Stepping up to bigger bike?

scoobiemandan · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 03 Apr 2014 Karma :

Okay, so I've been riding my Honda NSR125R for around three years now and passed my full A test in December 2015.

Yes, I know, 10 months without stepping up.......WTF I hear you all cry lol

Anyways, wondering what would be the best bigger bike for a kinda beginner. I'm wanting something around 600cc I suppose. I've been looking at CBR600RR's as I read somewhere online they were a decent beginner but I dunno what to believe when reading generic extracts online so thought I'd ask for some personal opinions/experiences. I'm looking to spend around £3-4k

Fire away, I'm looking to buy, like, yesterday Wink

Oh, I'm a more mature beginner if that makes a difference. 40 years young Wink

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IN THE GARAGE: 2001 Fox Eye Honda NSR125R, 2004 Subaru Legacy GT Spec-B, 2013 Ford S-Max 2.0 Titanium X Sport

grr666 · Super Spammer Joined: 16 Jun 2014 Karma :

I just sold a ER6f which is a great first big bike as long as you're not an especially tall person. I got it when I was 41 (just)
and had it about two years. It was especially forgiving for a newly passed rider and didn't punish the few mistakes I made on
it over my ownership. It's plenty of bike if you aren't all that concerned about doing silly top speeds. I think they max at
about 130 odd but that's plenty if you're not used to 3 figure speeds on two wheels. It's certainly a lot more user friendly
than the torque monster I have now. I'm glad I had a couple of years on the Kwacker. 3 to 4 k is a healthy budget.
You can go as fast as you want with a budget like that if you buy the right bike.
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scoobiemandan · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 03 Apr 2014 Karma :

Thanks for the quick reply.

Yup, I'm certainly not really interested in silly speed, I have a wife and kids that rely on me Wink

I'm 6'1" so, in your estimation, is that too tall?
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IN THE GARAGE: 2001 Fox Eye Honda NSR125R, 2004 Subaru Legacy GT Spec-B, 2013 Ford S-Max 2.0 Titanium X Sport

grr666 · Super Spammer Joined: 16 Jun 2014 Karma :

I'm 5'11 and 32" inseam and I found it cramped after an hour and a half on average. They are quite a low
bike the ER6f but have plenty of style considering they are a commuter in a pretty frock, and as a step up you
will still feel like it's jet propelled.

My new bike (MT09 Spacker) is much taller and there's tons of room on it, but dat windblast Shocked

I'd recommend
one but they are quite a handful torque wise to the point where it takes some restraint to keep the front wheel
down on the road. But for size they do seem spot on for anyone not of oriental stature. They must sell a lot of lowering
drop links in Japan for the MT09s Laughing

The height of the thing is a lot to do with why I bought one, was sick of being
limited time wise on the ER6f before discomfort had me heading home. I'm sure a used standard MT09 is in budget,
or failing that and if a triple doesn't quite do it for you, the MT07 twin is apparently quite a nice tractable machine as
well, Yamahas version of the ER6f really. Maybe play at salesman trolling and get out on a few demonstrators
round your local dealers before you spend your dough and see whats right for you.
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scoobiemandan · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 03 Apr 2014 Karma :

Thanks for the input Smile

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IN THE GARAGE: 2001 Fox Eye Honda NSR125R, 2004 Subaru Legacy GT Spec-B, 2013 Ford S-Max 2.0 Titanium X Sport

Andy_Pagin · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Nov 2010 Karma :

My first big bike was and still is a 2003 Fsz600 Fazer. I totally recommend it.
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grr666 · Super Spammer Joined: 16 Jun 2014 Karma :

I passed my test in one of those Thumbs Up

And it was an 03 Laughing

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wr6133 · World Chat Champion Joined: 31 Dec 2013 Karma :

Do you mention the CBR because you want a supersport or because someone told you it was a good beginner bike?

If you want a supersport with that budget take your pick of GSXR's, CBR's, ZX6R's and R6's. Try to sit on a few, blag a ride if you can and buy the one you find most appealing.

If not set on a supersport then you have enough £££ for a barely run in SV650 (or about 900 quid short of a brand new one).

Or just man up and buy a fireblade....you know you want too.

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

NJD · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Mar 2015 Karma :

scoobiemandan · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 03 Apr 2014 Karma :

Thanks NJD. You mention servicing etc. Give me a marque of car and I'll be able to list them in order of servicing costs etc, a bike on the other hand, I have no idea!?

NJD · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Mar 2015 Karma :

Alpineandy · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Mar 2015 Karma :

scoobiemandan · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 03 Apr 2014 Karma :

I did my test on a CB650F although I prefer the riding position of the Honda NSR I have currently. Either or somewhere in between if such a thing exists.

No I'm not into leather chaps Wink

As for noise, bollox to the neighbours. They had to put up with my silly loud Subaru Boxer burble and I'm looking to get a V10 Audi at some point in the near future so they'll have to put up with me warming that up in the mornings also.......did I mention that I leave for work at around 5am Twisted Evil

In all seriousness though, never had complaints, not even with the two stroke I currently have which also has a blow in the 'zorst, if it wasn't noisy enough already lol
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IN THE GARAGE: 2001 Fox Eye Honda NSR125R, 2004 Subaru Legacy GT Spec-B, 2013 Ford S-Max 2.0 Titanium X Sport

Alpineandy · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Mar 2015 Karma :

OK, well there are lots of options and you need to have a look around as many bike shops as possible and sit on as many as you can.
Personally I can't lean on my wrists without numb hands within 15 minutes, and high rear-sets cause my hips and knees to ache but I'm over 50, so that's irrelevant to you... probably.

This may help a little ; https://cycle-ergo.com/

The Suzuki SV650 is a torque sports bike rather than a screamer which as a scoobie-man you should appreciate and is a real good 1st bike, but every manufacturer makes something that's interesting in the 600-650-700 area.

You've a very good budget (personally I wouldn't spend more than 2.5k on a first big bike), but bear in mind that within a few months you'll be looking at other bikes with interest. It'll take you 6-12 months to really understand what bike qualities are really important rather than just sound good but you never use/do. So treat the 1st as a learner that you'll probably drop in the driveway/garage whilst pushing it around (not guaranteed but really surprisingly likely), and save some money towards bike No2.

No2 is more likely to be THE bike, but even that's not certain.
Many on here have kept No1 for years but there are more on No2 to 10 Very Happy

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scoobiemandan · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 03 Apr 2014 Karma :

Thanks Andy, very helpful little link you've provided there Wink

Yeah, I've kinda been swayed around to getting something a little cheaper and have seen a 2001 CBR600F for £2495 in very good condition. Although I've seen a 2011 with half the miles for only a grand more! Tough one.

Issue in my area is that there aren't really any dealerships to choose from, literally one or two. Shitty South East corner where everything can only ever be found in one direction........
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IN THE GARAGE: 2001 Fox Eye Honda NSR125R, 2004 Subaru Legacy GT Spec-B, 2013 Ford S-Max 2.0 Titanium X Sport

linuxyeti · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Oct 2006 Karma :

Hi

Don't rule out ... CF650I (CF650NK)

https://www.wkbikes.com/650cc_motorbikes_wk-650i.html £3299.00 + OTR

Or even a 2nd hand one ..

Such as this ..

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CF-MOTO-CF-650-/122183342649?hash=item1c72b1da39:g:~CYAAOSw8w1YAg-k

If that's the style you like, or, even the 650TR, which is what I have, however, the TR is a heavy bike ..

Or, if you prefer an upright riding position, how about a Versys, or CB500X ?

For example, this versys, including luggage fits your budget ..

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2009-09-KAWASAKI-KLE-650-VERSYS-ABS-B9F-/172313539000?hash=item281eaff1b8:g:SCEAAOSwHoFXvN3b

And a 2nd hand CB500X ??

Here's a nice looking one, just outside your budget ..

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-CB500X-/201683664087?hash=item2ef5487cd7:g:fQQAAOSwYIxX9O2N

Or .. without luggage & low miles ..

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HONDA-CB500X-CB500-XA-D-LOW-MILES-EXCELLENT-CONDITION-/152103035172?hash=item236a0c2124:g:KIoAAOSwepZXRX5N

Just a couple of thoughts anyhow .

Cheers

Tony
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SuperMike · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 30 Sep 2015 Karma :

trevor saxe-coburg-gotha · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Nov 2012 Karma :

Aceslock · Spanner Monkey Joined: 12 Dec 2014 Karma :

skatefreak · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Feb 2010 Karma :

I spent 4 years on a de-restricted NSR then moved onto an CBR600F3 (got it mighty cheap).
I'm a huge fan of the F3 as they can be had very cheap, make great commuter's, reliable and have plenty of poke (its now my track bike!). Really gentile in the lower rev range and forgiving on the road.

Okay, so I'm going to be a little bias but the older sports bikes are very good if you want something lively you can commute on but also have a little fun without breaking the bank. Chuck it down the road? Not a problem, duct tape it back together!

Recently got a 99 R1...

Would not recommend as first big bike...

SuperMike · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 30 Sep 2015 Karma :

Alpineandy · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Mar 2015 Karma :

Aceslock · Spanner Monkey Joined: 12 Dec 2014 Karma :

Yes, i agree with this. My plan is to get a sports bike for the next 4 years, then go for more upright, touring type after as the wife will want to tag along...... plus my back probably won't be able to take the riding position much after that Sad

As for job security, my position is pretty safe in my job (17 year service) but as i work in the automotive sector, the job itself is not without its uncertainties, especially with the brexit shit thats going down.......

I will probably shy away from buying brand new & maybe get a 5K loan. At least i can change my bike as and when i want to then.

Will probably look to get either CBR600RR, ZX6R, or R6 around the £3.5k mark and use the change to upgrade my car......
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Current bike: R1 14B (Beast)

scoobiemandan · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 03 Apr 2014 Karma :

Too many further replies to reply individually but I'm getting the gist.

The mention of the Chinese bikes though, I'm not going down that route, difficult to find spares, garages that won't touch them and poorly made in the first place!

Loving how the thread has taken a Subaru v Bike turn though lol. Whilst it's been mentioned though, and as is normally the case, it's assumed a Subaru is always an Impreza. Never been part of that gang though, always been in the 'original' Colin Mcrae (uncle of the Impreza), the Legacy. My latest hasn't got the burble unfortunately as it's a twinscroll so unequal headers are a no go. 280bhp outta the factory and a lot more comfortable than an Imp Wink

Anyway, back on topic. I'm a bit peeved with the lack of sellers down this corner though as it doesn't give me scope at all for any decent bikes that will be mine with a full service and a decent history, which I like to buy my vehicles with. Plenty of private sellers but I'd rather have some come back on my purchases.

The hunt continues.

Where do we all stand with reliability of bikes. Whos the relaibale marque and who's not?
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IN THE GARAGE: 2001 Fox Eye Honda NSR125R, 2004 Subaru Legacy GT Spec-B, 2013 Ford S-Max 2.0 Titanium X Sport