Cheap Temporary Bike advice

[phipe]

Hi guys!

I`m looking for an advice...
My beloved DRZ400SM recently disappeared in the local bushes. Unfortunately I was spending all my money on the bike and I finally finished my long list with mods and “to-do”s just two days before it got nicked.

Anyway – the idea behind the story is that I have no savings haha

In the same time I really need a bike and I can`t wait until I`ve saved for another DRZ so I am looking for something cheap and reliable for daily commuting. I don`t plan to keep it for too long – just as a temporary solution until I can afford a proper bike again.

My budget is around or ideally under £1000. My list so far has been narrowed to :

Suzuki SV650
Honda CB500
Bandit 600
Ducati Monster 600
Suzuki GS500
Honda CBR600F
Kawa ER-5

I really don`t wanna ride a scooter but if I have to, that may also be considered as an option. I don`t know what scooters to look for and the ones that I found on gumtree / ebay are not much cheaper than the bikes in the list above anyway…

Out of the list Bandit 600 and GS500 are the cheapest ones. I personally wanted a Monster but they seem to be over my budget

What would you say ? Discussion is not limited to these bikes so I`m open for any suggestions.
Again – I need a cheap and reliable temporary solution. Will be used for daily commuting so I don`t expect performance or anything.

I`m sure many of you have had some of these bikes in the past either as a learner or as a commuter bike. So please share any thoughts

[P.addy]

Cheap, reliable and temporary. I'd grab myself either a Bandit or CB500

[Scootaloo]

If you want cheap, then it's two letters:



C and G..

sub £50 for service items

120+ish MPG (Town Commuting)

Insurance £300 or less???

All of this = more money for that bike you've always dreamed of....
____________________
(CBF125 - 09) (CBF125 - 11) (CB-1 - 89) (CBF500 - 06) (Push Bike) (CB-1 - 90) (XL125 - 01) (VF500 - 83) (GPZ500 - 94) (GPZ500 - 95) (GPZ500 - 87) (XV535 - 94) (XV535 - 94) (GPZ500 - 87)

[P.addy]

But I could probably find a GS500/ER5 for the price of a CG.

[_Troy_]

[covent.gardens]

What a bike costs to purchase isn't really relevant because the assumption is you will be able to sell any bike you buy for similar to what you paid for it, considering you've bought second hand and not owned it long.

What's important on a budget is
Tax
Insurance
Reliability
Running costs
Parts prices
Fuel economy
etc.

The CG125 (or other good 125cc's) wins it hands down, no contest. If you are prepared to ride a 125cc then it's a no brainer if you want to save money for a while. But it's not on your list. So I vote for the CB500. I bought mine for the same reasons you want a bike and it hasn't let me down.

[phipe]

[_Troy_]

[phipe]

[G]

When looking for a cheap bike, presuming you can afford the insurance I wouldn't limit your self to specific models.

For instance, a bike which would generally be a bit above your budget might come up close to you for a good price - I wouldn't then discount it just because it's not in your "cheap list".
So instead, scourer appropriate places for good deals in your price range regardless of bike.
Buying now, you stand a good chance of making a profit if you sell in summer - suspect not many are being inspired to buy new bikes this second.

I'd certainly be considering something a ZX6R G/J model.

Or if you like the dirt bike side of things, a while I go I had DR600s - both cost me around £600, one with SM wheels. Similar sort of spec to the DRZ400e - so a bit more power than the SM, similar weight but no electric boot. Nicer engine too, I'd say.

[Efes123]

[Amreet]

Ntv600!

[Alpha-9]

Also if you're going cheap get something with a valid MOT else you may find yourself with a project on your hands

Also I think DRZs are overpriced and purely bought for the sumo image after people like superretards get more popular
But then I haven't ridden one so I would say that, £2800 second hand price tag though
____________________
Fzr-600 1999

[_Troy_]

[reed]

Don't get a Ducati monster, slowest most underpowered, unreliable piece of shit going.
____________________
Generic XOR 50, Gilera SMT 50, GSXR 400 GK73A, Ducati Monster 600, Honda Hornet 600.
Sold. Stolen. Written off. Sold. Current.

[Seb]

Find a Bros 400 with healthy carbs and tyres and you're golden. GS500s are equally cheap but won't tolerate the same levels of neglect.
____________________
2010 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST

[thomp1983]

whereabouts are you?

[groovylee]

[P.addy]

Know of a GS500F for sale.

Also I found a cheap bike locally, so hunt around gumtree.

[phipe]

I`m in London - ( not that it matters but in E14 )

I am open to any local offers PM me details !

Thanks a lot for the help guys !!

[P.addy]

How far is your daily commute? I have a 125 for half your budget.

[phipe]

[P.addy]

As do I, but you want cheap

[dungbug]

[G]

Posted on BCF:
https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=268168

Seems to tick enough of the boxes.
Be tempted if I had cash and needed such a bike.