New Bike For 18yo.

jay12329 · Dr. Evil Joined: 02 May 2003 Karma :

Im riding a Honda @125 on L-plates, and ive got my test at the end of the month.
Looking at traiding in my 125 for a 400 or 600.
Ive seen a nice y-reg Hornet 600 for £4000, is this a good first bike? Good price? and can anyone suggest a good 400cc/600cc first time bike?
I'm 18, looking at between 4-5 grand.
Thanx
J

PsychoHippy · Jammy Git Joined: 01 Jul 2002 Karma :

That price seems a bit high for a Hornet on a Y plate Confused

The Hornet is a reasoneable bike, but I found the brakes a bit ineffectual. If you want a 600 then there is always the 600 Bandit (10 a penny and bullet proof too!), or the SV650 if you fancy a V-Twin - both are good for insurance and you can get 2nd hand ones for less than £4000.
If you want to spend £5000 then you can get pretty much any half decent 600 new, so it really is pretty much a case of passing your test and getting a few demo rides.
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I spend all my money on bikes and beer, the rest I simply waste!

jay12329 · Dr. Evil Joined: 02 May 2003 Karma :

I thought it was a bit muxh too, but when i checked it out its only done 3000miles and has had a belly pan added to it.
j

Jon · Anyone for donuts? Joined: 28 Oct 2002 Karma :

The Hornet is a top bike! Price does seem a bit high as PsychoHippy said. You can pick one up new for £4500-5000.
Shocked

You're 18 and looking to spend 4-5grand on a bike Shocked

chunkielad · Nearly there... Joined: 30 Jul 2002 Karma :

IF YOU GOT THAT MUCH BUY A SECOND HAND R6!!!!
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Mark Harrison R.I.P - 26th March 2003.
Remember you always and will ride in your honour.
Big revvs up for Mark!

G1_ · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 May 2002 Karma :

Personally, if I had that much money I would get a SV650!
Go get a few test rides on all the bikes yours interested in.

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

How about spending a bit less on the bike.. and getting some decent gear etc along with your purchase.

If/when you stack it you won't lose so much and hopefully be more intact yourself Smile

TiN · Pocket Tin Joined: 14 Feb 2002 Karma :

irdawood · Banned Joined: 19 Apr 2003 Karma :

exactly what tin said

get some new gear....not only will you look good but it will protect u too Smile

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Crazy Manx Man · The Fly Swatter Joined: 26 Oct 2002 Karma :

G1_ · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 May 2002 Karma :

Zimma · Wheelie Junkie Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Even though it is a tad underpowered.... mmmmmm V-Twin

Wins hands down every time Smile

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-Zimma

jay12329 · Dr. Evil Joined: 02 May 2003 Karma :

In responce to the R6, did i not mention that im 18? £4000 for third party insurance is not my idea of a good bike!
Is anyone here a member if the IAM? is it worth someone of my age taking the advanced training? and will it help my insurance costs?
Thanks
J

EuropeanNC30R... · Gay Hairdresser Joined: 20 Jun 2002 Karma :

The insurance for 2-stroke 250cc bikes, such as an RGV250 or TZR250 is relatively cheap. As an 18 year old I paid £500 tpft with a years NCB. They also don't cost too much to fix if you crash them.

Mr.Everready · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Mar 2003 Karma :

i assme the bike will be restricted to 33bhp ?

EuropeanNC30R... · Gay Hairdresser Joined: 20 Jun 2002 Karma :

Of course mate! No one ever goes round unrestricted. Razz

jay12329 · Dr. Evil Joined: 02 May 2003 Karma :

I'm not realy interested in a 250, im after a bike which i can keep for a few years. I've had my 125 for 6 months and im bored with it! so im after at least a 400.
J

TiN · Pocket Tin Joined: 14 Feb 2002 Karma :

A 2-stroke 250 is effectively in the same class as a 4-stroke 400 (and a V-twin 650), and in most cases the 250 is faster and lighter, but reliabilty can be an issue (as with all 2-strokes).

From personal experience, you will probably want to upgrade from the 400 within a year, but I guess that depends on a variety of factors (i.e. how big you are, what the bike is mainly used for, pillions?, "bad" influences Wink

, etc.).
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TiN
dotgems.net

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

jay12329 · Dr. Evil Joined: 02 May 2003 Karma :

If i could get a new hornet for 4000 that would just about make up my mind for me.
Do you know where they got the bike from?
thanks
J

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

Mrs_Hippy · The Pink Lady Joined: 07 Jul 2002 Karma :

I was thinking of theSV650 over the hornet (mostly for value for money) but then I saw the Raptor Cool

Mrs_Hippy · The Pink Lady Joined: 07 Jul 2002 Karma :

What do you mean the same class?

Mrs_Hippy · The Pink Lady Joined: 07 Jul 2002 Karma :

Don’t worry hippy has explained it - Grasshopper learns yet more at the hands of the master
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Karma

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dainesefreak · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Apr 2003 Karma :

jay12329 - It's got to be the Hornet mate, it's a Honda!! Especially if you're going to keep it, good first big bike. I know a couple of lads with SV's, nice bikes if you don't mind the brakes and forks rotting. Depends whereabouts you are but www.Suttonmotorcycles.com a doing new 03 Hornets for £4695, they are near Brum.