New to bikes...

[A.J.]

Hi there, I am very new to bikes, planning to do my A2 in a few months.

I have a few years road exp on cars now though, and due to the miles I do I'd be looking at a bigger bike.

I have a restricted Varadero 650 in mind and would appreciate any views/alternatives.

Thank you very much, and I look forward to hearing from you!

[That_Hornet]

Really dose depend on what you want from a bike and what type of rider you are.

What are you going to be doing with it? Commuting, Touring, Posing.

[A.J.]

Commuting in the city but also probs touring, i travel between edinburgh and aberdeen and further.

Id like something comfortable enough for that, but also with reasonably response for city traffic.

[Alasdair Murison]

V-twin or inline 4?

Also what sort of money have you got to throw around (bare in mind insurance costs etc).

Read >>>> Info on Bike Engines

More Info
____________________
MY 2008 Aprilia RS 125
Passed test : 15/08/08
Riding since : 15/06/08 (17th Birthday)

[A.J.]

Probs the V-Twin to be honest, for the torque range, need it to be reliable though.

Ideally below a grand S/H, if pos!

[crowe]

[Alasdair Murison]

[That_Hornet]

Concidering he's doing his a2 I don't think powers up there in the list of things.

[Alasdair Murison]

[crowe]

Well if power isn't so much a factor and price is then i can only suggest a CB500, GS500 or, like i've got, an ER-5.

Cheapish, suited to 33bhp restriction, 2 cylinder...a great all-rounder.

(and yes, i know bandits are an IL4 i just meant for the availability/price )

[That_Hornet]

I agree bandits are cheap. But that's for the reason there crap.

bracing for the incoming bombardment from the bandit owners


As to what will take the restriction the best. tbh its the bikes that are closest to 33bhp.

But twins are better than the il4 for restrictions i believe. (may well be wrong, if so please tell me)

For commuting i would suggest a hornet, or SV or similar.

Are there any particular styles of bike you like? Naked, off road/touring style?

[A.J.]

i like the look of the SV's to be honest, and prefer at least a half-faired model, for the longer distance.

id lean towards the sportier side of a touring bike i think, and just man up a bit.

are there any distinct advantages to a hornet or a SV?

[A.J.]

Any opinions on a Veradero?

[That_Hornet]

[Clanger]

You should be out looking for a Honda Bros 400cc, V-twin. I bought mine back in 1998 for just over a grand, so they should be less than that now...

They are a good reliable workhorse. Good learner bike, sturdy and forgiving, and hold a good re-sell price.
____________________
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

[Muscle Bike Rider]

Varadero is a 1000 or 125, its not made with a 650 engine. Is it a translap your thinking of?
____________________
Previously Known As A5tra_G
Old Bikes :2010 Kawasaki ER6 F & 2000 Honda VTR Firestorm
Current Bike : XJR1300