What bike to choose from these?

[Night817]

Hi Guys

I previously rode a scooter and would like to buy myself a motorbike.
I really need some help with this as I do not know much about the differences between the brands and models of the bikes.
I am currently looking at 2nd hand motorbikes, which of these should I go for? And why? Or even just some pros and cons would be much appreciated.
Otherwise if none of these what bike should I look for, bearing in mind there is not that many ads in Cape Town

Thanks guys

A) Suzuki RF400 1998 for ZAR 14000 (+-147USD)
- Has a wiring problem or something I will have to fix, When either indicator is put on then both indicators flash like hazards.
- The carburetor needs tuning
- Running
- https://capetown.olx.co.za/suzuki-rf-400cc-iid-570781806

B) Kawazaki ZX400N 1995 for ZAR 13000 (+-1271USD)
- Seller says it requires a CDI box
- Includes Unknown jacket + Helmet (will have to see if it fits)
- Seller says it should run after CDI box has been replaced

C) Suzuki GS 500 E 1997 ZAR 10000 (+-980USD)
- 24000km
- Scraped
- Running

D) Suzuki GSX 400F 1994 ZAR 8000 (+-784USD)
- 30000km
- coil And clutch cable needs replacement
- Seller says it should run after coil and clutch cable replacement
- https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-motorcycles-scooters/kraaifontein/suzuki-gsx-400f-94/1001036151200910189904409

E) Kawazaki ZZR400N 1995 ZAR 20000 (+-1962USD)
- Fitted a new Bosson Performance exhaust Brand new Batery Brand new Gold series Chain
- His price is negotiable
- States it is perfect condition and looks well kept in the photos
- https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-motorcycles-scooters/kraaifontein/zzr-400-+-price-slight-neg/1001068516120910002965409

F) Yamaha FZR 1000 1997 ZAR 12000 (+-1177USD)
- not running due to faulty cdi and the rear tyre needs to be replaced
- https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-motorcycles-scooters/mitchell-s-plain/1997-750-yamaha-fzr-project-bike-for-sale/1001065258980910191989609

Your help will be much appreciated

[mentalboy]

Without looking more closely, going by the brief outlines you've given I'd be leaning towards the GS500E - depending upon how bad the drop damage is.
IMHO - any 400 with electrical problems can be a complete nightmare if you're not electrically minded, not sure on parts availability for older 400's out there but it can be a bit 'hit or miss' in the UK.

EDIT - but I am a ZZR fan and that little 400 looks very nice.
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Make mine a Corona.

[Night817]

So it is hard finding parts for most 400cc older bikes? the 250cc bikes i drove before felt like my scooter that bores me, so i would like atleast 50bhp, could not find much 500cc bikes available and the 600cc ones are very expensive or completely broken.
The electrics I am sure I can figure out, I design and work on yachts including wiring so should be able to figure out what goes on there.

But you are making me worry now about part availability. Generely for cars there is much more parts available from overseas then in South Africa. I actually had to import an oil pump for my scooter (was that useless BMW C1 250cc)

What parts needs most replacing on bikes other than the obvious breakpads, tyres, oil, filters? Then I can look around for part availability of those parts first.

haha yup the 400 looks really nice, but very expensive. TBH a bit out of my budget. was hoping for ZAR13000 for bike and ZAR2000-3000 for Jacket + Helmet and just the bike is past that already. But can adjust my budget if really needed

And I like the look of a fully faired bike (lol not sure what you call that exactly but I dont like naked that much)

Thanks

[ocatoro]

gs500... it's a great little bike to move onto first bike imo. comfy as shit, nice and chuckable... and when you learn to ride a bit better, there's a tonne of upgrades from other bikes that bolt on to make them sharp as a tack.

all whilst delivering safe power delivery and epic fuel economy.
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CBT - 17/09/12 * Theory - 23/10/12 * Mod1 - 05/03/13 * Mod2 - 25/03/13 * BOSH!
Current - None but shed project H100 (first bike )
Past - ER5, '93 ZZR600, '92 CB400 SF, ZZR600 (again), yellow Monster 620, Blackbird - black Monster 620ie - '96 ZZR600

[Polarbear]

I would have a really good check on spares availability before choosing a 400. Here they were grey imports but you can still get spares although not that cheaply.

Also, if anyone in good old UK says 'just needs <insert any equipment> to get it running', take with a huge pinch of salt. If it was that easy do you not think he would have done it himself?

Of those you list, the GS or the ZZR because they are running!
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Night817]

Ah darnit then i will just have to save up some more because i am not trulu sure if i like the naked bike or streetfighter and 500 is naked as far as i remember and the fzr is rather expensive lol.

But yea makes sense what you say with just insert this and they would have fixed themselves. Maybe if i can arange that i take a look at the suzukis wiring and timing before i buy, and if i can fix then would it be a good bike?