Help choosing first big bike! Ideas?

[claypigeon101]

Hey guys! Newbie to BCF here. I mentioned this in another post but that post was mainly about catalytic converters so I'm gonna open another one

Basically I'm taking my test this summer (at last.. should have taken it when I finished my A Levels at 17 )

I've got a CBR125 now and I want something that is economical but sporty. Great sound means a lot to me so slip ons or custom exhaust systems is a maybe.

I'm moving to London in September from Staffordshire and I want to be able to ride back and forth now and then should I need to. Apart from the fact that I adore riding, I can pop back and forth without the anywhere-between-£30-and-£80 train fare. And it's what I've wanted since I've been on the road at age 16.

So the first big bike choice is upon me. I'm 6ft and 150lbs so I shouldn't have a problem flat footing most bikes, and I can handle an ER5 fine (I know I know but I have no experience bigger than a 125 apart from a scoot round on my instructors 500)

I'd like something I can learn to throw around a bit, not go mental but a Ninja 250 might be nice and sporty enough to learn how to ride properly on a track or something, I dunno.

I also love the look of the Hyosung GT250R and have heard okay-to-good things about them apart from the finish but I started on Chinese bikes so anything Korean is a step in the right direction. Plus they're <£2000 which is a plus. I've got 4 years no claims woohoo so insurance should be a doddle.

The alternative is an import 400 bandit for example which might be nice, or a restricted SV650 or something. So many bikes so little time. And funds. And experience. Sheesh.

Anyway have you guys got any advice? Be nice I've got years of clean riding and driving experience but no big bike experience so it's very much the beginning for me.

Needs: £1500-2000 max. Great economy, above 60mpg if possible. Look smart. Must sound great, or at least be able to sound great with the right exhaust. Must cope with 60-70mph crusing motorway miles.

Can't wait to hear some suggestions!
Thanks

[MementoMori]

Hey mate, you haven't made much mention of a sports 600 or something like that. Is that something you're not really looking for atm?
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[Shillz]

Guessing you'll end up on the <33bhp license.

Well an option is the CBF250, bike i've been riding since feb.

Great fun to ride, good acceleration up to 70. Will cruise around 75, 85 if you're feeling keen and not going up hill

Very comfortable, massively economical - I pretty much thrash mine everywhere and worked out i still get 74MPG.

Obviously its very expensive for what it is atm, costing between 1500 and 2500. And if you'd be wanting to keep the bike then its going to face a massive value drop when the new licensing laws come in, in January.

It's also not going to a sports 600 flying around the A272 on Sunday mornings, but saying that I still go on ride outs and have a laugh.

Good luck in your bike searching in anycase!

[J.M.]

Have the GS500F and I would recommend it to you.

Bike bike, sporty looking without the full-on sports riding position, cheap to buy and insure and easy to ride.

33BHP kits can be had on ebay for £40 too, though you could make your own for less.

I find that it accelerates well up to around 80ish, then 80-90 is easy, 90-100 is possible but it takes time to get there. You can get more, but not whilst upright.
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2004 R1 & 2018 XSR900

[Slacker24seve...]

You can already handle an ER5, how about one of those? In between a GS500 and a CB500 in terms of build and competence but decent and solid enough. How about a CB-1 or CB400 if you're that way inclined? They're both cracking bikes.
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[Kingstondavo]

London to Staffordshire is a really, really boring ride... (esp the M1)

You'll do it once then take the train after, wouldn't let it dictate your choice of bike too much...
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Current Ride - 2010 Hornet 600

[claypigeon101]

[claypigeon101]

[claypigeon101]

[The999Kid]

I vote for the restricted SV650 here - my mate rides one and he fecking flies on it, regularly outstrips bigger bikes on it, handles like a dream and pootles round town, cheap insurance and tax. what more can you ask for?
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[ninja_butler]

If I was restricted to 33bhp I wouldn't mind owning an old 350cc Suzuki Goose, but really I think you should be looking at bikes with more commuter ability; Ninja 250 would still be an option since it's fairly comfortable.

Suzuki Goose:
https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery%20%20A/Suzuki%20Goose%20350%2092.jpg

[_Iain_]

Gs500 with a vance & hines exhaust. Will do a ton, sounds awesome, cheap, very cheap insurance. Apparently older ones had a 6 speed box and 10 more horsepowers.

Reckon it'd do more, however was having a bit of trouble hanging on. Think it wants a screen & i need to get used to it.
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[HJM]

+1 GS500f also, GPZ500s!
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[Kingstondavo]