What first (proper) bike?
Discussion
Hopefully I will shortly have gained my full licence - CBT & theory out the way log ago, and a shortened DAS & practical test booked.
Getting ahead of myself slightly, I shall need a new bike once I pass my test. I've currently got a 125 that I've done around 1000 miles on it, a mix of fast A & B road and city centre riding, so I've got a little experience.
The bike will mainly be used for commuting, which entails South Oxfordshire (M40) to Canary Wharf.
I've come up with the following criteria:
- Faired. Yes, I know I will drop it at some point, but surely best as a lot of the journey will be motorway.
- Range. I'd like something that will only require one fuel stop each day (range of 100+ miles before reserve, ideally a lot more!)
- Size. Needs to be small and light enough to filter quickly.
- Reliability. As maintenance free as possible.
Comfort isn't *that* much of an issue, I've had no issues with doing the L-plate version of my commute (no M-way!) on a 125cc "sports bike".
I'd like to think I will be capable of a bit of self control, given I'm 32 and used to quick cars.
Getting ahead of myself slightly, I shall need a new bike once I pass my test. I've currently got a 125 that I've done around 1000 miles on it, a mix of fast A & B road and city centre riding, so I've got a little experience.
The bike will mainly be used for commuting, which entails South Oxfordshire (M40) to Canary Wharf.
I've come up with the following criteria:
- Faired. Yes, I know I will drop it at some point, but surely best as a lot of the journey will be motorway.
- Range. I'd like something that will only require one fuel stop each day (range of 100+ miles before reserve, ideally a lot more!)
- Size. Needs to be small and light enough to filter quickly.
- Reliability. As maintenance free as possible.
Comfort isn't *that* much of an issue, I've had no issues with doing the L-plate version of my commute (no M-way!) on a 125cc "sports bike".
I'd like to think I will be capable of a bit of self control, given I'm 32 and used to quick cars.
rsv gone! said:
SV650S
/thread
TBH there are loads that would do this job - mostly Japanese. Like CBR600, YZF600 (Thundercat)
This thread should be finished there......... /thread
TBH there are loads that would do this job - mostly Japanese. Like CBR600, YZF600 (Thundercat)
Edited by rsv gone! on Wednesday 6th February 08:06
No better first bike in my opinion (I had one). Admittedly the Bandit I have now is a better commuter - but only as I have the Gixxer for weekends. SV will do it all as a first bike - good commuter and still enough fun on weekend blasts,
)I used a ninja 636 for commuting. Totally bulletproof during 2 years of daily use. The 636 engine has a reasonable amount of torque (for a sportsbike) which makes filtering fairly straightforward. Range is 120 miles-ish so should meet your requirements. Fit a double bubble screen and heated grips - you'll be fine in all weathers.
Best of luck
nice one
I went looking for something similar recently. Wanted something to commute on, cheap, reliable, frugal, with enough power to have some fun. Wasn't really after a sportsbike though. Just got back into biking after a 2-3 year absence.
I had £700 so I bought a 1993 Honda CB400f with a race can and a little flyscreen. (came with original can too)
If I'd had more I'd have gone for a Yam FJ1200 or possibly a Kawasaki GPZ500
A little more still and it'd be a fazer 600 or I'd give an SV650 some serious consideration.
What's your budget? I'd suggest the GPZ for the reasons you've stated.
I had £700 so I bought a 1993 Honda CB400f with a race can and a little flyscreen. (came with original can too)
If I'd had more I'd have gone for a Yam FJ1200 or possibly a Kawasaki GPZ500
A little more still and it'd be a fazer 600 or I'd give an SV650 some serious consideration.
What's your budget? I'd suggest the GPZ for the reasons you've stated.
Hot_Stu said:
I would agree that a fairing is not required unless you are doing silly speeds,
I have a small flyscreen on both my bikes which is plenty for sensible motorway riding
Echo that. My 98 Hornet (16 inch front wheel, carbs not FI) has a flyscreen and I can cruise at 120 no problem. I'm 5'10 in my bootsI have a small flyscreen on both my bikes which is plenty for sensible motorway riding
Done Ireland 2 up, Le Mans, scratches all weekend on its JHS racing suspension, top top bike.
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