Planning post-test first big bike

[gbrand42]

It's probably tempting fate but I'm already looking at what might suit me when I have passed my Mod 2. I currently ride a 125 Varadero and to be honest if it was available as a 600 I would snap one up. As a big guy I need something similar in size to the Varadero, comfy to ride (not interested in a sports bike) and 500-700cc, budget will be up to £2500. The only things I have seen so far that look interesting are the Suzuki 650 V-Strom and possibly that 650 Honda tourer thingy, I think its called a Deauville or something like that.

I also looked at a Versys but to be honest with you thought it looked butt-ugly (sorry Versys owners)

If anyone been down the 125 route with a Varadero and has now moved up I would be interested with your recommendations.

Cheers peeps

[J.M.]

If you want something like the Varadero 125, why not the Varadero 1000?

I see no reason to limit yourself to 500-700cc? The CC of a vehicle doesn't matter all that much. People just presume that more is faster.
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2004 R1 & 2018 XSR900

[gbrand42]

Yes I thought that too but all the experienced riders I talk (including my instructors) to say whatever you do don't go out and buy a 1000cc bike straight after passing, you need a 600.

[rhys1005]

Vara 1000? Don't be afraid of a litre bike that's dual purpose as they are still pretty heavy and sluggish.

Any 'big bike' is going to be a decent size and there are other bikes that are comfortable that aren't adventure bikes. Infact I would say since most of them have dual purpose tyres and no fairings, I would feel a lot more comfortable on the road with my 'cat or any other 'sports tourer'.

If it has to be a dual purpose bike as you plan to do light off roading (could still get a pure road bike and pure off road bike) then: africa twin, versys, f650gs etc are bikes you can look at. Don't really know any more.. Never been keen on those types of bikes.

Hard for me to answer when i really dislike these kinds of bikes. Too heavy, slow, uncomfortable (imo), expensive for what they are and don't really do anything that well. I really fancy getting into green laning/ off roading but not with something so heavy. If it was ME i would get a comfortable road bike that I can take on the motorway and then a nice ligh off road bike that isn't going to kill me every time I drop it off road.

Can get off road bikes under 100kg appose to those 200kg + dual purpose bikes.

[rhys1005]

[Rigga]

I think the people you spoke to were referring to litre sports bikes . A litre varadero will be fine for you. Take one for a test ride.
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Current bike: Honda CBR 1100xx

[gbrand42]

Thanks for the comments rhys, I'm not after an adventure bike particularly but I want something big as I am a big guy would feel like a right prat on something small and sporty plus I am in my forties and am looking for comfort rather than head down arse up riding position with aching wrists after an hour.

Maybe I need to have a sit on something like a fazer/hornet/bandit to see how big they feel

[gbrand42]

cheers Rigga I will definitely have a proper look at one before I make a firm decision

[P.addy]

TL1000S or TL1000R are far less pokey than some 600cc sports, so don't be afraid to try litre bikes. I jumped on one quite young and didn't die, and I ride like a knob

Vara 1000 is what I would like next, but like you, I want a bigger version of the Vara, 300/350cc or something, fuck it, 400cc twin That would be ideal.

[Muscle Bike Rider]

Okay I'll throw these in the hat, Honda CBF 600, Kawasaki ER6 F or N, Yamaha Fazer, FZ6, Suzuki Bandit or GSX F 650, having owned a baby dero and rode all of my suggested bikes I personally think you would get on with either of the. But the best advice I can give you is to test ride the bikes you think you want, at least go and sit on some to get a sense of the riding position to narrow down your choices before you pass your test. Its what feels right to you not what other people thinks is best at the end of the day.
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Previously Known As A5tra_G
Old Bikes :2010 Kawasaki ER6 F & 2000 Honda VTR Firestorm
Current Bike : XJR1300

[-Matt-]

[J.M.]

[-Matt-]

[Rogerborg]

[rhys1005]

[J.M.]