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HarryMac
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PostPosted: 10:32 - 13 Oct 2020    Post subject: Back to bikes - which one & where do I find it. Reply with quote

Hi folk,

Ran about on bikes with my mates when I was younger CB125 CB250 DT175 RD250LC but never got round to passing my test...

Did my CBT twice 8 & 12 years ago but change in circumstances blah blah blah

Sat my theory test last year and going to get my full license this time!

Been thinking about which bike but want one with a fairing (commuting 45 miles in most weathers). Totally confused by which model is which (back in the day most manufactures did a trail bike or a road bike in a particular cc) now they seem to do about 14.

Fancy a VFR800 but want (read - should probably buy) something a bit tamer.... would appreciate feedback on this... found this CBF600 but it has a full fairing and bars not clip-ons?

Been looking on Autotrader (like all the options to narrow down the search), Gumtree, eBay and MCN anywhere else?

Thanks


Last edited by HarryMac on 14:35 - 13 Oct 2020; edited 1 time in total
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Easy-X
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PostPosted: 13:48 - 13 Oct 2020    Post subject: Reply with quote

A general rule of thumb is anything 4-stroke under 600cc is pretty tame. Modern 600cc bikes are usually based off of race bikes so can be quite aggressive. 650cc bikes are back to tame again but after that you'd need to read up on the bike model.
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ThunderGuts
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PostPosted: 09:53 - 14 Oct 2020    Post subject: Reply with quote

Your personality and ability to exercise discipline will be a big factor in what you should choose (plus to an extent how deep your pockets are when it comes to insurance - a new rider on a fast bike isn't a combination that appeals to insurance companies oddly enough).

VFR800 isn't a hooligan bike (I've got a VFR800X which is essentially the same bike but on stilts) but it's certainly fast enough to get you into trouble (both police and medical) very easily, although arguably most bikes at 500cc and above, despite being "tame" in bike terms, are capable of this.

In many ways a VFR is ideal as it'll do anything, it's comfortable and should be reliable. However, consider it has expensive valve checks periodically (interval depends on the specific model) and if you're commuting 250 miles a week plus any leisure miles you'll reach these intervals quite quickly, plus they're not the most frugal bikes either - again, might not be an issue (and their range is perfectly OK) but if you're wary of how much you spend on fuel it might be worth considering. A VFR is thirstier than many modern medium saloon cars, mine will just about do 50mpg on the motorway.

If you envisage commuting being the mainstay of your bike riding and assuming it's unexciting commuting, I'd seriously consider a NC750X. They're boring and fairly slow (again, it's all relative - they have a 54bhp twin but they'll still do 60mph in under 6 seconds). Very economical (something like 80+mpg I think), reasonable weather protection and a handy luggage compartment where the fuel tank usually is.
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A100man
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PostPosted: 10:19 - 14 Oct 2020    Post subject: Re: Back to bikes - which one & where do I find it. Reply with quote

HarryMac wrote:
Hi folk,

Ran about on bikes with my mates when I was younger CB125 CB250 DT175 RD250LC but never got round to passing my test...

Did my CBT twice 8 & 12 years ago but change in circumstances blah blah blah

Sat my theory test last year and going to get my full license this time!

Been thinking about which bike but want one with a fairing (commuting 45 miles in most weathers). Totally confused by which model is which (back in the day most manufactures did a trail bike or a road bike in a particular cc) now they seem to do about 14.

Fancy a VFR800 but want (read - should probably buy) something a bit tamer.... would appreciate feedback on this... found this CBF600 but it has a full fairing and bars not clip-ons?

Been looking on Autotrader (like all the options to narrow down the search), Gumtree, eBay and MCN anywhere else?

Thanks


Your biking history leads me to believe you are in your early to mid 50s with not much riding under your belt in recent years. You are now looking to commute 45 miles (each way?) and in most weathers?? I'd be inclined to get a ratter GS500 or similar to see if you actually get on with it. There aren't that many over 50s who are committed to that level of riding especially after a long lay off(awaits torrent of corrections...).
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arry
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PostPosted: 10:26 - 14 Oct 2020    Post subject: Reply with quote

Budget would be useful to know and can make a big difference to what we can recommend.

Most commuter bikes are relatively well faired but some will be half faired. The usual suspects are:
Kawasaki ER6F.
Kawasaki Versys 650.
Honda Transalp 700.
Honda Crossrunner 800.
Honda NC750.
Suzuki VStrom 650.
Yamaha MT07 Tracer

I'm sure there's others but as a first bike to do a commute on any of those will be decent enough to get you started.

My first advice would be to actually do your test before you start thinking too hard about what you're going to set your heart on. Doing your test will give you seat time. With seat time on a training bike you're going to learn what you like and don't like about the bike you set off on. Use that information; let it inform your choice.

Good luck.
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HarryMac
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PostPosted: 12:19 - 14 Oct 2020    Post subject: Thanks Reply with quote

Thanks folks,

Budget is about £4750 - £1000 training & test, £500-750 insurance, about £3000 for the bike (tho I can go £1000 higher), gear I already have tho I’ve another £350 put aside for a new lid and another £500 for service parts (and bike security) over next 6 months.

Been on bikes a bit the last few weeks about 10-15 hours but off-road (fields & farm tracks).

Have been commuting (push bike) 7 city miles each way in most weathers but new job means further to travel (45 miles each way mostly good A roads) - have a van and car I can use but would rather be on two wheels.

Have a few good mates with bigger bikes (Gpz900, GSX1100, GS1200) that do the a few long runs (2-300 miles) at the the weekends and continent once or twice a year - more leisurely cruising than flat out racing. Not planning anything serious with them this year or next but possibly 2022 once I get a bit more mileage under my belt.

Thanks again.
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ThunderGuts
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PostPosted: 12:34 - 14 Oct 2020    Post subject: Reply with quote

Without being patronising, but don't underestimate how fatiguing riding a motorcycle can be in bad weather / the dark. It requires a lot of concentration compared with a car/van and on top of a day at work can be pretty shattering. It's quite a bit different from notching up a few hundred miles in a day at the weekend on your own terms compared with slogging an hour in each direction because you have to get to/from work. Perhaps less of an issue if you've got the option to jump on four wheels if the weather is poor though as you've got a bailout option.

£3k-4k will get you something decent. Although many will say it's not essential, I'd consider ABS a must for commuting. If you're buying newer than 2017 (I think? or was it 2016?) and above 125cc then I think ABS was mandatory under Euro IV.
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Keithy
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PostPosted: 13:26 - 14 Oct 2020    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm just getting quotes to insure an ER6-F, 64 plate with £3,500 value and quotes are around £200, not £500 to £750.

The CB500x was the other choice I looked at and I think would be a bit better as a commuter, more relaxed 'sit-up-and-beg' than the ER.
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ThunderGuts
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PostPosted: 13:31 - 14 Oct 2020    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm not sure a CB500X offers anything over an NC750X (perhaps slightly bigger rev range but that'd be it), but the same can't be said the other way around - the NC is more frugal and has the storage bin (which I think is such a fantastic idea).
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha
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PostPosted: 15:01 - 14 Oct 2020    Post subject: Reply with quote

the 500 is 20kg lighter
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Evil Hans
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PostPosted: 16:23 - 14 Oct 2020    Post subject: Re: Thanks Reply with quote

HarryMac wrote:
£500-750 insurance


Crikey.

Is that because you live in a high-risk area, or because you're a high-risk driver?
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HarryMac
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PostPosted: 17:28 - 14 Oct 2020    Post subject: Good feedback....thanks Reply with quote

@Evil Hans
Quote:
high-risk
Very Happy

Nah it’s because I'm a pessimist. “Indicative” quotes I’ve got range from about £200 for a CBF600 to £400 for a VFR800 fully comp as a new rider.

I did get quoted about 1/2 these figures but I’d rather go with a known company (had a nightmare trying to get a claim settled when I bought “cheap” car insurance when I was younger)

- for info quoted £450 compulsory excess - £0 voluntary (increasing the voluntary to 200 reduced the premium by £20 but the compulsory remained at £450).

@ThunderGuts

Thanks for the comment about fatigue, have ridden in rain a few times (I live in Scotland Laughing ) but yeah really good point it’s a lot different if you’re going to work against the clock or from work after a tough day and not just pottering around.

Thanks (again!)
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jeffyjeff
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PostPosted: 19:32 - 14 Oct 2020    Post subject: Re: Good feedback....thanks Reply with quote

HarryMac wrote:
Thanks for the comment about fatigue, have ridden in rain a few times (I live in Scotland Laughing ) but yeah really good point it’s a lot different if you’re going to work against the clock or from work after a tough day and not just pottering around.

Do it! You'll find that the ride in to work and home from work are the best parts of your day. You might even find yourself taking the long way home occasionally. +1 all the bikes arry suggested would be good commuters, the MT07 rides a notch above the others in hooligan potential, in my opinion. Consider heated grips. They really make a difference when it gets cold.
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DUCAUDI
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PostPosted: 10:51 - 15 Nov 2020    Post subject: Reply with quote

Why does 'tame' have to be part of your criteria? Sounds like you're a mature and experienced road user. I got a 100bhp Fazer 600 as my first bike in my early 30s (and I've always been a bit of a speed freak) and quickly moved up to a 150bhp Fazer 1000 within a year. I've never felt tempted to ride beyond my capability. You sound far more sensible, mature and experienced than me when I first got on two wheels. Just buy the bike you want man a VFR800 isn't going to try to kill you as soon as you sit on it. As ThunderGuts said anything over 500cc can get you into trouble in the wrong hands.

Buy the VFR if that's what takes your fancy but as Keithy eluded to a middleweight ADV might be more the ticket if you want to commute in comfort and protected from the elements:

CB500X
DL650 V-Strom
NC700X
NC750X

Something along these lines?
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HarryMac
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PostPosted: 11:42 - 15 Nov 2020    Post subject: Narrowing it down... Reply with quote

Thanks Tuberculosis,

Not sure those that know me would agree with the “mature” Shocked part of your post.

Have done a bit more research and narrowing things down and your list is pretty close to what I have on mine.... (budget’s gone up a wee bit Very Happy )

Kawasaki Versys 650
Honda NC750X
Honda CB500x
Suzuki V-Strom 650
Triumph Tiger 800
Honda VFR

One of my mates suggested an F7/800 but I don’t see myself as a BMW rider (tho’ 3 of my mates have GS1250s Embarassed )

Still got some more research to do then arrange some test rides - from reviews the NC seems to handle a lot different to the others.

Leaning towards the NC but still contemplating the (cheaper) faired CB600F in my OP . Mebbe getting the VFR or something a bit sportier as a second bike next year or 2022 - biggest issue with that will be persuading my wife we need a car, a van, a camper van and TWO bikes... oh not forgetting two classic minis in “storage”.....

Thanks again!
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ThatDippyTwat
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PostPosted: 12:33 - 15 Nov 2020    Post subject: Reply with quote

15 year break for me, and I jumped straight back on a VFR750. That said, I'd ridden a fair amount of bigger, more powerful bikes before my license went for a Swansea holiday. Don't slap the throttle around and you'll be fine.

If you're looking at VFR's, don't ignore the 750's. They're legendary solid beasties (about 118K on mine). Get one that's been looked after and don't sweat high mileage, especially on the 750's. VTEC bikes have expensive valve clearance checks, so factor this in if buying a later 800.

Given your presumed age, you shouldn't have an issue test riding what takes your fancy. Decent 750's hover around 2K, the early pre-VTEC 800's (98-01) are considered the most desirable VFR and are usually more expensive.
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DUCAUDI
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PostPosted: 16:04 - 15 Nov 2020    Post subject: Re: Narrowing it down... Reply with quote

HarryMac wrote:
budget’s gone up a wee bit Very Happy


Doesn't it always?! I seem to spend my whole life justifying to myself spending more money "if I only spend a little bit extra I can get X, or if I spent yet a little bit more again I can get Y"... and then usually end up purchasing Z.

I was looking at the NC before my own first bike purchase (but decided against it because I wanted something more powerful... childish!) but I vaguely seem to remember reading (probably on one of the MCN reviews or maybe someone on here commenting) that the 750 is far superior to the 700 for not a lot more dollar on the used market.
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PotatoHead202...
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PostPosted: 14:07 - 16 Nov 2020    Post subject: Reply with quote

ThunderGuts wrote:
Without being patronising, but don't underestimate how fatiguing riding a motorcycle can be in bad weather / the dark. It requires a lot of concentration compared with a car/van and on top of a day at work can be pretty shattering. It's quite a bit different from notching up a few hundred miles in a day at the weekend on your own terms compared with slogging an hour in each direction because you have to get to/from work. Perhaps less of an issue if you've got the option to jump on four wheels if the weather is poor though as you've got a bailout option.

£3k-4k will get you something decent. Although many will say it's not essential, I'd consider ABS a must for commuting. If you're buying newer than 2017 (I think? or was it 2016?) and above 125cc then I think ABS was mandatory under Euro IV.


Got to entirely agree with this. Commuting at all after a long day in the office when your mind is elsewhere is horrible on any form of transport - and considerably worse in inclement weather on a bike.

Fully agree with the ABS tip as well. To be completely honest I don't understand why people still buy old bikes to commute without the option. You can get reasonably effective bikes with it for similar money (my 500 cost me £540 with an MOT).
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HarryMac
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PostPosted: 22:29 - 22 Dec 2020    Post subject: Reply with quote

Theory test done, CBT done, Mod 1&2 were meant to be in January but Scotland’s going into lockdown on Boxing Day FFS 🤦🏼‍♂️ 🤬
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arry
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PostPosted: 11:12 - 23 Dec 2020    Post subject: Reply with quote

HarryMac wrote:
Theory test done, CBT done, Mod 1&2 were meant to be in January but Scotland’s going into lockdown on Boxing Day FFS 🤦🏼‍♂️ 🤬


You'll get there - chin up, you've had some seat time now and you're on your way Thumbs Up
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