HELP - Which Streetfighter/Commuter Bike ?

[Spy]

Hi all,

I am 42 and looking to complete my DAS very soon so new to biking although have had a little experience over 20 years ago on 250cc scramblers.

I am starting to think about what bike I should get and think that a streetfighter/comuter would be the best style bike for me (at least I think that is what they call the city/street oriented bikes). Although I love the styling of sports/supersports bikes, I would much prefer a more upright and comfortable bike rather than the lean forward position sports bikes encourage.

The general consensus seems to be that bigger bikes are easier to handle and ride than the smaller 125cc bikes and as I will have a full licence, I was thinking that something between 250cc and 600cc would be about right.

The primary use of the bike will be commuting into central London along mainly single lane, congested roads but I also want a bike that will be fun at the weekends on local A roads. I am not planning any motorway riding.

My key criteria is:
- Comfortable riding position and seating
- Beginner friendly
- Reliable, I don't want to be faffing around with technical issues first thing in the morning
- Pretty robust as I expect I may drop it once or twice, or at least it seems that is what newbies do !
- Good low and mid-range torque for city driving
- Not too heavy so that it is easier to maneouvre when not riding
- Reasonable running costs ie petrol, insurance etc

Based on all the above, which bikes do you recommend I should be looking at ?

[WannaBeDude]

Hornet with crash bungs
____________________
Jogging on, destination living.

[dungbug]

600 Bandit? Plenty about, plenty of parts and quite good on insurance. Look around for 'naked' bikes, a lot of stuff that's sold as a 'Streetfighter' has been down the road at some point. Also bear in mind that a non-standard machine might command a higher insurance premium.
____________________
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

[Spy]

[dungbug]

[Spy]

[Spy]

[WannaBeDude]

Dropping bike at 1 mph is mandotary, bungs limet damage to a lever etc ..
____________________
Jogging on, destination living.

[dungbug]

[Slacker24seve...]

[dungbug]

[angryjonny]

FWIW - big bikes *start* at 600cc. There are a few 500cc bikes out there but they're mainly reserved for bike schools and people who've recently passed, wanted a bike similar to what they learned on and will imminently regret not buying a 600. IMO.

[Zen Dog]

[map]

You need to decide it you want a streetfighter look or a commuter. IMO the two are different. Although I'm not a fan of crashed and couldn't be bothered to do it up options you find on streetfighters.
If you meant a naked style then again it's a different thing.

You can commute on a naked given a fly screen or similar. However, depending on the commute distance, the roads ridden and the weather it might not be enjoyable.

As a default standard commuter for a first bike with fairing, luggage and little maintenance (shaft drive wins) have a look at the Honda Deauville, 650 or 700, or an old NT650 with fairing (Honda took the NT650 and put the accessories on it that people were doing anyhow).

To tick off your criteria, comfortable (it's a mini-tourer), beginner friendly, reliable (it's a Honda), robust with built in crash bars (for the topple, 1mph drop), good torque, not heavy, and reasonable costs.

Just not perhaps the sexiest thing in the box of tricks, it just does what it says on the tin, no fuss, no bother, day in and day out.
____________________
...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

[WannaBeDude]

OP - how much does mean streetfighter look matter ? is bike to be used and ridden outside work commute ?
____________________
Jogging on, destination living.

[Spy]

Thanks for the replies.

I am not wedded to the streetfighter look although I do want the bike to look half decent.

Riding position, reliability and manoeverability in traffic are paramount. When I say comfortable, I am refering more to the riding position. London roads can have potholes etc but most of the riding will probably be weaving in and out of cars or going down side roads etc

The bike will be ridden occasionally outside of work at weekends but not regularly, probably more in the spring/summer months for fun.

The more naked style I thought is better for dropping bikes etc as you don't have cracked/scratched fairings.

The Hornet is definitely one to consider as it appears to have a massive following although the NC700S/X seems to be highly rated.

In terms of budget, I want to spend around £3k to £4k for a used bike but might consider a more expensive new bike if there are low rate finance offers that mean I can put down a small deposit with small monthly payments.

[WannaBeDude]

Now your open to a lot of recomendations - i'll add half faired Fazer and sv650 to the mix ..

And 3/4 k is a great figure to get a great 2nd hand bike.
____________________
Jogging on, destination living.

[Spy]

[MotorbikerTom]

You could easily get the 08 onwards model Hornet with that budget, i have an '03 Hornet so can't comment on the later models but it's perfect for what i need; commuting, weekend blasts, touring. Had a GS500 first and yes, i regretted not getting a 600 straight off. Though i did learn on the GS well.

In comparison to the SV, the SV's seem to be a decent first bike; cheap, decent parts, but i've heard they rust in winter weather easily and they aren't that much of an exciting ride.

I'd say the Hornet sounds perfect for you, the Fazer will be better if you are going to do abit of touring as a half faired version will make motorways much more pleasant
____________________
CBT: 19/02/11 - Mod 1: 27/03/11 - Mod 2: 01/04/11
'97 GS500E > '03 Hornet 600 > '16 Street Triple 675

[Islander]

I'm a recent returnee to biking and have a 2002 Hornet. I can recommend them. Once you get used to the gearing, they're good for low speed plods in towns or just bimbling around or are capable of decent performance when you want it, excellent handling and low-speed manoeuverability, and very good brakes. Fine for carrying a pillion too. Tank range is the only issue I can think of and that's easily dealt with if you just fill up every 100 miles or so.

[Zen Dog]

[Spy]

Hmm, don't really like the look of the Deauville and as I don't plan any motorway/touring on the bike, probably won't get the full benefits but just compromise on the looks.

What is the Hornet like at low speeds in traffic - is the fuel delivery/gears smooth or jumpy ?

Anyone here bought or tried the new Honda NC700 S or X ?

[Rogerborg]

[map]

[dungbug]