First bike from a 125

tshort2007 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 07 Jun 2009 Karma :

Looking at getting a yamaha XJ600 OR a honda CB600 as my first "Mans" bike.

Would these be a suitable first bike? and how reliable are they, and how cheap to maintain?

Any other suggestions?

Regards

iooi · Super Spammer Joined: 14 Jan 2007 Karma :

Xj 600 will be fine.

Reliable as they come and as cheap to maintain as well....
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metalangel · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Feb 2009 Karma :

I take it you want a more upright riding position hence your choices.

Don't forget the ever popular Bandits and Fazers, possibly even a Z750?

Best advice is to go to a big dealer with a lot of bikes, and sit on everything that you like the look of until you find ones comfortable. And then choose the one that you like the look of best/has the best price (delete as appropriate) and test ride it!
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Previous: 2002 Honda CB500 (sold), 2007 Suzuki SV650SK6 (crashed), 2005 Yamaha FZ6 Fazer (sold). Currently bikeless Sad

"A faired bike will get you 10x more clunge than a unfaired one." -Marlboro Matt

tshort2007 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 07 Jun 2009 Karma :

I'd prefer a CBR or ZXR, or even a YZF, but a bt dubious about having one for my first. Rather have a cheap commuter to learn on, and upgrade later after more experiance. I have 7 years driving, and 6 months on a 125, so i know road sense well, now it just down to the handling of a more powerful bike.

metalangel · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Feb 2009 Karma :

Bandits and Fazers are commuters, get a 600cc one and it should suit you fine!
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Previous: 2002 Honda CB500 (sold), 2007 Suzuki SV650SK6 (crashed), 2005 Yamaha FZ6 Fazer (sold). Currently bikeless Sad

"A faired bike will get you 10x more clunge than a unfaired one." -Marlboro Matt

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

CB600 is still pretty recent and so not that cheap to buy 2nd hand, and given that you appear to want something to get used to the weight and umph for a bit (probably sensible) it seems a lot to throw away on depreciation.

The XJ600 has been around for years and plenty at reasonable money. Same for the Bandit. One of those pair would seem reasonable.

All the best

Keith
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