First big bike

[pablodrugsmul...]

After buying a cbf 125 and barely using it i've now passed my das on an mt07 (first time ) and im looking at which bike to get. Before even taking my test id narrowed down a list of potential bikes but i decided what i really wanted was a v strom 650, i regularly have to travel 200 miles to Lincolnshire and enjoy touring and the v strom seems perfect for that. The problem is i only really want to spend a max of £3k (less if i can) and v stroms at that sort of price either have higher mileage than id like or seem to sell quickly. Im still saving and need to sell my 125 but hopefully within 4 or 5 weeks ill have the cash, another bike that caught my attention was the versys 650 2010 on model as it does the same thing, the torque seems to be nice on these, the insurance is a group lower and they generally are more available. I was also wondering on peoples opinions of the transalp as while i think its ugly (a lot would say that about all 3 options) it seems well made and would do the job. The other option is buying a fazer 600 cheaply and getting some experience on that before going on one of these taller bikes although i think id be ok.

My criteria incase anyone has any other recommendations is the following:

-Comfy on a long run - decent wind protection
-decent fuel range/mpg
-hard luggage available
-comfy enough for a pillion
-not too expensive to maintain, im happy to do basic services my self but most other stuff id need to learn from someone or pay a garage to do it
-reliable

[diesel dog]

Well done on your pass
Out of all the bikes you've mentioned the Fazer 600 would be my choice although all of them will feel like a rocket ship compared to the 125.
____________________
MT10

[pablodrugsmul...]

Cheers, insurance is a joke it pisses me off so much, i had a look at an old 99 fazer 600 and they want silly money, if i didnt run a car aswell id just buy one. I've seen a few gpz500s lately and they are much cheaper to insure (about 40%), as i have 6 months no claims on my 125 it seems the sensible thing to do is grab a cheap gpz to keep 6 months then upgrade when i have a years no claims, its gonna seem like a rocket compared to my 125 anyway. Had so many idiot time wasters trying to sell my cbf but someones meant to be looking at it later today then i have my eye on a few bikes. The gpz seems a good move as its so cheap to insure/run and if i do drop it or crash it then i won't care.

[Rogerborg]

Sure, the GPZ500 is a decent enough bike. They're getting on a bit, so go for the newest, lowest mileage example that you can find. Have a look at the XJ600 and Bandit 600 as well. Nothing wrong with scumming it for a bit to build up some NCD
____________________
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

[Polarbear]

Deauville
____________________
Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[chris-red]

Have you Considered a TDM?



https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Yamaha-TDM-900-tdm900-2005-givi-boxes-1-previous-owner-/171843805900?hash=item2802b062cc:g:VKEAAOSwu4BVlALx



Should fit the bill perfectly.
____________________
Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[pablodrugsmul...]

I found a 2003 gpz with the double front discs and 23k so as good as itll get and only 13 years old , they want a grand but i dont wanna pay more than £850, few tatty ones about so the price seems reasonable and ill most likely get the same back when it comes time to get rid of it.


I had a look at deauvilles as they do meet a lot of my criteria and the shaft drive means no faffing with chains but the build quality seemed pretty bad, most are really rusty and getting on a bit. Also there the fact im 25 and drive a Volvo 940 by choice so going with an old persons bike too may worry my girlfriend, im sure its comfy though.

[pablodrugsmul...]

[pablodrugsmul...]

Ok so i got me a bike, a 99 fazer 600 , great! No not great, rang up my cbf insurers hoping to change the details over to the fazer and carry on till my policy ends in september, nope they wont insure me going from a 125 to a 600, ok can i atleast get confirmation of my earnt ncb over the last half a year? Nope they won't do that unless you stayed the entire year even though i wanted to continue the policy on my new bike. Just to annoy you some more the amount owed to cancel is £230, f***ing great . I got a quote online from Carole nash for £900 with 0 ncb but im wondering if i took it if theyll ring up and tell me in a few weeks they can't insure me either because of the jump in cc or some bollocks. Maybe Aviva will do a reasonable quote as i have my car with them already? I know a fazers not exactly slow but i dont live in a crack den, im employed, its parked on a drive with a very thick oxford boss disc lock on it and i wasn't trying to put 20k miles a year on or anything stupid. Rant over

[Pjay]

Crikey, it cost me £60 more to insure a GSXR 600 when I changed from my 125.

I'm assuming you are using comparison sites?

Try these guys if you haven't yet:

www.thebikeinsurer.co.uk

I must admit that I did the smart thing and checked the prices of a 125/CBT and a 600/A Licence, of each insurer before buying.

[pablodrugsmul...]

[Matt B]

[Baffler186]

[Rogerborg]

[pablodrugsmul...]

[Rogerborg]

[Alpineandy]

The Transalp (XL650) is a really easy bike to ride. Decent at everything but not especially good at anything. Cheap Insurance, can be hustled along quickly enough to keep up with others but is most relaxing whilst 'pottering'. OK at 70mph, will cruise faster but prefers slightly slower. Only 50 mpg but it's pretty consistent.
The real benefit is that you can get one well under £3k and it's 'honda' reliable. Just make sure the Gbox output shaft is OK and there's little else to worry about. They do come up for as little as £1.5k. Use it for 6 months or a year and then decide which features are important on your next bike etc and move on.
There seem to be enough on sale usually to be a bit picky about which accessories you want.
I got one when I thought a back problem would force me to stop riding (must now sit upright) and I was very pleasantly surprised.
TL DR; XL650 = uninspiring but a very useable & easy ride.
____________________
The above comment isn't necessarily the truth and anyone that says it is, is only correct if it's the truth or they're bigger than me.