Bike suggestions?
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm looking to take my DAS test within the next 2 months and have already completed my CBT and Theory tests. I'm completely new to bikes being up until now a car nut.
I'm looking for a bike ideally meeting the following:
- Not too long or bulky preferably, maybe fairly short wheelbase?- ie. will fit in a garage diagonally/across behind a MINI
- More of a cruiser riding position rather than a sports bike, so sat upright and comfortable
- Probably second-hand costing £2-4k?
- Maybe something which has a small amount of storage and/or can fit a box?
- Safety? ABS, good or not? I'm a big believer in it with a car, but how effective or useful is it on a bike?
- Reliable
- Preferably quite noisy/rumbly as opposed to smooth?- maybe a safety advantage if people can hear you?
The bike will be used mainly for 100 miles daily commute on A- and B-roads so something that is reasonably economical would be helpful.
I had in mind something between a 400cc and 800cc? I have formed the impression that a 600 would be more stable than something a lot smaller like a 250? I'm a believer in having a bit of grunt/torque to get out of awkward situations but am not looking for something with a high top speed.
Many thanks in advance, any suggestions are welcomed!
Ed
I'm looking to take my DAS test within the next 2 months and have already completed my CBT and Theory tests. I'm completely new to bikes being up until now a car nut.
I'm looking for a bike ideally meeting the following:
- Not too long or bulky preferably, maybe fairly short wheelbase?- ie. will fit in a garage diagonally/across behind a MINI
- More of a cruiser riding position rather than a sports bike, so sat upright and comfortable
- Probably second-hand costing £2-4k?
- Maybe something which has a small amount of storage and/or can fit a box?
- Safety? ABS, good or not? I'm a big believer in it with a car, but how effective or useful is it on a bike?
- Reliable
- Preferably quite noisy/rumbly as opposed to smooth?- maybe a safety advantage if people can hear you?
The bike will be used mainly for 100 miles daily commute on A- and B-roads so something that is reasonably economical would be helpful.
I had in mind something between a 400cc and 800cc? I have formed the impression that a 600 would be more stable than something a lot smaller like a 250? I'm a believer in having a bit of grunt/torque to get out of awkward situations but am not looking for something with a high top speed.
Many thanks in advance, any suggestions are welcomed!
Ed
Edited by eddieo on Saturday 9th February 19:43
My first bike is now up for sale!! Black 2006 (07 Reg) Hornet with 14K on the clock from my 70 mile round trip commute and a trip round europe. Perfect first bike following a DAS. It's capable, comfy, lous exhaust with it's baffles out, and is soooo much fun. Coz it's a Honda, it just works, always.
Go look in any motoring mag - they all love it, too. I've got an ad up on here, too. If i could, i'd love to keep it as my commute bike, and keep my nice new Daytona for the weekend. I may still do, love it that much. I've also got a top box for it up for sale, if you like.
Go look at my ad.
Cheers.
Go look in any motoring mag - they all love it, too. I've got an ad up on here, too. If i could, i'd love to keep it as my commute bike, and keep my nice new Daytona for the weekend. I may still do, love it that much. I've also got a top box for it up for sale, if you like.
Go look at my ad.
Cheers.
Good luck with the DAS and I’m sure you’ll love the world of motorcycling.
As you’ve currently got very little motorcycling experience I would suggest that you don’t rush in to buying a particular bike or type of bike just because it fits in your garage. Most bikes will fit across the back of a standard single garage with a small(ish) car I front. My old MGB GT V8 and BMW K100LT (large, wide and heavy) used to happily share a single garage.
Once you have done your DAS get out and test ride many different bikes, of many different styles/capacities and engine layouts as you can. Find out what style of bike works for you and this will reduce the number of models you will need to check for size to fit in the garage. This is especially true as you have mentioned wanting a short wheel base but like the cruiser riding position. Most cruisers tend to have longer wheel bases!
Whatever bike you choose, take time to get some advanced training on it and enjoy yourself.
As you’ve currently got very little motorcycling experience I would suggest that you don’t rush in to buying a particular bike or type of bike just because it fits in your garage. Most bikes will fit across the back of a standard single garage with a small(ish) car I front. My old MGB GT V8 and BMW K100LT (large, wide and heavy) used to happily share a single garage.
Once you have done your DAS get out and test ride many different bikes, of many different styles/capacities and engine layouts as you can. Find out what style of bike works for you and this will reduce the number of models you will need to check for size to fit in the garage. This is especially true as you have mentioned wanting a short wheel base but like the cruiser riding position. Most cruisers tend to have longer wheel bases!
Whatever bike you choose, take time to get some advanced training on it and enjoy yourself.
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