Any thoughts on a comeback bike ?

[Rtwo]

Hi guys, new poster but not entirely new to biking

I sold my last bike back in 88 to buy a house and raise a family - I know
The house is paid for and the kids are doing their own thing so I believe it time to start scratching the itch again.
I started off as a 16 yr old on a FS1E, @17 I had a RD250B, then a KH400, GS750, Z1000A2, Z1000H1, GPz900A1, GPz900A3.

Anyway putting the history lesson to one side, I'm looking at getting something that will occasionally be used to commute on, a few days or weekends away but mainly a couple of long trips abroad each year, Southern Spain Greece etc. one up only.
A car will still be my main transport as I need it for work and they provide it along with the fuel.

I have £7.5K in my piggy bank so was thinking £6K for the bike and £1.5K for insurance and riding kit etc.
Top of the list is a used BMW F800GS, followed by a Kawasaki VERSYS KLE650.
Is there any good reason to choose one over the other? I know I can get a much newer VERSYS for my money but other than that? .......

What else should I look at?
My budget is not set in stone but it'll keep the mrs on side if I only spend what I personally have

I've also promised her that I'll go do an hour or two with a trainer to make sure I'm still safe, I do an awful lot of cycling in my spare time [over 3000 miles so far this year] so I'm quite road savvy but I guess it's a good idea

TIA

[sidewinder]

Hi and welcome to bcf
I think the bikes you have listed are equally as good as each other.Both well proven and versatile bikes.Have you taken a look at the triumph tiger range ? .Some training can't be a bad thing after long lay off.

[Hetzer]

[c_dug]

I don't know why, but when reading the list and requirements the bike that popped into my head was CB1000F, like so:

https://www.onewheeldrive.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/honda_2009_cb1000f_1.jpg

Based on not much.
____________________
I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[Rtwo]

Thanks guys - not really considered a big 4
I hadn't really considered anything much over a 500 or 600 when I started making my comeback plans and then looked at the BM

So it's already expanding exercise

I'll look at a few and see what takes my fancy

[Rogerborg]

I have the detuned girlified version of the F800GS and can confirm that it's all day comfortable, especially if you fit a higher screen. It's well mannered and with the weight all low down (tank under the seat) it's remarkably easy to ride at low speeds.

For UK road speeds I'd even suggest that the F650/700 versions make more sense, let alone being cheaper, although you may want that little bit extra at the top end that the F800 provides. Fuel economy is 60mpg+ up to 70mph although it starts to drop a bit after that.

There were a fair number of issues with the early ones, but they should all be sorted by now. However, it's a modern BMW, and they have cut corners, i.e. on the coating on the engine which is prone to chipping. Electrical problems in particular will likely mean a trip to Herr BMW and a wallet raping.

It was a heart-over-head purchase, if I'm being honest. The 2010 Versys is cheaper, does the same things, and I'd expect the build quality to be better. Fuel economy and tank range might be a bit worse though.

And I agree that the Tiger 800 should definitely be considered, I just couldn't find any locally within my budget, they're really holding their value.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Hetzer]

Jesus wept, when even BMW start cutting corners there really is no mechanical hope left.

What are you getting these days for the primo price with a BMW then? The pretty badge?

Kurt Tank must be spitting.
____________________
"There's the horizon! Ride hard, ride fast and cut down all who stand in your way!"

[smob67]

Just been through the similar dilemma myself, 20 + years off a bike doing the family thing, took much deliberation and visits to dealers to see what fitted and what felt good. In June I picked up a new cbr600f, very user friendly, great for the 70mile return commute on all types of roads, and very capable when out with my mate having blast, although not the best rider by a long way it does inspire confidence when riding, although not sure if that's a good thing or not lol.

With that sort of budget there is so many options, I'd recommend sitting on few at least though see what fits and feels right.

I do a lot of cycling myself, not as much as you, but I did find this helped with my road sense, as you are as vulnerable or maybe even more so than on a bike.

Enjoy though whatever you choose, it's great to be back

[Rogerborg]

[DrSnoosnoo]

Buy the bike you had as a poster on your wall as a kid
____________________
I'm Sam; Northern, Ginger, Lover
Did have: '95 ZZR600 '83 CG125 '97 ZZR1100 '15 Hypermotard 821 SP Do Have: '10 ZX10R

[garth]

You'd get a good gen 2 Versys with luggage for about 4k.

Also, wait for chris_red to suggest a TDM900.

[garth]

Also, don't buy a BMW, you'll look like a wanker

[Hetzer]

[Rtwo]

[Rogerborg]