Can't decide what bike to get next....

[2E]

In a bit of a dilemma, basically selling the current bike i have, a 1996 CG125 and should be gone by next week... So the hunts on for a new bike... but I can't think/find a bike I like..

Looking for the following:

1. Cheap to insure
2. Reliable
3. Kickstart or Combo Preferably...
4. Air-Cooled
5. 12V
6. 4 Stroke

Would consider any cc bike subject to an insurance quote.

Looking to spend up to £500 as always...


I plan to use the bike as a runabout/occasional tourer and came across a few CD200's, i used to have a CD250, which was ok but would of been better with a kickstart.. and it wasn't much quicker than a 125

I would love to own another shaft drive, because i loved my old Kwak GT550 for its reliability (well, until the sound system made the alternator die!)

Not sure of other bikes to look at though, feel like im missing some important bikes in my searches, for the record though, i don't do sportsbikes, and generally, don't do liquid cooling either, one more thing to fail IMO.

So what bikes would be good for touring that are cheap and easy, would the Benly be a good choice?
____________________
Bringing Classic Bikes Back Into Fashion
Rides: 1980 Honda CX500

[Robby]

As the first representative of team RS to post in this thread, I recommend a CB250RSA.

Kick start
12v
Reliable once you've made it reliable. Very, very simple bike.
Air cooled
4 stroke
Lightweight
Fun to ride and punchy.
Probably cheap to insure.
60-70mpg

Not much fun above 60, its just revs and windblast at those speeds. Probably not much quicker than a 125 overall (quoted 27bhp, I'd be surprised if its over 20), but more grunt and flexibility. Seat is uncomfortable after 120 miles, which also happens to be the tank range.

Do not get one that has been modded, streetfightered or ratted. Low bars ruin the comfort and the handling (too much weight over the front). Standard rubbercoated footpegs and big and comfy and reduce vibration. Not bad for pillions, I used to carry a friend or the girlfriend all the time on my old one.

Surprisingly good handling, not through good components or a strong chassis but simply through light weight. It'll go where you point it. Stick to skinny tyres. The standard sizes are meant to be 3.00x18 front and 4.10x18 rear. I have a 4.00x18 rear on mine and it's far too wide, people mostly run a 3.50x18 rear.

Oil must be changed every 1000 miles. Chain wear is quite heavy, probably due to it being a fairly punchy single. I get around this by using a heavy duty non o-ring chain (£16.50 from david silvers).

Prices seem to be going up. If you get one, its worth getting a knackered one in the shed for parts.