First Big Bike
Discussion
Hi all,
First post here. I passed my motorbike test in July. Went from zero experience through to a pass as part of a fast track course, and somehow got a result. I'm 34. I've not rode a bike since then and am still very much a beginner. Now keen to get a bike asap and build up skill and experience. I've read a load of stuff online about this subject but it's a little dated. Any tips on bikes? I want to buy one in the next week and get going before I lose any more of what I learnt. Not interested in going mad and getting myself killed.
I'm after: around 600cc, easy handling for a beginner, ABS, reliable and decent quality, not too old (2010 oldest, and not high miles.) £4k roughly. I'm based in northern Cheshire.
Ideas to date are:
Honda Hornet, although I see this was superseded in 2013. This is my preferred option, but not too many on the market that meet my criteria at the moment. Does anybody know much about the successor, the CB650F? Is it as friendly to newbies?
Yamaha XJ6. Learnt on one of these. Enjoyed using it but don't hear people raving about them. I guess it seemed a little bulky and heavy, but was steady away and I passed on it.
Yamaha MT07 - Tried one of these. Very light and nippy. Seemed kinda powerful off the mark, whereas the xj6 was a bit more steady away. The latter might be better for me at this stage.
Any advice you guys have would be much appreciated. Oh, and I need a place to buy gear, like helmet, boots, etc. Any suggestions for decent, but good value? Not arsed about fancy stuff. I want protection in case I screw up and come off, and also as waterproof as possible without costing a bomb.
Thanks guys - look fwd to receiving your thoughts and advice.
Rob
First post here. I passed my motorbike test in July. Went from zero experience through to a pass as part of a fast track course, and somehow got a result. I'm 34. I've not rode a bike since then and am still very much a beginner. Now keen to get a bike asap and build up skill and experience. I've read a load of stuff online about this subject but it's a little dated. Any tips on bikes? I want to buy one in the next week and get going before I lose any more of what I learnt. Not interested in going mad and getting myself killed.
I'm after: around 600cc, easy handling for a beginner, ABS, reliable and decent quality, not too old (2010 oldest, and not high miles.) £4k roughly. I'm based in northern Cheshire.
Ideas to date are:
Honda Hornet, although I see this was superseded in 2013. This is my preferred option, but not too many on the market that meet my criteria at the moment. Does anybody know much about the successor, the CB650F? Is it as friendly to newbies?
Yamaha XJ6. Learnt on one of these. Enjoyed using it but don't hear people raving about them. I guess it seemed a little bulky and heavy, but was steady away and I passed on it.
Yamaha MT07 - Tried one of these. Very light and nippy. Seemed kinda powerful off the mark, whereas the xj6 was a bit more steady away. The latter might be better for me at this stage.
Any advice you guys have would be much appreciated. Oh, and I need a place to buy gear, like helmet, boots, etc. Any suggestions for decent, but good value? Not arsed about fancy stuff. I want protection in case I screw up and come off, and also as waterproof as possible without costing a bomb.
Thanks guys - look fwd to receiving your thoughts and advice.
Rob
Eh up Rob, well done on coming to the dark side.
There have been a few similar questions asked recently so it will definitely be interesting reading going back a few pages on here.
It won’t be long until a lot of bikes are put away for the winter months. Mine included.
You will find out why.
Someone with more knowledge on what bike to buy will be here soon to help.
My $.02 is 100 bhp is more than enough. You will upgrade within 2 years so don’t spend more than necessary just now. I dropped my first bike 3 times but not since. So treat your first bike as a learning tool before you buy a keeper! Safe riding.
There have been a few similar questions asked recently so it will definitely be interesting reading going back a few pages on here.
It won’t be long until a lot of bikes are put away for the winter months. Mine included.
You will find out why.
Someone with more knowledge on what bike to buy will be here soon to help.
My $.02 is 100 bhp is more than enough. You will upgrade within 2 years so don’t spend more than necessary just now. I dropped my first bike 3 times but not since. So treat your first bike as a learning tool before you buy a keeper! Safe riding.
Thanks bud 
I'll be going out during the evenings and weekends, come rain or shine! Need to get on the road and keep on it to build up my skills. Already left it a bit long but have been away. I take your point about the bike - I'd kinda prefer to get something I like and keep it going for a few years.
I'll be going out during the evenings and weekends, come rain or shine! Need to get on the road and keep on it to build up my skills. Already left it a bit long but have been away. I take your point about the bike - I'd kinda prefer to get something I like and keep it going for a few years. Out of the three posted I'd say MT07, then hornet, then the XJ6 bringing up the rear a long way back, don't discount a street triple, they are awesome
Also CB650 as mentioned, and GSX650 (bandit), there's not many bad bikes these days, just buy the one you like the look of best
As for gear, try your local J&S store, they sell everything from cheap to expensive, plenty of choice.
Also CB650 as mentioned, and GSX650 (bandit), there's not many bad bikes these days, just buy the one you like the look of best
As for gear, try your local J&S store, they sell everything from cheap to expensive, plenty of choice.
Edited by Jazoli on Friday 13th October 19:53
Before anyone else says it, triumph street triple.
3 months ago i asked the exact same question, slightly smaller budget and I bought a triple. Best decision. Much better build and styling than xj6, more fun than hornet and just better than the mt07.
Although I will look at a mt10 next.
Get the str if you can just for suspension and brakes, the triple makes a lovely noise as well
3 months ago i asked the exact same question, slightly smaller budget and I bought a triple. Best decision. Much better build and styling than xj6, more fun than hornet and just better than the mt07.
Although I will look at a mt10 next.
Get the str if you can just for suspension and brakes, the triple makes a lovely noise as well
Thanks for the responses, lads.
What would be the objection to the xj6? I see they're fairly cheap, but looks like I could get something newish with low mileage for a decent price. I know I can ride them too. Definitely on the bulky side mind.
The triple... I'd love a Triumph. Seems like a lot of power though whilst I'm learning (I literally went from zero experience to a licence very quickly. Didn't spend time riding around on a scooter or 125cc. And I've not rode since passing in July. I'll be sweating cobs on me way home from the dealership...) ain't the triple like 850cc?
What would be the objection to the xj6? I see they're fairly cheap, but looks like I could get something newish with low mileage for a decent price. I know I can ride them too. Definitely on the bulky side mind.
The triple... I'd love a Triumph. Seems like a lot of power though whilst I'm learning (I literally went from zero experience to a licence very quickly. Didn't spend time riding around on a scooter or 125cc. And I've not rode since passing in July. I'll be sweating cobs on me way home from the dealership...) ain't the triple like 850cc?
Berty3000 said:
Thanks for the responses, lads.
What would be the objection to the xj6? I see they're fairly cheap, but looks like I could get something newish with low mileage for a decent price. I know I can ride them too. Definitely on the bulky side mind.
The triple... I'd love a Triumph. Seems like a lot of power though whilst I'm learning (I literally went from zero experience to a licence very quickly. Didn't spend time riding around on a scooter or 125cc. And I've not rode since passing in July. I'll be sweating cobs on me way home from the dealership...) ain't the triple like 850cc?
Most people on here don't rate the XJ6 as it's not a very exciting or characterful bike. It is on the lower end of the power scale for a 600, but as you say, they are good value.What would be the objection to the xj6? I see they're fairly cheap, but looks like I could get something newish with low mileage for a decent price. I know I can ride them too. Definitely on the bulky side mind.
The triple... I'd love a Triumph. Seems like a lot of power though whilst I'm learning (I literally went from zero experience to a licence very quickly. Didn't spend time riding around on a scooter or 125cc. And I've not rode since passing in July. I'll be sweating cobs on me way home from the dealership...) ain't the triple like 850cc?
People love the street triple because the engine sounds lovely and delivers good performance. Don't get too fixated on the power level as even a slower 600 like an XJ6 is faster than most cars and can quickly get you into trouble if you aren't smooth with your inputs or get carried away.
Personally I can recommend the Honda Hornet. Good power for a 600, easy to handle, and mine has aged extremely well considering I use it through the winter. Also, ignore the comments of "you'll drop the bike"; if you take a bit of care when wheeling it around it's not an issue.
My wife and I both passed our DAS this year.
She has a 2014 street triple and I have a 2002 Suzuki SV650 (her budget was 5x mine due to my previous car history
)
The street triple is just an amazing bike. I can't recommend it enough. The throttle goes both ways and the handling
is superb. I love my SV now it works but the street triple is on another level.
You should also look at the newer Suzuki's, the Gladius is a great bike for a beginner although it doesn't
have much street cred.
She has a 2014 street triple and I have a 2002 Suzuki SV650 (her budget was 5x mine due to my previous car history
)The street triple is just an amazing bike. I can't recommend it enough. The throttle goes both ways and the handling
is superb. I love my SV now it works but the street triple is on another level.
You should also look at the newer Suzuki's, the Gladius is a great bike for a beginner although it doesn't
have much street cred.
codswallop said:
Most people on here don't rate the XJ6 as it's not a very exciting or characterful bike. It is on the lower end of the power scale for a 600, but as you say, they are good value.
People love the street triple because the engine sounds lovely and delivers good performance. Don't get too fixated on the power level as even a slower 600 like an XJ6 is faster than most cars and can quickly get you into trouble if you aren't smooth with your inputs or get carried away.
Personally I can recommend the Honda Hornet. Good power for a 600, easy to handle, and mine has aged extremely well considering I use it through the winter. Also, ignore the comments of "you'll drop the bike"; if you take a bit of care when wheeling it around it's not an issue.
Thanks Cods. People love the street triple because the engine sounds lovely and delivers good performance. Don't get too fixated on the power level as even a slower 600 like an XJ6 is faster than most cars and can quickly get you into trouble if you aren't smooth with your inputs or get carried away.
Personally I can recommend the Honda Hornet. Good power for a 600, easy to handle, and mine has aged extremely well considering I use it through the winter. Also, ignore the comments of "you'll drop the bike"; if you take a bit of care when wheeling it around it's not an issue.
I'll be trying to play a sensible game to try and avoid mishaps. In some ways, the negative comments about the xj6 are pushing me towards it. Fairly tame engine and not too pricey, so perhaps good for a starter. Maybe for a year or so and then get something decent. What you saying? I'm struggling to find hornets with low mileage for sale. Is the CB650 basically the same thing and good for a beginner?
Edited by Berty3000 on Friday 13th October 21:18
Edited by Berty3000 on Friday 13th October 21:18
Matt_Zeus said:
My wife and I both passed our DAS this year.
She has a 2014 street triple and I have a 2002 Suzuki SV650 (her budget was 5x mine due to my previous car history )
The street triple is just an amazing bike. I can't recommend it enough. The throttle goes both ways and the handling
is superb. I love my SV now it works but the street triple is on another level.
You should also look at the newer Suzuki's, the Gladius is a great bike for a beginner although it doesn't
have much street cred.
OK, I'm going to check out the Triumph. Seems to be overwhelmingly admired.She has a 2014 street triple and I have a 2002 Suzuki SV650 (her budget was 5x mine due to my previous car history
)The street triple is just an amazing bike. I can't recommend it enough. The throttle goes both ways and the handling
is superb. I love my SV now it works but the street triple is on another level.
You should also look at the newer Suzuki's, the Gladius is a great bike for a beginner although it doesn't
have much street cred.
Thanks bud. And congrats to you and the missus on passing
I did the week long DAS course and then got on a GSX-R600 which is remarkably easy to ride below 8k. Once you go over 8K it flies but you do have to go looking for the power so it’s very easy and if anything a little gutless at low revs.
It’s light, super easy to ride and very cheap to run.
I wouldn’t worry about power unless you get a very torquey bike. Before buying the GSX-R I did however ride the MT09 which I felt at the time was difficult to ride with its snatchy power and fair amount of torque although I gather the new ones are much better in that regard. I also rode the MT07 which I felt was a bit lacking in performance but a nice bike.
Personally I’d suggest by the bike you want and don’t really worry about the power. You’ll hopefully get out on it more!
It’s light, super easy to ride and very cheap to run.
I wouldn’t worry about power unless you get a very torquey bike. Before buying the GSX-R I did however ride the MT09 which I felt at the time was difficult to ride with its snatchy power and fair amount of torque although I gather the new ones are much better in that regard. I also rode the MT07 which I felt was a bit lacking in performance but a nice bike.
Personally I’d suggest by the bike you want and don’t really worry about the power. You’ll hopefully get out on it more!
I considered the MT-07 as my first bike but didn't test ride it at the time, ended up getting an FZ8 instead.
I rode my mates MT-07 a few weeks back and thought it was a great fun thing to blast about on, although when the roads started to open up, it did feel a little lacking. That's mostly down to the fact I'd just jumped off my mt10 though. As a first bike I'd say it's probably a great shout.
I rode my mates MT-07 a few weeks back and thought it was a great fun thing to blast about on, although when the roads started to open up, it did feel a little lacking. That's mostly down to the fact I'd just jumped off my mt10 though. As a first bike I'd say it's probably a great shout.
The XJ6 can be a cracking buy; they just don't sell well second hand (trust me, I've had issues selling two!) so if you see one advertised for a while try a low-ball offer.
It is nice and slim, handles well enough and engine power, brakes etc are more than good enough for a new rider (having cut my teeth on 70's and 80's shonkers).
The Suzuki Bandit 650 is the bike that gets my vote though; thousands of them around, cheap to run, cheap to service, loads of ways to personalise them and one for every budget if you look around a bit.
It is nice and slim, handles well enough and engine power, brakes etc are more than good enough for a new rider (having cut my teeth on 70's and 80's shonkers).
The Suzuki Bandit 650 is the bike that gets my vote though; thousands of them around, cheap to run, cheap to service, loads of ways to personalise them and one for every budget if you look around a bit.
DuncsGTi said:
I considered the MT-07 as my first bike but didn't test ride it at the time, ended up getting an FZ8 instead.
I rode my mates MT-07 a few weeks back and thought it was a great fun thing to blast about on, although when the roads started to open up, it did feel a little lacking. That's mostly down to the fact I'd just jumped off my mt10 though. As a first bike I'd say it's probably a great shout.
I’ve just bought a Fazer8. I rode my mates MT-07 a few weeks back and thought it was a great fun thing to blast about on, although when the roads started to open up, it did feel a little lacking. That's mostly down to the fact I'd just jumped off my mt10 though. As a first bike I'd say it's probably a great shout.
I can only echo what everyone is saying, don’t get hung up on power and certainly not engine cc.
The Fazer8/FZ8 is an 800cc but puts out 105bhp. For context my first bike, a Thundercat was 600cc and was 95bhp. Unless I’m riding it wrong the real world performance differnce is negligible. Both bikes are plenty quick enough.
The advantage the 800 has is torque. It’ll pull in any gear, so arguably for a novice it’s an easier ride as you’re not shuffling up and down the box looking for the power band. It’s a very easy lazy ride if you want it to be.
That said, you have to be comfortable on the bike you get. IMHO there is no worse feeling that riding a bike you’re scared of or intimidated by, so stick in your comfort zone.
As a first bike, a 600cc sport tourer with a more upright riding position is likely to feel a bit more friendly. Hornet is a good shout, as is 600 Fazer, or if you’re looking at an Xj6, what about a Kwak Er6f.
£4k is a handsome budget and buys a lot of bike. For reference I’ve just spent £4.5 on a 13 plate Fazer8 with 10k on the clock. Totally, literally unmarked with a full Yam service history.
Enjoy shopping! (And don’t forget to budget for decent kit)
Edited by wiliferus on Friday 13th October 23:58
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