advice welcome

novice · L Plate Warrior Joined: 02 Aug 2004 Karma :

I have never owned a motorcycle before and am looking for advice on a good first bike. I would like a sport/touring bike and thinking about buying a Yamaha FJR1300. I should say that I am 39 years old, plenty of good sense, currently enrolled in a motorcycle training class and I have a lovely wife and two children that I want to come home to, in one piece.

andylanc · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 31 Jul 2004 Karma :

My Dad swears by his Honda Pan European... although that's normally when he's just managed to put it down rolling into the garage! Laughing

He looked at the Yam, but didn't quite like the seat position.

tatters · Exxon Valdez Joined: 05 Jan 2004 Karma :

get a much smaller bike first till you get some experience (250/400), and work your way up to 1000cc+

if you want to last long Smile

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Past:NRG50,AF1125(x2),NSR125RR,ZZR250,CX500,VFR400,KR1S,ZZR600(x2),CB400N,YZF1000(x2),KH125,Z200,FX400R,CBR954RR(x2)GPZ500S,GT550,VFR750F(x2),RD350N,XR650R,CBR600F,CB250,KDX250,YZF750R,CRM250,400EXC,KLR650,TTR600RE,DR350S,R100GSPD,RGV250,VMAX1200,DL650 Present:G650XC,C12,KZ750,1190ADV

mrchips · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Mar 2004 Karma :

It'd be heavy as, too. What about a 5-700 instead?

novice · L Plate Warrior Joined: 02 Aug 2004 Karma :

The Yamaha weighs about 1200 kilos. My research says to not go any heavier, but I suppose 1300cc is a bit much power. I'd probably have the thing flipped over at the crack of the throttle. I think I'll start looking a little smaller. Thanks for your input all.

iCraig · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Karma :

VFR800 is a nicer bike, you can tour on it and it can scratch with the rest of them.

Plus its a sensible bike and alittle better for the new rider IMHO.

dowzerr · Derestricted Danger Joined: 30 Jul 2004 Karma :

I agree, get a VFR750-800, very capable at everything and a very smooth V4 engine.

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

What about a ZZR600? Will cope with touring and sports. I wouldn't go straight for a 1300cc bike, also think about the weight, as you will be learning even after you've passed your test and a heavy bike will be more difficult to control at low speed (turning etc).
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Redshift · L Plate Warrior Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

I have at the moment a Pan european, I have owned in no particular order, an fj1200, vfr 750, cm125, db750 4, plus a few others, I agree start small and work your way up to something bigger. I think the pan is the best bike I have had for riding, I tour europe, commute through london and it's very comfatable. I think the FJR 1300 is better than the new pan but thats just on looks alone. The only concern I have with weight is picking it up after dropping it, the rest is a matter of balance while riding i can stop and not put my feet down, trickle along at 2 mph and lean right over into corners. The power of the bike bears no resemblance on how well it's ridden.

Trunecka · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 02 Jul 2004 Karma :

dainesefreak · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Apr 2003 Karma :

I would say look at the VFR's. Both the 750 and 800 are nice reliable bikes that will tour around and take you to the other side of 140mph without a problem.

I would perhaps look at something slightly older than the new Vtec version which isn't supposed to be as comfortable, can be expensive to service and could be a bit of a handful for a new rider. The Vtec can kick in when you don't need it or want it too and might catch you out.

The ZZR600 is a nice sports touring 600 too but may now well be a bit long in the tooth.

Good luck.