Appropriate 400 for an Old codger?

[struan80]

I've had R1,s, 1200cc barges and also an R6. But my penis is small.

I've decided that all of these go way beyond my skill level.

I've decided light is best, which it is. So I'm thinking about getting an approx 400cc sporty bike.

I like the Duke and the RC390. Can a 52 year old get away with riding one of these?

In general, will a 400 be quick enough for spirited riding through the country roads of the Borders? Can they manage small trips on the motorway?

Going to start from scratch on a 'less likely' to kill myself type sporty bike.

[P.]

Wouldn't go near the KTMs, maybe something '500' like the Honda 500s?

[stinkwheel]

Try an ER6.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Nobby the Bastard]

[stinkwheel]

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

[struan80]

Any bike is up for debate. I'm currently riding a single cylinder BMW F650GS and that is rather dull.

I've got a dealer only 30 miles away so would be ok with that for the KTM. I had a Honda CBR650F and that would be ideal again except I can't afford even a second hand one. CBR 500's are again quite expensive although definitely worth consideration. I like the new Kwak 400 but again too pricey for now.

Can get a brand new 2018 KTM RC390 for less than £4k that's why I was thinking about one.

Thanks for the replies.

[linuxyeti]

Mash 400, Herald 400 or new Jawa 350, all based on the Shineray XY400. Based on my Mash, lovely bike to ride, comfortable enough for long distance trips, quick enough for motorway stints, very frugal fuel wise. The only bike I'd suggest above those, would be a new Royal Enfield 650, either Interceptor or GT. I love mine, it's light and manoeuvrable, will easily ride above 80 2 up, lovely smooth gearbox, and, fuel wise, very frugal as well.
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[hellkat]

I agree about the ER6 or its derivatives. For a smaller bike, its got enough zip to enjoy yourself. I loved having a GPZ500 and would have one again any time.
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[P.]

[stinkwheel]

I'd have a GPZ500 too, they're just getting a bit old now. Great wee bikes. It's effectively what I immediately thought of when I read what was required. They can hussle along at a fair nip but they only do it if you ask them to. Otherwise they are a fairly sedate ride. If you want to sit at a steady 80 on the motorway, they'll do that too with minimal stress, and do mid 50mpg while they're at it.

The ER6 was the successor to them and can hussle too. A few more ponies, better brakes and suspension and a lovely gearbox. You just need to remember to rev them if you want to be in "sports" rather than "commuter" mode.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

[B0ndy]

[leolion]

mt-03/ninja 300?

[linuxyeti]

[stonesie]

[stevo as b4]

Sounds like a 100bhp 600 is the absolute lower limit of bike for the shortest of motorway hops, and trips down quiet back roads. Probably not enough power for two up riding though, or carrying a bag of luggage, so you might want to start your search at 1000cc and go up from there IMO!

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

https://memegenerator.net/img/instances/71495417/oh-you.jpg
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"Life is a sexually transmitted disease and the mortality rate is one hundred percent."

Mobylette Type 50 ---> Raleigh Grifter ---> Neval Minsk 125

[A100man]

I'm still struggling with the notion that codger-dom starts at 52
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Now: A100, GT250A, XJ598, FZ750

Then: Fizz, RS200, KL250, XJ550, Laverda Alpina, XJ600, FZS600

[Easy-X]

[stevo as b4]

I know a few olds with bikes in this capacity class, 400ish cc and a few with 125's and 650's too so it definitely is possible be 52 and ride a small bike contrary to BCF wisdom.

In fact a 66yr old mate of my dad has just bought a KTM 125, and was considering the RC but decided that they didn't need a fairing for short fun rides, despite preferring the look of the sports machine.

[Tdibs]

ER6/SV650 (new ones)/Hornet.

Decent weight, enough power for motorway work and enjoyment, not intimidating.
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Previous : 09 Vanvan 125| 02' Sv650s || Current: 1999 Xj600n | 1992 DR650 RSE | 2005 Fazer 1000

[P.]

[redeem ouzzer]

GT380.
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