Progressing from a GS500

[Robchester]

Im upgrading from my GS500 which i bought after my DAS. Ive had it 18 months which as well as not breaking the bank, has provided me with experience of riding to step up to a bigger bike. Im 23 now but with only 1 yrs NCB insurance is still gonna be high on bigger bikes. Im not looking for the sportsbike position but something more upright, bandit-like.

Would i find a Bandit 600 a big enough step up? Or would i be desperate for more power after 6 months? Im looking for more mid range as the GS has to be screaming before you get the most out of it.

Hornet 600? SV650? I want something with Kudos but at the same time an upright position and plenty of mid range grunt.

IF anyone has these bikes id appreciate your opinions on them - always helps to listen to those who know their bikes.

[G]

What do you want the bike for?

I thought I'd want an upright riding position, but went for a zx6 anyway, never had to many problems and like the hunched position now.

By the way, at 22 with a years no claims as well, I paid £500 TPFT on a year old zx6 at the time (will have been in 2002).

I would be tempted to go for something a bit bigger, or at least a hornet/fazer if you're staying with the naked route.

You could also consider finding a streetfightered bike: personally I prefer MX bars to the half-way standard bars on naked bikes. (ie, say a streetfightered fzr750 or similar.)

[WILDECELT]

Hi Rob
All i can say is go for the Hornet theres not a lot of bikes that will beat you at the lights ,you'll find that the de- tuned cbr engine has'with more than enough grin factor you'll ever need, loads of grunt and good handling for me it's the best middleweight out there

[hugo-a-gogo]

z750 kwack?
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"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them - but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one. That is why they are dangerous."
Hunter S Thompson
clicky 4 bikey

[stinkwheel]

Continuing my theme of recommending slightly out of the ordinary motorcycles for people. Rather than getting "(another) Bandit" as I call them, hows about a Yamaha TRX 850? Paralell twin with timing set to make it behave like a v-twin. The nearest thing to a ducati monster without being one, very low second hand prices (I don't know why) and a good, strong, reliable motor.

https://www.mcpoolen.se/images/mc-yamaha-96-trx850-bla.gif
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Gracie Jones]

I would also vote for Z750 Kwak. It sounds like you don't want a sports bike, but still need a bit of grunt.

After passing my DAS this july I went straight to Fazer 600 - I thought it might be a bit ambitious at first, but I would love some more power already - go bigger than a 600 if you can.

Having said that, the FSZ is not exactly a rocket, I'm sure if I sat on an R6 it would scare me shitless.

(IMHO, Fazer is better handling than Hornet, even though Hornet probably has edge on the engine)

G

[Demonic69]

[mchaggis]

GPX 600, you know you want to. Old style superbike.
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Mmmm, Guinness
Discovering the delights of Hammerite and a 3/4" brush.

[stevo as b4]

Yeah you need to narrow it down, a bit unless you really are not fussed about your likes/dislikes. I was had a small 33bhp class bike for 18months after my DAS, then i went straight for the bike i really wanted, as that did seem to be the best way!
You have had fun with the GS i would presume, and that its given you plenty of experience, so i would really go out looking for the bike you really want heart not head for you next machine.

I saved up enough to buy my zx6r, and the only other bike i did consider at the time is a Triumph TT600, but i knew i really wanted the kwak. Ive had it 4 years, and im still not bored with it, though i now have changed my opinion of faired sports bikes, as i feel another sports bike would not suit me, or even be as good/fun as a naked bike. Thats what im looking at buying next, but i reckon ill keep my zx6 for 5yrs, before i change it, gives me time to save up, and i feel better knowing i kept a new bike 5years, instead of selling it at 12months or so and losing so much value in a short time. Reckon i will keep my next bike 5years or more also, so i will only replace the zx6r with something that i really want, even if its not that practical/cheap to run, as that way im unlikely to get bored, thinking that i should have got something else after 6months etc.

Thats my point, so if you want say a Hornet600 next and you really think its the bike for you, then fine! But if your looking at one becuase it seems like a good next step and its a bit better than you current machine and would do the job, and you think it looks ok, then id say dont buy it!
That way you wouldnt want to risk losing money after say 6-12months or so selling it, because you really want something else that you like the look of more. Obviously alot comes down to money, but you can buy most secondhandof the same age machines for similar money whatever the capacity, so dont just think a Hornet/Fazer is the bike to get next after a GS. also decide what you want, i.e. what type of engine,
twin/four/triple etc, and if you want a fully faired bike/naked etc etc. It makes me wonder sometimes when i see people who have just brought a bike that they have never really thought of or mentioned, and they say they got it because it was going at the right price etc? If its your main bike, then buy what you really want, not what people say is good for x or y. I also reckon that if you get a bike you really want, it makes you want to ride it more, and you will find the enthusiasm to ride it more often, even at times when you think you wouldnt bother.
For my next bike, im thinking of either a Z1000, Speedtriple,Benelli TNT, or Yam MTO1 etc. any of those would be great, and they are all bikes that i would love to own, so i couldnt see me buying one of them and then wanted to sell it after a relatively short period, and lose alot of money like many people do who change bikes frequently!

[Gracie Jones]

Stevo is bang on.

You are no longer a rookie, you have served your dues, there is no point in getting the bike that 'progresses' you for the sake of it.

Obviously you need to think about whether or not you want the pain and heart (and wallet) ache of owning an intalian stalion - perhaps you want something more practical.

But either way, fill your boots and buy something you love, rather than because it is a 'sensible step up'.

G

[mchaggis]

[Robchester]

Good replies all, thanks for taking the time to write them. I think my main problem is that i dont really know what i want. I love riding but i dont particularly have a dream bike (although the MT01 looks very nice) so i cant just go for that because i dont know what it is! I dont have a bottomless wallet either - im probably looking at around a £3500 ceiling (which discounts quite a few bikes).

For some reason i just dont fancy a sportsbike - i dont feel as if im in control being hunched over which is why i prefer a more upright position. Im not an all year rider and ride mainly for pleasure. I will be taking in some motorway work tho and im thinking of doing some kind of mini tour (my first) to Scotland or something for a few days next summer. The GS has been ok but its too revvy its a pain having to get it up into 8000+ revs to get past traffic while my mate on his bandit seems to just open up and move away.

Ive considered the Bandit, Hornet, SV650 and SV650s (which seems like a more sports orientated position) so far and not thought about sportsbikes. Im a bit worried about jumping upto a B12 or a litre bike because ive only ridden a 500 twin and think the insurance would be sky high for someone of my age + experience

I think at the end of the day i just want something which puts a smile on my face

[mchaggis]

Could always think about a ZZR600. Quite an upright riding style and comfortable as it's a sports tourer, but very fast, more than fast enough.
____________________
I must not be a troll...
Mmmm, Guinness
Discovering the delights of Hammerite and a 3/4" brush.

[Jimmythe1]

The triumph speed triples look mighty fine, got to be on anybodys list whos looking for a upright sporty ride. not that i've ridden one

You may have to sell a few internal organs to pay for one though!
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There's no way to happiness, happiness is the way.

[dodsi]

i will try and get through at some point too look at the GS

[stevo as b4]

Theres loads of bikes without a Fairing with some grunt and that would be fun to ride. maybe an SV1000 or Hornet900 would suit you more?
I really like the Hornet 900, even though the styling is not as sharp as the 600, its just it lacks attitude, and i know i want about 120bhp at the back wheel from my next bike! Still i reckon with enough money you could make a Hornet faster than a Z1000 or Fazer1000, i think?

[Robchester]

ive narrowed the choice down to the Hornet or the Bandit. The SV seat is rock hard while the FZ6 and Z750 are out of my price range. Most may say that there is no contest between the bikes but there are advantages owning each of them. Im now interested in the opinions of owners of these bikes not only riding experience but general ownership.

Im obviously not a rookie anymore as ive had my bike 18months however i dont feel as if ive quite up to where most people would be by 18months. This is because when i was at uni sep-may, the bike was at home and received very little use. Only between July - Sep last year and May - Sep this year has the bike been tested. Not having winter gear has meant ive had to garage it (plus its a GS - it rots if its been in the rain) so my experience is probably only about 6-7months.

[Going2fast]

Hornet 900, now there is a bike which will keep you happy for a long time

Andy
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Passed My Test 15/03/05
BikePics Profile ||| 96' RVF 400 ||| 01' CBR 600 F Sport ||| 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 Delivered 23/06/09
/-\ndy

[hugo-a-gogo]

600 fazer maybe?

bandit is heavy (relatively) and slow

hornet is dull
____________________
"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them - but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one. That is why they are dangerous."
Hunter S Thompson
clicky 4 bikey

[Gracie Jones]

I test rode a Hornet once - I thought the engine was a work of art, but it handled not very well - just a bit on the heavy side.

Bandit - have riden one, but not properly. Everyone says the fazer is a much better bike (I own one). The one thing the bandit does have over the fazer is that the engine sounds soooooo much better and I think delivers the power a little more smoothly. However, the fazer handles very well.

G

[innominate]

One of them there new KTM super Dukes..


But seriously, I will be in the same position as you in abour a year or so's time. I commute constantly on my CB500 (& its a lot more fun than I thought it would be) and want to upgrade to a bigger bike.

Relistically I would but a SpeedTriple (They just sound soooo good + British) but they are a bit on the expensive side.
Soo many choices.

Mby I should just persuade the Girlf to buy me one
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I, as a responsible adult human being, will never concede the power to anyone to regulate my choice of what I put into my body, or where I go with my mind. From the skin inwards is my jurisdiction, is it not? I choose what may or may not cross that border. Here I am the customs agent. I am the coast-guard. I am the sole legal and spiritual government of this territory, and only the laws I choose to enact within myself are applicable.

[Robchester]

yeah im am constrained by cost as im also looking to get my own place some time next summertime. Means im trying to free up as much cash as poss without getting into too much trouble.

[Jammy-G]

https://www.brabantmotors.nl/nieuws_files/T395%20Speed%20Triple.jpg


OOOH MAMA ! Yes please ! I would imagine this would be a nice step up for the GS, I gurantee you wont get bored for a while, and ooh you definitely get the kudos.

EDIT - Put image as a link for you connectionly challenged people.
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RooRoo: just like the time i stuck my finger up my arse with no lube at all and she didnt talk to me for hours

[Jammy-G]

https://www.triumph.gi/speed_triple_1.jpg

That looks amazing, I would love one !! MMM ! (NKD666 can I have a go on yours? )
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RooRoo: just like the time i stuck my finger up my arse with no lube at all and she didnt talk to me for hours