What's a decent buy nowadays? (Coming back - life after B12)

Mewcenary · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 14 Sep 2014 Karma :

Hi all,

I originally put this in 'New bikers' but as I've been around the block a few times it's probably best to put it somewhere generic. So here we go:

I'm thinking of picking up a motorbike again. I sold mine a while ago now as it wasn't fitting in with my commute, and I had to be sensible and get money together to buy a house and stuff. BORING.

I previously had a Bandit 600, then followed that up with a Bandit 1200S. Loved that bike. Torque for days, and handled everything. I put a Givi top box on it as well to make it even more commuter-friendly.

So, what should I consider? I _could_ just get another B12, but would like to try something different.

THINGS I LIKED ABOUT THE B12: The seating position. Very comfy. Torque for days. Bulletproof. Did about 20k miles with nothing going wrong.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: Not the best suspension in the world. Heavy.

I also had an SV650S as a loan bike briefly. I really liked it. Light, nippy, sounded gorgeous!

Not really thinking budget wise at the moment. Just want a steer towards possibilities.

I did my IAM / RoSPA stuff back in the day, and although this contractually binds me to buy a BMW, I would like to consider other options.

map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

fatjames · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Jul 2011 Karma :

There is so much personal preference with this, it makes it difficult to suggest something. Most bikes are fast, fuel efficient, pillion capable, etc..

What will you be using the bike for?

I ride an ER6f, they are cheapish, fastish, prettyish. I take a pillion sometimes and luggage sometimes. I commute on it and hoon on it. But after a B12, it probably won't be enough for you.

P. · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

Falco?

chickenstrip · Super Spammer Joined: 06 Dec 2013 Karma :

Mewcenary · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 14 Sep 2014 Karma :

Robby · Dirty Old Man Joined: 16 May 2002 Karma :

Get whatever catches your eye, you'll learn to like it.

Something I have learned in a good few years of riding. I often get bored of a bike and decide to get rid of it and get something else, but I usually have these feelings when I'm sat in my chair. When I'm riding the bike, I like it.

Two golden rules. Get what you want, not what someone else wants. Get something you haven't had before.

Mewcenary · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 14 Sep 2014 Karma :

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

chickenstrip · Super Spammer Joined: 06 Dec 2013 Karma :

You need a Yam Fazer FZS1000. Trust me on this. The rest of em are full of shit and don't know what they're talking about Razz

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Mewcenary · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 14 Sep 2014 Karma :

I did always used to lust after the Fazer (in its 600 guise...)

Polarbear · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Karma :

After a 1200 of any description you would be mad to go back to a 600.

Big engines, lots of 'grunt' without having to rev the crap out of it.

I like riding my wifes ER6 once in a while just to screw the tits off it but when it comes to any long journeys, give me a bike with a lot of cc's and big horses Thumbs Up

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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

Mewcenary · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 14 Sep 2014 Karma :

Good answer. MORE HORSES will be the approach.

Liking the idea of the Fazer. BMWs still seem ugly, so I think I am safe from that particular dark side.

P. · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

cheeseman · Trackday Trickster Joined: 11 Jun 2014 Karma :

For my biweekly commute to Glasgow I got an ex-plod ST1100. Great for long journeys and plenty of luggage space as it came with a top box as well as the standard panniers, pipe and slippers.
It's a great bike for longer journeys but I felt it had something missing, so got a W650 for fun!

G.

Pigeon · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Sep 2012 Karma :

Repost from original thread:

Sprint 1050. Comfort, grunt and character.....apparently.

Mario_Kempes · Trackday Trickster Joined: 12 Jun 2013 Karma :

VFR800. The alternative to a Beemer for "your type". Razz

arry · Super Spammer Joined: 03 Jan 2009 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

I think you should buy an R1.

It may not tick all your boxes but you won't be sorry you did.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

stevo as b4 · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Karma :

Robster · World Chat Champion Joined: 16 Dec 2013 Karma :

Mate of mine got a silver naked SV1000 recently, looks and sounds the absolute nuts Thumbs Up

Get a Fireblade

/thread
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Up the bum no babies.

Mewcenary · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 14 Sep 2014 Karma :

There don't seem to be many SVs around 2nd hand in my neck of the woods (Farnham, Surrey)

Some stuff that has come up:

Cheap as chips winder Hack Fazer 600:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201408206759239

Suzuki RF900 (not heard of this before, 'sports tourer'):
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201405284557232

Suzuki GSX750
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201403212688044

All sub £2 grand. Maybe I need to step it up a bit. Couple of nice Triumph Speed/Sprint Triples but only if you up the amounts!

instigator · Super Spammer Joined: 19 Oct 2004 Karma :

Matt B · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 May 2012 Karma :