£3k to spend on something fun but usable?

[ujio]

I’ve been bikeless for almost 1.5 years and would like to get another before by 9+ NCB disappears!

There’s one thing holding me back from aspiring to the latest machinery, that is, where I live (in E. London). With that in mind, I am looking to spend about £3k on something which will be a lot of fun for leisure rides but will be unlikely to be nicked from the underground car park.

That in mind, I am torn on whether to get something newer and lower capacity (i.e. Mt-07 or street triple but both are over £3.5k and likely to ‘disappear’) or just aim for something older but more bang for the buck (i.e. 1st gen tuono, tls or tlr, firestorm, 954, sv1000) that I can rag and not be too precious about.

So, any suggestions on what fits the budget and will bring the fun into biking?
Over to you….Thanks!

[lindrup119]

ujio said:

I live (in E. London).

£2k for security measures, £1k for bike then?

Out of the ones you listed it'd be an MT-07 for me.

[TwoStrokeNut]

I'd go with something with some character.

How about a top spec Ducati with full Ohlins for about 3-4k? The first Multistrada 1000S is a great bike and reliable too.

[black-k1]

If it were my money I'd go for either a Firestorm or a Triumph Daytona 955i. Both have character and are fun but are not quite the "thief magnets" some of the other bikes might be.

[TwoStrokeNut]

black-k1 said:

If it were my money I'd go for either a Firestorm or a Triumph Daytona 955i. Both have character and are fun but are not quite the "thief magnets" some of the other bikes might be.

Both great bikes Lots of lovely stuff out there at the moment.

If it wasn't for the London part (fellow sufferer..), I would say a blue 4XV R1. Getting back on one, they are surprisingly comfy and still have that lovely carb feel and instant thump. Dull sounding though..

[ujio]

Thanks guys, looking for something with a bit of character, so like the leftfield choices.

Even thought about something like an earlier R1, firestorm or gsxr1000 with flat bars so could have some fun with that but at the same time not attract too much unwanted attention. Just need to find a ready made one!

Good call on the multistrada (1100D). Even though I hear the Mt-07 is a hoot a minute, budget creep will be involved!

[Chicken Chaser]

Versys? Utterly useable and fun at lower speeds. Looks are marmite but plenty around the £3k mark

[SteelerSE]

I tend to put in a price range into autotrader and just see what pops up.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

That looks like fun though may be nickable. There's a TL1000 in that list as well which would be a laugh too.

[Ho Lee Kau]

I'd get 954. That's a real bang for the buck.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say the ZX9R is a good option they're surprisingly good to ride a little set up work & you have a comfortable fast fun bike.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kawasaki-ZX9r-ninja-zx-...

[ujio]

Always loved the 9r when growing up. But it may just not float my boat having had a 929 and zx7r for years, but that example is a lot of bike for the money!
After the 929 the 954 may be a bit too similar but I did enjoy my time on it.

I also loved the TLR, has anyone owned one or it is just a big lethargic beast with a bark worse than its bite?! I've seen a few nicely fettled ones for that price.

The more I look at autotrader the more I am led down the flat bars or v-twin route.

[Felters]

Will you need to get a post 2007 bike due to the new ULEZ thingy?

[Ho Lee Kau]

Then get a street triple, can’t go wrong with that one, old or new, and it’s different from i4.

[ash reynolds]

Could you get a bike wrapped in the right places to make it look a bit scabby at first glance? Might be an option if you didn't want a snotter that somebody stopped caring about 10 years ago.

[Loyly]

A T595 or 955i Daytona in that range would be good. Fun, fast bikes with a lot of character.

[Cbull]

Maybe one of these bad boys...

Triumph Daytona

ZX10R

Suzuki 650

Or there's a few nice Gladius examples for that price. Another option is an MT-03 which should be easier for filtering.

[Prof Prolapse]

Just buy an old superbike, remove and store the factory panels, then "Streetfighter" it with £12 worth of Chinese anodised tat.

No one will steal it.

[ujio]

Felters said:

Will you need to get a post 2007 bike due to the new ULEZ thingy?

Damn! Thanks for pointing this out ... total oversight by me. Looks like that’s narrowed the list substantially

[joema]

I'm enjoying my ER6N. 2010+ models can be had for about £2.5k.

[Cbull]

ujio said:

Felters said:

Will you need to get a post 2007 bike due to the new ULEZ thingy?

Damn! Thanks for pointing this out ... total oversight by me. Looks like that’s narrowed the list substantially

Not being from London I've not really taken any notice of whats going on with them charges. What is going on?