What to buy...???

[YorksNovice]

Hi,

I have been riding on L plates for a couple of years now, and finally got round to sorting out doing the Direct Access recently after realising it is quite embarrassing having L plates in your mid thirties.

Nerves keep getting the better of me, and the Module 1 is become a bit of a pain. However, should I one day pass it, and then be successful at Module 2, I need to know where to go.

I have a Honda CBR 125R, and so have considered the CBR500R. (I wanted a CBR600F but the insurance quotes are way out of my affordability margins.)

However, people say the 500 will get boring very quickly and as a person not rolling in cash, I do not want to chop and change.

I started on bigger bikes on an Kawasaki ER5. I don't particularly like the riding position or the lack of windscreen, but it was smooth and relatively nippy. I have now moved onto the ER6N.

I had been considering an ER6F as a possible purchase.... but I must say I really don't like the N. When you change gear it clunks. It sounds like a lawnmower tractor. And it is not easy or smooth to ride, particularly at lower speeds. In fact, I would describe it as lumpy. I would rather keep the 125 than have an ER6N to be brutally honest!

So, where am I going with this? Well, I suppose I am wondering if the ER6F is dramatically different from the N variant apart from the addition of faring and a windscreen? Is the Yamaha Diversion F perhaps a better bet, and are there any other alternatives?

I like the sports bike image, but am not interested in charging around like a loon and becoming a statistic. I also find that with the CBR125 I lose feeling in my fingers and get wrist ache on longer runs. I need something that does good mpg as I commute on the bike and it saves me a fortune in fuel. But I want a bit more go so that I can safely and quickly overtake the 40mph drivers on the country lanes on the way home, something that I simply cannot do on the 125.

Any advice appreciated.

Kind regards

Jon

[BTTD]

BMW F series bikes?

Not riden them myself, but you asked for alternatives and that came to mind.
Also, what's your budget? That'll help people make appropriate suggestions.

[rhys1005]

[Rogerborg]

You want newish, cheapish, leany-forwards, sportsbike looks but not performance, and reasonable insurance?

https://images02.olx.com/ui/1/62/20/4136220_1.jpg

SV650S with a full fairing would seem to tick all of those.
____________________
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

[jaymos]

[yaigi]

Fazer! Fazer fazer fazer. Fazer.

That is all.
____________________
What would you do in life, if you knew you could not fail?
Currently own - Fazer 600, 2000, Red. (But no riding as baby on board atm)

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

[guile]

[Pigeon]

I found the Triumph Street Triple was the same insurance as a CBR600.
About £450 fully comp, which was a nice surprise.

I found the Honda Hornet was actually more, circa £650.

Given the insurance groups, this didn't make sense. So it might be worth trying a few bikes, you might be surprised at the insurance costs.

The Suzuki GSX650F is another option. Comfy seat and riding position, quickish, but not crazy. And keenly priced.

All are around 50mpg

The KTM Duke 690 and BMW G650GS get nearer 65MPG+

[YorksNovice]

Pigeon... That's interesting. I have been quoted between £250 and 350 for cbr500 and similar for er6f. However cheapest quotes for cbr600f is £750.

I know what people are saying re Bandit but my friend has one and it's way too heavy for little me!

Budget is based on finance quotes and trade in around £6000. And having risen ER6N on 60mph+ roads, windscreen is a must.

Have considered BMW F650 GS but it is dramatically different from what I am used to.

Thanks for all advice.

[-Matt-]

[DrSnoosnoo]

I've ridden a ER6 and while the clunk is noticeable, it's not as bad as a ZZR600, that think sounds like a gun has been shot.

speaking of ZZR600, that is a "sporty" looking bike, with cheaper insurance than the ZX6R. Slightly less powerful, lots of fairing for weather protection, not as upright seating position as some ...

Give one a test ride
____________________
I'm Sam; Northern, Ginger, Lover
Did have: '95 ZZR600 '83 CG125 '97 ZZR1100 '15 Hypermotard 821 SP Do Have: '10 ZX10R

[Joncrete Cungle]

Have you been getting quotes on the new CBR600F or the older ones? Try a quote on a 1999 - 2003 model if you have only looked at the new ones.

[bikertomm]

My vote is the hornet


https://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o520/bikerrtomm/20130609_192848_zps93ff1bed.jpg
____________________
07' Honda Hornet now full powaah! My guide on performing an oil change!

[CestrianX]

You really have to get down to the local dealership and check out the offerings. The SV650, Hornet, Bandit, Fazer etc are all great bikes so you need to sit on them and get a feel for them. Personally, I'd draw up a list then strike off the bikes that really don't float your boat, leaving a handful of possibilities to aim for.

[P.]

[YorksNovice]

[bikertomm]

[YorksNovice]

[YorksNovice]