Starting all over again...

[Feasty]

Hi all

It's been a while since I've been on here, but I'm finally looking to get back onto 2 wheels again.

Unfortunately I've lost my way a bit knowing what kind of bikes are out there. My all time fave in the past was a Honda SLR650 thumper, and I'd love to get another - but they just aren't around much any more.

My budget is around the £1k - £1.5k mark, could any of you recommend me a single cylinder that's similar at all? So I can get the thumper feeling back again!

My last bike was a Divy 900, and whilst I liked that a lot too, it's too big and heavy for what I'm looking for now. I'm also a big bloke, 6'2 and would prefer a more sit up and beg style bike than trying to squeeze my legs under my arse.


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Previous: Aprilia Habana Retro 50cc (beauty), Yamaha SR125 (fell apart), Honda XR125 (nippy little commuter), Honda SLR650 (Geewhizz), Yamaha Diversion 900S (Smoooooth) written off courtesy of a stupid escaped horse.
(7 year gap), BMW F650 (Relaxing ride). Aprilia Caponord ETV1000 (Big and bold). Yamaha FZS600 (got me in trouble too quick!).
Current: Yamaha TDM 900 (Comfy, light but big, power when needed).

[Polarbear]

I don't know much about thumpers, I've never really liked them for road bikes. If I was to have a single it would have to be a Royal Enfield but obviously that isn't the direction you want.

So it would have to be a KTM, a BMW or what about an MT03?

Although in your price range probably the BMW F650 is your best bet.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Rogerborg]

Yup, F650GS / Sertao / G650X (Xchallenge / Xcountry Xmoto) are viable. Maybe a G650GS if you can find one in budget.

On the F650GS, have a good look for any hint of fractures of the front forks though, and run (don't walk) away if you're in any doubt.

G650GSes seem to like operating with total loss oil systems, from the oil cooler or cylinder heads.

The X bikes are well regarded by the few people that bought one.
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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

[garth]

If you can stretch to 1700 I know of an 07 Husqvarna SM610 for sale.

Talon wheels on it too.
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You ain't a has been if you never was

[MahatmaAndhi]

Does the 650 Pegaso fit in this category?
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2008 Aprilia Sportcity 250

[ADSrox0r]

[Feasty]

Thanks for the replies, so I've decided it may be worth spending a bit more to get what I want. I like the F650's a LOT, I would be interested in the Husqvarna garth - but it does need to be a trade purchase as I'll be sticking it on a credit card!

I've seen an Aprilia Pegaso nearby, 2002 with 15k miles, for £2k which sounds reasonable. And it's the kind of sit up style I like. However as ever when you start looking round, my head keeps getting turned by Triumphs - namely a Sprint 955i, bit too big really but I've always liked the Tigers too...
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Previous: Aprilia Habana Retro 50cc (beauty), Yamaha SR125 (fell apart), Honda XR125 (nippy little commuter), Honda SLR650 (Geewhizz), Yamaha Diversion 900S (Smoooooth) written off courtesy of a stupid escaped horse.
(7 year gap), BMW F650 (Relaxing ride). Aprilia Caponord ETV1000 (Big and bold). Yamaha FZS600 (got me in trouble too quick!).
Current: Yamaha TDM 900 (Comfy, light but big, power when needed).

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

How much are you upping your budget by? If looking at naked Triumphs definitely consider the Street Triple if you can stretch that far. Think the early ones started coming out in 2007 or 2008.
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Pictorgraphicalfantastical

[Feasty]

Not by much more, thinking tops is £2k. Does make a difference in the bikes I have available to buy though.

There's a shop near me that has a Pegaso, Triumph Trident (750), Sprint and a Divy 600 all for less than 2k, looking forwards to taking a peak at those! 😁
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Previous: Aprilia Habana Retro 50cc (beauty), Yamaha SR125 (fell apart), Honda XR125 (nippy little commuter), Honda SLR650 (Geewhizz), Yamaha Diversion 900S (Smoooooth) written off courtesy of a stupid escaped horse.
(7 year gap), BMW F650 (Relaxing ride). Aprilia Caponord ETV1000 (Big and bold). Yamaha FZS600 (got me in trouble too quick!).
Current: Yamaha TDM 900 (Comfy, light but big, power when needed).

[P.]

[Rogerborg]

If you can't afford to buy it with your own money, you doubly can't afford to buy it from a dealer. Especially at that price range where the dealer premium is going to be 30-50% of the bike value.
____________________
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

[MahatmaAndhi]

[Feasty]

Well I've just been out to look at some and the Pegasus is already sold so the price can't be too far out...
I can afford to pay out of my own pocket, just rather use a 0% card and keep my savings for emergencies - plus that means I can choose my own monthly payments.

Having seen the Triumphs, they are nice but perhaps a bit too big and heavy for what I'm after. I'll keep looking round, a nearby Kawasaki zr7 interests me but reviews talk about it not being as quick as most. Anyone got or had one?
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Previous: Aprilia Habana Retro 50cc (beauty), Yamaha SR125 (fell apart), Honda XR125 (nippy little commuter), Honda SLR650 (Geewhizz), Yamaha Diversion 900S (Smoooooth) written off courtesy of a stupid escaped horse.
(7 year gap), BMW F650 (Relaxing ride). Aprilia Caponord ETV1000 (Big and bold). Yamaha FZS600 (got me in trouble too quick!).
Current: Yamaha TDM 900 (Comfy, light but big, power when needed).

[Rogerborg]

So, ideally you want something with 1 cylinder, or 4 cylinders, or 3 cylinders?

Did I miss any?
____________________
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

[Feasty]

[Rogerborg]

Honda CBX!

https://i.imgur.com/w5a6sjU.jpg?1
____________________
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

[P.]

[Feasty]

I likey, but my budget won't stretch that far...

However, I've just been offered a BMW G650 Xcountry 2008 with 45k on the clock for less than £2k. Think that could be a steal!
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Previous: Aprilia Habana Retro 50cc (beauty), Yamaha SR125 (fell apart), Honda XR125 (nippy little commuter), Honda SLR650 (Geewhizz), Yamaha Diversion 900S (Smoooooth) written off courtesy of a stupid escaped horse.
(7 year gap), BMW F650 (Relaxing ride). Aprilia Caponord ETV1000 (Big and bold). Yamaha FZS600 (got me in trouble too quick!).
Current: Yamaha TDM 900 (Comfy, light but big, power when needed).

[P.]

[Rogerborg]

[P.]

[Feasty]

Good photos, you been jumping it!?

The mileage might be high at 45k but apart from the odd 1or 2 I'm not finding them anywhere for less than £3k regardless of age/mileage...
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Previous: Aprilia Habana Retro 50cc (beauty), Yamaha SR125 (fell apart), Honda XR125 (nippy little commuter), Honda SLR650 (Geewhizz), Yamaha Diversion 900S (Smoooooth) written off courtesy of a stupid escaped horse.
(7 year gap), BMW F650 (Relaxing ride). Aprilia Caponord ETV1000 (Big and bold). Yamaha FZS600 (got me in trouble too quick!).
Current: Yamaha TDM 900 (Comfy, light but big, power when needed).

[P.]

Not mine, plenty of snapped forks, swingers, frames online.

Problem is... the Triumph is a bit more, but its probably 4x the bike. Biased as mine was the best machine I have ever had and I have had a lot of bikes

[-Monty-]

Since you have upped your budget to £2k, and you originally said you wanted a big single, you could have a look at the DRZ400SM.

I'm enjoying my 400s, but it seems you're looking for a road bike so the SM would fit the bill better. Add an aftermarket exhaust (if it doesn't already have one, which it most likely will) and you have yourself an ASBO
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Present: [Kawasaki ZX7r][Suzuki DRZ 400s]
Past: [Honda PCX 125] [Yamaha RXS 100] [Honda CB 500] [Triumph Speed Four] [Honda ST1100 Pan European - Po-Po Edition]

[ADSrox0r]

Only reason I haven't picked up a DRZ is it's just a scum magnet, even in leafy rural middle class country bumpkin land where I am it'd still get robbed in a heartbeat.
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Current bikes: '08 VFR 800 VTEC(yo) , '07 ZZR1400 Winter hack: '95 Aprilia 650 Pegaso Currently lusting after: RC30