Next Bike?

MahatmaAndhi · Traffic Copper Joined: 10 Jun 2015 Karma :

Hi guys,

Since my Burgman got stolen and is uneconomical to repair, I'm back in the market for a commuter. 60 and 70mph roads, 20 miles each way.
I've a limited budget of £900 tops.

I was looking at a Triumph Sprint 900. Insurance-wise, it's not too bad. But the engine is double the Burger Van in capacity. How much is this likely to sting the wallet in terms of mileage? And also, is there anything which I should specifically look out for on this model (1996)?
I've checked the MOT history and it's due again in March 18. Had no advisories on the last one. Mileage is 40,000. And is listed for £850. I haven't tried to gauge whether he'll drop that any yet.

Cheers.
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2008 Aprilia Sportcity 250

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

900quid and commuter, what you want is the cleanest well looked after bike that's available now and locally to you. I doesn't matter if it's a scooter, an ER5 or a GSXR.

Anything that's not in good condition, needs work, or is not within a few miles of your doorstep is out, and anything else is just what you need.

MahatmaAndhi · Traffic Copper Joined: 10 Jun 2015 Karma :

My scooter got nicked, my ER5 was more boring than watching paint dry - there's lots of GSXRs about though.
I'm going to be using this through winter. And, while I'm not wanting something which'll set the world on fire, I would like to enjoy the ride.

I'm very limited by what's available and going to actually view it with wife and kids in tow.
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2008 Aprilia Sportcity 250

Alpineandy · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Mar 2015 Karma :

As previously mentioned, your budget means you can't be too choosy.
I'd suggest you have a look at a Yam TDM though...
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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.

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Polarbear · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Karma :

The old Triumphs were pretty bomb proof bar the sprag clutch which was mainly a case of making sure your battery was good. I think there were two different engines, one that the repair was easy and one where it wasn't. Silver good, black bad?

Other than that, a heavy lazy sportsish tourer.

But as said above, best condition bike close to you.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

MahatmaAndhi · Traffic Copper Joined: 10 Jun 2015 Karma :

I'm looking. The wife gets worried about mid-90s bikes. I've seen several affordable, nice looking bikes (ZZR, ZX6R, GSX, FZR, NTV) but she's instantly put off by age.

Here's the Triumph anyway:

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/803527599798359

I'll ask him about the sprag clutch. I read that people that know the bikes tend to keep the paperwork to prove it's been changed - or at the very least know what they're talking about.
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2008 Aprilia Sportcity 250

Alpineandy · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Mar 2015 Karma :

Alpineandy · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Mar 2015 Karma :

MahatmaAndhi · Traffic Copper Joined: 10 Jun 2015 Karma :

No specific reason. She just thinks that I should be getting a newer bike for the money. I won't. She'll have to accept that. But the convincing isn't fun.

And, make no mistake, the Triumph isn't a model I've specifically searched for. It's in budget, it's good favourable reviews and it's not a million miles away. But will it kick my wallet to pieces once I've bought it? That's what I want to know.
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2008 Aprilia Sportcity 250

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Why are you involving the female and the younglings in your bike purchasing decisions?
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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

MahatmaAndhi · Traffic Copper Joined: 10 Jun 2015 Karma :

I need a lift to wherever I purchase it from.
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2008 Aprilia Sportcity 250

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Why are you involving the female and the younglings in your bike purchasing decisions?
____________________
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

MahatmaAndhi · Traffic Copper Joined: 10 Jun 2015 Karma :

Well, yeah, I could dump them if needs be. But none-the-less, I am still unsure if this Triumph is going to be a money sink.
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2008 Aprilia Sportcity 250

Oneear · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 20 Mar 2016 Karma :

It'll be no more of a "money sink" than anything else that's £900, as the others have said.

As an aside, the triple in my Legend has 40k on it now, and has been no problem at all during the 4k that I've put on it.

It's a case of having a look at the bike and talking to the man selling it. If it looks and sounds and rides like it's okay, and the man has looked after it, then buy it. If not, move on to the next bike within budget and distance and repeat.

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

wr6133 · World Chat Champion Joined: 31 Dec 2013 Karma :

MahatmaAndhi · Traffic Copper Joined: 10 Jun 2015 Karma :

I don't have money to burn. Anything at this price will be a gamble, I know, but I'm looking for A) known issues B) cost of living C) general reliability on this particular model.
£900 might be naff all to some people, but right now that's our budget stretched and means missing out on (an already frugal) holiday this year, as well as other things.
But if I can't get to work, I can't make any money to begin with. Unfortunately, my work moved 20 miles away from where it used to be (walking distance) and I'm currently borrowing the mother's car because the wife needs ours for school runs etc. However, the insurance runs out on the 17th July and costs £30 a week, so that's pretty much my deadline.
Noone at work lives locally to me to ask for a lift.

Edit: ZZRs with my current insurer are stupidly expensive, unfortunately. It's a model I've looked at a lot. I have to stick with current insurer (Hastings) as my renewal is up in August, so I'll be switching rather than starting fresh. The Triumph is quoting at £120, the ZZR is well over £400.
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2008 Aprilia Sportcity 250

wr6133 · World Chat Champion Joined: 31 Dec 2013 Karma :

gsx750f or gsx600f?

Not as popular as the other late 90's sport tourers so there are loads of fairly tidy ones for cheap.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SUZUKI-GSX-750-F-GSX750F-2001-BARGAIN-FULL-MOT-/253035484638?hash=item3aea1715de:g:AXgAAOSwGBtZYUHf

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1999-low-mileage-suzuki-gsx600f-/232396857104?hash=item361bee9f10:g:4tkAAOSwDrNZUT5L

Polarbear · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Karma :

The problem with bikes that age is owners not really the make of bike.

Even if the bike is one make that has issues, at that age the chances are they have been fixed or aren't going to happen.

The real issues are what has the owner(s) done to the bike.

In the end that's all you can go on condition, owner but that still doesn't mean it won't go bang tomorrow.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

Alpineandy · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Mar 2015 Karma :

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

MahatmaAndhi · Traffic Copper Joined: 10 Jun 2015 Karma :

I don't have the luxury of being able to save. I got nursery fees and other pricey bills to pay and need transportation to work, 20 miles away with terrible bus times.
It's a shit situation because the local shit heads decided to nick my bike. But it is what it is. I'm just trying to make the most of what I got.
The bandit looks okay though on first glance. I'll look in to it. Thanks.
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2008 Aprilia Sportcity 250

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

J4mes · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Mar 2011 Karma :

£900? You can have my 28K mile 97 thundercat for that, I'll even MOT it for you.

Brand new rear tyre, sprockets and chain. probably done 200 miles since having them fitted.

Only let me down once in 5 years, clutch cable snapped.

Like this one

https://fooqs.com/environment/cache/images/0_0_productGfx_989ad875ca9a11ce067d2bcb3fb3f17d.jpg

but has a rear seat cowl, single seat conversion thing on it.