, the insurance is over double that of the others. Granted it's still only around £400, but I'd rather pay £150. At least until I get a year or two NCD then I can start looking at more options.I bought a ZX6R in 2015 for £1400 (15 y/o at the time). I still ride it now, been a great bike. I maintain it properly including a full service every year and it's served me very well. Sunday B road screaming, a tour around Scotland, commutes to work and I have no complaints what so ever.
iacabu said:
Thanks for the comments so far.
I wasn't expecting the insurance on an SV1000 to be pretty much the same as the 650, although I'm not sure how mpg compares between the two?
I usually get about 45mpg in regular riding 100-130 miles on a tank, tbh, it didn't seem any worse than the 650. It's more relaxed at motorway speeds especially, but having had it dyno-ed there's a big chunk of torque available all the way through the rev range, so 5-6k rpm is fine most of the time, unlike the 650! I wasn't expecting the insurance on an SV1000 to be pretty much the same as the 650, although I'm not sure how mpg compares between the two?
I'll miss it, but I have to go down to one bike, and I love the NC30 more!
Apologies for rambling on, good luck with your continued hunting!
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