Need some help with which bike to get.

[lexism]

I'll start of by saying how far I've got.

I'm 18, I passed my full bike license in February first time, although will still have the 33BHP restriction. I currently own a Honda CG125 which was registered 2000/01 (not quite sure). I think it has a month left on both tax and MOT, but I intend to sell the bike on ebay within the next month or so. After checking around, I'm going to estimate between £500-650 (correct me otherwise).

So having just recently turned 18, I probably have about £300 as well from birthday money. I might be able to get a small loan off the parents too, yet cannot guarantee this. So after passing my test, as most people would want, I am looking into getting a bigger bike.

I want to get a bigger bike, but one that will last for a good few years, so ideally would like one of the 500-650 cc ranged bikes. I know some might argue against this, but this is what I'd like to get. I'd like to do this budget also, so going off the money I have, I need to use that for the cost of the bike, and the insurance.

So basically, I've done a bit of research and know a bit about that range of bikes. So far I know about GS500's, SV650's, CBR600's, ER6's, ZX6R's, and I believe theres a GSX600 (?). If you could take into consideration this is the style of bike I like too (most likely from my childhood upbringing and my Dad's R1) I wondered what other bikes you might be able to recommend on the budget.

On a point of the insurance, I managed to get a fully comp quote for a GS500 at about £550 and a third-party with fire and theft at around £300. I do have a 2 years NCB. I also am insured on a car if this helps?

So my basic question I guess then is what bikes could you recommend at a small budget?

Thanks.
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2007 Skyteam ST50 · 2001 Honda CG 125 · 2000 Suzuki SV650S

[jimbothe]

Maybe something like this?

https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1995-SUZUKI-GS500E-fairing-/290547879323?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item43a600cd9b

Should last an age and a half although will probably be up for a exhaust in the next 6 months. Trouble is on such a tight budget you're going to struggle to find something upper class.
I know it says £750 but it does say best offer.

Also, don't know if the parts would fit but I've broken a gs500 on a 91 plate so have a garage full of spares.
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[lexism]

Something similar to that, not liking the fairings on that too much I must admit. I nearly had a GS500 2004 reg but the engine ceased and then other stuff I think happened :/
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2007 Skyteam ST50 · 2001 Honda CG 125 · 2000 Suzuki SV650S

[jimbothe]

Fair play mate, I didn't say you had to have that one

Just a suggestion.

Do you prefer naked bikes to faired?


https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Honda-CB500-1997-R-reg-excellent-runner-/130497384807?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item1e62401167
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[lexism]

I'd probably go with half faired as my ideal, such as the SV650. I don't mind naked necessarily, but my dad as had an R1 through me growing up, and my punishment went I was about 5 was being forced to watch the superbikes and motoGP (not boring now, but I think you can understand my attention span back then). I wouldn't mind fully faired, think might be tad more expensive though.
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2007 Skyteam ST50 · 2001 Honda CG 125 · 2000 Suzuki SV650S

[jimbothe]

You may have to up your budget a little to get a decent one.

On another note, your CG, I don't know what you plan to do with it on the selling front as yyu didn't entirely say but you will get more money for it with a current full mot than with barely any.
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[...]

Yeah sorry about the GS blowing up, wasn't fun for me either. Even if you don't get a bike you can still ride bitch round Europe.

[blurredman]

[Rogerborg]

[jimbothe]

Fair play and well spotted. Like I said earlier, he didn't have to buy that particular one. I was using it more as a reference bike / suggestion.
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[sbeeland]

lexism...I may be interested in the CG, depending on where you are and what kind of condition its in
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It's time for a bike

[Rogerborg]

[lexism]

Never expected that careful observation I must say Rogerborg.

And as far at the CG goes, I'm from south London. Condition; well, I'm not sure I'd be able to give an entire unbiased opinion. Its done 42000 miles ish, but its been weel looked after. I'm pretty sure also it'd pass an MOT (I think my dad might have that intention anyway). New wing mirrors and new front tyre, with the rear tyre having plenty of tread. One point would be the exhaust, which when bought, was a bit rusty, but then it was filed down and had some special coat of paint (something my dad did, thankfully not done by myself). The bike itself does its job fine, keeping a nice speed with plenty of torque for a 125.

Manatee might be able to give further information as a source of a more unbiased 'review'
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2007 Skyteam ST50 · 2001 Honda CG 125 · 2000 Suzuki SV650S

[jimbothe]

[sbeeland]

Cheers for the info, but South London is a bit far for me to travel.
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It's time for a bike

[dextersaurus]

You're wanting a GPZ500s

Great bikes (mine was 'restricted', never got me in trouble).

Won't get bored of the power, it's like a jeckyl and hyde engine, tame to 6k then hit 6.5k and it's a beast.

Easy to find decent condition ones with lower miles on the cheap. my '94 came with blocked up carbs and 34k miles for £300.

Have a wee look, not too bad looking bikes.

Cheap insurance, cheap on fuel, Cheap parts and easy to service! Sorted!

https://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs406.snc4/46953_1478185488357_1645368025_1100151_8314854_n.jpg

Dunc

[lexism]

Mr Dunkable, you have pretty much found the bike I'm looking for. The bike is cheap, and I'm finding prices on eBay for between £300-£450. I got a fully comp quote at £550 and a third party f&t at £310. So I'm probably just about able to squeeze this into my budget. Cheers for the info.
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2007 Skyteam ST50 · 2001 Honda CG 125 · 2000 Suzuki SV650S

[dextersaurus]

If you're looking at a pre-1994 one, watch the flywheel. they tend to self destruct and it's a bitch to repair. I believe the newer ones fit right on, but shouldn't be a problem with lower mileage ones.

This one would be perfect.

https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1995-KAWASAKI-GPZ500S-61mpg-and-brand-new-MoT-/150580672295?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item230f4eb727

Dunc

[UnspeedySam]

The GPZ is a good solid first bike and it's not unusual to find ones that have already been 33bhp restricted. As with any older bike you'll want to take someone with mechanical knowledge to have a bit of a look over it before you buy though. Make sure you hear it running from completely cold as that's when the odd noises tend to show themselves.
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Riding: BMW R1150RT `02 bought mildly crashed
Fixing: Also the BMW as I get less broken bits
Gone: ZZR600 '00, TRX850 '97, RXS100 '93, JS125-6B '07, BMW R1100RS '93, Kawasaki ZX-6R-J2 '01, Honda Bros NT400 NC25 '88

[Rogerborg]

Mmm, I agree that the GPz500 is a good place to start looking, but be prepared to keep an open mind: better to get a good honest example of your 2nd choice than to jump at a lemon, or hold out indefinitely for the Perfect Bike.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[lexism]

I must say Rogerborg, I too had found that bike... I'm guessing the cracks shouldn't be too much of a problem on it, otherwise it looks perfect. I might be having a little bid this weekend if I'm lucky.

As for bringing someone with a mechanical mind, I'm sure my dad would be the one who'd come along. It doesn't seem like too extreme of a trek too.
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2007 Skyteam ST50 · 2001 Honda CG 125 · 2000 Suzuki SV650S

[chris-red]

[Kickstart]

Hi

Another vote for the GPZ500.