first bike as a present

[miniandy]

So say a close friend/relative gives you their bike for cheap (because they're passionate about biking and know you will be too) or even free (because they have the cash to spare) and it was to be your first bike, would you keep/accept it? What if it was only 3yrs old and still worth about £3k? What if it was a Fazer 1000?

Secondly, say you keep it. Would you be of the thinking that if you had a 1000cc bike, you would be more careful than if you had a 600cc bike because you're not needing to rev the nuts off it all the time?!

Any advice/thoughts appreciated!

[tycho]

I would see if I could afford the insurance first. Might offer to give them a reasonable amount for it or give them a really nice thankyou present if it was free.

[Steve_T]

It's a great bike, but obviously gives you more opportunity to get yourself in bother. It's not only the overall power (140bhp is quite a lot for a new rider), but also the torque of a litre motor that makes the difference here. If you're smooth on the throttle, this need not be a problem, but it won't be like the bike you learnt to ride on and may surprise you. It's also a good bit heavier than some bikes, so may be a bit unwieldy until you get used to it.
Like the man says, see if it's insurable first and take it from there - it's group 14 of 17 irrc so it won't be cheap. Finally, it might be worth trying it on for size so to speak before you make the decision.

Good luck,

Steve.

>> Edited by Steve_T on Monday 15th August 15:17

[Eliminator]

I'd say that if your friend wants to adopt (another?) son I can send my passport and 'photo.

[Mark_SV]

Hi miniandy,

If you go for a biggish first bike, see s2rr kitty and my posts recommending getting yourself on some advanced courses pretty sharpish (and reading Motorcycle Roadcraft):
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=74&h=&t=185103

Whatever you decide, good luck and have fun