It's a What Bike thread

[TheInternet]

As above, first post-125 bike, urban commute, all year around, lots of filtering. Secure parking either end. Don't want anything particularly powerful, heavy or with <200 mile range. Fuel economy/VED costs irrelevant. <£6k ideally, but low depreciation more important than purchase price. ULEZ friendly.

Head = CB500F
Heart = Moto Guzzi V7
Possible look in - CB300R

A good CB500F deal has come up, thinking of going that route until I've a bit more experience on a larger contraption.

Any thoughts welcome.

[TheInternet]

Thanks for the replies. Will be trying to get a seat on each of the front runners this morning.

On the alternatives, I'm not that interested in an SV650 or MT07.

[TheInternet]

A sit on each didn't really help the decision. Despite the clearly questionable build of the Guzzi it still appeals, and the Honda is as straightforward as expected.

To go ahead with the MG I'd want to find a good used V7 Special, and it seems that is a somewhat rare find so have made plans to see (and hopefully buy) a CB500F at the weekend.

With time and experience I can move onto the other, or something altogether different. Further research into whether year round London commuting is compatible with a V7 also seems prudent.

[TheInternet]

Pizzaeatingking said:

For all year round commuting, I'd get something resilient to the winter conditions and something you'll not be too precious over, even more so in a big city. Honda would probably be my choice.

Yep, this is a concern. The Honda I've earmarked is a bit too new, but I'll not feel the need to overly mollycoddle it.

[TheInternet]

Yep, I had a sit on one of those too (at that price) but didn't feel as at home as I did on either of the other two options. Styling is also trying a bit too hard for my liking.

[TheInternet]

Hugo Stiglitz said:

CB300 or CB500? 300s are a fair bit cheaper.

If you were to go and sit on them I suspect you'd know straight away, the 300 being quite small. The 500 is good in the city whilst also being just about good enough for out of it too. I doubt that is true of the smaller bike.

I'd be surprised if you can't pick up an older 500F just as cheaply as the 300, but would go >2016 if you can run to it. My 500 would do 80mpg+ without trouble. I doubt overall costs are really much different between the two.

[TheInternet]

Hugo Stiglitz said:

I'm never riding out of the city. Its just a tool.

Scooter then if you want the fastest/most convenient thing.