Running Costs

[cd52]

Hi there,

I'm new to the whole biking game, was put off as a youngster by my parents and now I've decided that it's time I got my licence.
Anyway, took my CBT end of last year (just to make sure I liked it) and I'm going to take my full test this summer at some point.
I was going to go for the direct access course but I think I'm going to opt for the normal one and get the bike restricted as I want to make sure I survive my first year or so on it.

What I want to know is how much the average 600 Sportsbike CBR/GSXR/ZX-R will cost me to run?

What I wanted to know was what peoples general running costs are from things like sevicing to tyres and MPG.

Thanks in advance

Callum

[Barker-CBR 600]

I have an excellent condition 1999 Honda CBR600.

The condition of a bike often means how much you will need to spend on it! Better condition = less problems! So my first advice is maybe spend a bit more at the start to save it falling apart, or at least save having to replace annoying little faults.

Anyways running costs

Restricted tend to run a bit rich from what i heard and i get

140 miles a tank
Tank = £12

Thats with warming up before riding out in the cold.


Tyres are expensive, if you buy a bike with good tyres they should last at least a year or two at least with regular riding. Unfortunatly i got puncture and had to fork out £300 for another rear tyre.

As for other expenses,

Minor sevices around £120, major ones are nearer £300-400 (so says 'RiDE magasine)

Couple other costs not to overlook -

Decent cleaning/maintanence set, battery charger £40, Cleaning Kit £20, Chain Lube (Important!) however much your willing to pay.

Locks - £100+ for minimum security (big chain+disc lock).

Helmet, Jacket, Gloves, Trousers, Boots, hot cups of coffee when your cold.




All that aside, in reality a CBR not that expensive to run. I ride 25 miles at least every day of the week and i run it happyily on £15 a week with £100-200 every four months or so on a service.

Easyily cheaper than any car.
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Previous - Gilera DNA50 / XVS125 Dragstar/Honda CBR 600F/GSF 650 Bandit
Current - 2013 Suzuki VZ800 Intruder
'Is this a rhetorical question?'

[Bendy]

[Villers]

[Barker-CBR 600]

Oh yeah there aint a rule saying that newer = better.

Theres always the element of making a good choice and a bit of pot luck thrown in there as well.
____________________
Previous - Gilera DNA50 / XVS125 Dragstar/Honda CBR 600F/GSF 650 Bandit
Current - 2013 Suzuki VZ800 Intruder
'Is this a rhetorical question?'

[cd52]

So running costs of around about the same amount as a decent car then?
What about clutch replacements and so on?
Just paid £400 to have my cars changed so what kind of price are these?
Also, how long will your average bike last until it's considered ready for the knackers yard?

Sorry for all the questions, just need to get a good idea of what I'm going to be letting myself into.

Cheers

[Barker-CBR 600]

From what i been told

Service every 4-6K miles dependant upon the bike.

New tyres every 1-2 years.

At 15000 miles most bikes need a major service/engine rebuild (agains RiDE's CBR guide info there) which is the most expensive, this is when what needs replacing gets replacing.

Apart from that shouldnt have to fork out for much else unless you get a bad egg.

But look after it, dont smash it or thrash it.. and you are looking at a long lasting investment.

Can still buy bikes from 86-87 that run fine when been looked after... so its more how long can you look after it.
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Previous - Gilera DNA50 / XVS125 Dragstar/Honda CBR 600F/GSF 650 Bandit
Current - 2013 Suzuki VZ800 Intruder
'Is this a rhetorical question?'

[TheShaggyDA]

Here's a good comparison of running costs from the AA. It covers petrol and diesel cars, and motorbikes :-

https://www.theaa.com/allaboutcars/advice/archive.html
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Current: CB500 Previous: CB100N, CB250RS, XJ900F, GT550, GPZ750R/1000RX, AJS M16, R100RT, Enfield Bullet

[i:6e3bfc7581]But still I fear and still I dare not laugh at the madman...[/i:6e3bfc7581]

[cd52]