Discussion
OK, so not a new newbie, but I've just started looking at my options for becoming a biker. I'm gonna book a 6 day intensive course over the next couple of months and get my license as I've had enough of getting the tube to work.
Which begs the question...which bike? I got rid of my car a few months back as I rarely used it except for the supermarket and trips out of town. As well as commuting in London I'd ideally like something that would be a good long distance tourer.
I've always wanted a Ducati since I was a kid, so naturally I'm drawn to them. I love the Monster and the Multistrada, but how suitable are these for a novice rider? What else should I be looking at? I'm not really keen on an out and out sports bike to be honest.
Oh and how do I convince my mother that it's a good idea? Despite me being 28 she's panicking quite a bit at the thought of me on two wheels!
Cheers guys
Which begs the question...which bike? I got rid of my car a few months back as I rarely used it except for the supermarket and trips out of town. As well as commuting in London I'd ideally like something that would be a good long distance tourer.
I've always wanted a Ducati since I was a kid, so naturally I'm drawn to them. I love the Monster and the Multistrada, but how suitable are these for a novice rider? What else should I be looking at? I'm not really keen on an out and out sports bike to be honest.
Oh and how do I convince my mother that it's a good idea? Despite me being 28 she's panicking quite a bit at the thought of me on two wheels!
Cheers guys
Good idea, best way to commute imho.
Go and book up a CBT course then do a direct access course or you won't be able to ride anything of any size for 2 years (I think).
I ride a Ducati Multistrada 1000, they do a 620 model which could well be what you are looking for and would be good as a 1st bike.
As far as your Mum is concerned just get your test first, you can tell her how good the training is etc..... then get the bike. If it makes you feel any better my Mum still has a moan at me about biking and I'm
50!
Go and book up a CBT course then do a direct access course or you won't be able to ride anything of any size for 2 years (I think).
I ride a Ducati Multistrada 1000, they do a 620 model which could well be what you are looking for and would be good as a 1st bike.
As far as your Mum is concerned just get your test first, you can tell her how good the training is etc..... then get the bike. If it makes you feel any better my Mum still has a moan at me about biking and I'm
50!I did a 5 day course from Sun to Thurs a month back. never ridden before and passed 1st time. just got back today from the NEC and will be test riding the Bandit, SV650F, CBF600 and the kaw Z750. all good looking bikes and idea starter bikes. I have taken a liken to the GSR600. looks great not too expensive but not fairing.
I suppose the Honda Deauville has got to be worth considering, given the integral panniers and large fairing, ideal for all year round commuting and long distance work.
I really fancied a "baby" Monster when I was looking around, but the servicing costs I'd face for daily commuting put me right off. I may still get an M900 for "high days n dry days" but the idea of one minor and one major service every year, including cambelt changes, was just plain terrifying.
I did my DAS (passed the two weeks ago!) on a 600 Diversion which I eventually found a little slow, but it would be ideal for daily commuting and the faired version would be easily capable of long distance work, as would the faired versions of the CB500 and GS500, both of which would be dirt cheap to run. But all of them could feel a little sluggish on A roads and Mways.
After looking at nearly all the bikes Remal listed, I eventually settled on the Fazer 600, a bike I felt instantly comfortable and confident with, and when you wind it up it has considerable oomph!
Whilst it's not particuarly great at anything, it seem's really good at everything: it's quite compact, fairly economical and has a smooth power delivery so it's a very easy commuter and a n00b like me can feel comfortable on it; the half fairing deflects a fair amount of wind blast and the seat is really comfy, so combined with the 180 mile range it is reasonable for long distance work; and (apparently!) the handling is quite good and (I can assure you 
) the top end power is rather nippy, so I'm going to be entertained by it for some time, I think.
And after filtering through 3 miles of rush hour traffic at a standstill this evening, I can highly recommend two wheels for commuting!
Do it! And have fun.
I really fancied a "baby" Monster when I was looking around, but the servicing costs I'd face for daily commuting put me right off. I may still get an M900 for "high days n dry days" but the idea of one minor and one major service every year, including cambelt changes, was just plain terrifying.
I did my DAS (passed the two weeks ago!) on a 600 Diversion which I eventually found a little slow, but it would be ideal for daily commuting and the faired version would be easily capable of long distance work, as would the faired versions of the CB500 and GS500, both of which would be dirt cheap to run. But all of them could feel a little sluggish on A roads and Mways.
After looking at nearly all the bikes Remal listed, I eventually settled on the Fazer 600, a bike I felt instantly comfortable and confident with, and when you wind it up it has considerable oomph!
Whilst it's not particuarly great at anything, it seem's really good at everything: it's quite compact, fairly economical and has a smooth power delivery so it's a very easy commuter and a n00b like me can feel comfortable on it; the half fairing deflects a fair amount of wind blast and the seat is really comfy, so combined with the 180 mile range it is reasonable for long distance work; and (apparently!) the handling is quite good and (I can assure you ) the top end power is rather nippy, so I'm going to be entertained by it for some time, I think. And after filtering through 3 miles of rush hour traffic at a standstill this evening, I can highly recommend two wheels for commuting!
Do it! And have fun.
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