Recent big single - what's out there?

Robby · Dirty Old Man Joined: 16 May 2002 Karma :

I'm currently riding an early VFR750, and not really getting on with it. It isn't the ideal bike for all-weather riding in London.

I've always like big singles, so I'm thinking of getting one at the end of the summer. It needs to be up to the Euro 3 emissions spec to be able to ride it to work from 2020 on, so I'm looking at 2007-on bikes.

I was previously considering an MT03, but the information I've found about them doesn't paint a very rosy picture. Gerry, the ginger bastard, then put me on to the Mash 400 which appears to tick my boxes - essentially a modern CB250RS, with an electric start and fuel injection. There aren't many of them around though.

What else is out there? I will also consider Chinese bikes, as long as the underlying design is simple (like the Mash) so I can fix/replace/weld anything particularly shoddy.

Budget of £2-3k, probably closer to 2.

c_dug · Super Spammer Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Karma :

Derbi made a 659cc single for a while, I've never come across one on the road mind so I'm not sure what chance you'll have of tracking one down to buy. I'd almost rather go Chinese!

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/derbi/mulhacen-659/2006/

KTM Duke was the first thing that sprang to my mind, but I'd expect it to get stolen in about 5 minutes unless it's properly under lock and key at both ends of your journey.

If I was insistent on a big single to commute on I reckon I'd be looking at the BMW F650 but I don't know that they're Euro 3 compliant.
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Wafer_Thin_Ham · Super Spammer Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Karma :

DRZ400 SM?
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c-m · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 May 2006 Karma :

KTM 690 Duke. It now puts out around 74 hp and has a new balancer shaft so should be super smooth (for a single).

Curious. How can your employer stop you riding to work?

c_dug · Super Spammer Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Karma :

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M.C · Super Spammer Joined: 29 Sep 2015 Karma :

Robby · Dirty Old Man Joined: 16 May 2002 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Royal Enfield 500 EFI in the variation/style of your choosing.

Euro 3 compliant and practically the definition of a big single.
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SQL · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Aug 2012 Karma :

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thx1138 · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Oct 2005 Karma :

I really liked the MT-03 when I borrowed one, but I only had it for a day.

I had a BMW 650 Sertao, wanted to like it, but didn't much.

CCM450 maybe?

Alex A · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Mar 2007 Karma :

1cyl · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Karma :

Find another ££££ somewhere. And go only way is orange!

It's the "single" most awesome!
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Robby · Dirty Old Man Joined: 16 May 2002 Karma :

I am planning on keeping it that long. Even if I only keep it two years, I'll be selling just before the central London ultra-low emission zone comes into force, which will knacker the value of anything that isn't Euro 3 with range of London.

So far it looks like there aren't that many options. MT03, where the fanboys are M.C. on his first big bike (thank you for your interest, but you do not have enough experience for this role) and SQL. His one caught fire.

Enfield. Tempting in many ways, but my favourite thing about them is reading Stinkwheels long and detailed posts on getting round some of the engineering deficiencies. Possibly not ideal for a daily commuter where need brakes that at least from the 80s.

KTM. Too expensive, looks like it's trying too hard. I don't need a 70hp single, just something where either the frame and chassis are balanced, or the chassis isn't quite good enough for the engine (like most 80s bikes. I like that).

Currently the Mash 400 scrambler is winning because I like the look of it, and I haven't heard of one needing significant re-engineering, or catching fire.

Pie-Roe · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Feb 2007 Karma :

I tried the MT-03, it seemed okay. I'm not sure how enjoyable it would be day to day. I didn't like that it felt like it ran out of steam quickly, and not much of that punchy low down single feel. Also felt fairly heavy for the power it did have. Would be okay in traffic I think.
Personally I would prefer to have another SM style if I was getting a single, although practicality day to day and desirability factor in your area might be an issue.
I think one of the BMWs might tick more boxes. I had a play on a F650 and liked it.
I've heard good things about the Pegaso, but it uses the same XT based engine as the MT-03, might be weighted better though.
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temeluchus · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 Oct 2008 Karma :

honda fmx 650?
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arry · Super Spammer Joined: 03 Jan 2009 Karma :

XT660?

If it does absolutely have to be a single and can be a twin that's open up a whole bunch more options

Alpineandy · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Mar 2015 Karma :

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

I'm fine with using an Enfield as a daily commuter, although it's a fair point that the brakes and tyres require a bit more forward planning. The only thing that's stopped it has been a snapped clutch cable, but that was due to it getting pinched under the tank.

The EFI/UCE models look to have sorted a lot of the issues with the older bikes. I wouldn't rule them out if you enjoy getting back to basics a bit.

To highlight the idiocy of the lizard overlords, mine is a 2008 registered Euro 2 AVL carbed model (with a bigger carb and decatted exhaust), but AFAIK the 2020 charge is going to be applied strictly by registration year.
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Irezumi aka Reuben · Carrot Top Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Karma :

Realise this isnt an answer to your question but why are you going for a big single?

Are you still around Crystal Palace area? If so I can walk quicker through the traffic going in to London from there. Surely a 125 would suffice, have you considered that as an option or will this be your only bike? CB125/YZF125 etc...

If you really must stick to a single I'd go for a big scooter. Not so easy to work on but they seem to break a lot less. T-Max? Easy enough to paddle through traffic, lots of space and no faffing about with a clutch lever which can get boring in town.

I'd also consider going for a twin. Versys/V-strom 650 if you want off-road style or W650 for classic looks. Much more versatile as all round bikes for out of London in my opinion.
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