Bigger Bikes for the Novice Rider

[Ripp3rCrust]

Hi, I know variations of this question have been asked many times before but none specifically related to what I was looking for.

I am hoping to soon complete my DAS (been riding a 125 for 6 months) and then move onto my first 'big' bike.
I am looking at getting something around a 600-650cc, and will be using it mostly for commuting to work in addition to going on long trips over weekend and such.

So far the bikes that I think would be a good bet are things like the BMW F650GS, Honda Hornet, or some sort of Dual-Sport as I am basically looking for something with a more upright seating position, easily maintained with a reliable engine (in addition to being fairly easy to ride).

Does anybody have any suggestions as to bikes that may fit? My budget is up to £2k I reckon.

Cheers!

[Themightyimp]

Look at a Fazer or test ride one.I have back problems,and the ride position on the Fazer is perfect for me.
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1998 Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer
Now turned gay and got a cruiser.

[GreenPan]

[Slacker24seve...]

Whats your budget?

The Hornet is the obvious choice; its fun, easy to ride, reliable and quite comfortable. Incredibly easy to work on too (don't ask how I know this). Excellent first big bike choice and something capable enough for you to grow into, rather than getting bored with quickly.

For the less fun, more sensible, comfortable and arguably better built option the CBF600 might be a better bet. Lovely but dull.

Duller, more comfortable and even better suited to long distance could be a Honda Deauville. Be warned, they're nicknamed the Dullville for a reason!

Fazers are ugly but have a good engine, a good half fairing and stonkingly good brakes for the money.

I test rode/looked at/sat on a lot of bikes before I bought my Hornet - the best thing you can do is try as many as you can

(Mike will be along in a minute to tell you to buy a twin because it costs less in spark plugs.)
____________________
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

[Themightyimp]

[Englishman]

I'm throwing my hat into the ring to recommend (Surprise - look at my avatar) the Kawasaki Versys 650. Kevin Ash's review to be found here https://www.ashonbikes.com/content/kawasaki-versys-2010.
I'm tall, with a bad back and the Mark 2 V is my first bike. I love it.
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INSTALLING SUMMER... ████████░░░░░░░░44% DONE. Installation failed.
404 error: Season not found.

[defblade]

I'll add Bandit... I might be biased... but hornet/bandit/fazer/etc/etc will all be fine - in fact, I reckon it'd be hard to buy a £2k, 600cc-ish, bike from any of the major manufacturers that won't be perfectly OK (assuming it's confortable for you... and we can't help you with that one ).
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Honda Varadero 125cc => Suzuki Bandit 650 33bhp => 77bhp =>
BMW K1200R Sport 163bhp => Aprilia Shiver GT 750 95bhp

[FerretFing]

I'd recommend the 2 bikes we have at the moment - Kawasaki Er6n & Yamaha MT-03 (although below 2K will be difficult to find).....very easy to ride. Owned a BMW F650 for a while & although comfortable, it was dull as hell & crawled away from junctions

[Ripp3rCrust]

Cheers guys for all your suggestions! A few things I hadn't considered in there that could be an option.

Sorry Imp I'm with Slacker on the look of the Fazer not being a favourite, however, after reading some of the reviews floating around I think it has gotten a whole lot more beautiful!
One thing though, is there much of a difference between the FZS600 Fazer (1998-2004) and the FZ6 Fazer (2004-current)?

I really like the look of the Versys, however, think I would be struggling to find one for under £2k.
Was a big fan of the F650 but after your views think I will have to give it a miss!

Reckon I'm going to pick from the Hornet, Fazer & possibly Bandit depending on what is available in a decent condition after I pass.

Ta!

[Englishman]

[Ripp3rCrust]

[Themightyimp]

Hahaa! As much as I would like a nice pristine specimin of a bike, unfortunately I don't think I can justify spending that much on something that I will most likely drop! [/quote]
Haha and drop it you will.I dropped mine on my way home from buying it.I stopped on a gravelly car park,and like a stupid twit I used the front brake whilst doing a U turn.I think you can guess what happened next.
____________________
1998 Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer
Now turned gay and got a cruiser.

[dungbug]

Been pondering this question myself as I'm going to start my training in mid June, I've looked at the Fazer (guy next door has one and rates it very highly), Honda CB, Suzuki Bandit & the Suzuki GS500 as these seem to be reasonably priced.

As said it's probably best to try a few out to gauge comfort etc. Best of luck with the DAS.
____________________
CBT: Pass 25/06/2011 Theory Test: Pass12/06/2012 Mod 1: Fail 08/07/2012
Mod 1 Retest: Pass 15/0702012 Mod 2: Pass 03/08/2012
Suzuki GN125 (Sold) ~ Current bike: Yamaha YZF 600R Thundercat

[Slacker24seve...]

[Tbag]

I decided to get a CB Super four, Its a Gray import.

Perfect for a new rider.. 52bhp Standard (33bhp in my case)
Lovely Retro looks,
Great riding position,
And not many about.

If you want a physically 'big bike', This is great, Its the same size (give or take an inch) as my dads Gpz900r


Be Different!

[janner_10]

Like the chap above said - Fazers are pretty ideal first bikes. Bloody good engine and brakes - cheap & available parts and very easy to work on.

And not ugly.
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Yamaha FZS600 (Now gone to heaven) > CBR600F4i (SOLD) > '99 YZF-R1

[Cunnington]

I'd avoid the SV650 if you want an upright position - I found it a bit too head down arse up for me. I should have bought a V-Strom, but foolishly believed the reviews, which are written by people trying to split hairs in order to sell magazines / papers.

Have a look at https://cycle-ergo.com/ once you've found a comfy bike you can compare others.

Good luck with the test.
____________________
'82 C50, '81 CB100, '84 GS125, '95 NTV650, '00 Bandit 600, '06 SV650, '56 Z1000, '89 NTV600
The Shaggy D.A. wrote: "You are invisible. Those who can see you are trying to kill you."

[carvell]

[Sako]

anothevote for the fazer, i rode a 2003 model a few times and found it to be a pretty decent bike for the money, its certainly no slouch either.

[dungbug]

I rode a Suzuki GS500 yesterday for my assessment, very nice bike. I'd never ridden anyhting other than a 125 before & found it really easy to handle, slick clutch & gears, nice all rounder and step up from a 125 I found.
____________________
CBT: Pass 25/06/2011 Theory Test: Pass12/06/2012 Mod 1: Fail 08/07/2012
Mod 1 Retest: Pass 15/0702012 Mod 2: Pass 03/08/2012
Suzuki GN125 (Sold) ~ Current bike: Yamaha YZF 600R Thundercat

[Benno]

Fazers? Ugly?? What is this heresy?