First big bike - needs to be restricted

Ditto · Nearly there... Joined: 26 Sep 2009 Karma :

Ok, so passed my mod 2 and looking to get a bigger bike very soon. Will need to restrict it, so got a shortlist;

CB500 - honda so know it will go on forever
ER-5 - cheapest of the 3, but dont know how it will do reliability wise
GS500 - loads of people have it as a first big bike, would be the unfaired one.

Was also looking at a Bandit 600, but think its a little out my price range...

Any advise?

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Given that choice, I'd go for the CB500 every time.

EDIT: I'd personally would even choose it over a 600 bandit due to reliability and general build quality. Not much to choose between them performance-wise. The bandit has a higher horsepower but top speeds are around the same even when unrestricted.

The CB will almost certainly feel more nimble and "finished" handling-wise.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

FerretFing · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Nov 2007 Karma :

Hi, the Er-5 was my first big bike & it was great! - felt like a monster after a 125 ! Very Happy

Can`t fault it on anything really, but any of the bikes you`ve listed will be ideal Thumbs Up

gr82bthe1st · Scooby Slapper Joined: 30 Jul 2008 Karma :

dont really like the look of the GS.

Id say go for the cb500 - as stink wheel said, they are very very reliable.

Id have a look at the cbr 600f aswell, quite a nice ride and wont scare you. decent ones go for about £1500.

what ever you choose, post up pics Smile

all the best Thumbs Up

____________________
A2 passed 25/07/2008 --> restriction ended 25/07/2010
Yamaha Neos 50 --> Suzuki GN125 --> Honda CBR600F --> Yamaha MT-07
My bike does not leak... its marking its territory!

swampy · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Aug 2004 Karma :

I've got a CB 500 as my first 'big bike' and cant really fault it for what I use it for (commuting and a weekly blat out), is fairly nimble and easy to ride, and plenty quick enough as an intro to bigger bikes. Mines not restricted though (DAS being the one benefit of old age !). Build quality is good, and parts etc are cheap and plentiful. Thumbs Up

____________________
"I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me." Hunter S Thompson
"Faster, faster, faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death..." Hunter S Thompson

Noxious89123 · World Chat Champion Joined: 10 Jun 2007 Karma :

Howling TerrorOutOfOffice · Super Spammer Joined: 05 Dec 2008 Karma :

Hi, some of these bikes have recently been discussed. i.e the TRX850 & SV650. Not on your list but are rated well.

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=185911&highlight=

Pat
____________________
Diabolical homemade music Bandcamp and Soundcloud
Singer songwriter, Artist and allround good bloke Listen to Andrew Susan Johnston here
The Harry Turner Project

Ditto · Nearly there... Joined: 26 Sep 2009 Karma :

Ok thanks.

Also, what is the view on buying a bike now, towards winter? Ive got no problem riding through winter but will have to sell my CG first, so it will go for much lower than if i were selling in the spring?

aargh · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 29 Oct 2009 Karma :

I have GS500 and I have no idea about the market for this range in the UK.
However, I can say that you won't be disappointed if you choose the model. It's reliable!

I've heard before that the model is very popular in Europe. It would be the same in the UK, ha?
____________________
A rider from Istanbul, TR.
'06 Yamaha YBR 125 black | '04 Suzuki GS 500 blue | '04 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom black | '17 Honda NC 750X red | '17 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Tricolor | '22 Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory Dark