Where do you find a cheap bike in the UK?
Discussion
I'm planning to spend September in the UK on business. Hiring a car will cost my company over a thousand pounds. My company's travel planner doesn't have any problem with my buying and insuring a bike or car with that money if it'd cost less.
Since I'm American, my endorsement is equal to an unrestricted licence. Where would I go to buy a secondhand bike? The PH classifieds have very few bikes under 3k.
Since I'm American, my endorsement is equal to an unrestricted licence. Where would I go to buy a secondhand bike? The PH classifieds have very few bikes under 3k.
It depends if you are buying from a private seller or a business.
Very few reputable businesses will have anything in that price range.
If buying private then gumtree is best for the pocket money end of the market.
Don't forget insurance costs however, they might be significantly more than expected for a foreign licence holder with no previous insurance history in the UK.
Very few reputable businesses will have anything in that price range.
If buying private then gumtree is best for the pocket money end of the market.
Don't forget insurance costs however, they might be significantly more than expected for a foreign licence holder with no previous insurance history in the UK.
There will no doubt be some people that disagree with me on here citing how they picked up an immaculate, full service history VFR that had been kept pristine for £800 or whatever, but in my experience any bike under £1000 is likely to need quite a lot of work to be truly roadworthy.
Factor in a worn chain, some squared-off tyres, or a service and some new brake pads, and a £1000 bike can easily end up costing you a lot more than what you’d think.
Factor in a worn chain, some squared-off tyres, or a service and some new brake pads, and a £1000 bike can easily end up costing you a lot more than what you’d think.
TT1138 said:
There will no doubt be some people that disagree with me on here citing how they picked up an immaculate, full service history VFR that had been kept pristine for £800 or whatever, but in my experience any bike under £1000 is likely to need quite a lot of work to be truly roadworthy.
Factor in a worn chain, some squared-off tyres, or a service and some new brake pads, and a £1000 bike can easily end up costing you a lot more than what you’d think.
Radiator full of rad-weld, hoses held together with self-amalg tape, sumps held together with araldite, seized suspension bolts and brake bleed nipples. Not worth at unless burning weekends on a project rather than riding it is fun.Factor in a worn chain, some squared-off tyres, or a service and some new brake pads, and a £1000 bike can easily end up costing you a lot more than what you’d think.
Byronico said:
Just hire the car 
or hire a bike??
Buying a bike would be more trouble than its worth, you will need a UK address, insurance, road tax etc.
This or hire a bike??Buying a bike would be more trouble than its worth, you will need a UK address, insurance, road tax etc.
You are massively over complicating it, I suspect the insurance will be a killer too as short term insurance ain't cheap .... and you will have no UK riding history....
Just don't turn left on a red ....
dibblecorse said:
Byronico said:
Just hire the car or hire a bike??
Buying a bike would be more trouble than its worth, you will need a UK address, insurance, road tax etc.
This or hire a bike??Buying a bike would be more trouble than its worth, you will need a UK address, insurance, road tax etc.
You are massively over complicating it, I suspect the insurance will be a killer too as short term insurance ain't cheap .... and you will have no UK riding history....
Just don't turn left on a red ....
If I was you, I would consider hiring a bike - zero risk - new bike - reliable etc.
Yamaha dealer near me will rent you an MT07 for £295pw (inc insurance).
http://www.lambamotorcycles.co.uk/bike-hire
Cheers
Yamaha dealer near me will rent you an MT07 for £295pw (inc insurance).
http://www.lambamotorcycles.co.uk/bike-hire
Cheers
thepawbroon said:
If I was you, I would consider hiring a bike - zero risk - new bike - reliable etc.
Yamaha dealer near me will rent you an MT07 for £295pw (inc insurance).
http://www.lambamotorcycles.co.uk/bike-hire
Cheers
Interesting. It says the bikes have to kept in locked outbuildings or inside overnight. I am not sure if the OP could be doing that if he's staying in hotels and B&Bs to meet clients.Yamaha dealer near me will rent you an MT07 for £295pw (inc insurance).
http://www.lambamotorcycles.co.uk/bike-hire
Cheers
Definitely possible to buy a half decent bike privately for a grand, my regional bikers page on FB always has stuff popping up. I agree with the others though, a one grand bike is ok for a weekend toy that you aren’t reliant on and can improve bit by bit. For a daily commuter it could become an unreliable pain. Take the car!
americancrx said:
Hmm. I see some candidates on Gumtree... I shouldn't lose too much in a month, now what I'll have to do is find insurance!
From some recent discussions with an American trying to do the same this doesn't sound easy - some experience here. Might have some useful tips.Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff