Torn between three bikes..

[Icypanda]

Hi guys! I'm new to the forum so do bare with me

I recently passed my A2 test (Unfortunately I couldn't do the DAS since i'm only 22) and now i'm looking at upgrading my current cbr 125. My three choices are the cbr 300, ninja 300 & the cbr 500. Now the funny thing is the ninja 300 and the cbr 300 are pretty much identical in terms of pricing for a second hand bike. A decent cbr 500 is going to cost me around half a grand or more.

My new bike will be mainly used for commuting with short trips around London. What bikes out of the three would you guys recommend?

Thanks for viewing my thread!

[RhynoCZ]

Interesting, do you know the inssurance rates for these? The CBR500 seems to be like the best option, because of more torque. But, I think I'd go for any of those three, which I could inssure the cheapest. As you mention your age, I can see you are going to get an adults motorcycle in 2 years, so there's not point in spending more money now.

And as always, go and have a sit on those, before you decide. But the insurance rate would be an important aspect of it, if I was in the same situation, as you are.
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'87 Honda XBR 500, '96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1, '90 Honda CB-1, '88 Kawasaki GPz550, MZ 150 ETZ
'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor

[The Shaggy D.A.]

[Icypanda]

[Icypanda]

[Nomad Z]

[Rogerborg]

[Nomad Z]

[Icypanda]

[Icypanda]

[B0ndy]

I know this isn't what you're looking for, but you're going to get bored of those bikes quickly.

Don't get a little shitter, get a bigger bike and pretend you've restricted it with a couple of Ebay-special washers for £60.

Bandit (blandit) being the favourite among A2 riders.

Would probably neck myself after being on a Ninja 300 for two years.
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CBF 125 -> CB400SF -> GSX600F -> ZX6R (G1) -> GSXR1000 K4 -> ZX6R (B1H Stunt bike) -> VFR800 -> R1 5PW -> Sprint 1050 -> Fireblade 929 -> ZX10R C2H

[Icypanda]

[Vifferguy]

[sinedtomuch]

I went with my mate to view the CB500R when it was new and it was very disappointing, its trying to be something its not - fast. Very plasticy feeling to it however it is the gap in the market as I can't think of any other "sporty" A2 compliant 500cc + bikes.

Personally you'll get bored of them all anyway so grab the cheapest/most aesthetically pleasing to you. SV650 is always a favourite, can buy one, insure it and run it for the year and still have change from £3000.
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Gone: RS125, CBR125, SV650, R6.
Current: CBR1000RR 06.

[talkToTheHat]

Be serious with yourself, how long are you going to keep an A2 bike? What will you lose when you sell it? An SV/SFV and restrictor kit can be found for less money. An older bike will be less to insure, and you'll have spare change for the A licence. Or buy an older a2 compliant bike and lose less whne you sell it on.

Of course for the A licence there's "I derestricted it in the carpark", easy with an EFI SV that uses a interchaingable ignition modules, harder but still blaggable with a fzs600.
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Bandit. does. everything.

[ZX-7R]

[Mark65]

I have a CBR300 , 92mpg when run in, a bit vibey above 50mph. I test rode a CBR500 and found there wasnt much between them really, I spoke to a chap that was on a Ninja 300 and he said he was lucky to get 65mpg but they make there power at the higher rev range. The CBR 300 can have a rattle at 5k and above which was on the 250 as well, mine has it but I ignore it for now as it will be going in the spring, Riding position on the CBR300 is not too bad either, easy to filter. If you want to know anything about it just ask.
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07 Yamaha YBR125, 07 Honda CG125 , 15 CBR300R (Chocolate Crank, Deaded), 16 CB500FA, 19 Honda Forza 300, 70 Suzuki SV650

[nitrosurf]

Does it have to be new/newish?

Not 100℅ up on what can be had and restricted on your license but GPZ500, Bandit 600, old shape CB500, SV650 are but a few that spring to mind... Hornet...?

I reckon you'd have more fun, learn more about motorcycle mechanics (as you wouldn't be worried as much and there's no warranty to worry about) and if you get bored and want to sell you won't lose as much (if any) money on it.

Just my two pennies.

🏍
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"Multiple exclamation marks," he went on, shaking his head, "are a sure sign of a diseased mind."