Yet another one of these threads

[Catalyst]

Hey guys, well only been out on the road for just over a month but i've got to start looking for what i want at 17 so i know how much to save for a bike, insurance etc.

I've got enough in my savings to cover my A(restricted) test, but now onto the bikes.

Well my dad said i can have his 02 plate Honda Hornet but the thing is i feel a bit uncomfortable jumping from a 50cc to a 600, i also know that with the power there i will use it and go kill myself because of little experience. I quite like the idea of a 400 because i've heard 250's are alot on insurance because they're quite rare and parts are hard to find. I guess what i'm saying really is are there any 400's you could reccomend? preferably 4-stroke and not too much on insurance, height isn't an issue and i'm a pretty big lad so weight shouldn't be a problem either. Oh and it also needs to be able to go through rain and weather as it will be my only means of transport.

Thanks, Jack
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|--Previous--|:2007 Aprilia SX50...--Current--|: 2007 Kawasaki ER-6N
SlimRick - I can cook really well - but it's a useless skill, as I'm not a woman and it's their fucking job!

[Mooncatt]

vfr400 or cbr400 are probably best bet if your after a race type bike, although finding one that hasnt been thrashed to an inch of its life and in decent nick are a rarity these days. i paid £1400 for my cbr400 on an 88 plate with 35k on the clock and its mint. even going from a 50cc to a 400cc will be a bit of a shock too as they dont half go once they get to the red line stage since mine is an import parts can be hard to come by too i couldnt find a new ignition barrel after mine got nicked but ended up buying a vfr400 barrel instead. good luck in finding one
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current bike...CBR400RR
"you always need more chicken"

[colin1]

personally, i think you'd be much better off with the hornet

with 400s, its easy to buy the wrong one that needs work doing as they are all old now, and if thats your transport, that can be a pain

if you wanted to, you could restrict the hornet if you dont trust yourself
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colin1 is officially faster than god

[Misc]

I shouldn't think you would notice a difference between a 400 & a Hornet?

[Mooncatt]

[Catalyst]

Ok thanks so far guys.

I'm not sure misc, only been on my dads round a car park and it was QUICK!

I don't want a real racy type that will hurt my back because i'm going to be commuting quite far on it. I quite like super-moto bikes but i also like racing ones, faired, naked whatever really. My dad won't let me have the Hornet unless i have the 33bhp restriction on, but my friend who's 18 has a restricted Bandit and it still accelerates really quickly.

Keep suggestions coming guys

Jack
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|--Previous--|:2007 Aprilia SX50...--Current--|: 2007 Kawasaki ER-6N
SlimRick - I can cook really well - but it's a useless skill, as I'm not a woman and it's their fucking job!

[instigator]

[Catalyst]

Thanks instigator Your all convincing me to the Hornet now!

Well he will give me the 600 for free so that's probably the best option, just hear a lot of people saying that from a 50cc to a 600 is a HUGE jump (which it is). Just don't want too much power and make mistakes.

Jack
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|--Previous--|:2007 Aprilia SX50...--Current--|: 2007 Kawasaki ER-6N
SlimRick - I can cook really well - but it's a useless skill, as I'm not a woman and it's their fucking job!

[brianmcewan.co.uk]

Don't be too worried about jumping up mate, I came off a 125 and onto a 750. Once you get used to it its fine, its just a matter of self control for a few hundred miles

I'd go for the Hornet, 400's are like tampons nowadays... (that was a joke)
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Kawasaki Z1000 '05
Honda Fireblade 954 '03

[Faraz]

How about the suzuki drz400, not a race bike so no sore back.
Looks good and wheelies in every gear

Faraz
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'56 Yamaha MT-01
'05 Nissan 350z Roadster GT
3 words dude.. Fvck. Yes.

[stinkwheel]

What about a 500 twin? They aren't quite as sexy as the 400s but you'll probably find they are chaper to insure, more reliable (because they haven't had the arse ragged off them quite as much) and cheaper to run in terms of fuel and servicing.

Sounds like what you want is primarily what I'd describe as a 'sports commuter'. I'm a big fan of the GPZ500s, the CB500 is also a worthy steed but perhaps slightly less 'sports' and more 'commuter' than the Kawasaki. I think they make cracking first 'big bikes'. There is an nice blob of power there but they are very well mannered bikes to ride about, you don't get the power unless you ask for it.

The GPZ uses the same engine as the ER5 that is used by training schools all over the country but has the engine in a slightly hotter state of tune. It also has a half fairing which helps keep the weather off. Overall a bike that will reliably get you from A to B in comfort while returning up to 60mpg if ridden sensibly and at the speed limit. Can also be taken out of a weekend for a blast about at three figure speeds if the mood takes you.

There is also the GS500 which is a good bit cheaper but this is reflected in the build quality somewhat. I personally don't like them for this reason.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Catalyst]

Cheers stinkwheel

The GPZ500s is really nice actually, if in the right colour. Think that could be one well worth looking at.

Jack
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|--Previous--|:2007 Aprilia SX50...--Current--|: 2007 Kawasaki ER-6N
SlimRick - I can cook really well - but it's a useless skill, as I'm not a woman and it's their fucking job!

[stinkwheel]

If I was in the market for one, I'd be looking for an E model with the twin discs up front, low mileage (maybe up to 15-16,000) and one that has already had the exhausts replaced with a motad 2-1. I'd go for an older one with low mileage over a newer one with higher mileage at the same price.

You'll get one like this with between 10-15,000 miles on for between £1000 and £1500 if you shop around.

Don't overlook the odd ultra low mileage D model that comes up for silly money (I've seen them under £1000). Avoid A,B and C models, they're getting tired now and can develop an expensive alternator fault.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Catalyst]

ah ok thanks, i'll keep a look out then. I quite like the ER-5 actually, i'm going to look at them aswell.

Thanks alot for your help stinkwheel

Jack
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|--Previous--|:2007 Aprilia SX50...--Current--|: 2007 Kawasaki ER-6N
SlimRick - I can cook really well - but it's a useless skill, as I'm not a woman and it's their fucking job!

[greatmoorred]

Ive got a 400 Bandit. Great bike.
Ride sensibly if you want or crank it up and ride like a nutter. Doesnt do anything too unexpected and i think it still looks pretty good.
However, im 6ft and it is a little on the small side, frame wise.

[instigator]

[Catalyst]

wow thats cheap new. Just been looking around and the GS500 is nice aswell. TBH all the bikes people have mentioned i like

Thanks guys
Jack
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|--Previous--|:2007 Aprilia SX50...--Current--|: 2007 Kawasaki ER-6N
SlimRick - I can cook really well - but it's a useless skill, as I'm not a woman and it's their fucking job!

[StottyB]

[fredsredhat]

I'd say you cant go far wrong with the hornet. I had one as a curtosy bike for a while and all my mates had a go, even one who's never even sat on a bike before. its that easy to ride. Ideal for the everyday riding and honda reliability

[MementoMori]

Hi, I went from an RS50 to an ER5 and I'm neither big nor strong and I had no problems. The ER5 was restricted and eventually I started to want more than it could give in that state.

Despite that, I really miss that bike because it was comfortable, maneuverable and reliable. I had it for... about 6 months and had absolutely no problems with it at all. As weird as it sounds, I'd get one again. The only reason I sold it was because I emigrated.

Right now, I have a VFR400 NC30 and am absolutely in love with it. The handling is incredible, and it definitely has more punch than the ER5. Once you get to about 8000 rpm, you just take off and begin to feel like the bike is pulling you along. It's heavy but balanced perfectly and you can hardly feel it under normal situations. The riding position is sporty but not as extreme as you'd think. I had travelled far to pick the bike up and as such ended up on a 9 hour ride home, minus breaks. My wrists eventually started killing me but this was to be expected when getting used to a new bike. These days, I frequently go for long rides and have no problems. I expect you'd be the same.

Judging by how I felt on the ER5 after a while, I doubt the Hornet will be too much for you to handle. It'll take getting used to but all bikes do, and you're the one controlling the power the bike has at the end of the day.

Sorry if I've repeated anything anyone said, I just skimmed the previous posts. Anyway, hope that helps.

Oh yeah, and another thing. My dad had a GPZ500S which I had a ride on. It was good but I found it a bit top heavy so struggled with this weight when coming to a stop at junctions etc.
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The tiger who came for a pint

[Hairy Ben]

[colin1]

yeah
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colin1 is officially faster than god

[Catalyst]

Cheers guys Well i've decided to go for the hornet, as i realise how lucky i am to be offered a mint condition 02 Bike.

I'm going to get it restricted because with all that power there i know i will use it when i know i can't handle it. I think Hairy ben's lines the best way to describe it:

Restrict it. Learn to use it.

Bish bosh bash. (Although i prefer bish bash bosh)

Thanks alot guys, been a really big help

Jack
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|--Previous--|:2007 Aprilia SX50...--Current--|: 2007 Kawasaki ER-6N
SlimRick - I can cook really well - but it's a useless skill, as I'm not a woman and it's their fucking job!

[Hairy Ben]

[oddkid]

I know a a Fazer 400 in excellent condition for sale. £1100 ono. Its an absolutely stunning bike, well worth the money. PM me if you want the details for it.

Edit: Ah you've made a decision, never mind, good on you lad. Have fun on the Hornet, cracking bike
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Always read the destructions.