Best Bike To Buy

[Paulus75]

I've just passed my direct access and I've only got about a £1000 to spend on my first big bike. I've been looking at late 90's Kawasaki ER-5 or the Suzuki Bandit and I'd be very interested in any comments about these two bikes (and how well they age) or any other bike that might fit the bill. I know that whatever I buy isn't going to be perfect because of the small price but I hope to get something that'll run half decently.

Please note I'm 6'4" so any type of sports bike is completely out. I've tried a CBR600 and it makes me look like I'm riding a monkey bike:)

Cheers

Paul

[Itchy]

As in the other thread have you considered a SRAD? They are sports bikes but even back in the day were barge sized. ER5s are ok but terrifically boring Bandits are also ok but have terrible finishes.

What about a Fazer 600? They are pretty upright and can be ridden pretty agressively 99-02 ones are pretty good except for the candle like headlamps (simple mod) They are also barge sized and will deal with commutes and weekend fun as Kitty has proven. Hers is virtually imortal having been involved in a couple major offs.
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Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

[Paulus75]

Thanks for that. I agree with you completely that ER5's are a bit dull and like you, I haven't heard great things about bandit build quality.

The Fazer's a good idea to look into and although I'd never have thought of the SRAD in a million years myself, you've got me seriously wanting one now:)

Thanks again.

[Itchy]

You know you want one

https://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac230/adamz3hannah/bike1.jpg
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Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

[c_dug]

Unless you're late 20's or older surely a Gixxer of any era will cost an absolute fortune to insure?

Although since we're whoring £1000 90's sports bikes, I'll leave this here:

https://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee81/paddy2007dug/CBR600f.jpg
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[Paulus75]

I'm 35 so insurance shouldn't be TOO bad. I've ridden The CBR and it's a fantastic bike but I get severe cramp in my right leg after about 20 miles:)

I do really like that gixxer, although it's perhaps not the most practical choice in the world. I need to sell a kidney and buy two bikes.

Keep the late 90's superbikes coming though! They are something special.

[c_dug]

ZX7R is IMO by far one of the best looking 90's sports bikes, insurance is surprisingly cheap too, cheaper than some of the 600's

Pretty extreme riding position I am told though.
____________________
I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.