Help with choice of bike

Aka Matt · Trackday Trickster Joined: 15 Feb 2008 Karma :

I passed my A2 test last week and have since been looking for a reasonable bike to move onto. A 400 would have been ideal for me as they seem to be cheap to keep on the road however im 6 foot 3 and all the 400's ive seen are just far too small for me to comfortably live with in the long run.

I found a decent 600 bandit which would have suited me down to the ground but when i went to check it out someone else was test riding it and I was given the impression they have been interested in it for a while so there is a good chance that they have bought it.

So i have now come up with a list of bikes local (ish) to where i am and would like peoples opinions on each if possible and would also like to know what you would recommend me (the bike will have to be restricted to 33bhp and im coming up for 19 with 0 no claims but am 6 months through my current policy so insurance is also needs to be taken into account but isn't a main concern). The bikes i've found are Kawasaki ZX600R (1997), Kawasaki GPZ 500 (2001) and Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer (1998). I will be doing about 10000 miles a year so it would be nice if the bike will handle this without costing me an arm and a leg to keep on the road. Any suggestions on other bikes would also be greatly appreciated.

.Chris. · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Jun 2007 Karma :

A 500 twin is probably a better bet than an IL4 600 if you're worried about running costs, and will be cheaper to insure too.

The GPZ500 you've mentioned is well regarded but I think they're well ugly! Other ones to look out for are the Honda CB500, Kawasaki ER-5 and Suzuki GS500.
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Chris
1985 Kawasaki Z550F

adam6177 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 06 Feb 2008 Karma :

For ease of commute I'd say look at an SV650 as the V Twin means you wont need to change gear quite so much.

However, I've just got a 2006 FZ6 and absolutely love it....upright riding position which I reckon would be great for the commute.

Thumbs Up

Adam

eddyh · Nova Slayer Joined: 03 Jan 2008 Karma :

A 500 twin is cheap running cost wise and insurance. Also plenty enough to use after passing the A2 test. Atm i have a cb500 and couldn't recommend it enough. I will keep it until my restriction has ended and then think about upgrading. The bike is also very light and easy to handle, like 125 but with extra power.

I was going to get a bandit 600, but insurance company took the piss wanting £700 tpff were as my cb500 is £400FC. 19yo 1nc.