First big bike?

veeeffarr · Super Spammer Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Karma :

I'm looking to pass my test soon... So I will be looking at upgrading my CG125 sometime next year... Just thinking of what I should get now?

I'll be commuting, so that rules a sports 400 out, I also like the commuter 500's especially the GPZ... But I was wondering what else I can get with good wind protection and a sportyish engine? I'll be unrestricted when I pass.

Smile

Toby

Flip · Super Spammer Joined: 28 Feb 2004 Karma :

veeeffarr · Super Spammer Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Karma :

Because surely they're quite highly strung and will require more regular attention than a commuter bike? Smile

Johnny GSX-R · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Feb 2005 Karma :

Go for the CB500..........my old man has just been around Europe, Arctic circle and all the UK on his.. AND you'll not catch him in the twisties Shocked

.. Its done 70K miles and its a 2001, thats a lot of miles and not 1 problem....cheap as chips too.

instigator · Super Spammer Joined: 19 Oct 2004 Karma :

Flip · Super Spammer Joined: 28 Feb 2004 Karma :

Attention as in maintenance??

No, not really. If you're commuting then you won't be red lining it anymore than a CB500. (Unless you really want too Very Happy

).

As with all bikes, keep an eye on the oil and chain. Thumbs Up

Although a CB500 for example would last a lot longer I suppose.

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Sporty engine and commuting don't go together too well until you get a bit more power, at which point it aint so good as a 'first' bike.

Consider an SV650 if you can afford one.

Flip · Super Spammer Joined: 28 Feb 2004 Karma :

veeeffarr · Super Spammer Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Karma :

Well it's either that or I say bollocks to it and get an FZR400... What I've wanted for ages Smile

TOM M · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Mar 2005 Karma :

go for the zxr400, you know you want to Thumbs Up

____________________
Now owner of a 1200 Bandit

craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

SV's are so much fun, very affordable, ideal for new riders/experienced riders alike, plenty of good, clean examples around, plus a good base for a little bit of modifying here and there (see the Mini-Twins Race Series for inspiration).

Paracaine · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 04 Jul 2005 Karma :

Get a naked Bandit.
____________________
Bike: Suzuki Bandit 600, 2002, Blue
Type: Unfaired
Extras: Datatool Alarm & Immobiliser, Airblade Tinted Fly Screen, Motrax Crash Protectors

Trixie · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Jul 2005 Karma :

I reckon a CB500. Used mine for commuting for years. Never missed a beat. If you're after a fairing, go for the 'S' version.

Only things to watch out for is the obvious cosmetics if it's been dropped, check the exhaust downpipes as they have a tendency to rust within minutes and check it's not been couriered. Spares are still plentiful and fairly cheap as well. They're a forgiving bike, ideal for a first "big" bike.

I also rode the TT course/twisties a fair few times on it, and provided you've got the road positioning and gearing correct, you can keep up with (and sometimes ride faster than) the big bikes. Twisted Evil

____________________
Dead nobodies in company cars...

The Old Geeza · Back in my day... Joined: 25 May 2005 Karma :

I'm no expert on bikes, but my lady is. And her recommendation is the Honda. Mainly because, over history, they have always been long-lasting bikes, since they were designed that way.

From my own experiences, I have to agree with her. But, the choice is still yours.

____________________
Horse Power was safer when the Horses had it!

dodsi · Dirty Carny Joined: 06 Aug 2004 Karma :

I did loads of faultless miles on my old ER-5

I prefer them over the CB500 you get more for your money and they put out allmost the exact same torque and power.

I would go for a GPZ though, cheap still and you have a nice 7K rush to keep you entertained.

They look a bit dated but are good bikes really.

The SV650 would be a good choice also if your budget could stretch (its not worth getting a shitter)

mrchips · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Mar 2004 Karma :

I havn'treally been dissapointed with the GPZ500, comfy not too windy and handles alright even if you do need to give it a bit of an extra shove into the corners.
____________________
Northern Irish? www.nibikers.com

Jrod · Page 3 Girl Joined: 02 Aug 2004 Karma :

You said how quickly you got bored of the CG. Surley this shows you not to get something dull like a blandit, SV etc. You want something fun. Thus sports 400.

JonT · Crazy Courier Joined: 06 Feb 2005 Karma :

Get an SV650, its ok for everything.

dodsi · Dirty Carny Joined: 06 Aug 2004 Karma :

SV is not a dull bike what so ever.

Its a very entertaining bike.

Flip · Super Spammer Joined: 28 Feb 2004 Karma :

instigator · Super Spammer Joined: 19 Oct 2004 Karma :

Davo · Davo To The Rescue! Joined: 04 Apr 2004 Karma :

I'd suggest a GPZ500, economical but can be a bit of fun if you keep it wound up.

Jrod · Page 3 Girl Joined: 02 Aug 2004 Karma :

I like my fillings thus no V twins for me.

jamie192 · Spanner Monkey Joined: 18 Oct 2004 Karma :

Sorry but did any one else notice that almost every one is saying get my bike or one like it.

So im going to say a ts 50.... Only joking.

How far will you be commuting?T
Think of things like petrol, comfort, reliability and maintenance.
____________________
Ride Fast, Brake hard, don't fall off!

veeeffarr · Super Spammer Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Karma :

About 20 miles a day! along mainly A roads