Suggestions! Good all rounders about 3k?

[crofty1984]

Nervous - stop reading now, it will only make you mad.

Howdy y'all - I'm looking to buy a bike. Good start!
I've got 2 BSAs which need work and I've just sold my Bonneville to get something modern (I'm talking electric start and possibly even fuel injection!)

I'm looking at things like VFR800FI, CBR600F, 1200/1250 faired bandit, 955 speed triple, SV1000, maybe Mk1 Fazer 600, but I'm trying to move away from carbs.

Just want comfy, daily use reliable, keep a bit of the wind off and not too boring. Maybe an occasional track day. Also, I'm a short arse.

I've got 2-3k to spend. I could stretch to 4 for something special, but I'd rather spend the difference on the BSAs. I'm thinking at this end of the market I'm better off having a few bikes in mind that would do the job well, then buying the best condition one of those, rather than going I MUST HAVE A... I did that with the ZZR, and it was a pile of st.

The CBR and VFR are winning at the moment I think, but I'd be interested in what people think or other bikes I should consider.

[AceOfHearts]

Why not stick with the British theme and look at Triumph Daytonas / Sprints? Can get a lot of bike for your money.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2...

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2...

[Shadow R1]

I think you hold the record for the most "what bike" threads.

SV1000 would be a good choice, it's finding one that is in good condition.
They are tall and heavy though.

Bandit 1200\1250 should be easier to find a good example of.
Another heavy bike.

Can you get an early Z1000 sx for that money ?
Perhaps one to go and have a look at and sit on if you can.

[gavgavgav]

Blackbird

[Biker's Nemesis]

Stop fking around and look for a 04-06 R1 or 04-05 ZX-10

Track days, touring and commuting all in one package

[black-k1]

gavgavgav said:

Blackbird

This would be my suggestion. Check one out for comfort/fit first then have a good look around. There are some very good, well looked after examples, with lots of practical/sensible extras available in your price range.

[Jazoli]

Sprint ST or FZ1 for me, 1250 Bandits are soft and squishy and not at all sporty.

[crofty1984]

Shadow R1 said:

I think you hold the record for the most "what bike" threads.

Ha! Very true! Thought it was worth making the point in the OP I actually have the money :-p actually I think it's been a year since the last one?

I promise to return with evidence of a purchased motorcycle. I did buy one last year too, it's an addiction.

Some good suggestions so far people - thanks!

[dibblecorse]

CBR600FY onwards ...

[cbmotorsport]

FZ1 would be the kiddy.

[NITO]

crofty1984 said:

Also, I'm a short arse.

Sheeeyait negro, that’s all you had to say...*

MSX125 Grom








(*Pulp Fiction quote)

[crofty1984]

Say Grom again! I dare ya, I double-dare ya motherfker, say Grom one more God damn time!*


* I know.

[Ho Lee Kau]

Whose motorcycle is this?
It's a Grom, baby.
Whose Grom is this?
It's Zed's.
Who's Zed?
Zed's dead, baby. Zed's dead.

[SAS Tom]

It’d be a late VFR 750 for me. You’d easily get one with change to spare. I much preferred the 750’s to the 800’s I rode but obviously it’s personal preference.

[CaptainSlow]

Sprint 1050 ST is the best all-rounder. (I thought we had already agreed this?)

[CAPP0]

crofty1984 said:

Nervous - stop reading now

Is the aforementioned orange and fizzy additives chap still around these parts?

[sjtscott]

black-k1 said:

gavgavgav said:

Blackbird

This would be my suggestion. Check one out for comfort/fit first then have a good look around. There are some very good, well looked after examples, with lots of practical/sensible extras available in your price range.

Would be mine too. Great bike owned one for almost 8 years (2006 end of line Model) got it at 2.5 years old with 6k miles sold it at 10 years old with about 43k miles on it.
However be warned they have an 'odd' to say the least standard riding position. Bar risers sorted it out - mine were the jaws motorcycles 28mm ones. You have pretty high pegs like a sports bike and quite a long stretch over the tank to the standard clip on position above the yolks. Very comfortable bike for me once the risers were fitted. Again everyone is different but I'm not the first person to notice the slightly uncomfortable standard riding position. I'm basically 6 foot tall if that helps

[dern]

sjtscott said:

black-k1 said:

gavgavgav said:

Blackbird

This would be my suggestion. Check one out for comfort/fit first then have a good look around. There are some very good, well looked after examples, with lots of practical/sensible extras available in your price range.

Would be mine too. Great bike owned one for almost 8 years (2006 end of line Model) got it at 2.5 years old with 6k miles sold it at 10 years old with about 43k miles on it.
However be warned they have an 'odd' to say the least standard riding position. Bar risers sorted it out - mine were the jaws motorcycles 28mm ones. You have pretty high pegs like a sports bike and quite a long stretch over the tank to the standard clip on position above the yolks. Very comfortable bike for me once the risers were fitted. Again everyone is different but I'm not the first person to notice the slightly uncomfortable standard riding position. I'm basically 6 foot tall if that helps

Just bought one with 48k on it and it will pretty much do everything. Don't find it too uncomfortable but it's not a sit up bike. Installed a shim raising the back end by 6mm which doesn't sound a lot but makes it much pointier.

I've bought it to complement my blade (2007) as it's not the best for commuting and long distance stuff and I want to look after this one. Having said that, if I had to have one bike it would be the blade. It will do everything you need. I ran a 929 for 8 years (or something like that) and 40k miles pretty much all year round for a couple of years with hard luggage. Did everything.

[sjtscott]

dern said:

Just bought one with 48k on it and it will pretty much do everything. Don't find it too uncomfortable but it's not a sit up bike. Installed a shim raising the back end by 6mm which doesn't sound a lot but makes it much pointier.

I've bought it to complement my blade (2007) as it's not the best for commuting and long distance stuff and I want to look after this one. Having said that, if I had to have one bike it would be the blade. It will do everything you need. I ran a 929 for 8 years (or something like that) and 40k miles pretty much all year round for a couple of years with hard luggage. Did everything.

I ditched the DCBS ( aka linked brakes) as really not a fan with a HEL custom line kit specifically designed for the job. I also installed the rear shock shim too. Makes it handle way better rear ride height overall up by about 25mm with the 6mm shim. I also had full Givi Wingrack2, Top box for day to day commuting and then panniers for the touring holidays.

[Mortgage_tom]

The Sprint 1050 ST looks like a great suggestion. (fancy one myself after this thread and eBay & YouTube browsing)