i know this has been asked befor but

big2dave · Scooby Slapper Joined: 20 Jun 2004 Karma :

Well before I start I have tried a search but nothing found well I want a new bike but its got to be a 400 or some thing so the insurance is cheap as my first big bike I want a new one as thing go wrong less even if I am going to drop it Mr. Green

what do u suggest as my first bike (btw doing this means im going to have to sell my focus witch means the bike will have to be good for year round riding and it has to look good to (so I can say " you like that ?" that’s mine lol Laughing

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Mr C · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Feb 2003 Karma :

bergman
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187.3bhp = 201mph

dibbster · Nearly there... Joined: 15 Apr 2004 Karma :

How old are you? How long have you been riding? When you say new are we talking brand spanking?
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jayluvmito · Crazy Courier Joined: 15 May 2004 Karma :

Inkognito · Brolly Dolly Joined: 12 Jun 2004 Karma :

The Kawasaki GPZ always looks nice. =)

Or did you mean a brand new bike?

big2dave · Scooby Slapper Joined: 20 Jun 2004 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Kawasaki GPZ500s, ER5. Suzuki GS550. Honda CB400/4 or CB500.
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hustler · Crazy Courier Joined: 29 Jul 2004 Karma :

Can't go wrong with a Honda VFR400 (NC30), beautiful to look at and rock solid honda engine.

So good I even had one myself Wink

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iCraig · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Jun 2004 Karma :

I have to agree with Stinky on this, the 500's are great bikes as first bikes, like the GPZ500, CB500S etc etc.

Or If you want a sporty bike then some of the 400's are nice, like the VFR and the RVF400, but just sit on a few and see how you fit on them and think how you would deal with the very cramped riding position over long distances.

Also think about the 600 Bandit and the SV650, both very good bikes for new riders and may even be cheaper to insure than a 400!

You just have to think what your going to be using the bike for and make your decision that way.

big2dave · Scooby Slapper Joined: 20 Jun 2004 Karma :

hustler · Crazy Courier Joined: 29 Jul 2004 Karma :

Not sure on the insurance, have 6 points myself all from driving the tinbox! Think mine was about £300 tpft (although I'm older)

When you have your list of prospective bikes, go a bit of shopping on the insurance see what you find.

As CraigZZR do a size check, never had a problem on mine (got the yoga position sorted) but some people do find it cramped.
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As I said to that guy with the crutches and full camouflage gear, you can hide but you can't run.

dibbster · Nearly there... Joined: 15 Apr 2004 Karma :

I would ring round and get some quotes to help your decision. I would guess the VFR would be out as it is about group 11. Maybe GPZ500 or GS500 which are about group 7. How did you get 5 points?
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Suzuki GSXR - Now stops on a sixpence; SBK3's Thumbs Up

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big2dave · Scooby Slapper Joined: 20 Jun 2004 Karma :

2 years a go in a 30 went 49mph and cu*t in a bush got me lol i don't speed to often but some times i can't help it i wont say i dont speed because i do form time to time Rolling Eyes

btw guys im 6ft 5 and 18stone so bike need to be bigenouh to hold me lol Laughing

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hustler · Crazy Courier Joined: 29 Jul 2004 Karma :

dibbster · Nearly there... Joined: 15 Apr 2004 Karma :

400's aren't necessarily cheaper than 600's to insure. Here is a link with bike insurance groups on as a rough guide.

https://www.vauntage.co.uk/bike_groups.htm
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Suzuki RF 600 - The two wheeled Testarossa (Deceased)
Suzuki GSXR - Now stops on a sixpence; SBK3's Thumbs Up

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big2dave · Scooby Slapper Joined: 20 Jun 2004 Karma :

will look into a gs500
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I am tiggie -- hear me roar! bandit 650 with mods

Sparks! · Sir Tart-a-lot Joined: 30 Aug 2003 Karma :

Hi, I too can vouch for the Honda NC30 - I've ridden Hustlers old bike a few times and thoroughly enjoyed it. Felt smoother than my ZXR400 for the short time I rode it, but then my ZXR wasn't the best one about Very Happy

The build quality is ok for a bike of it's age, but the condition of them tends to be a bit tatty as they are used and abused mostly by newer riders. Hustlers was a luckily looked after bike and one of best I've seen, but most others I've viewed have been in poor condition.

ZXR400 is a lot physically bigger and a great bike, I used to have one myself and learnt a lot from it. They aren't the most reliable of bikes though but are rewarding to ride.

The GS500/ER500/CB500 etc are all mostly the same in specification and ride style. They'd suit you as a first big bike but you'll positively get bored of it after a month or two, especially if your considering sports bikes at the moment - shows your after something sporty rather than a commuter!
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stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Or for something a bit different, well engineered and with a rock solid engine (I am the only person in europe to blow one within the warranty period in the last four years!) hows about an MZ skorpion 660. Not as fast as the others but cheaper and using Yamahas well proven XTZ660 motor.

I can vouch for the build quality, they are better put together than most jap bikes. Simple things like use of copper grease during assembly, braided steel brake lines as standard, extensive use of stainless and powder coating and good quality, off the shelf plastics.

They stopped making them last year but they would be a good 'outsider' second hand buy
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____________________
“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.

Josh · Traffic Copper Joined: 20 May 2004 Karma :

Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

big2dave · Scooby Slapper Joined: 20 Jun 2004 Karma :

well after much thught im going to the shop on wednesday and going to have a good look anda few test drives on august 20th (when im passed (touch wood ) i want a bike i can run all day long if i wanted to, ok to ride in a bit of rain, good speed, fun drive and last of all looks nice to boot all for about four grand and insurance must be caheap too btw that mz looks nice
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I am tiggie -- hear me roar! bandit 650 with mods