Newbie. A2 Test coming up, thoughts on which 47BHP bike.

SDemeda · L Plate Warrior Joined: 05 Sep 2013 Karma :

Hi guys, first off - hi! I'm new to the forums and must say that I love the community going on, helping each other etc.

I was hoping I could join the community and listen to some advice.

I have rode motorbikes since I was about 6 years old - but I have only been on the roads since January (I'm 21 in March, and I only have a CBT).

Initially, once I pass my test, I wanted a motorbike I could just sit on, with me and my missus, stick a tent on the bike and just, well, go.

This led me towards the Yamaha Fazer 600 (restricted).

BUT - I am unsure of restricting a bike, I'd like to feel as much as possible on my first real bike, and not a castrated version.

ALSO - I had a quick little go on my cousins Aprillia Habana '99 (?) and a friends CBF125 - and I actually really like the position & style.

Bottom line - can anyone recommend any bikes that:

1. Can hold enough luggage to go away for a weekend
2. Is comfortable for both rider & pillion on long journeys
3. Looks awesome (my opinion is broad, love super-sport looks, but also BMW GS)
4 (optional). Can be customized well.

I know, I'm not asking for much Embarassed

Cheers guys,

Sam.
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Current bike: Yamaha YBR125 '06
Prev bikes: Far too many hand built bikes to remember! Since I was about 6 Y/O
Looking to trade for another 125. Mine is YBR125 '06 w/ 5,000 miles.

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

You forgot to add: reliable and cheap. Wink

That reminds me: what's your budget?

The Fazer would be great, but like the Hornet, it claims just over 70kW, so it's not suitable for restricting down for an an A2 license. That's not to say that you'll find anyone who knows or cares, but be clear in your own mind.

The range of A2 compliant bikes with "super-sport looks" is tiny: ancient 400s plus a bunch of Suzukis: GS500F, SV650S with lower fairings, GSX650F. Forget CBR600s, Thundercats, Gixxers (and don't trust MCN power figures!)

If you don't want to restrict then the GS500 (naked or faired) is one of the very few 500+ bikes that doesn't need restricted for A2. The others are the G650GS (pretty vibey, your missus might enjoy that though) the NC700S/X and the new CB500 variants, plus a couple of cruisers.

It's a scunner, but that's where those mongs in Brussels have left us with the 35kW limit. If you decide to go restricted (and a convincing looking piece of paper will cover you in the majority of situations) then that opens up loads more bikes. CB600, all the sub litre "adventure" bikes, Bandit, Gladius, Divvys, ER6.

I wouldn't rule out the Honda Deauville either. It might not be the most thrilling of bikes, but it's got built in luggage, is designed for comfort, and it's a bike, it'll do bike things. Wink

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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

adam277 · Spanner Monkey Joined: 29 Jul 2012 Karma :

Here is a restrictor for the Fazer.

From what I can make out, it only works on pre 04 models.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Yamaha-FZS-Fazer-600-Restrictor-Kit-33-BHP-certificate-NOT-FZ6-S2-/321197117157?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts_13&hash=item4ac8d70ee5

The BMW G650 GS seems your best bet. Big and looks great.

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Jord35 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 24 May 2012 Karma :

If you've got a bit of money to throw at a bike, triumph and Kawasaki are bringing out A2 compatible versions of the street triple and z800.

Edit: The triumph is a bit rubbish pillion wise though.
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2008 Street Triple R

passifid · Nova Slayer Joined: 13 Oct 2011 Karma :

could do an XT660X at native, dad says not bad two up with a 14 stone lad on the back and a slightly more one on the front, tall they are though.
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CBT: 10/2011 | Theory:6/2012 | MOD1: 8/2012

von1papen · Spanner Monkey Joined: 12 Jan 2011 Karma :

Clearly a Bonneville! Didn't actually realise they make them A2 compliant now.
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Honda CG125<Honda CM200< Kwak GT750 (SOLD) < BMW R65

SDemeda · L Plate Warrior Joined: 05 Sep 2013 Karma :

SDemeda · L Plate Warrior Joined: 05 Sep 2013 Karma :

SDemeda · L Plate Warrior Joined: 05 Sep 2013 Karma :

Jord35 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 24 May 2012 Karma :

Mehty · Spanner Monkey Joined: 25 Jul 2011 Karma :

I jumped up from a ybr to a er6n (33bhp) back In march.
Other than the shit stock tyres, and the okish rear shock, I love it.
I'm young, and the insurance isn't bad (£500, tpft)
Iv done just over 7k on it and it's still keep
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2007 YBR 125 (sold), 2011 ER6-N (sold), LHD 1999 GSX750F (sold), ??? Sad

???