A simple bike with decent power
Discussion
Just looking for some advice to help me pick my next bike. I’ve had a Monster 821 since I passed my test last year and I’m just looking for some suggestions on what to switch over to:
1. I’d like something really easy to work on (perhaps this means a Japanese bike?)
2. I’d like the same or more power (I’m 6’2” and heavier than I’d like to be... 17st)
3. Budget around £7k
4. I’d like something newer than my ‘15 plate Monster but would go older if it was something really easy to work on
5. I quite like the Yamaha XSR900 and Kawasaki Z900 but I have only just started looking so I’m open to ideas
Suggestions gratefully received!
1. I’d like something really easy to work on (perhaps this means a Japanese bike?)
2. I’d like the same or more power (I’m 6’2” and heavier than I’d like to be... 17st)
3. Budget around £7k
4. I’d like something newer than my ‘15 plate Monster but would go older if it was something really easy to work on
5. I quite like the Yamaha XSR900 and Kawasaki Z900 but I have only just started looking so I’m open to ideas
Suggestions gratefully received!
Thanks for all the great replies! I’ve just noticed there’s quite a few GSX-S1000 around for £7.5kish so that could be a good option.
I like the KTMs and almost went for one over the Monster but not sure how they stack up on reliability so will look into that option again!
I’ll look at the Speed Triples too.
I did most of my lessons on a CB650R so I like th sound of the CB1000R. I did also get a shot of a Kawasaki (which I knew which model) that seemed easier to handle than the Honda - not sure if that applies to Kawasakis generally though.
If anyone knows of anyone doing good deals on pre-reg stock, I’d be very grateful. I know Colchester Kawasaki was doing good deals at the start of lockdown so I’m planning to ask them tomorrow if they still have anything around.
I like the KTMs and almost went for one over the Monster but not sure how they stack up on reliability so will look into that option again!
I’ll look at the Speed Triples too.
I did most of my lessons on a CB650R so I like th sound of the CB1000R. I did also get a shot of a Kawasaki (which I knew which model) that seemed easier to handle than the Honda - not sure if that applies to Kawasakis generally though.
If anyone knows of anyone doing good deals on pre-reg stock, I’d be very grateful. I know Colchester Kawasaki was doing good deals at the start of lockdown so I’m planning to ask them tomorrow if they still have anything around.
AlphaRomeo said:
I’d like something really easy to work on
I’d like something newer than my ‘15 plate
These two contradict themselves - new bikes are more complicated than older ones.I’d like something newer than my ‘15 plate
Do you want something that is reliable and doesn't need working on or do you like to tinker ?
All of them are pretty good these days, particularly with the limited mileage most UK bikers do
MT10 is a fantastic bike and you could certainly upgrade it rather than repair it. It certainly has fewer fancy trinkets on it than your Ducati to start with... Bikes for me are hugely horses for courses though. What exactly are you planning to do with it? The MT10 is fabulous on open roads and long journeys but not so much fun in urban environments.
V8RX7 said:
AlphaRomeo said:
I’d like something really easy to work on
I’d like something newer than my ‘15 plate
These two contradict themselves - new bikes are more complicated than older ones.I’d like something newer than my ‘15 plate
Do you want something that is reliable and doesn't need working on or do you like to tinker ?
All of them are pretty good these days, particularly with the limited mileage most UK bikers do
the simple things like service items are going to be pretty simple on most bikes but new bikes are packed with technology and the effort to make them smaller and lighter has meant tighter packaging to less access to some fixings.
OP;
buy whatever you want to general servicing (filters/fluids and brakes) isn't a major issue on many bikes.
If you wanted to minimize cost of things you cant do then avoid bikes like Ducati's with belt driven cams that require regular replacement.
I’m so glad I started this thread - lots of good suggestions and advice.
I haven’t looked at the V-Strom yet but will do.
To answer some of the Qs, I do like to mod and do basic servicing if it looks easy. I read somewhere that Japanese bikes are not only reliable but generally designed with maintenance in mind. If I find the source, I’ll post it!
I’ve been enquiring about a couple of bikes today. Looks like the GSXS is the front runner (thanks to all who have suggested it!) and I was somewhat saddened to find out that the Kawasaki Z1000 has been or is being discontinued and there seems to be very few around as a result.
Ideally I will go for something in warranty but it sounds like I’d be fine going for an older bike (as long as it was known for reliability).
Has there been anything known for bullet-proof reliability in the last 10 years or is that fairly common now?
I saw a YouTube video with two American mechanics talking about cars they dread seeing - is like to buy the opposite of this! Lol. Is there a bike that mechanics prefer to work on because it’s easier? That’s maybe another thread....
I haven’t looked at the V-Strom yet but will do.
To answer some of the Qs, I do like to mod and do basic servicing if it looks easy. I read somewhere that Japanese bikes are not only reliable but generally designed with maintenance in mind. If I find the source, I’ll post it!
I’ve been enquiring about a couple of bikes today. Looks like the GSXS is the front runner (thanks to all who have suggested it!) and I was somewhat saddened to find out that the Kawasaki Z1000 has been or is being discontinued and there seems to be very few around as a result.
Ideally I will go for something in warranty but it sounds like I’d be fine going for an older bike (as long as it was known for reliability).
Has there been anything known for bullet-proof reliability in the last 10 years or is that fairly common now?
I saw a YouTube video with two American mechanics talking about cars they dread seeing - is like to buy the opposite of this! Lol. Is there a bike that mechanics prefer to work on because it’s easier? That’s maybe another thread....
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff