Working my way up CB500 to Street triple

[Kaneda80]

Hello me again,

So just to recap having never ridden before, doing DAS over June/July I'm about to move to deep dark Kent, learning to ride for the commute from Ashford to Chiswick. Going to go straight to around 25,000 miles a year.

Was pretty keen on street triple or speedmaster for first bike but I'm not sure they are going to be great for first bikes, if the stipple is twitchy and the speedy is heavy I don't want to be constantly dropping my new bike or wrap myself around a lamp post after twitching the throttle over a pothole.
I still want one of those bikes... And very much so. But I'd really like to get 5 or 10,000 miles under my belt first so that I can get used to riding. As much of a midlife crisis crossed with necessity this is I do want to do it properly and maximise both my chances of survival and enjoyment while not breaking the bank.

Because of the amount of motorway involved I get the impression that a 125 or even a 250 will be a bit light and run ragged.
So that means I have to look at something midweight.

I was wondering about perhaps a used cb500, or maybe even a ninja to rack up those first few thousand miles on.
I read that the cb is essentially a bit boring but capable, I'm not sure which size ninja to go for.

Looks are important, as is comfort while it's just a learning bike and I'll possibly only be keeping for a couple of months to a year what do you guys think? Am I on the right track?

Thanks
Kaneda
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I like turtles

[Robster]

Get something shit you don't mind dropping for first a bike, then get a fancy trumpet later. Had a go on a mate's Triple and found the throttle hella sensitive compared to what I was used to, literally slight twist and it was at 4000rpm, bit of a hoonigan machine.

Also for a long commute it might get tiring on a naked bike like the triple, so maybe consider something with faring instead?

Not that I speak from experience, but doing DAS training on an ER 6N and a Naked Yamaha Diversion, 70mph feels very nervy at first, and you get blown about like crazy.

[Rogerborg]

[Kaneda80]

Hi Roger,

So a 600, is that not a bit sporty?

Looks wize I really don't like fairings but I'm starting to accept that I might just have to suck it up, at least for my first bike.
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I like turtles

[Baffler186]

I'd consider either Roger's suggestion or one of the half-faired 600 commuters. A naked bike will knacker your neck over a long distance, in the wind, and/or at motorway speeds. Even the "bikini fairing" and smallish screen of the Fazer6 is much more comfortable for longer rides than a naked upright bike.

So, maybe decide what type of bike you want, then look into the reliability record of your short-list and go from there?
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Current: 2009 SV650 S, 1990 Kawasaki GT550
Previous: 2009 CBF125, 1998 GSF600, 2004 FZ6 Fazer, 1978 CB400a Hondamatic

[DrSnoosnoo]

[sidewinder]

If your on a budget.i would recomend a 600 diversion.not the best looking bike but will eat up your commute easily .and they are very reliable plus the screen works really well to

[Kaneda80]

I can spend around £3,000 to £4,000 on the bike. Will go bigger in a year or two.
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I like turtles

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