New to BCF, Test passed last week

[Jestered1]

Hi All

Thought I'd post my first post in celebration of passing my DAS last week and to say good afternoon to everyone.

Next plan is to sell my little XR125 and step up to a big boys toy. No idea what I'll end up with, I'll be going to a few local shops with around £2000 and looking for something shiny, if I like the look of it then I'll be going home on it

Any tips on general bike buying would be much appreciated, anything to be especially weary of?

Cheers
Jestered

[pinkyfloyd]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on the pass.

Best thing to do is get your arse to the dealers and sit on as many as you can and then look privatly for a model you like. You'll save yourself a few hundred nicker!
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illuminateTHEmind wrote: I am just more evolved than most of you guys... this allows me to pick of things quickly which would have normally taken the common man years to master
Hockeystorm65:.well there are childish arguments...there are very childish arguments.....there are really stupid childish arguments and now there are......Pinkfloyd arguments!
Teflon-Mike:I think I agree with just about all Pinky has said.

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

Hello and well done on the pass.
Plenty of sensible advice on buying a 2nd hand bike....most on here don't use dealers. Then again if you're wadded and they're a trusted outlet.....

As you will want to enjoy your 1st big bike, choose one that's fit for purpose. i.e An Africa Twin isn't going to be your best bike for city commuting (awaits defensive owners )

You get the idea....I hope.
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Diabolical homemade music Bandcamp and Soundcloud
Singer songwriter, Artist and allround good bloke Listen to Andrew Susan Johnston here
The Harry Turner Project

[bikertomm]

Selling XR 125... Whereabouts are you!?



EDIT- probably should have looked at your profile first. Norwich
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07' Honda Hornet now full powaah! My guide on performing an oil change!

[chris-red]

[Paxovasa]

Hello and welcome.

As has been said, try lost of different bikes. You will know the one you want, then either buy it there and then or search for it online and save yourself a few £'s
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Suzuki GSF600 K3 (in the fastest colour, black).

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

For some proper helpful advice, i would testride lots of bikes..and not just the ones you like the look of. Then tell us your shortlist.

We will then be able to give specific advice on most models..what to look for when buying. Thatway you won't go...'Ooo look a '98 R1. That look shiney and nice... ' here's 2 thousand pounds.
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Diabolical homemade music Bandcamp and Soundcloud
Singer songwriter, Artist and allround good bloke Listen to Andrew Susan Johnston here
The Harry Turner Project

[blurredman]

Hey and welcome, great job on the pass!
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CBT: 12/06/10, Theory: 22/09/10, Module 1: 09/11/10, Module 2: 19/01/11
Past: 1991 Honda CG125BR-J, 1992 (1980) Honda XL125S, 1996 Kawasaki GPZ500S, 1979 MZ TS150.
Current: 1973 MZ ES250/2 - 18k, 1979 Suzuki TS185ER - 10k, 1981 Honda CX500B - 91k, 1987 MZ ETZ250 - 40k, 1989 MZ ETZ251 - 52k.

[Willson]

Welcome and Congratulations!

Find a bike you like and price compare it with Autotrader bikes, parkers price guide (I believe bikes are in there?), ebay, etc.

Try to get a test ride at the dealers as well

Willson
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Benson: Wouldn't life be easier if we were all turtles?
Me: Pig on bread = The way forward.
Riding: '00 Suzuki SV650S. Previous: '99 Kawasaki ER5 - sold, '02 Suzuki GZ125 Marauder - sold

[Jestered1]

Thanks for the sound advise people.

Will let you know how and what I get on in the next few weeks.

[pinkyfloyd]

Good stuff and as the Howling northern one said. Come back and ask for advice before buying. Theres enough members here that will be able to tell you what to look for and the pros and cons of pretty much any bike thats out there.

Buying privatly is the best option to save yourself pennies and as said above you'll be armed with the relavent info. You'll know what to look for and what questions to ask before you go.
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illuminateTHEmind wrote: I am just more evolved than most of you guys... this allows me to pick of things quickly which would have normally taken the common man years to master
Hockeystorm65:.well there are childish arguments...there are very childish arguments.....there are really stupid childish arguments and now there are......Pinkfloyd arguments!
Teflon-Mike:I think I agree with just about all Pinky has said.