Bike advice...

GregR · Post by **GregR** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 4:59 pm

As some of you know, There's a chance I'll be moving my tail out of Edinburgh at some point for a couple of years to Fife. I don't really have a problem with the commute via train, as I can (and do) sleep anywhere.

But... I gots to thinking.... buying myself a crotchrocket would completely take the sting out of the traffic if driving into Edinburgh

So, once I've completed my CBT and crash (Using the term loosely!) course to get my licence... what would be a good bike for a beginner? Obviously I'd love a Ducati, but I'm not about to try to sprint before I can walk. I would love to get a racing style bike, rahter than a harley type low-rider, so what are my options? I've been on PH and theres simply hunners & hunners of varients from the big Jap manufacturers

Should I be looking for 600cc max?

Cheers,

Greg

Andy G · Post by **Andy G** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 5:06 pm

When are you thinking of doing your test?

GregR · Post by **GregR** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 5:09 pm

Andy G wrote:When are you thinking of doing your test?

It all depends on the cost of the bike! If I can get a good bike for decent money, it means there could be more free funds to get the test done sooner rather than later

Post by **Shug** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 5:27 pm

Thinking about this recently, I found the Suzuki SV650 to be a blinding deal. Torquey twin, but not powerful enough to kill yourself as a newb. Suzook did some stunning deals on new ones, or they are still a good used buy... Full fairing option looks suitably racey too.

Opinion is quite similar to what the Elise is to cars - not mountains of power, but a chassis that can ride rings round most things with the right nutter on the saddle

Post by **pete** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 5:28 pm

Someone better will be along soon but in the mean time

I had one bike, a CBR600FX for a few years up unitl a couple of years ago. If I was to get another bike I wouldn't hesitate to get another one.

Thay are comfy (I'm 6'4), they are quick (keep up with anything and don't believe the hype 110 bhp and 160kg is enough).

It was reliable (kept outside, rarely cleaned. Never let me down. no big bills). It's a Honda FFS so it is fabulously well put together.

if it is city riding consider a big trailie (better view from up there) but, and this is a big but (except for insurance) check out how much you can get a CBR for...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2000-HONDA-CBR600 ... dZViewItem

This is the same as mine, same colour, fewer miles. how much will it go for? 2500? That's what I sold mine for 2 years ago. That's a genuine 160mph, all day comfort, proper pillion (no point in getting one if you can't show off a bit), and reliable...

Pete

(For Sale. A part worn Bridgestone BT010 - would suit CBR600FX/Y. OK free to good home. Maybe some Oxford luggage too. Not free but make me an offer).

Post by **pete** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 5:44 pm

Shug wrote:Thinking about this recently, I found the Suzuki SV650 to be a blinding deal. Torquey twin, but not powerful enough to kill yourself as a newb. Suzook did some stunning deals on new ones, or they are still a good used buy... Full fairing option looks suitably racey too.

LOL at "not enough power to kill you". There's plenty enough to kill you.

I was advised once to get something doggy because you are going to drop it. I didn't listen and got somethign nearly new, dropped it 3 times in first week. Once outside the shop

Buy this (or similar) and fix it with gaffer tape.

benefits -

a) you look like a hardcore biker from the off.
b) Your bike will attract less attention.
c) It's only 1500 notes!!!

Pete

(Presently sitting in his study repeating "I don't want another bike" over and over again)

craigieb · Post by **craigieb** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 5:44 pm

Shug wrote:Thinking about this recently, I found the Suzuki SV650 to be a blinding deal. Torquey twin, but not powerful enough to kill yourself as a newb. Suzook did some stunning deals on new ones, or they are still a good used buy... Full fairing option looks suitably racey too.

Opinion is quite similar to what the Elise is to cars - not mountains of power, but a chassis that can ride rings round most things with the right nutter on the saddle

Magic beginners bike, easy (and fun!) to ride, and shouldn't be to harsh on insurance.

I had a bandit 600 (faired) when I passed my test and it was easy to ride (very smooth), dead comfy, cheap to insure, but maybe a little heavy at times. Dead easy and again comfy to ride 2-up too.

Then moved on to a Kawa Ninja 636, which was great, but just a little too easy to be riding at max tuts without realising

Not the comfiest bike...actually a total pain in the balls if you're not a smooth rider and has a pillion like a razor

Then I converted a 400cc trail bike to supermoto trim and that's the most fun I've every had on twisties... until I got the Elise

Hope some of that helps

Cheers
Craig

Andy G · Post by **Andy G** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 6:02 pm

GregR wrote:
Andy G wrote:When are you thinking of doing your test?
It all depends on the cost of the bike! If I can get a good bike for decent money, it means there could be more free funds to get the test done sooner rather than later

Could be up for joining you

craigieb · Post by **craigieb** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 6:09 pm

pete wrote: (Presently sitting in his study repeating "I don't want another bike" over and over again)

douglasgdmw · Post by **douglasgdmw** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 6:12 pm

Do not worry you will eventually progress onto the Ducati

Anyway having owned an CBR600-FX (my first bike after passing my test) I will say that it is an absolutely fantastic bike. It is very capable once you gain experience and can be very ballistic in the right hands.

However my wife had an SV-650S and I would choose that every day over a CBR-600.

As said before the combination of V-twin power and the handling of the thing makes it a perfect learners bike as you will not be scared, but once you get more confident it can be chucked around the road with great abandon.

I took my wife's SV across to the Isle Of Man (IOM) in preference to my Ducati 748. In bumpy conditions and tight bends it kept up with R1's, Fireblades etc as you were so confident in opening up the throttle mid corner and knew that the bike would not spit you out the far side with the fear of god.

The SV holds fond memories as it is the 1st bike that I have had that I touched down my toe sliders and also the only bike where I have touched down the body work in the corners.

If you do go for the SV then I would recommend the S over the non faired version. It has a slightly higher gearing for a bit more top speed but the fairing keeps the wind blast off your chest. We fitted a bubble screen to lift the wind blast even further. You can also get a full fairing added if you wish but we ended up getting a belly pan to keep the crud of the oil cooler.

Happy hunting. If you want I can get you details of a good school to learn with as it makes all the difference.

Cheers
DMW

j2 lot · Post by **j2 lot** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 6:22 pm

I would second Craigieb choice of a Bandit 600 (I had 400 ) as first bike. 400 a bit long in the tooth now but 600 good choice. Keith

gorrie · Post by **gorrie** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 6:29 pm

My wee Honda Rebel 125 / CA125 was fine for a commute from Newbridge in to Fountainbridge. I just did the CBT part and I was away. Wasn't the quickest 125 as it had lots of chrome bits to weigh it down.

Still managed to get to 70mph with a good wind or slip stream. Always meant to take the proper test and get a Harley but, got sick of getting wet... not to mention the rear puncture in the middle of town at the end of the working day (before that squirty stuff was around). I stopped working in town so no longer needed a bike.

I'm not a fan of that 'crash course'... I know 2 people who did it and went straight on to the biggest bike they could get... one ended up through a windscreen and the other ended up round a lampost.

Better to get to grips with something a bit tamer in my opinion... it's a whole new discipline, with new lines for corners, obviously wet white lines are bad.. as are the smallest of drain covers... watch out for slippy sh*t at junctions where buses drop their crap, don't ride in the middle of the lane... making yourself seen blah blah.... then get a bigger bike.

my 2p... Andy.

Lawrence · Post by **Lawrence** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 7:04 pm

Insurance is usually HIGH for a Sports or Supersports with no experience.

I have a 636 Ninja but would not recommend it so soon....I think I'm going to chop it in for a Rocket 111 anyway as it really is far too fast.

Here's the history of the Rocket 111 by Triumph

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKEuzxC4eGc

900 years ???

Post by **pete** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 7:49 pm

douglasgdmw wrote:Do not worry you will eventually progress onto the Ducati

Anyway having owned an CBR600-FX (my first bike after passing my test) I will say that it is an absolutely fantastic bike. It is very capable once you gain experience and can be very ballistic in the right hands.

However my wife had an SV-650S and I would choose that every day over a CBR-600.

As said before the combination of V-twin power and the handling of the thing makes it a perfect learners bike as you will not be scared, but once you get more confident it can be chucked around the road with great abandon.

I took my wife's SV across to the Isle Of Man (IOM) in preference to my Ducati 748. In bumpy conditions and tight bends it kept up with R1's, Fireblades etc as you were so confident in opening up the throttle mid corner and knew that the bike would not spit you out the far side with the fear of god.

The SV holds fond memories as it is the 1st bike that I have had that I touched down my toe sliders and also the only bike where I have touched down the body work in the corners.

If you do go for the SV then I would recommend the S over the non faired version. It has a slightly higher gearing for a bit more top speed but the fairing keeps the wind blast off your chest. We fitted a bubble screen to lift the wind blast even further. You can also get a full fairing added if you wish but we ended up getting a belly pan to keep the crud of the oil cooler.

Happy hunting. If you want I can get you details of a good school to learn with as it makes all the difference.

Cheers
DMW

Clearly this is a man who knows of what he speaks having ridden both of the bikes, whereas I have only ridden the CBR. I heartily suggest listening to his advice over mine.

Pete

(Although I still think the Suzuki looks a bit rubbish)

craigieb · Post by **craigieb** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 7:58 pm

gorrie wrote: I'm not a fan of that 'crash course'... I know 2 people who did it and went straight on to the biggest bike they could get... one ended up through a windscreen and the other ended up round a lampost.

Better to get to grips with something a bit tamer in my opinion... it's a whole new discipline, with new lines for corners, obviously wet white lines are bad.. as are the smallest of drain covers... watch out for slippy sh*t at junctions where buses drop their crap, don't ride in the middle of the lane... making yourself seen blah blah.... then get a bigger bike.

my 2p... Andy.

i loved the "crash" course

better suited to more experienced road user maybe (read car driver) and I think there are benefits of getting a sensible bigger bike once you pass your test. going for the monster fast crotch rocket straight-off is gonna end in tears for most surely? always found 125s a little lacking in power to get you out of trouble you inevitabley get into and just a little too small and quiet to be seen by other road-users, so a sensible-ish 400/600 may be a good choice

my 2p...

Lorna had a vfr400 after passng her test and it was brilliant - small enough, light-ish and very, very chuckable into the corners. Looked a bit trick too with the single-sided swingarm.