Mod1 passed.. Mod2 in January

shellsbells · L Plate Warrior Joined: 02 Dec 2016 Karma :

Hey ppl,
I'm new to bike chat forums but having recently passed Mod1 1st time (bandit600) I thought it would be a great start to my new biking life. I currently ride a KSR125 which has got me to the IOM earlier this year and also getting me 2 laps of the TT course in as well as tour the island. So all in all I've been very pleased with my KSR and my new start to biking.
Would be great to receive any advise on finding my next (big) bike.. And at 5'3 not too big lol
I've been looking online at the following bikes for sale..

K ER6N
S SV650
S GSR600

Thx in advance
Shell

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Hi Shell. How are you finding the Bandit? You must be OK on it, given that you've just passed mod 1. Has it been lowered?

Any of those bikes should be as manageable as the Bandit, or at pinch can be made so by lowering them. The SV650 (I assume you mean the S model with half fairing and clip ons) is pretty leany-forwards though, I'd approach with caution unless you're specifically after that.

Some "big" bikes can be surprisingly low. Have a look at this list of adventure bikes. When folk swing a leg over my lowered midi-GS, there's often a "where's the bike gone?" moment.
____________________
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

talkToTheHat · World Chat Champion Joined: 21 Feb 2012 Karma :

Bandit you're testing on is a big fat lump but forgiving as all hell. Compare anything else you look at with the bandt's 220kg wet weight before you decide it's too big.

The SV is slimmer, with higher pegs but a slightly higher seat, but a load less weight. I've tried an old naked one, but not a fared one. I found the naked had the bars too close to me for my liking, so if you find a bandit a bit of a stretch then an SV might feel right at home.

FZS600 and FZ6 are worth checking out if you like inline 4s, they are a bit smaller and lighter than the bandit, sharper handling, more bite to the brakes, quite a bit more powerful. If you're looking at the GSR600 then the FZ6 is probably closer. I've not ridden the GSR so I can't say how it compares.

What I will say is a half fairing like that of the SV600S bandit-S and Fazer makes motorways, dual carriageways and other bits of brisk but dull touring/commuting much more bearable, particularly in winter as above 60mph the wind pressure on a naked bike quickly gets noticable. However, a naked bike will give you a bit of a reminder if speeds drift a bit high so might help you hang on to that shiny pink ticket. Insurance is likely to be less without a load of plastics though.
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Bandit. does. everything.

shellsbells · L Plate Warrior Joined: 02 Dec 2016 Karma :

thx for your replies guys.
I quite enjoyed riding the bandit (not lowered) I'd only had one MOD2 lesson on it before having my MOD1 test with pre lesson and got told I was an exceptional rider. I had felt so comfortable with the much heavier bike and how it handled compared to my 125 that is all I'd ridden previously. By the way, my first lesson on the bandit which ended up me doing a Mod2 lesson was due to a mix up in the bookings, but I was quite eager to get out and the trainer was happy enough after seeing me ride around the carpark that they use.

I am not looking for the "Leany forwards" type of riding position, as I'm afraid I could get carried away with thinking I'm some sort of racer gal ready to take on the best of the best. But seriously, not too sporty for me.

I've not looked at the FZS600/FZ6 yet. Maybe today I'll get chance to.

I got talking to my local bike dealer yesterday and he'd advised not to go the SV route due to them usually being thrashed to hell. Whilst I was there I noticed they'd got a ER6N in black for sale, this had my name written all over it, so I just had to swing a leg over it obviously. I felt the height of the ER6 was similar to the bandits height so no issues there. I then found myself asking how many £s I'd get for my 125 for PX with ER6.. I almost put my deposit down after I was told they would hold the bike until I pass Mod2. Then the sensible half of me pulled on the reins. I was then able to walk away for pondering time. I have to say though, I do really like the bike. But.. I know I need to have a look around at other bikes, like the FZS/FZ6 for instance.

So what's your thoughts on V-Twins against inline 4s

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

ER6 is a parallel twin rather than a V. It'll deliver its power lower down than an IL4, be a bit less smooth and won't have as much of a top end rush. Personally I prefer twins because I do most of my riding at a fairly sedate pace, and I like having roll on torque available.

However, it's an entirely subjective decision and there's no right answer (except maybe a Street Triple...) so I'd encourage you to test ride before buying if at all possible.
____________________
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