Newbie with lots of choices needing help!

Chr15b · L Plate Warrior Joined: 20 May 2021 Karma :

Hi folks

Looking at getting my first bike but being the wrong side of 40 think I can behave on a mid range bike so have built up a little list of bikes for sale nearby me. Having not owned a bike before was just looking for some advice on my list regarding running costs, reliability and general performance.

Bike will be used a few weekends a month for a blast around the Scottish Hills so the list I have so far is:

Honda CBR- 600/ 650
Yamaha YZF-R
Kawasaki ZX6R
Suzuki GSX-R

If there is anything else someone would recommend it would be much appreciated and thanks for looking, now off to look at the minefield of clothing and helmets.

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

GSXR

cos

GSXR

Evil Hans · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Nov 2015 Karma :

Between those 4, I'd say it came down to personal choice.

Just get whichever one comes in your favourite colour Wink

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Triumph Sprint ST 1050. And it's Red.

Keithy · Spanner Monkey Joined: 22 Sep 2020 Karma :

The most comfortable.

Chr15b · L Plate Warrior Joined: 20 May 2021 Karma :

Thanks for the replies, yes think it might come down to the colour as never had a bike before difficult for me to work out the smaller differences between them before riding them.

Just looking for something that has the sporty look which I will enjoy riding but one that is also mechanically sound without any known big issues.

trevor saxe-coburg-gotha · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Nov 2012 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

There is a lot to be said for an ER6 as a first bike. Quite a neat package and enough power to make your bum squeak without actually following through.
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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.

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

UncleFester · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Jun 2013 Karma :

Got license / passed test yet?
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2017 Z1000SX

BRUN · Trackday Trickster Joined: 10 Oct 2020 Karma :

Sitting on a few bikes really opened my eyes, and what I had planned just didnt work for my height/leg length/bad back etc

Go to a few dealers and have a sit on them, also do you have your licence or are you learning at the mo, if so what bike are you learning on

to v or not to v · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Nov 2020 Karma :

try and test ride as many bikes as you can.

c_dug · Super Spammer Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Karma :

You might be a mature chap in your 40's, but personally I'd still recommend a year on something a little less focused before plunging straight onto a 600cc super sport.

It's not the outright speed that's the issue, although believe me they will likely be far quicker than you're anticipating, it's more the super sharp braking, track-focussed suspension and general handling characteristics. They're like the biking equivalent of a Lotus Elise.

Even if you don't crash, I don't personally see it being enjoyable for you to ride.

ER-6/MT07/Hornet/FZ6/Monster/Shiver 750/F800/Bandit 600/SV650/etc..... All better options for your first year or so in my opinion.
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

Keithy · Spanner Monkey Joined: 22 Sep 2020 Karma :

BRUN · Trackday Trickster Joined: 10 Oct 2020 Karma :

what about the Triumph Trident too ?

TaffyTDM · Spanner Monkey Joined: 15 Jul 2015 Karma :

Tdibs · Traffic Copper Joined: 16 Jan 2015 Karma :

Spend more of your budget on quality gear, bikes you will have to workout what you enjoy. Any of those you suggested, buy on the best condition/price rather than model specific.
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Previous : 09 Vanvan 125| 02' Sv650s || Current: 1999 Xj600n | 1992 DR650 RSE | 2005 Fazer 1000

Chr15b · L Plate Warrior Joined: 20 May 2021 Karma :

Thanks for the replies and advice people, have my CBT booked for next month and trying to get my Mod 1/2 booked as soon after that as possible which is difficult just now because of the Covid back log on tests. I have went and bought RST Jacket, Trousers and Boots and a HJC I70 helmet as that was the best fitting gear in the shop for me at the time as going away tomorrow and doing my CBT the day after i get back so had to buy what I could at the time .

With bikes I am after a more sport looking bike as I will only be using it every second month and have sat on a few bikes on stands to check riding positions and prefer the lower stance rather than sitting up more. Engine size I am looking at the 600/ 650 as I feel that will do me fine for what I want to do. Now heard alot of people say don't buy expensive or bigger than a 250 for your first bike as you will drop it but I guess even experienced people drop theirs aswell.

Would rather get a bike which I am going to be keeping for a while, will not be buying new but budget would be around 4k and would be looking for something around 2006 onwards. Just after a good bike which has been maintained well and which has a good reputation of being reliable and being a enjoyable ride.

Thanks again for looking.

to v or not to v · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Nov 2020 Karma :

have a look at the Triumph street triple and Yamaha mt07, both get good reviews from owners.

c_dug · Super Spammer Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Karma :

Sv650 is a great sporty looking bike that's suitable for a first bike.

If you're determined to go for one of the 600cc supersport Jones then go for whichever makes your willy tingle the most, because I promise you as a new rider you will not tell the slightest difference between them other than cosmetics.
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.