Finally Getting Back to Biking...

[alliamc]

Well it's finally happened, I've snapped and got fed up with my car, so I've put some money together to buy a bike.. now the problem is picking one so I'm asking for a little advice.

I originally started looking at the sports bikes, particularly the CBR600RR but insurance would be a nightmare seeing as I have a theft claim to declare (2 years ago, which left me bikeless for this long!) and 0 years no claims bonus.. so now I'm looking at the Kawasaki ER-6N or F although I've heard the N is overall better. Reason for looking at these is lower insurance, low seat height and not too powerful for someone that has only had 6days riding in two years, 2 of which were offroad and 4 were abroad on a 125 with a pillion a year ago. And, despite others criticisms, I quite like the looks of it, especially in orange and black or black with the red frame.

So, has anyone owned one? I've seen a lot of the market, which concerns me a little, are there any really bad problems with these bikes? I've read about them being bad for vibes and a hard seat, is there anything else?

Thanks
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Alli x
https://www.bikepics.com/members/alliamc/

[Polo]

Welcome back to the human race.

Get yourself down to Inmoto and see what they have
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My mum smells your fingers

[alliamc]

Actually I was across the road from them last weekend in Nick's place having a look at his bikes.. No Aprilia's for me, the Pegaso is ugly and the Shiver is an automatic.. I'd be tempted by a KTM but I'd go to Brackens for that
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Alli x
https://www.bikepics.com/members/alliamc/

[Polo]

What is Nick's place? The one next to Two Brothers or Renegades.

Was it you that used to sometimes help chain up the bikes in the place next to Two Brothers? (going off topic completely)
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My mum smells your fingers

[Mr.Everready]

There's a few on here have the ER6, I'm sure they'll be along soon.
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the undemocratically unelected mod of the Scottish section

[D O G]

Craig23 had an f for a bit, in fact I think he may still have it, but is selling it as he bought his super four.

The 'pup also has an F for his couriering work. I doubt he would select a bike he wasn't sure was going to be good.

I likes them myself, can't really see why you would need more for the road. I would probably get an F, for the protection of the fairing if you do a lot of long riding or motorway work, but the N looks better (I like the looks a lot) if you are only going to use it for fun and round town.

[alliamc]

[alliamc]

[D O G]

I'd be PM'ing Craigs23 right now if I were you.

[alliamc]

[Imonster]

I know of a good ER6N in Worthing for £2250, on 5000 miles, 1st MOT not due till next year, heated grips, top box, FSH.

PM if you want the details...

[craigs23]

They're not bad bikes, and put together quite nicely - the later models have some interesting details - if you can get past the slightly odd looks in the first place.

They're comfortable, just about the right amount of power for the road if you're a relatively sane rider, go okay, stop well, nice in town and traffic, frugal....a bit of a 'get what it says on the side of the tin' kinda bike. Suspension's merely adequate though - very choppy when pushed on a poorly surfaced road and a bit pogo stick like when carrying a passenger. At legal speeds, or just a little over, it's fine though.

I test rode an N, but went for the F in the end - better provisions for the 60 mile a day commute, and I thought that would only get more comfy when winter sets in again. You're essentially buying the same bike underneath, although I agree, the N arguably looks better.

I've been offered around £3250 as a part ex by a dealer and if I don't get anything better than that, that's what I'll end up doing. Bike has never seen rain, has had its first service, 09 model with 1400 on the clock...

[quacker_boy]

Why are you set on an ER6 when you fancy something like a 600RR eventually? I don't know what the insurance would be like for you but I'd be looking at Hornets 99 onwards.

You can pick up a decent one for 1700 and for me (21, new license blah blah blah) it was £340 TPFT on insurance and that was without even really looking it into it and playing them off against each other.

A Hornet is an IL4 so would get you used to the power delivery ready for when you want to step up to a 600RR, not to mention the money you'd save.
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wizzzard wrote: Imagine God just stopping by, tidying your front room up and then quietly letting himself out again. Statisticly more likely to happen than Korn being on here.

[mr jamez]

Why bother with a hornet when you can get a speed four?
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NSR 125F > BROS 400 > NC30 > BROS 400 > Trumpet S4 > '97 VFR 750

[quacker_boy]

[BlackStallion]

[Biker101]

My er6f was very similar insurance to my cbr600rr and i'm nearly 20 so still young.

In hindsight i wish i'd not spent the time i did on the kwak and gone straight for the cbr, although i do appreciate the cbr more now.
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Past: 06 Runner SP50 >>> 01 Varadero XL125 >>> 08 Kwak ER-6f >>> 05 CBR600rr
Present: 99 FZS600 Fazer

[alliamc]

[BlackStallion]

Yeah i was being pretty stupid sorry.

Even now i would love to have a 600 or something, you do get fed up of the power.

I don't no why i thought you would be interested in a 125, i guess i took what you put the wrong way

Best of luck choosing though, everyone finds a good bike out there somewhere

[BlackStallion]

Check out the Hyosung GT650R

Now they're nice bikes

If you Google it and look at the orange and black one, i should think you'll like that

Read good reviews, and seen a few, lovely bikes.

[G]

Were it me, I'd go for a £1k SV650 and start saving for the tarty bike of your dreams .

The 650s are at most a 'sideways' step from a 400, rather than an upwards step I'd say. Bit 'easier to ride', but also tend to have a bit lower top speed and not as good handling.

I'd also consider looking at a bit older 600 at a decent price - SRAD maybe? Insurance should be cheaper.

[Harold_Shand]

You can have my 04 Kawasaki ZR-7S for £1700. I'm robbing myself, but it's done nothing but sit about this year.
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BCF's 6th favourite poster 2009-2010

Harold_Shand's theory might be the best explanation.