Choosing a Bike

[Mjolnir]

Hi guys, I completed the CBT a few weeks ago and I'm just starting lessons for my DAS. I'm 27 and have had a car for a fair few years and I have always wanted a bike. I was looking for some help in deciding which would be the most suitable for a newbie. (I know i'm the billionth person to ask but i have a few ideas in mind already)

I always liked the Bandit 600, I understand the Engines are bulletproof but the frames are made of playdough and need some looking after. I have seen a nice 03 plate for around £2600 but today I was looking at a brand new 06 plate Bandit 650 at £4300.

I was thinking about putting down around £1500 deposit and paying the rest off for 1-2 years but Suzuki have got the 0% finance deal for 3 years on the new bikes. I would be paying it off forever but would get a new bike and have a load of money left for the important bits. I reckon a decent lid, jacket and gloves etc will set me back at least £1000 straight off.

So help me out What would you do? Any other suggestions on bikes or finance are appreciated. I'm kind of worried that I'll be killed in the first 3 days of riding anyway so paying for the bike may not be the most important part.

Thanks.

Rob.

[MarkJ]

First off, welcome to the forums

I couldn't comment on the prices for the Bandits, but they look like pretty average prices. Being 27 insurance shouldn't be sky high and you should be less likely to do something stupid like us young 'uns. Perhaps have a look at something with a bit more poke (sportsbikes, could try a Bandit 1200. Kudos for wanting to start sensible though)?

I got my Honda Hornet 600 for £1200, a few scratches but good condition, 7k on the clocks. It's pretty damn fast but you get used to it pretty soon and the excitement of going at warp speed 9 in a straight line soon wears off. Insurance wasn't too bad: £680 Fully Comp, 0 NCB for a 21 year old.

My helmet cost me £100, end-of-line leather jacket and trousers from Hein Gericke cost me £80 and £100 respectively, Frank Thomas leather gloves £30ish and Alpinestars waterproof boots about £100 (in a sale). My Frank Thomas 2-piece winter textiles cost about £40 extra than the leather set. You just need to keep your eyes out for good prices.

[MrWoody83]

Ok so im the billionth and one person to ask this question too.

I passed my restricted licence back in january (06) and have been riding a 125cc since september (05) and now im looking to get a bigger bike. Obviously i still have restrictions on engine output for another year or so, so i am relictant to jump straight up to the Z750s that im drooling over.

Many people have suggested the GSF600 (bandit) as a good bike to upgrade to, even with restrictor kit fitted.

Just wondered if there are any other people out there with any other points of view as to which bikes could help me climb the CC ladder

[Mjolnir]

Cheers for the replies guys. I know the bandit is the more sensible option and getting a bit used to it is one of the main problems so I took a look at some others like the CBR600F but the insurance was a killer for me (I'm sure if i shop around I can get it lower but compared with the bandit there was still a HUGE difference).

I may have gone over the top with the prices (£1000 for equipment and all that) but I'm kind of looking at the worst case scenario so that I can make sure I can cover what ever it comes too in the end.

Your hornet looks great. I was looking at them but the prices on average seemed +£500 more than the equivalent bandit. Did you buy it private or from a dealer?