Another "what bike" thread

... · Brolly Dolly Joined: 12 Oct 2009 Karma :

Hey everyone, it's this thread again.

I've been riding for a year now on my Suzuki Marauder (GZ125), and I'm looking at taking (and passing) my test soon. I commute from SE London/Kent area to Islington daily, so fuel economy is fairly important.

What I really like is the CBF500... but would a 500 be a bit big for a new rider? Should I graduate up to a 250 first (YBR250 etc), or will I get bored quickly?

So many questions Sad

metalangel · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Feb 2009 Karma :

A 500 is fine... it's what you'd be getting on if you were doing DAS with very little experience (I did CBT and one lesson on a 125 before moving on to an ER-5 for my DAS). While a 250 would be an improvement it wouldn't really be a huge leap forward.

The CB500 and CBF500 are good bikes, you won't have any complaints apart from perhaps getting bored as you gain experience on them. Some people swear by their 500s, though.
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Previous: 2002 Honda CB500 (sold), 2007 Suzuki SV650SK6 (crashed), 2005 Yamaha FZ6 Fazer (sold). Currently bikeless Sad

"A faired bike will get you 10x more clunge than a unfaired one." -Marlboro Matt

Kal · World Chat Champion Joined: 02 Jan 2007 Karma :

CB500 is a fine first large mount. If you like the seating position of the Marauder then it might be worth looking at an LS650 Savage which has been around forever and does a fine job.
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Kal...
I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It Ya Like To (HOON IT!).
1984 GB250 Clubman,1983 CB250N Superdream, 1999 GPZ500S

neil. · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Feb 2008 Karma :

250's would be good for fuel economy (would estimate 80mpg), whilst having a bit more poke for those NSL roads, if you face any on your commute. 125's are even better economy wise (which is why still ride one even though I have a full license), coming in at around 100mpg and they are the cheapest to tax. I think a 500 would give something in the region of 60mpg on fuel. Thumbs Up

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CBT February 2008 | A2 June 2008 | Yamaha YBR125 (written off) | Honda CBF125 (current)

... · Brolly Dolly Joined: 12 Oct 2009 Karma :

Kal · World Chat Champion Joined: 02 Jan 2007 Karma :

It is. The CB500, like most of the commuter 500s had a bench seat so you can choose your own seating position rather than have it decided by the ergonomics of a 5'2 Japanese guy. Smile

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Kal...
I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It Ya Like To (HOON IT!).
1984 GB250 Clubman,1983 CB250N Superdream, 1999 GPZ500S