Big Fat A2 Licence

[Tubes63]

Hey all, how's it going?

I recently passed my A2 licence tests having never ridden before (apart from the CBT obviously). So I'd never touched a bike before January. But I have to say I think I've fallen for it!

Now my issue is what bike to buy...

I'm 22, 6'4, 110KG(at least). Riding on the GS500 on my lessons/test did draw a couple funny looks! . I plan on commuting on the bike, but also want to do some longer runs (will be living in Edinburgh soon and often travel to Herefordshire on weekends).

Here are my thoughts so far:

Suzuki GSX650f (Restricted): this is my current favourite option... My instructor suggested it for its size and relative grunt. Plus the fact that I'd not have to buy a new bike when I turn 24 and get the big boy licence.

Yamaha MT-07 (Restricted): option 2, suggested by my examiner, and I've read some raving reviews about it and it sounds fun... My only worries would be the fact that there's no wind protection, and that people say it's quite light - would it be too small for a big fat guy like me?


Honda CB500f/x: people seem to love Hondas? But my worry with these are that they'd (again) be too small for me. Any thoughts? Also, I'd only have it for a couple years before having to sell and buy something bigger...

Honda NC700: Possible? I don't know much about it but it looks like a slightly larger version of the CB500x, and possibly more interesting for someone "of weight"

Effectively I've been looking all over the place and can't decide what to get! I keep swapping from the GSX650, to the MT-07, to the Street Triple, to the Bonneville.

Does anybody have any suggestions? I'm feeling a bit lost haha.
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Geoff

[thewhyoffry]

Whatever you do decide to go for... Congrats on the A2!

[Tubes63]

Cheers, mate I absolutely loved doing it... I think I'll actually miss doing the Mod 1 test!
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Geoff

[suburban myth]

[Rogerborg]

The CB500 is quite neat, I doubt you'd be that comfy on it.

Might not be the most popular opinion, but I'd see if you can sniff out a decently priced GSX650F. The Bandit that it's based on is (was) very popular because it's a very decent bike. I have two workmates with them who really rate them. Add on some decent looking plastics for not much more money, and it's reasonable value if you consider the real (eternally discounted) price rather than the sticker number.

Haters will hate, but with A2 you are limited in what you can get.

Just to make your life harder, have you considered an "adventure" stylee for the extra size? Versys, 650/700/800GS, or the V-Strom?
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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

[DeenBiker]

Congrats on passing bud.

I passed my mod 2 a week ago today - I'm 25 so no restrictions.

I'm 6 foot and 120kg - did all my learning on a Bandit 600 and bought myself a GSX 750 F so just the engine up from the one your considering.

It's a brilliant bike in terms of size for a big lad like me and very comfortable to ride. I have been on it pretty much every day for commuting and also took it out over the weekend for a couple of 4 hour rides.

You should be able to pick up a decent 650 for reasonable money.

[Tubes63]

Cool cheers for the replies, guys. And thanks for the advice.

At the risk of swatting the hornet's nest... Why do people hate the bandit so much? I think GSX650F is definitely the current plan - I might go look at one I've seen on t'internet this weekend if it's still there.

I've looked at adventure bikes, but I don't know if they'd be any good for the commute, or if they're as newbie-friendly (since they look like they have a higher centre of gravity)? They're probably extremely practical, but I've got a Defender for that - I'm looking for something a bit more fun . I'll have a look, though - and I'll see if I can sit on a CB500 at some point, too.

DeenBiker - thanks very much, congrats to you too! Sounds like you're living my dream haha. This is what I get for falling into bikes rather than planning it out I guess!
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Geoff

[thewhyoffry]

You enjoyed mod 1?! I am learning it at the moment on the smallest area known to man. My figure of 8 is as tight as a ducks arse! Had a look at people doing it in the actual centre this afternoon and realised you can go about 6 foot either side wide.

Shitting myself for the test on Friday!

Had a look at the ER6N on restriction?

[BG5067]

[Tubes63]

Haha surprisingly, yeah I loved it! I've been driving big slow cars for the past five years, so the chance to do some relatively quick and nimble maneuvers in a "safe" environment was great for me! Plus I never really set out to get my licence, so there was no pressure... I just went to try it with that "Get On" scheme and sort of fell in love.

I hadn't considered the er6n, but now that I've had a look it looks quite nice is that what you're looking at getting?

Good luck with the test, if you can do the figure of 8 within the confines of poultry anus you should be fine on the day . I was told as long as you don't run over the instructor or any of the cones you'll be fine
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Geoff

[BG5067]

[Tubes63]

[BG5067]

[BG5067]

This is my baby.

sexy bitch

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=285727
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Current. Kawasaki ZX9R.

Theory passed 17/01/2014. Mod 1 Passed 03/02/2014 (0 faults) Mod 2 10/02/2014 Passed (0 faults)

[Tubes63]

I like it

Yeah I'll have to have a good sit, I guess... Hopefully I'll be able to make up my mind within the next year!
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Geoff

[thewhyoffry]

Yeah, I have been looking at bikes for the past year and its down to either the er6N or F (depending on how flush im feeling,) and the Yamaha MT07. Going for my full licence so I would get it unrestricted but other than that it looks to do everything I need in a commuter bike. I would likely get the MT07 but my local Yamaha dealership is bloody miles away and the nearest kawa is just 2 mins down the road so its a no brainer for services etc

[thewhyoffry]

[Tubes63]

[thewhyoffry]

[G30]

Meh, congrats on passing, but for me I'm already counting the days until I can get my full unrestricted 'A' license.

As for your question, the best bet is to go and sit on bikes and see what feels the most comfortable. You can't test ride so that's the best option.
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KTM RC390 -- Kawa ER6f -- Yam YZF R125 -- Yam YBR 125