Getting back into Biking...

Scotty · Scooter Boi Joined: 31 Jul 2002 Karma :

Hello All,
Been away for a good numbers of years. But to cut a long story short. Really want to get get back out on a bike from a 5 year gap.

Have a few quid saved but looking at £1000 for a bike. Located in the midlands. (Birmingham).

Would be a weekend toy as the Alfa will be doing the commuting miles.
So doesn't need to be practical.

Prefer twins or something a bit more interesting than the standard inline 4.

Doesn't need to be perfect. I'm handy with a spanner or cosmetically perfect.

Won't be doing pillion. Will live in a garage and be pampered.

Looking at 600cc+ and fuel isn't a concern. It's a toy. A fun toy.

I've always had sensible bikes and now if my time to have some thing a little bonkers on a budget. So any suggestions I'd be welcome to hear.
Age and mileage also not a concern.
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Regards
Scott

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Leany-forwards or sitty-upwards?
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Matt B · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 May 2012 Karma :

If you want something a bit more upright then Bandit 1200 Thumbs Up

Not the later 1250, the older air/oil cooled ones. Superb engine, hoonigan wheelie tool if you want it to be, or comfy sedate bimble bike for relaxed days.
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duhawkz · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Dec 2006 Karma :

TL1000
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Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Scotty · Scooter Boi Joined: 31 Jul 2002 Karma :

Weirdly enough I always loved the TL1000 Widowmaker.
And strangely that entered my top bikes when making a short list.

They have a tank range of about 100 miles which is a bit pants though.

I'm 30 and although I'd like to think hunkered over would be okay. On a long jaunt I imagine it would wear thin. But I remember being younger and having more sit up bikes (Sensible) but I used to do 20k a year on them so I had a reason to.

Now I'd just like a loon tool.

Not that I'm afraid of taking engines out and stripping them. I have in the past quite a bit. Mostly with car's and when I first started with the NSR (Well scooters before) so even with anything with a bit of TLC would do to be honest.

I had a Bandit 600, 650 and 1200. Liked them all but as far as engine configs go I do like Singles / Twins or V4. Not impartial to an inline 4. Its just even my car has a V6. They just sound far more interesting.
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Regards
Scott

duhawkz · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Dec 2006 Karma :

inline4 · Nova Slayer Joined: 20 May 2015 Karma :

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

stevo as b4 · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Karma :

Id be wanting an Aprilia Falco with some tasty aftermarket bits on.

It's the other bike apart from the 2003 Blade that I would have quite liked to have swapped my ZX6R for around that time.

But VTR is definitely in your budget and the most minty stunning one's are never more than £1500 tops!

Scotty · Scooter Boi Joined: 31 Jul 2002 Karma :

All great advice. I've just never been in a position to be able to have a bike and leave it for fun and shiny. So its new to me.

Its quite a nice position to be in.

16-26 I had to have sensible bike and now is the time to splash out and have some budget fun
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Regards
Scott

Scotty · Scooter Boi Joined: 31 Jul 2002 Karma :

All great advice. I've just never been in a position to be able to have a bike and leave it for fun and shiny. So its new to me.

Its quite a nice position to be in.

16-26 I had to have sensible bike and now is the time to splash out and have some budget fun
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Regards
Scott

Matt B · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 May 2012 Karma :

OP - What about an Aprilia Falco if you are off the IL4s?

Better than a Firestorm and I reckon you could just about squeeze one of those in with your budget now that winter is coming.

Edit - oops Stevo already said that Embarassed

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Matt B · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 May 2012 Karma :

"Winter is coming!"
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chickenstrip · Super Spammer Joined: 06 Dec 2013 Karma :

TRX850?

Keep it standard or tart it up to your own taste, they seem to be quite a popular choice for something a little different.(edit: spot the paradox Rolling Eyes

)
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Scotty · Scooter Boi Joined: 31 Jul 2002 Karma :

Im not against the inline fours. Its just I know sometimes they can seem a little flat and although the idea or a large 1200 does seem nice. The slightly de tuned lump does appeal. As you say they are robust and tuneable if I want a bit. Ore poke. But I think 100hp in a bike is plenty. Ive had lots of fun on bikes with half that output.

In fact ive had 125 2 strokes with a quarter of that and had a right hoon and giggle on them red lining them to keep up with anything remotely quick ish.

I guess where the old bandits come into play is you get a lot of bike for the money.
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Regards
Scott