Which bike now?!

[sainttm]

Hi all,

I have been looking at which bike to get now that I have passed my restricted licence. There is the option of getting any bike and restricting it or to get a bike that is 33bhp but then I would want to get a bigger bike at the end of the two years.

I have been getting some advise from my uncle (who is wise in all things motorised and other stuff) and he thinks is best to get a smaller big to start off with so I can find out what I like and then when choosing the next big make a more informed choice as to what suits me (as everyone is different).

The only problem is I am really taken with the BMW F650 or the Suzuki SV650 (half fairings version).

One of the comments my uncle mentioned was price, well having checked the bike trader and motorcycle news and ebay (not a best source for a bike maybe but still a price guide) the 400cc bikes are actully dearer than the F650. Im not sure on the insurance 400cc or the F650 but the SV650 was £380 3rd party fire and theft.

Does anyone have any suggestions on any 400cc or 33bhp bike that is similar to the F650 or the SV650? Is there anything other place to look at for bikes aswell?

I wont be buying the bike untill next year now as the bike probably would not get used much over winter and if I wait till the new bikes come out next year then the people should be selling their old ones to get the new models (well in theory)

Cheers

Shane

[Flip]

May as well get a 400, ZXR or similar. No point getting any bigger if your going to restrict it. Unless your going to take the restricter off straight away

ZXR400 I reckon, but yeah, wait till spring

[Full Bananas]

If you're serious about sticking to the 33 bhp restriction then I agree, you may as well get a 400. Two years is a long time in biking - it seems most people like to swap bikes quite frequently, so it's no big deal if you want to get something else at the end of that time.

Of course, should you find that the restrictor manages to work its way loose somehow, then I'd go down the 500/650 route.
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"Work is the curse of the drinking class."

[sainttm]

How does the restriction actully work? sorry for the stupid question.

I hear that it is a part you get fitted at a garage to get the certificate to proove its been done. Cant you just buy the part and fit it yourself (or in my case get my uncle to lol)?

Does the bike have to be checked over to prove that its still restricted when it comes to MOT'in/Insuraning it when its still withing the 2 year restriction?

If I tell you what I want maybe that might help clear it up abit. I travel 25 miles one way to work (so 50 miles a day 250 a week). I have pritty much be told by the wife to hurry up and get a bike so she can use the car (as its the only transport we have at the moment).

I have decided to wait till spring to get it as I need to sort of my finances (learning to ride/the test and the gear wasnt cheap).

So I am after something that is comefatable, good millage, cheap to run but still has a bit of kick to it. This is one if not the main reason I have been looking towards the middleweight bikes. If Im right getting a 650 restricted still gives you the grunt to get going but just stops/restricts the top speed. Is that correct? If so how much does it effect it? Would I still be able to cruise at 70 and still have some umph left if need to over take?

Cheers again

Shane

[bikedudextrm]

A sports 400cc would be quite uncomfortable for doing long distance, a sports tourer may be ideal for you. I have a Kawasaki ZZR600 which is very comfortable and is fast enough (0-60mph in 3.4 seconds and top speed 155mph, and it's cheaper to insure than a sports 400. Are you over 21 as you could do DAS training and test which will allow you to ride any bike unrestricted .
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https://www.bikepics.com/members/bikedudextrm/

[Barker-CBR 600]

Remember with restrictors you're lookin at speeds of about 100-110 max.
I got a CBR600F that would be 160mph, but restrictor puts a stop to that.

As for restrictors, if you buy from a dealer then they will usually do a deal on organising it for you, again for the CBR the kit was 120 and labour about 70 but i got it taken off price of bike itself (and other deals) so thats always an option.

As far as i know you need a certificate, but since any garage could do it i am sure that a mechanic on his own could... since i imagine the certificate comes with the restrictor kit.


One thing to remember, if your young like me (17) then insurance is a pain, lowest quote i got TPFT was 1488 after ALOT of calling about.
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Previous - Gilera DNA50 / XVS125 Dragstar/Honda CBR 600F/GSF 650 Bandit
Current - 2013 Suzuki VZ800 Intruder
'Is this a rhetorical question?'

[sainttm]

[Flip]

Just don't get any on line quotes 'cause there b*llocks. Ring 'em up Still vote for the 400

[sainttm]

Not so keen on the 400 idea. The ZXR400 is a sportsbike Im after the trailer/half fairing type bikes.

With travelling a good distance everyday I would want something comfatable and econmical whilst still having some grunt behind it.

I think Ive made my mind up and going for a 650 and restricting it, I'ld rather pay out the once and get something abit newer than pay out for a bike only to replace it after 2 years.

I am really intrested in the BMW F650, does anyone know much about them? The SV650 has had some good reviews (there is an review on them in this weeks MCN which says some stuff about the finish and some other stuff) but I like the look of the BMW more anyway. just need to find out about them now lol.

Cheers
Shane

[instigator]

Aye shane - I'd say go for the sv650. Great bike, huge amount of add ons, well proven engine, decent insurance as you've already said, superb performance for your first bike and the look great.

Don't know what more you'd want

[mchaggis]

To copy a post I made about the F650 before:
https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=353682

I personally like the older ST version a lot more. The tank isn't that big plastic thing up front with the hole in obviously, but is under the seat. As for the F650 general class, they're pretty good. Dead dead comfortable, heated grips as standard, (ST arranges the fairings so the air passing over the engine is directed towards the rider to keep them warm too). They are quite tall, quite expensive(!) and quite heavy for their power.

F650 though. Oh, and BMW fitted luggage is really sumptuous stuff, very well engineered.

Here is an excellent review of the F650 Strada. https://www.thumperpage.com/articles/Strada.html

(ST by the way; I am biased in that my Mum's got one. )

The high factory screen really does work well; these aren't really commuter bikes but mile chewing all-rounders. BMW=quality.

You'd have to ask a BMW dealer about restricting, they will do it, though I'm not sure if the bike would like it. Having said that, it's a huge thumper, so I imagine it can take it better than most.
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Mmmm, Guinness
Discovering the delights of Hammerite and a 3/4" brush.

[Rodger Wabbit]

Hi, I think youve made a wise move 650 all the way