Hello folks, new(ish) to biking, and new to the forums here.

blade023 · Trackday Trickster Joined: 09 Oct 2011 Karma :

Just wanted to say hi, and ask a bit of advice here.

I'm doing my das at the moment, just finished my second day of training, and first day on a bigger bike. I've got my mod1 on Tuesday, which I'm not too worried about, but I just need to remember the things my instructor was saying. Looking forward to it mostly.

What I was wondering about, was what sort of bike I can get. Due to my situation I don't have a very big budget; about 800-900, so I won't be looking for anything special, just something nice to ride. The main things I'm looking for are comfort and (obviously) reliability. I'd like to do a little travelling, so something that I could sit on for a few hours comfortably.

Looking around, I've seen a few bikes in a few places, so I'll post some links. I'd really appreciate any feedback on some of these bikes. How they ride, reliability, even other's experience with them. I've been practicing on a Kawasaki er5, which is lovely to ride on dual carriage ways, but a little heavy on the arms at slower speeds.

edit: Also things like "avoid this, the ad looks dodgy" would be helpful, so I can get a better idea of things to be wary of. (And yes, I just noticed the auction ended for the last bike, but it looked interesting for the price..)

Links:
https://www.motorcyclesupermarket.com/used-motorcycles/2009-%2859%29-Kawasaki-ZX600--in-Bournemouth-5806809
https://www.motorcyclesupermarket.com/used-motorcycles/1992-%28K%29-Honda-CB400-Superfour-4761038
https://www.motorcyclesupermarket.com/used-motorcycles/1991-%28J%29-Suzuki-GSX-750--in-Llanelli-5208437
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikes-for-sale/searchresults/detail/Honda/CBR600F/1995/_/R-NXGN-7568431?mfy=7.291128
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1984-KAWASAKI-z550-ZR-550-A2-BLACK-taxed-and-tested-winter-runaround-restore-/220869115125?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item336cd33cf5

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KAWASAKI-GPX-600R-1994-LOW-MILES-/250903157421?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item3a6afe5aad - This one needs a bit of work (new back tyre) but looks interesting. I'd be willing to think about it depending on the cost of fixing up.

Thanks guys.

p.s. - going from a cheap 125 (chinese import, never again!) to a 500 was awesome, really loved the feel of it. Mr. Green

Maverick Rigger · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 06 Apr 2011 Karma :

Does it matter what bike you have? You have to ask your self why you ride, is it for the freedom or is riding filling in a space in your life?

I've got a 12 year old Honda CB250 that I love to fooking bits. I go to bed early so I can get on her to go to work early and maybe take the long route to work.
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The motorcycle presents you a challenge to master the machine, a challenge to adventure. You ride through the wind, linked to the road by a vehicle that responds to your commands as no other does. Unlike an automoblie, there is no metal cage around you, Like and airplane, a pre-ride inspection and regular maintenance are essential to your safety. Your reward freedom.

Slacker24seve... · World Chat Champion Joined: 10 May 2010 Karma :

Of those, the Superfour would be my choice. I love the engine on my CBR400 which is broadly similar Wink

Never seen that site before though Confused

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Triumph Daytona 675 track bike + girlfriend's Honda Hornet 600
Selling a hack/winter bike for less than a grand? PM me.
Banger rallies are ace

blade023 · Trackday Trickster Joined: 09 Oct 2011 Karma :

blade023 · Trackday Trickster Joined: 09 Oct 2011 Karma :

crackfinder · Crazy Courier Joined: 05 Jul 2009 Karma :

If I were in your position I would go look at the kwak, see and hear it running, if you like it buy it and spend the rest of your budget on getting it sorted.

looks like it will need new chain and sprockets soon too....judging by the length of the adjusters.

Thumbs Up

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Yamaha FZS600 Fazer (gone but not forgotten). Current - Kawasaki ZX6R A1P

Frog · Traffic Copper Joined: 10 Jan 2011 Karma :

blade023 · Trackday Trickster Joined: 09 Oct 2011 Karma :

So I just passed my mod1 the other day with no minors at all! I was looking forward to it, and only started getting nervous about the fig8 (my weakest maneuver) after I'd actually finished that bit. The rest was easy.

Went to look at a bike today, a Kawasaki gpz500s which sounded pretty nice. When I got there the guy told me it'd just been dropped (he only just found out) so the wingmirror, clutch lever and indicator were broken. Looking over it it seemed in ok condition, slight rust on the frame, a couple of scratches on the bodywork, but my main worries were 2 things:

The disc brakes felt smooth, but looked like they had brown/white rust on them. And the rear tyre looked like it was starting to crack/deteriorate on the rim.

All in all it would cost £100+ to get everything right, which the guy offered to do, but I wasn't happy with it. And that's not including replacing the rear tyre.

Oh well.. there's a nice phaser in the school where I'm doing my das, which is going for 1200, I'll try and save up for that instead XD

dannymassive · Brolly Dolly Joined: 28 May 2011 Karma :

Congrats on passing your MOD1 Thumbs Up

If you're not happy with the condition of the bike you are looking at purchasing, then walk away. There's plenty of bikes around and now that winter is approaching many more will be put up for sale. Don't buy a bike in haste just to have one, something better will come along - be patient!

Keeps us up-to-date with your progress on getting that pink licence!! Very Happy

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Previous Ride's - '01 Aprilia SR125 (Sold) '08 HONDA CBF600n (Sold) '96 CB500 (Sold) '01 FZS 1000 (Sold) '06 CB1300SA (Sold) '07 CB600F Hornet (Sold) - '93 Suzuki Savage LS400 (Sold) '98 Honda VTR1000 Firestorm (Sold) '05 CB600F Hornet (Sold) '01 FZS1000 Fazer (Sold) 2016 Harley Davidson Street Bob SE (Sold) '02 Kawasaki ZX9R (Sold) '98 CB600F Hornet (Sold) '04 Suzuki Bandit 1200s (Sold) '13 Yamaha FZ1-N

Cadbury · Crazy Courier Joined: 05 Oct 2011 Karma :

Congratulations on the mod1 pass! Just one more step to go now Smile

blade023 · Trackday Trickster Joined: 09 Oct 2011 Karma :

Thanks for all your kind comments and help. Anyone know much about bmw bikes who would care to give me some adivce?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-650ST-P-Reg-1997-/160665279877?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item2568659d85

What sort of price would something like that go for, and would it be worth it to buy it? I'm sure the price wouldn't be that low, but if it's reliable enough I can't see any reason to get a jap bike over a bm.. their cars are built like tanks aren't they?

Maverick Rigger · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 06 Apr 2011 Karma :

Slacker24seve... · World Chat Champion Joined: 10 May 2010 Karma :

blade023 · Trackday Trickster Joined: 09 Oct 2011 Karma :

Hmmm, dependable but dull.. see that sounds ok to me. I'm not after major speed to be honest, and though several people have told me I'd get bored with the sort of bikes I've been looking at, it's more the freedom and the open road I enjoy about biking. I'd go touring whenever I could; total freedom!

Maybe something half way would be better, so I could still have a bit more fun now and then on a shorter ride.