Newish rider

BWW · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Karma :

IHi. I passed my test (A2) nearly two years ago but only got round to buying a bike about a month ago. I ended up geting a CB450SG German import. It's ideal for a new rider as it's a decent size but something to do with the cam-shaft reduces its power thus making it A2 legal. Trouble is, my restriction is nearly up and I really don't know where to go next. I'd like something a bit quicker and newer. I've been looking at the CB500, GS500 or the EV5. Anyone got a good suggestion?

Thanks.

bladewrecker · L Plate Warrior Joined: 28 Feb 2006 Karma :

BWW · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Karma :

Funny you should suggest that, it was one of the bikes I initially considered but Mrs BWW moaned that she couldn't ride pillion on it.....good reason to get one Very Happy

phantomtek · Lil Joe Tek Joined: 20 May 2005 Karma :

To be honest, if you move up to the 500s next they only have around the 55bhp mark as average, ranging from the ER5 with ~50bhp, to the GPZ500 with around the ~60bhp mark. Although I can't speak highly enough of the ER5 I really do suggest that you go for something a little more 'spicy', seen as you have no restrictions and the world of biking is now your oyster. You should consider your budget in the hunt, and what Mrs BWW wants, as pillion usually have quite a good say in what bike is going to be next. For example my Dad was put off by the ZX10R when he sat on it with a pillion it put him off. The pillion didn't like it much either.

If you are looking for something no thrills and relatively low power you should by all means consider a 500, but if you want a little more that will keep you interested for quite a long time then I'll have to recommend that you go the 600 route, maybe a Bandit or a Hornet? Have you written off all sportsbikes? Because the Thundercat is quite a good 600, not tame by any means but compared to the other 600s (R6, CBR6, ZX6R) it is a feasible option.

Also you mentioned abit quicker and newer. A 500 will probably be newer and definitely quicker but as I say you might want to consider the 600s a little more, Bandit, Hornet and maybe a Diversion. Or you could make my life a little easier by telling me more details about what you want/don't want from the bike and I can help you out more. Also a budget would be good too, because sports 600s will chew tyres quicker than a 500. And by saying all this, I don't mean to say 500s are boring, but in your situation I would be considering a different bike.

Hope this essay helps Smile

..... · Quote Me Happy Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Karma :

Forget the RR - get a ZX6R Thumbs Up

BWW · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Karma :

My choice of first bike was largely dictated by, price (£400) and power as I'm currently on an A2 licence. Next time round I'll buy a bike because it's the bike I want, if that makes sense. I like touring bikes purely from a practical point of view, I need to transport various bits to work so need some sort of storage, which I probably couldn't get for a sports bike. I really am open to suggestions for my replacement and haven't closed the door on a sports bike and probably will be looking to spend around £1000-£1500 next time round. I know that's not going to get me very much but maybe I'll do more on bike 3?

phantomtek · Lil Joe Tek Joined: 20 May 2005 Karma :

That makes sense to me, I think 'stepping up' is something that makes bikes fun, a new feeling of power each time round.

£1500 can buy more than you think. My mate got an RS250 for a touch under £1300. My ER5 cost me £950. If you shop around you can find alot of bargains, and if you haggle you could get more of a bargain of the bargain. It's all about knocking money down, I can bet that for £1500 you could probably get a sports 600, and definitely a clean example of a Bandit/Hornet. It's also about what you *want* from a next bike too.

Do you need it as a primary vehicle?
Do you need to have a comfy pillion seat?
Do you want a sports bike or just something that will get you from A to B with good mpg decent top end and is easy to work on? Laughing

BWW · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Karma :

phantomtek · Lil Joe Tek Joined: 20 May 2005 Karma :

BWW · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Karma :

https://i9.ebayimg.com/04/i/06/19/47/4d_1_b.JPG
Ebay

Found this on ebay. Would it be a typical example for the age? It's certainly the sort of thing I'd be looking for.

phantomtek · Lil Joe Tek Joined: 20 May 2005 Karma :

Yeah that is a nice example, personally I wouldn't buy from eBay but it's really upto the buyer. You could contact him and ask how much he will end the auction early for?

For that bike I say it is worth around the £1500 mark, there is a bike same year on Bike Trader going for £1595, but I'm sure with a bit of haggling you could get the price down.

£1595 Bandit N Reg

Maybe this?

Use Bike Trader more and you will get good deals, always try knock money off and scour the net for deals and bikes.

The GSF600 is a good bike to choose, it will go for miles and miles and not get tired out Laughing

And also they are quite inexpensive these days. Very good MPG and probably good for pillions. Of course all my information is purely anecdotal, I haven't owned a Bandit but there are many members on here who have and will probably be more than happy to help you out.

BWW · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Karma :

Thanks for your help. I'm a lot clearer now on where to go next. I was beginning to feel like Herbert Anchovy...

Er, no, no, no. I think your idea of making the transition to lion taming via easy stages, say via insurance...

bladewrecker · L Plate Warrior Joined: 28 Feb 2006 Karma :