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| Mickey Mouse |
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 Mickey Mouse L Plate Warrior
Joined: 27 May 2016 Karma :  
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 Posted: 19:19 - 27 May 2016 Post subject: Scooter vs full fairing bike |
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Hi,
I passed my tests 8 months ago and after careful consideration decided to buy a "maxi-scooter" as my first bike. Suzuki Burgman 650 Exec. I thought it would be practical, easy to manoeuvre, and fun since it is a 650cc. I use it for a short daily commute through London streets. I took it for a few short motorway trips, and it handles the speed superbly. I managed to get up to 90mph and it still had a lot of power, however....
I realised I am not using it for the occasional quick run to the shop to buy a bottle of milk as I thought, so doesn't matter that it has a big storage and it is practical; also, it is not that easy to manoeuvre (it is still a 650cc bike, and a very long and wide one, it does not fit through my garden gate); and it is not that much fun either because... well, it is a scooter.
Now, my dilemma. On my commute I wear almost all my protective clothing, except my trousers, as it is a lot easier to get changed once I arrive in the office(Stupid, I know). The bike offers sufficient wind protection and I only ride for a short time at slow speed. For longer trips I wear full protection.
I would like to upgrade to a bike with full fairing, so that there would still be some protection and my trousers would not burn or get dirty on contact with engine. I keep the bike and car clean, but I guess it happens.
Last, but not least, I am quite tall (~1.9m / 6ft2in) and concerned about looks. Not impressed when I see myself on the scooter in a shop window.
Now, could anyone suggest a bike I could buy up to 5years old, over 650cc, under£5k for my short daily commute and an occasional trip to the seaside?
Thanks,
Michael |
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| Pjay |
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 Pjay World Chat Champion

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| Rogerborg |
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 Rogerborg nimbA

Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :    
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| barrkel |
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 barrkel World Chat Champion
Joined: 30 Jul 2012 Karma :   
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 Posted: 23:14 - 27 May 2016 Post subject: Re: Scooter vs full fairing bike |
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For a short daily commute in London you want a small nimble scooter and wear no more than jacket, gloves and boots with some ankle protection.
Smaller scooter means more nimble, less work to get in and out, and you don't need loads of power - getting up to 30/40 is brisk enough. No gears means no wear or oil on the top of your left boot.
Any more dressing up and the faff of it negates the practicality. You'll never be popping down to the shops for milk if you need to put on a whole outfit.
IMO you're not actually interested in bikes, you want one as a fashion accessory, and that's down to your taste. Why not go buy the prettiest one you can afford? Perhaps bring along a friend with a camera so you can judge how you look? ____________________ Bikes: S1000R, SH350; Exes: Vity 125, PS125, YBR125, ER6f, VFR800, Brutale 920, CB600F, SH300x4
Best road ever ridden: www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2MhNxUEYtQ |
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| Mickey Mouse |
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 Mickey Mouse L Plate Warrior
Joined: 27 May 2016 Karma :  
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 Posted: 09:59 - 28 May 2016 Post subject: Re: Scooter vs full fairing bike |
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I am bored.
As someone else mentioned, I am looking to turn heads now more than practicality...
Protection? Basically, during my 5 days DAS course the inside of my trousers leg got burnt from the engine heat. I thought the plastics would offer protection against this king of incidents.
I do not have any biking experience or friends bikers to talk to. |
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| Ste |
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 Ste Not Work Safe

Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :    
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 Posted: 10:19 - 28 May 2016 Post subject: |
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"could anyone suggest a bike I could buy up to 5years old, over 650cc, under£5k for my short daily commute and an occasional trip to the seaside?"
You need a GSXR1000 or an R1.  |
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| Andy_Pagin |
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 Andy_Pagin World Chat Champion

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| Mickey Mouse |
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 Mickey Mouse L Plate Warrior
Joined: 27 May 2016 Karma :  
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| Mickey Mouse |
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 Mickey Mouse L Plate Warrior
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| dydey90 |
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 dydey90 World Chat Champion

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| Mickey Mouse |
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 Mickey Mouse L Plate Warrior
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| Snowdonia Rider |
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 Snowdonia Rider World Chat Champion

Joined: 17 Oct 2014 Karma :   
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 Posted: 13:14 - 28 May 2016 Post subject: |
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If I was commuting in London I'd consider an XT660X ____________________ I want your clothes, your boots and your motorcycle.
Suzuki GP125 Suzuki GSX600F Suzuki SV650S KTM EXC250F SkyTeam Bongo 125
My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SnowdoniaRider |
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| Mickey Mouse |
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 Mickey Mouse L Plate Warrior
Joined: 27 May 2016 Karma :  
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| Andy_Pagin |
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 Andy_Pagin World Chat Champion

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| Mickey Mouse |
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 Mickey Mouse L Plate Warrior
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| dydey90 |
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 dydey90 World Chat Champion

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| Ste |
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 Ste Not Work Safe

Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :    
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 Posted: 15:05 - 28 May 2016 Post subject: |
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You're worrying far too much about your height. You're not freakishly tall so go and sit on some bikes and get some test rides.
Buy whichever bike you find comfiest and like the most. Or you could buy whichever bike you think you'll like the reflection of in shop windows the most.
www.cycle-ergo.com/
Last edited by Ste on 15:05 - 28 May 2016; edited 1 time in total |
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| Rogerborg |
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 Rogerborg nimbA

Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :    
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 Posted: 15:05 - 28 May 2016 Post subject: |
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OK, thanks for the clarification.
| Mickey Mouse wrote: | Versys 650
V Strom 650 or 1000?
BMW F800GS
Kawa ER6f (I trained on Kawasaki ER6n and Yamaha XJ and I thought I was too big for them, but I paid more attention to learning that to being confortable and enjoying myself)
Honda NC750, NC700
Fazer |
Yeah, yeah/yeah, yeah, yeah, meh and... yeah. Also, Hornet or Bandit.
If you want a biggish faired bike but not necessarily a leany-forwards sportsbike, the Suzuki GSX650F might suit: it's a Bandit in a pretty frock, which is no bad thing.
You can't really go far wrong with pretty much any European or Japanese branded 600+ twin, triple or IL4 bike made in the past 15 years, to be honest, it's just a case of finding one that you like.
It's very subjective. I just tried a Fazer today, and I can see why some riders would absolutely love it. I found it a bit revvy for my tastes though, but it's good to have a nibble. ____________________ 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 |
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| Mickey Mouse |
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 Mickey Mouse L Plate Warrior
Joined: 27 May 2016 Karma :  
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 Posted: 15:17 - 28 May 2016 Post subject: |
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| Rogerborg wrote: | OK, thanks for the clarification.
Yeah, yeah/yeah, yeah, yeah, meh and... yeah. Also, Hornet or Bandit.
If you want a biggish faired bike but not necessarily a leany-forwards sportsbike, the Suzuki GSX650F might suit: it's a Bandit in a pretty frock, which is no bad thing.
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Ok. Thanks everyone guys for your input. I will try finding some shops open this bank holiday weekend and sit on a few bikes. Otherwise, I guess it wasn't a bad decision buying the Burgman for my needs, everything else is just me being a drama queen and looking for a change.
It was my first time posting on a forum (I guess it was noticeable) and did not expect so many replies. Thanks again to everyone. Take care! |
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| Nobby the Bastard |
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 Nobby the Bastard Harley Gaydar

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| herulach |
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 herulach World Chat Champion
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| Googley |
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 Googley Two Stroke Sniffer
Joined: 26 May 2016 Karma :   
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| Rogerborg |
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 Rogerborg nimbA

Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :    
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| Val |
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 Val World Chat Champion

Joined: 03 Nov 2012 Karma :   
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 Posted: 20:52 - 29 May 2016 Post subject: Re: Scooter vs full fairing bike |
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| Mickey Mouse wrote: |
Last, but not least, I am quite tall (~1.9m / 6ft2in) and concerned about looks. Not impressed when I see myself on the scooter in a shop window.
Now, could anyone suggest a bike I could buy up to 5years old, over 650cc, under£5k for my short daily commute and an occasional trip to the seaside? |
Michael you need Honda CBF1000:
https://www.screensforbikes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSCN3674.jpg
or Fazer Fz1S:
https://moto.zombdrive.com/images/yamaha-fz1-fazer-2008-12.jpg ____________________ Adrian Monk: Unless I'm wrong, which, you know, I'm not...
Yamaha Fazer FZS 600, MT09, XSR 900 |
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| Andy_Pagin |
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 Andy_Pagin World Chat Champion

Joined: 08 Nov 2010 Karma :    
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Old Thread Alert!
The last post was made 9 years, 232 days ago. Instead of replying here, would creating a new thread be more useful? |
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