Yet another - "Which Bike" Thread

Radis · Trackday Trickster Joined: 11 Aug 2011 Karma :

Hey all,

So having passed my restricted bike test about a year ago I haven't bothered replacing my little CG125 as the commute I have had is through London traffic and only 10 miles each way. I have now been offered a job (which I have accepted) just past Slough so I now have a 30 each way commute. The CG doesn't feel that good on longer rides and with my heavy self on it it barely gets up to 55mph. So new bike time!

I have a few bikes I'm interested in:

Yamaha XJ6 Diversion F
Triumph Tiger 800
Triumph Scrambler
BMW F800 ST / R

I'm not really that into extreme speed but do want comfort over distance as I would like to do some weekend touring round Scotland, down to Devon to see the folks that kind of thing.

I went into a Yamaha dealers this afternoon (bunked off work early) and had a sit on the XJ6 Diversion F - it feels like a nice enough bike apart from possibly the foot pegs are a little high/seat too low but they did offer me a £1200 discount on list price, £99 deposit and 4 years 0% finance and they also said they could probably work a deal or two with accessories like heated grips and luggage.

I haven't seen the other bikes yet, plan to make the rounds this weekend. I guess my questions are:

- Do you think these bikes are suitable for my purposes? (Commuting daily, including winter and the odd two up tour)
- Which one would you recommend?
- If a different bike which one?

I have 1 year left restricted, 27 years old, weigh 205lbs and am 6'1" - I also prefer the naked & cruiser look bikes but have discounted them for the motorway commuting reason. Not a big sports bike fan.

Thanks for reading and thanks in advance for any advice!

p.s. Anyone interested in a blue CG125 '04 plate, West London area?

Knot600RR · Scooby Slapper Joined: 25 Aug 2011 Karma :

Any of those would be good apart from the Scrambler. Great bike, but not a great everyday bike (but there's bound to be someone who uses it every day!)

If it were me it'd be between the BMW & Tiger, and the Tiger would win by whisker.... Wink

blade023 · Trackday Trickster Joined: 09 Oct 2011 Karma :

I've just bought a yamaha xj600n myself, so I can give u some idea of what it's like, though bear in mind this is my first big bike and the only thing I've ridden before on a regular basis is a horrible chinese 125. I've been doing my das on a kawasaki er5 so at the very least I could compare it to that.

Saying that, if I had the funds, I'd go for the triumph tiger in a heartbeat. All those extras, and it looks amazing. :O though I'm not familiar with the bmw but what the heck.

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

Tiger
VFR800
CBR600F
V-Strom 650? Ugly as sin but apparently very capable.

If you're buying new, what about the new Honda Crossdresser? On second thoughts... Rolling Eyes

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Radis · Trackday Trickster Joined: 11 Aug 2011 Karma :

Quornholio · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jun 2011 Karma :

You could pick a decent condition older Bandit 600/650 up for £1500.

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

Quornholio · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jun 2011 Karma :

I fancy a CBR, but the OP said he wasn't keen on the sportsbike idea, and though the older CBR's are a lot less extreme than the newer stuff, it's still 'sporty'..

Radis · Trackday Trickster Joined: 11 Aug 2011 Karma :

Thanks for the advice all!

I went around various dealers and have to say the Tiger is my favourite however the finance deal of the XJ is so good I ended up signing papers for it this morning.

https://future-motorcycles.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/yamahaxj6diversionf.jpg

Got it in black with heated grips, luggage and rack, rear hugger, crash bobbins, alarm, scottoiler, tank pad, restrictor kit. £7k total - £99 deposit and 0% finanace.

All the bits are being fitted so should have it by the weekend.

Quornholio · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jun 2011 Karma :

Good luck, and I hope you don't bin it before the finance is up.

Grrh27 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 12 Jan 2011 Karma :

Alex_B · Brolly Dolly Joined: 15 Jul 2011 Karma :

Ahh, that's awesome mate. I would be happy with that.

I'm looking at a 2nd hand divvy (amongst many others Laughing

) but if I could afford one it would be the Tiger.
I love the Adventure bike thing and that ticks all my boxes.

I'd still be way happy with what you have though. Sounds like a OK deal.

Enjoy Thumbs Up

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chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

You seem to have similar tastes to me,

I looked at the F800st, and am seriously considering a tiger next. I currently ride a TDM900.

For me it is the perfect commuting bike I ride mine into London every day.

If you are buying used I would definitely suggest the TDM it has the highier seat height and lower pegs you are after and could be the bike for you.

If you are buying new I would consider the Tiger, it is cheaper than the TDM, and much more modern. I haven't actually ridden one though, but it is number one on my list once the TDM blows up (51,000 and still going strong)

For half the cost of a tiger however you could get a great condition 3/4 year old TDM.
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