Stumped on bike choice - the shortlist:

[furry-ninja]

Hi

While I wait endlessly on DVLA bureaucracy I'm trying to choose a bike fiddle with before going on a solo tour camping around Europe this summer. I've got it narrowed down to roughly these (that are selling nearby second-hand).

Honda CG125 - Pro: 100Mpg, light and easy to handle, 2007 & low mileage Con: Slow, not sexy
Honda CB400 SF - Pro: plenty power, looks nice, new biker friendly Con: heavier on fuel, 18 years old and 40k miles
Kawa KLE 500 - Pro: Go anywhere adventure bike, fairly modern (2003) and lowish miles Con: Heavy and high for newbie(?), plastic to break if dropped, dual-sport thing overkill for a trip round Europe?
BMW F650 - Pro: Cheap, looks good Con: 40k miles, others as per KLE

I'm really struggling to decide, the Kawas (there are two about) are a little bit more expensive, but the others are all about the same price.
The CG seems slow but then I was considering doing this trip on a bicycle!
I have no idea what a KLE or F650 type bike would be like to handle given that I struggled to get a CG on it's centre-stand!

The CG seems like it would be amazing budget wise, but would it be scarily underpowered at times? I don't plan on going near a motorway. I'm leaning away from it as I wouldn't want to keep it long once I come back and I don't know if I can live with the looks/image (though they are great little bikes, I rode on on my CBT).

I'm thinking of visiting central Europe and maybe heading North to Norway etc. but probably not East.

Help!

[WannaBeDude]

Only read list, but cb400 would be my lamens choice
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Jogging on, destination living.

[map]

FWIW my choice would be the BMW. If travelling in foreign climes for any time/distance it's the one that's more likely to be able to be fixed (parts availability, tyres, etc.).

I doubt if the 125cc would be practical. I know any bike can be made to tour on except you must be reasonable in your expectations.

The Kwak bikes are ok. As you implied, see if they fit you first.

Don't worry about handling and putting on centre stand. You adapt. Besides many bigger bikes are easy to handle than 125cc as they carry their weight differently. Centre stand is essential for the trip as at the least you'll need to check (and maybe adjust) the chain (+ chain lube). Obviously a shaft drive bike takes that out but the only one I can think of atm (smallish capacity and 2nd hand) would be the old 650 Honda Deauville,

Best of luck with the trip. Please post a report.

HTH
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...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

[CaNsA]

No CBR600f 1994-1996 ?

I am dissapoint

[Richy CB1000]

CB400 Super Four, nice wee version of the big one my first choice but that's a personal thing!

BMW second, elder bro had one and I was impressed and suprised by it, would probably be a "second bike" choice for me.

[Matt B]

[G]

The KLE will handle sustained high speed smoother than the BMW will as it's a twin rather than a single.
You don't mention which F650 as there's quite a few variants.

Some people may find the upright bikes more comfortable; others may not.

If I was really scrimping and saving I'd go for the cg.

CB400 if I wanted to have fun on the roads.

Generally you'll find the secondhand market changes week to week, so I wouldn't get too caught up on specific models personally. As you're looking at the cheap end, it's often worth buying on good value rather than model. And good value is often the bike in the best condition for the price that kinda meets your needs.

[The Shaggy D.A.]

I'd go for the CG125, purely for the man points. Then you could point noobs to your thread when they ask "I need to ride somewhere 50 miles away on my 125, what should I take with me and how should I prep my bike?"
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Chances are quite high you are not in my Monkeysphere, and I don't care about you. Don't take it personally.
Currently : Royal Enfield 350 Meteor
Previously : CB100N > CB250RS > XJ900F > GT550 > GPZ750R/1000RX > AJS M16 > R100RT > Bullet 500 > CB500 > LS650P > Bullet Electra X & YBR125 > Bullet 350 "Superstar" & YBR125 Custom > Royal Enfield Classic 500 Despatch Limited Edition (28 of 200) & CB Two-Fifty Nighthawk > ER5

[pepperami]

Go on a CG 125 of lovelyness and get respect
Anybody can fly around the continent on the latest plastic missle.
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I am the sum total of my own existence, what went before makes me who I am now!