I can't believe I am even resorting to asking such a n00b q!

[JonB]

Basically,

I need a motorcycle after 2 years without one. pre-requistes: -

Low Maintenance
Good MPG
Powerful enough to safely overtake on a NSL
Commutable.

I've had a Bandit before, I think that fills most of these points, apart from maybe the MPG bit? I really don't want a 125, I have a full licence and 4 years NCB so want to use it effectively.
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Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it?s worth.

[JAMSXR]

CB400.
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Honda SFX50 > Aprilia SR125 > Aprilia RS125 > Honda RFV400 > K4 GSXR600 > KTM Duke > C1H 636 > K3 GSXR1000 > Aprilia RSV-R > Triumph Street Triple R > Ducati 899 Panigale > Aprilia Tuono 1100 > Triumph Daytona 675R > KTM SuperDuke 1290 2.0

[JonB]

[.....]

CB500?

[Kickstart]

Hi

Bandit would do the job, but do you fancy a change? Something like a Hornet, Fazer or Z750?

GPZ500, CB500, etc would all probably be lower maintenance and better on fuel.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[JonB]

My head is telling me "Parallel Twin - 500cc". My heart is saying "be stupid, get an inline 4 600cc, maybe even a twin e.g SV650". Anybody know where I can find facts and figures for these bikes? I know Parkers does such a system for cars, but I just checked and they don't do facts and figures for bikes.
____________________
Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it?s worth.

[Chriss]

I imagine people here will give you better advice than 'claimed' figures. Fwiw, GS500e (naked) for me gets about 170miles to reserve, but I rag it, nearly, everywhere (my commute is 90% NSL country road)
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TheShaggyDA: I've got 3 or 4 pairs that predate my wife, so at least 11.5 years old.

[JonB]

It seems a Hornet or an SV650 seem to be semi abundant around the £1500 mark. I really don't fancy another Bandit. Too heavy and since riding other bikes, not sure I fancy going back to one.

I've never ridden a V-Twin though and so the change seems appealing, especially the low down torque.
____________________
Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it?s worth.

[G]

[JonB]

By the way, quick question regarding No Claims Bonus expiry. My last policy expired on 18/04/2008. The letter from MCE my previous insurer states that I have 4 years No Claims entitlement at the expiry of the policy. The NCB is valid for 2 years though right?
____________________
Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it?s worth.

[Wozza]

2 or sometimes 3 I think.

[Kickstart]

Hi

Normally you have 2 years. Depends on the company.

[JonB]

I really like the idea of a GPZ500, you can find them cheap (couple of bikes about with about 20,000 miles on the clock and for about £1500), they apparently do 65MPG and I always seem to recall them being far more exciting than your equivalent 500cc parallel twin.

Just did an insurance check and I should be able to insure one for about £120 which isn't too shabby at all.

Problem is I really want to test one before I buy one, but you don't see many old bikes doing the round in bike showrooms do ya?!
____________________
Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it?s worth.

[Bendy]