Passed my test over 4 years ago and now getting a bike!

[Munday]

Hi Everyone!

I have been on this forum for a few years and have decided to get back into biking (even though I wasn't really into it before)!

I passed my bike test back in 2004 on a 125 (meaning I was restricted to 33bhp for 2 years). After I passed my bike test I didn't bother getting a bike and haven't really been on a road bike since.

I am wanting to get myself a bike but I want to get something sensible yet sporty. I have 1 years NCB for a bike and 5 years protected NCB for cars (not sure if this helps?) so insurance shouldn't be too much of an issue depending on who I go with.

I have a budget of £3500 ish, maybe a little more and want something up to 600cc if possible. What would you recommend?

I really like sportsbikes but want something comfortable and easy to ride. Love the looks of an R6 and like the old Thundercat but being sensible would something like a Hornet or a SV650 be more suitable? What about a CBR600?

I don't really want a naked bike but want something which looks a superbike but is easy to ride.

Thanks for reading

[I_Hate_Euro3]

[frosty1330]

SV650 is a good bike to start with but i would try a smaller sized engine due to you not riding a bike for ages and with only passing the restricted test and you may find you have bit off more than you can chew with a big bike.

Better to be safe than sorry.

Plus if you buy a smaller bike now it will be cheaper, get use to riding again, sell it in march to get a bigger one you should technically make money as well as build your confidence up.
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Passed A2 9/09/08
Passed Enhanced on 500cc 27/4/09
Bikes RXS100 (sold) SV650s (My baby)

[Bike_craze1]

No chance getting an R6 with £3500
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Yamaha R125 - Cagiva Mito 125 - Honda CBR 600
CBT passed: 22/07/08 Bike Theory passed: 28/03/09
Bike Test passed: 15/04/09

[T-b0Ne321]

How about an ER6-F? https://www.seastarsuperbikes.co.uk/er6f2006.html
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Current bike: 08 ER6-N

[Greenychris]

[Mac_Black]

[Munday]

Thanks for the replies so far.

Now you mention it, the 1 NCB I had for bikes has probably expired (the insurance policy ran out just over 2 years ago).

I am still drawn to the R6, what are they like to ride? Are they comfortable? I am about 5ft 9 and weigh about 12.5 stone so I can't imagine it being too much of a problem?

T-b0Ne321 - Looks like a nice bike but still prefer the looks of a CBR, R6 etc.

Mac_Kaliba - Sure, if I end up getting one I will come along

[Mac_Black]

Actually Munday I was aiming the invite to Bike_craze to restore the balance of karma for pointing out his arrogance...
But yeh why not, would love for you to come along

[saintjon]

Get yourself a thundercat. Almost as quick as the R6 but More comfortable and more forgiving. This was my first bike after passing my test & i would highly recommend it. Also a good bike if you intend carrying a pillion. You should be able to pick up a mint one for around 2k.

[stevo as b4]

Yeah id have a nice silky smooth cat myself as well. Lovely engine, with lots of midrange drive for a 600 IL4. They are smooth to ride, and less clunky than a CBR, without the huge flat spot in the midrange that all carbed CBR's seem to have. They are not as raw or exciting as a Kawasaki or Suzuki, but have plenty of ability but in a refined package with a bit of comfort thrown in too. The worst thing about the Cat, is going to be finding one that still has a good finish, as they don't like winter's too much. keep on top of the cleaning and maintainence and it will stay nice, if you can get one thats still nice to begin with. They are a very good bike IMO.

[ajacko]

So let me get this straight, you passed on a 125 4 years ago, have never ridden anything bigger, and want an R6? Rather you than me mate, have fun but be carefull .

I passed my test on a GS500 on 2nd Sept and now own one, the power is enough for me for now, certainly wouldn't want anything bigger just yet, the thing nearly spat me off the back the first time I knocked it down 2 gears to overtake a car, it redlines at 11k, you don't get to do that while you're learning on one.
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Current bike:- Suzuki GS500 '02 plate. Next bike CBR600F or GSX650F. I'll leave the race reps to the kids.
www.xembly.com

[Munday]

Thanks for the messages guys.

I have done some off road but obviously want to careful when I get back into it on the road.

The R6 would be nice but I am swaying towards either a Thundercat or a Honda Hornet.

The GS500 is a nice bike, rode one a few times (although it was an old model) but enjoyed the ride. Might even consider one