£3000 for a do it all bike

[moppy]

Suggestions please.

I've recently come into some money and want to get this bike sorted before the summer hits. I have owned a Suzuki VL 125, ZZR600, ZXR 750 and Varadero 125 in the past.

It'll be used for commuting daily on a mix of NSL & urban roads, and when time permits for back road scratching and hopefully atleast one long European tour this summer. I don't want a full on sports bike, and looking to avoid litre bikes because I want to save them for later in my biking career if that makes sense. Would also ideally like something that isn't an IL4 just because I want to try something new.

Bike has to be:
- Comfortable for both me and a pillion
- Cheap to run (fuel efficiency, servicing costs)
- Reliable (I'm useless with my hands, so the less I have to use them, the better).

So hardly an original request.

Things that I've considered include:

VFR 800 (VTEC & non-VTEC)
- Probably what I really want. But even older models with higher mileages command ridiculous prices. Not an IL4

CBR 600F
- Again, really like the look of this and seems fairly ideal. Again, it commands high prices compared to less attractive/similarly capable bikes.

Versys 650
- Funky, a little different and would be something other than an IL4 which is a major draw. A little boring.

VStrom 650
- Hideous. But probably the most sensible thing for myself.

Anything else the BCF massive want to throw at me?

[gavbriggs]

[Shaft]

Given you mentioned scratching, European tour and not an IL4, gotta be the VFR, but I would've chosen that from that list anyway.

There's a very good reason they are known as one of the ultimate all rounders and I think everyone should own that engine at some point, it's a jewel.
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[weasley]

FZS1000?
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Yamaha XJ600 | Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat | KTM 990 SMT | BMW F900XR TE

[G]

ZX6R G/J/A and ZX9R C/E/F - similar to the CBR600F, but often cheaper.
The ZX9R is getting up to 'litre bike' territory, though not quite the level of the true modern litre bikes. But to my mind, I'd much prefer to get a ZX9R and stick some higher bars on it, than the heavier VFR

[J.M.]

Is there a reason for not including the Thundercat on that list?

Genuinely prefer mine to my housemate's (old) CBR600F that he had, of almost the same year as my bike.
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2004 R1 & 2018 XSR900

[moppy]

Hadn't really thought about the Bandit, but I do quite like the later naked ones that still had the round headlights just before they changed it to those shitty "modern" headlights. It's a little boring, but my money would go quite far with those.

ZX6R & ZX9R are just a little too sporty for my liking. The ZXR750 had the ZX9R engine in, it was quite entertaining. But I've had 2 IL4 Kawasakis now, I'd rather try something new.

As for the Thundercat, it's a little aged, and offers nothing special that the ZZR hasn't already done for me. I was seriously considering one before I bought the ZZR, but I've gone off it since. The older VFR atleast offers a different engine and FI. I'm only looking at CBR F4i models as well, not the earlier ones.

After a bit of a browse, the Ducati Multistrada has popped up...It is a properly odd looking machine but it kinda tickles my fancy just a little. Anyone have any input on these incredibly strange machines?

[c-m]

Vstrom 650. Unless you two are pretty big.

[_Iain_]

The Versys 650 is essentially an old style ER-6.

The new ER-6 is dull and boring, the 2013 Versys 1000 I rode was an ill handling thing at best.

Thundercats the way to go IMO from the bikes I've actually ridden.
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Please be aware that the above post may be full of complete nonsense.
Riding: '07 KTM Duke II, Baotian BT49QT-20 Driving: '88 Volvo 340

[G]

ZX6R of the models I listed is very similar to the CBR600F I'd say.

ZX9R models I listed use a different engine to the one in your bike - and are as different a bike as a CBR600F basically.

I kinda fancy one of the new Multistradas with adjustable everything.
Consider the TDM too along similar lines - budget of £3k should give you lots of options for a decent 900 I'd have thought.

[chris-red]

TDM900 better than the Versys or V Strom
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[Shinigami]

fz6 fits easily in that budget for low mileage examples, very very happy with mine,

on paper 98bhp, 140mph top speed, does about 47mpg, good for pillion too (however if they have long legs they may get uncomfortable after a while, acquired lowered rear pegs for the mrs)

or the litre version if you want moar powarrr
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"Once you realize what a joke everything is, being the Comedian is the only thing that makes sense.

[bezzabsa]

st1100...bmw k100...xjr..xj900s...older bikes but eat miles,comfy, good on fuel...

[instigator]

This is a rather sportsbike orientated forum so you will always get a lot of people recommending sportsbikes over everything else, claiming they are just as good if not better and cheaper than the type of bikes you mention.

I've owned the Versys and 2 VFR's before. You get more 'for your money' with the VFR if you go pre-vtec as you shouldn't pay over £2k for a good, low milage 00-02 VFR. As you said, Versys do command a higher price but £3k CAN get you a good low mileage example if you buy privately.

As for reliability, they are probably both the same although the VFR would be more 'tried and tested' since it's been around donkeys years. The VFR & Versys both have terrible exhaust systems as standard and they will need replaced eventually. The VFR, for all it's strengths, will give you electrical problems sooner or later. They are a PITA.

I do really rate the CBR600F's. Wish I had one now. But prefer the seating position of the Versys.

[arry]

Sprint?

[Shreeve]

Out of curiosity and in context of the OP's question, how come no-one ever mentions the GSX650F?

Is there something inherently wrong with it or is it just that there are better options such as the ones in this thread?

Sorry for the slight derailment!
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Current: Suzuki GSX650F (2010), Suzuki GSXR1000 K7, Suzuki GS250T (1980) currently restoring: Clicky.
Previous: Honda CBF 125 (2011), Suzuki GSXR750 K4

[MarJay]

[G]

On the 650s - consider a F800S / F800ST too. Seem like a good combination of not-too-heavy, enough power and reasonable comfort.

[Shreeve]

[Copycat73]

[WULFSTAN]

A cbf 1000 does all them things I got mine 57 plate with full luggage for 3000.
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[J biker]

VFR800s have a great reputation as a do it all bike...I have seen two different vfrs broken down on Euro trips, and that is two out of two by the way. One regulator/rectifier (common) the other was overheating. Other than that watch for due/over due 16k service (valves!) as its a big bill. Capable bikes. Most folks prefer the smoother pre v-tec power delivery.

VStrom 650 good but a bit weedy for two up use.

TDM 900 should get a good one for 3k. Watch for rear suspension linkage being seized.

Multistrada 1000/1100?

I know its an inline 4 but the gen1 fazer thou is a cracking bike within budget, just shop around for sensible miles and a few mods.

[blue2]

I can only recommend to cbr 600 (the 650s arnt avalible there yet)
as i havnt tried the other.....Have to say it wasnt that comfy to sit on,but hair raising on the throttle.

[chickenstrip]

[Pete.]

It doesn't fit your bill but I know of someone selling an '04 'busa for £3k, with loads of extras on it. Lot of bike for the money.
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132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good