first big bike...

[waspy]

My first bike is a gs 125.

I want to sell this and buy a bigger bike "SURPRISE!"

The reason is my boyfriend & I are planning a trip to Eastern Europe via Norway, Finland, Sweden etc in July.

I am in turmoil as to which bike to choose. There are so many aspects to look at! Price, condition, mileage, appearance,distance from me.

I like the Honda cbf 500, which I know would be a 2nd hand deal. It is a suitable size height and weight for me. I dont love it though...
However
I love the Yamaha MT 03 660 but is a little too high (not with some seat padding or suspension adjustments) and some say too big and expensive for a 1st big bike.

I want a bike to keep for a few years that will take a s*** load of mileage without tooo many problems, I also want a f*** load of fun with it.

Actually haven't given any direction as to how any1 would reply to this, but my sense of direction has gone away in pages of what now feels like an addiction of 'bike picture porn'.
sorry
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SHORTSEXYGIRAFFE

Zephyr 550 baby!!

[happytheman]

Good luck on your search, I'm feeling a bit blitzed with all the options

[deanoet]

As you are wanting to go touring on it then some fairing will be a good idea.

Have a look at the half / bikini faired bikes

Can only think of the Fazer at the moment
The bandit and Hornet both have a faired version

I have the naked hornet and motorway speeds (above 80) for any prolongued time get tiresome on the neck and shoulders due to the wind against them.


You could go nuts and get yourself a sports tourer such as the Blackbird, but it may be a bit more than you want.
There is the CBR600F which is a smaller sports tourer



TBH if you like the MT 03 660 and can afford it, then why not?
Be careful and be sensible and you will be fine.
You say you want to keep it a few years, if you buy a bike and you really love the MT 03 660 you will end up with one before the few years anyway.

You cant really go wrong with any of the big bike manufacturers. Honda, Yam, Suzuki and zawasaki are generally bullet proof if looked after.
Aprillia and ducati opinion seems to vary, but they are hardly unreliable. Just the Jap bikes tend to be indestructable*

Good site for bike searching, bit slow mind



* not a challenge to try and destroy one
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CBT Passed 18th July 2007 : Previous Bikes> CG125 : Current Bike> Hornet 600 : PASSED DAS 30th Oct 2007
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[strag]

How much do you want to spend?

A couple that are worth looking at are the ER 6, F & N from Kawasaki, and the SV range from Suzuki. Cheap enough and they come faired or unfaired. Solid proven engines as well and the seat height is not to high.
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carbon bling

[tutton]

Theres a MT03 for sale on a local forum i go on
"My MT03 is on an 08 plate
has 708 on the clock
and is mint con
i payed 4400 2 mouths ago and am lookin for 3800 ono
Comes pre installed with 33bhp restrictors but wil pay for them to be removed if wanted"

Not a bad price for a brand new bike i spose
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Past: '05 Peugeot XPS '99 Aprillia RS125 '94 FZR600R
Current: '02 ZX636 A1P '51 CCM R30