So what bike would you choose for me?

[gorillaonabik...]

Any ideas about a used bike for 5 - 7 grand?

My missus is likely to be moving out to zurich. Unfortunately, due to a slight issue I have with the Swiss authorities, I cannot fly into zurich - it's nothing exciting - just an unpaid speeding ticket that has got a little bit out of hand but, the Swiss take speeding uber seriously. So biking out there might make sense.

OK, when I think about it, riding out there makes no sense but hey, I just love to ride and these days I want a modicum of comfort. Sure, back in the day I toured on an fzr 400 (getting run over was slightly less painful), a zxr750 (actually, I tried to go touring but I ran out of petrol after 70 miles on the way down to the ferry...) etc... However, this was back in the 90s and these days I have metal in my leg that wakes me up in the night, a wrist that has been broken one too many times and the usual missing teeth etc... from years of rugby and a little bit of amateur kickboxing and judo. In addition, I am a very solid 17 stone, 5'10. I am a big guy, built like an overmuscled tank, albeit one that has been hit by one too many RPGs and this means I want a bike with a certain comfort level.

The catch is I commute every day in London meaning I need something that can manouver through traffic so no big Pans.

Oh and one more thing - either I want as cheap as possible or alternatively I can throw more money in. As my momma said - "One day, my son, you will find a woman so beautiful, so amazing, so sexy that you won't even haggle over the price."

So hit me - I love to ride - I mean I really love to ride but have zero experience of tourers - everything so far has been a sportsbike - couple of blades, the occasional zx6r, wrote off a 748 etc... - so what would you suggest?

[stinkwheel]

A 650 mile continental run.

If you don't want a pan it sounds like a job for a blackbird.

Unless you want to go down the BMW route?

Or possibly one of the big adventure bikes for an upright riding position?
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I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[multijoy]

R1200GS, I reckon (or the RT the met bike coppers tool around on)
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[Marmalade]

A pan is fine in traffic, i can get through with just about evertyhing else in London and Paris.
Don't knock it till you've tried it
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[cdo1uk]

Vstrom 650, great tourer, so will do it no probs, and 5700 on the road at the moment. BMW's are great for this, and the Police do seem to NOT see you on a beemer....

[c-m]

A more sporty option:

Sprint ST 1050
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[Skudd]

Varadero 1000.
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[olionel]

KTM 990 Adventure... you know it makes sense

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jb6IDXZcDPg&feature=relmfu

https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y3HYIij2QPo/TZ2Nh-BnjgI/AAAAAAAAALQ/NpYqwnE1meE/s1600/KTM%2B990%2BAdventure04%2B2009.jpg
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1989 CG125 - Childhood Sweetheart (she got kidnapped by baddies)
1998 ZXR400 - Teenage Love (lasted three years, then she turned lesbian and left me)
2001 XRV750 - Wife Material (still getting to know her but head over heels in love)

[willis1337]

Go and test ride a BMW K1300S (or if your budget won't stretch to that, a K1200S). Sporty enough to be fun and a great tourer.

[gorillaonabik...]

[gorillaonabik...]

[gorillaonabik...]

I like the idea of the BMers and maybe a Blackbird. The Pan looks a little wide for me to squeeze through those little gaps in traffic. I have a feeling I'd be breaking a lot of wing mirrors...

Or hows about a CB1300? Big engine, can squeeze through the gaps in traffic as an everyday commuter and comfy as a cushion for my busted body on those long runs. 6 grand buys a 2009 model and with Honda reliability life could be good.

Waddya reckon?

[andys675]

if your budget goes to 7 grand as you say

Tiger 800

big-ish, quick, frugal, great tank range, handles, stops, reliable, good in traffic, comfortable, as good as the magazines say and a smidge over £7k for a new one

and they hold their value well

[chris-red]

You want a TDM900, does everything you describe perfectly.


Frugal, super reliable, Comfy, and very good through London.


I have taking mine 2500 miles round Europe in 10 days and it was ace no problems. I ride it in and out of London every day it is excellent at nipping though traffic, the high riding position and tight turning circle are an excellent benefit.

Awesome brakes straight from an R1, torquey motor that is perfect in traffic and it does handle pretty well for a big girl. The lower end of your budget should pick up a nearly new model with ABS 7k may even net you a new one. A few £££ spent on Mods (handgaurds, luggage, heated grips, scotoiler) will get you a superb tourer/commuter,

Me in the alps (6'5" 18 stone)

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v295/chris-red/Europe%202011/DSCF0701.jpg
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[gorillaonabik...]

[Teflon-Mike]

Pay the speeding ticket and fly?
Seem to recal if you get stopped in Switzerland and they run you through their computer, and find unpaid ticket, they lock you up!
Also recall reports that the Swiss plod love stopping UK bikers!
Alternatively; pay speeding ticket..... get ZZR11.. as 'cheap' blackbird substitute..... you might still be able to afford one after paying the bankers....
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[Grubby]

K1300 or what I have, an FJR1300
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[gorillaonabik...]

D@mnit and now the wife's divorced me. I wouldn't mind but she's taking my money with her. So now I'll have to go for something considerably cheaper...

[fatpies]

[funmonkee]

There can be only one. The bike that is the best allrounder. And I have one ready to go... https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=229947



Edinburgh to Pisa and back this year
https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q73/funmonkee/2011%20Trip/IMAG0429.jpg
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[Teflon-Mike]

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

Divorce you say.

https://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m174/howlingterror_2006/DSCF0095.jpg

Bad divorce is it?
https://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn69/DaveWarham/Cub%2090%20Rhayader%202008/IMGP0567.jpg


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[Gerrard]

If its a road bike then a Blackbird for sure.. Road come trailie bike then there are loads to choose from..
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Honda Blackbird the great all rounder.
Chillin near Malaga.
Marco Simoncelli 58

[turkish2011]

Seems I'm in the same boat, need a tourer and a daily commuter when the need arises, must carry two with speed and comfort and be about 5-6 grand, prefer a four for smoothness but a solid twin like a beemer is ok, tend to have higher running costs but the shaft saves on the chain expense, not easy, plenty of options.
Currently I'm looking at a honda VFR800, it seems to tick all the boxes, I fancied either a zzr 1100 or even the blackbird but size in traffic is an issue in my mind and how often would you use that speed esp in the city where I live, outside though, well thats a different matter!
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[kenjh]

what the heck are you calling a "pan" ?? I have a Harley Panhead if you can get one for 7 grand ..your doing good ..23 inches to the seat ..so the vertically challenged can fit well..what is the deal with driving in london ?? heavy traffic or ??an' how bad is traffic enforcement ?? I do tend to distance myself from the wolf pack of following cars..
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