Getting back on a bike
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm thinking about getting back on a bike for the first time in about 6 years. Passed my test when i was 17 and had numerous sports/superbikes up to about 22, then relationships and marriage kicked in and it petered out. Bought a ZXR750 back in 2011 but it had a few issues and i didn't really get on with it.
Anyhow, i've seen a 2014 Honda CB500f for sale at my local dealer and i'm thinking about going for it. I had an old L reg CB500 back during my 2 year 33bhp phase and enjoyed it, obviously not particulrly powerful but was good fun to ride.
Does anyone on here own one of the new ones? Are they as chuckable and bulletproof as the old ones? I'll be using it for commuting here and there and social riding only, proabably a few thousand a year mileage.
Cheers,
Tom
I'm thinking about getting back on a bike for the first time in about 6 years. Passed my test when i was 17 and had numerous sports/superbikes up to about 22, then relationships and marriage kicked in and it petered out. Bought a ZXR750 back in 2011 but it had a few issues and i didn't really get on with it.
Anyhow, i've seen a 2014 Honda CB500f for sale at my local dealer and i'm thinking about going for it. I had an old L reg CB500 back during my 2 year 33bhp phase and enjoyed it, obviously not particulrly powerful but was good fun to ride.
Does anyone on here own one of the new ones? Are they as chuckable and bulletproof as the old ones? I'll be using it for commuting here and there and social riding only, proabably a few thousand a year mileage.
Cheers,
Tom
An incredibly versatile bike, hugely reliable and a great commuter, but my only feeling is that 57bhp might become a tad boring after a while?
It did with my first 'big' bike - a Kawasaki KLE500. Then again, do what I did - get used to riding something so that you can wring it's neck without feeling overwhelmed, then step up to something more powerful as/when you want. My next bike was a ZX6R and, in hindsight, if I'd jumped straight on that instead of going via the FLE500 I'd have probably done myself all sorts of injury!
Main thing being, get on whatever bike you fancy, any bike is better than no bike!
It did with my first 'big' bike - a Kawasaki KLE500. Then again, do what I did - get used to riding something so that you can wring it's neck without feeling overwhelmed, then step up to something more powerful as/when you want. My next bike was a ZX6R and, in hindsight, if I'd jumped straight on that instead of going via the FLE500 I'd have probably done myself all sorts of injury!
Main thing being, get on whatever bike you fancy, any bike is better than no bike!
tomble22 said:
Something around £3k really. I always fancied an SV650/1000 back in the day but i always went for faired bikes (had a ZX-6R, GSXR 600, TL1000R and the ZXR750). I'd quite like something unfaired this time round, always liked a V twin too.
Unfaired SV1000 then, 3k would get you one of the best.Jazoli said:
tomble22 said:
Something around £3k really. I always fancied an SV650/1000 back in the day but i always went for faired bikes (had a ZX-6R, GSXR 600, TL1000R and the ZXR750). I'd quite like something unfaired this time round, always liked a V twin too.
Unfaired SV1000 then, 3k would get you one of the best.I have had a variety of bikes including a first gen Gold wing (unfaired) and CBR1000 (totally faired).
I returned to biking after a break of 20 years, gently, with an MSX125 for commuting back and forth but after 3 years, a chain like elastic, cheap adjusters, a headlight that barely illuminated the floor in front and a lack of power led me to a pre-reg new Suzuki SV650S (a grand cheaper than the CB500 and cheaper to insure than that and the MSX...).
Although this is the half-faired model and the clip-ons aren't exactly comfortable, the handling is lovely and the V-twin more than adequate and characterful.
After 3 years of being sprayed with dirty road water, by cars in front, however far you hang back, I have to favour the fairing , for winter commuting and the S also has twin headlights that light up the lanes beautifully with Phillips White bulbs.
I returned to biking after a break of 20 years, gently, with an MSX125 for commuting back and forth but after 3 years, a chain like elastic, cheap adjusters, a headlight that barely illuminated the floor in front and a lack of power led me to a pre-reg new Suzuki SV650S (a grand cheaper than the CB500 and cheaper to insure than that and the MSX...).
Although this is the half-faired model and the clip-ons aren't exactly comfortable, the handling is lovely and the V-twin more than adequate and characterful.
After 3 years of being sprayed with dirty road water, by cars in front, however far you hang back, I have to favour the fairing , for winter commuting and the S also has twin headlights that light up the lanes beautifully with Phillips White bulbs.
Edited by LuS1fer on Thursday 25th May 19:25
What's already been said is my thoughts too
I was similar to you passing my test in 1999 and riding upto 2005 when I was 22/23 then giving up for 10 years
I did race bikes so was still involved just not on the road. I went back onto the road and my first bike made a claimed 140hp
You're only as quick (stupid) as you twist the wrist. I thought it was a rocket at first then found it really nice and 18 months later still sold it as I wanted more
Some of the bikes mentioned would be way up in my choice first for power, fun and long term
I was similar to you passing my test in 1999 and riding upto 2005 when I was 22/23 then giving up for 10 years
I did race bikes so was still involved just not on the road. I went back onto the road and my first bike made a claimed 140hp
You're only as quick (stupid) as you twist the wrist. I thought it was a rocket at first then found it really nice and 18 months later still sold it as I wanted more
Some of the bikes mentioned would be way up in my choice first for power, fun and long term
I have the 'X' version of the current CB500.
It's enjoyable to ride I find - it's fun and chuckable. Could do with more welly, yes, but if you use the gears well it makes pretty swift progress, without ever being brutally fast. Deeply cheap to run, and built relatively well, though some of the accesories (luggage specifically) are a bit flimsy feeling.
In short - it's fun but if earth shattering acceleration matters to you look elsewhere.
It's enjoyable to ride I find - it's fun and chuckable. Could do with more welly, yes, but if you use the gears well it makes pretty swift progress, without ever being brutally fast. Deeply cheap to run, and built relatively well, though some of the accesories (luggage specifically) are a bit flimsy feeling.
In short - it's fun but if earth shattering acceleration matters to you look elsewhere.
Thanks for all the suggestions guys. Mate of mine who I used to go out riding with had a Tuono R which was very nice, bit out of my price range though!!
Not sure on a Ducati Monster, I get the feeling that at £3k I'd be at the lower end of the market and convincing my wife a bike is a good idea was hard enough without me spending a huge amount on repairing it too!! 😂
I like the idea of a speed triple or an SV1000, think I'll have a wander round the local bike shops tomorrow and do some research. Look forward to getting back on a bike though, have missed it!!
Will report back after the weekend with thoughts!!
Not sure on a Ducati Monster, I get the feeling that at £3k I'd be at the lower end of the market and convincing my wife a bike is a good idea was hard enough without me spending a huge amount on repairing it too!! 😂
I like the idea of a speed triple or an SV1000, think I'll have a wander round the local bike shops tomorrow and do some research. Look forward to getting back on a bike though, have missed it!!
Will report back after the weekend with thoughts!!
Mate do your self a favour and make sure you check over the bike carefully. To be honest if you did go for a SV1000 naked you would get a really good one for the budget you have.
The motor is very smooth for V-Twin and the gearbox is nice as are mostly all Suzuki's.
I don't think you could go far wrong with it and have some change left over for a decent service and perhaps some tyres.
You'll love it.
The motor is very smooth for V-Twin and the gearbox is nice as are mostly all Suzuki's.
I don't think you could go far wrong with it and have some change left over for a decent service and perhaps some tyres.
You'll love it.
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