Passed my tests! What bike should I get?
Discussion
TurboHatchback said:
I passed my mod 1 and 2 this morning (in a howling wind and pounding rain), now I have a shiny new A-licence and it's time to get a big bike. I'm a relatively full-sized individual at 6'4" and 95+kg, what would the good folk of PH recommend I look at? There's a whole world of bikes out there, I'm not set on any particular model or genre and I can't really even decide whether to go brand new, nearly new or used.
Some points to consider:
Only person who knows what they want is you. Best bet visit local dealers, look at what you like and enquire about insurance. test ride and repeat a few times. Bikes unliked cars are very personal and may or may not, feel comfy etc. Some points to consider:
- It must have ABS.
- Sportsbikes aren't really my thing.
- I don't want to be paying 4 figures to insure it.
Two test rides now in the bag:
1: Suzuki GSX-8S. It might be the one, I liked everything about it apart from the seat which was a bit hard. The quickshifter was great under hard acceleration, ergonomics are great, engine feels magnificent, chassis manages to be both super stable and flickable at the same time.
2: Kawasaki Z900RS. I think this was a no. The engine sounds savage, it looks gorgeous and the ergonomics are great, but it just didn't feel as smooth, the drivetrain was a bit clunky and agricultural, the chassis felt ok but not as good as the Suzuki, the displays are pretty but not as readable, it just didn't click in quite the same way despite being more powerful and considerably more expensive.
Hopefully I can try a Royal Enfield 650, a Honda CB650R and maybe a BMW F900XR then get one of them bought
1: Suzuki GSX-8S. It might be the one, I liked everything about it apart from the seat which was a bit hard. The quickshifter was great under hard acceleration, ergonomics are great, engine feels magnificent, chassis manages to be both super stable and flickable at the same time.
2: Kawasaki Z900RS. I think this was a no. The engine sounds savage, it looks gorgeous and the ergonomics are great, but it just didn't feel as smooth, the drivetrain was a bit clunky and agricultural, the chassis felt ok but not as good as the Suzuki, the displays are pretty but not as readable, it just didn't click in quite the same way despite being more powerful and considerably more expensive.
Hopefully I can try a Royal Enfield 650, a Honda CB650R and maybe a BMW F900XR then get one of them bought
If you can try a cb650r and then follow that with a ninja 1000 sx - I reckon you will be set on getting the latter. More speed, better brakes, quick shift, better comfort.
Cb650r will be cheaper to insure and is slightly more manoeuvrable, but overall it’s no contest.
A used 2021 ish one (Ninja) would be within reach and it’s a such a nice ride with plenty of power to grow into. Go steady in rain mode to start with tho maybe !
Happy hunting
Cb650r will be cheaper to insure and is slightly more manoeuvrable, but overall it’s no contest.
A used 2021 ish one (Ninja) would be within reach and it’s a such a nice ride with plenty of power to grow into. Go steady in rain mode to start with tho maybe !
Happy hunting
I’m 25 yrs since having a motorbike , health has held me up but I might be 62 with knackerd knees / shoulder etc but I’m having a sports bike , nothing else really excites me to be honest , I’ve looked at cb1000r / mt09 etc but always end up gazing at the zx10r but of late a 12 plate fireblade has caught my eye in local shop .
You only live once !! Hope you enjoy what you eventually buy .
You only live once !! Hope you enjoy what you eventually buy .
TurboHatchback said:
I passed my mod 1 and 2 this morning (in a howling wind and pounding rain), now I have a shiny new A-licence and it's time to get a big bike. I'm a relatively full-sized individual at 6'4" and 95+kg, what would the good folk of PH recommend I look at? There's a whole world of bikes out there, I'm not set on any particular model or genre and I can't really even decide whether to go brand new, nearly new or used.
Some points to consider:
You need to have a good think about what kind of riding you will do, and maybe who with.Some points to consider:
- It must have ABS.
- Sportsbikes aren't really my thing.
- I don't want to be paying 4 figures to insure it.
If you've got loads of nice B roads on your doorstep, a light/middleweight bike is a lot of fun, different if most rides are long fast roads.
If your mates have got e.g. adventure bikes, you might be happier with similar.
A big bike is not ideal for nipping to the shops or a short commute.
If you want to do your own servicing then a bike out of warranty is more sensible than if you're going to take it to a dealer every 6 months.
Dealer servicin can be a lot for some bikes, for some people it works out expensive per mile.
If you don't have a set idea of what you want, a bike a few years old will probably lose less money if you want something different next year.
Some one-make owners clubs can be good socially, but not everyone wants that. Knowing a few people on FaceBook with the same make or model can be handy when it comes to putting it back together though!
alock said:
I passed last summer. Bought a Trident 660. Still love it.
If you're trying other mid-range nakeds then it's worth a look.
Also have a trident as my 1st bike, bought it before i even passed my test as loved the look of it with a few mods like a tail tidy and bar end mirrors. Buying it was my incentive to take a week off and get the test done.If you're trying other mid-range nakeds then it's worth a look.
All the reviews on youtube said it was best of the bunch for a 1st bike as long as you have a calm wrist to learn the power and although iv nothing to compare it too other than the aprilla rs125 i had ten years ago, i love it and agree its easy to ride as a beginner but has enough power to not get bored once you've got some miles under your belt, quick shift adds to that too.
TurboHatchback said:
I passed my mod 1 and 2 this morning (in a howling wind and pounding rain), now I have a shiny new A-licence and it's time to get a big bike. I'm a relatively full-sized individual at 6'4" and 95+kg, what would the good folk of PH recommend I look at? There's a whole world of bikes out there, I'm not set on any particular model or genre and I can't really even decide whether to go brand new, nearly new or used.
Some points to consider:
Perfect time of the year to get out and take some test rides. Plenty of great options at that budget including retro, cruiser, adventure style, street / naked, scramblers, etc. For your height you may want to consider an adventure bike as they are generally higher with more leg room. I'm only 5'8" and still found some naked bikes a little cramped. Good luck!Some points to consider:
- It must have ABS.
- Sportsbikes aren't really my thing.
- I don't want to be paying 4 figures to insure it.
Today I took the opportunity for some more important consumer research and rode 4 more bikes:
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650:
Actually really nice. Lovely noise, good ride quality, forward(ish) controls took a moment to get used to but once rolling it felt pretty good. All the points where the rider interacts with the machine feel really nice, the gearbox is super slick, the clutch is nice, the switchgear feels good and is easy to operate, the connection between the throttle and the engine feels just right. It's a nice big chunky thing to get between your legs and to my eyes looks really good. Power-wise it doesn't rip your arms off but has more than sufficient to be getting on with, especially given the laid back nature of the bike. Surprisingly it even goes round corners pretty well.
Royal Enfield Shotgun 650:
Much the same comments as above, all the hardware is the same and in isolation it's a really good bike. The problems for me were the rear suspension is very hard (jarringly so) and the pegs felt like they were mounted too wide as I kept putting my feet on the peg mounts rather than the pegs themselves. I thought the Super Meteor was the more harmonious package.
Triumph Trident 660:
I didn't like this at all, I could tell it wasn't for me before I made it out the carpark and it didn't get better from there. I didn't like the noise, the throttle, the clutch, the engine, the gearbox, the suspension, really anything about it. Clearly it's a good bike as all the press rave about it, but just not my cup of tea at all.
Triumph Speed Twin 1200:
Delightful, couldn't be more different to the Trident. The noise is gorgeous and antisocially loud, all the contact points feel quality and work just as they should, the suspension is nicely judged, good ergonomics, nice handling. It was super easy and smooth to ride despite its heavy-calibre motor, a totally unintimidating soft and cuddly sort of bike. There were a couple of somewhat bizarre design choices, firstly the sticky-outy bit on the kickstand that you push with your foot has been cunningly placed exactly under the footpeg, so there is no way you can actually get your foot on it to operate it, so I had to look like a complete noob and put it down with my hand. Second was the 'retro' fuel tank lid, where first you have to open the metal cover thing, underneath which you find a plasticky fuel cap straight off a budget 1990s car, that comes completely free of the bike so you have to find somewhere to put it whilst you fill up.
I think that's probably enough tests to make a decision now. I've concluded that revvy screamers are not for me, I want a torquey twin. Adventure bikes would probably suit me quite well but they are expensive to insure and aesthetically don't have much sex appeal for me. The GSX-8S, Super Meteor and Speed Twin are the shortlist. Time for some some boring number crunching, insurance quotes etc.
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650:
Actually really nice. Lovely noise, good ride quality, forward(ish) controls took a moment to get used to but once rolling it felt pretty good. All the points where the rider interacts with the machine feel really nice, the gearbox is super slick, the clutch is nice, the switchgear feels good and is easy to operate, the connection between the throttle and the engine feels just right. It's a nice big chunky thing to get between your legs and to my eyes looks really good. Power-wise it doesn't rip your arms off but has more than sufficient to be getting on with, especially given the laid back nature of the bike. Surprisingly it even goes round corners pretty well.
Royal Enfield Shotgun 650:
Much the same comments as above, all the hardware is the same and in isolation it's a really good bike. The problems for me were the rear suspension is very hard (jarringly so) and the pegs felt like they were mounted too wide as I kept putting my feet on the peg mounts rather than the pegs themselves. I thought the Super Meteor was the more harmonious package.
Triumph Trident 660:
I didn't like this at all, I could tell it wasn't for me before I made it out the carpark and it didn't get better from there. I didn't like the noise, the throttle, the clutch, the engine, the gearbox, the suspension, really anything about it. Clearly it's a good bike as all the press rave about it, but just not my cup of tea at all.
Triumph Speed Twin 1200:
Delightful, couldn't be more different to the Trident. The noise is gorgeous and antisocially loud, all the contact points feel quality and work just as they should, the suspension is nicely judged, good ergonomics, nice handling. It was super easy and smooth to ride despite its heavy-calibre motor, a totally unintimidating soft and cuddly sort of bike. There were a couple of somewhat bizarre design choices, firstly the sticky-outy bit on the kickstand that you push with your foot has been cunningly placed exactly under the footpeg, so there is no way you can actually get your foot on it to operate it, so I had to look like a complete noob and put it down with my hand. Second was the 'retro' fuel tank lid, where first you have to open the metal cover thing, underneath which you find a plasticky fuel cap straight off a budget 1990s car, that comes completely free of the bike so you have to find somewhere to put it whilst you fill up.
I think that's probably enough tests to make a decision now. I've concluded that revvy screamers are not for me, I want a torquey twin. Adventure bikes would probably suit me quite well but they are expensive to insure and aesthetically don't have much sex appeal for me. The GSX-8S, Super Meteor and Speed Twin are the shortlist. Time for some some boring number crunching, insurance quotes etc.
Just one thing about the RE 650s.
Do you intend riding much with a pillion?
I had an Interceptor for 2 years and whilst it was plenty fast enough almost all the time one up (Im no speed merchant) when Mrs Aigal was on back it really noticed. She's only just over 50kg whilst I am the same weight as you.
I think touring with her and luggage would have been a bit much.
Do you intend riding much with a pillion?
I had an Interceptor for 2 years and whilst it was plenty fast enough almost all the time one up (Im no speed merchant) when Mrs Aigal was on back it really noticed. She's only just over 50kg whilst I am the same weight as you.
I think touring with her and luggage would have been a bit much.
I do like a twin, good noise, low down torque and a decent amount of engine braking; owning an SV650 and Triumph T140 would suggest this...
Having said that I've got a need to have a triple at some point and have considered moving on the SV for a Trident. Interesting to see the OP's views - maybe I need to try one.
Having said that I've got a need to have a triple at some point and have considered moving on the SV for a Trident. Interesting to see the OP's views - maybe I need to try one.
As the OP has a CB125R and liked the GSX-8S I'd suggest considering the Hornet and Duke 790 (the torque and sound on the original 105bhp ones grabbed me lots) too but I think the Suzuki which seemed longer and lower to me in the showroom, a bit like a the low and swoopy 1980s GPz 4 cylinders may suit the OP given their height.
Interesting the OP didn't like the Trident 660 - makes me feel better about walking away from a deposit 18 months ago after learning of cutting out and stalling problems not throwing error codes and Triumph not having done any recall or TSBs at the time.
Interesting the OP didn't like the Trident 660 - makes me feel better about walking away from a deposit 18 months ago after learning of cutting out and stalling problems not throwing error codes and Triumph not having done any recall or TSBs at the time.
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