born again biker - maybe

[V12]

I just sold my CBR600F last week. £1900 is what I got for it, which I think was lucky considering the time of year.

It averaged over 40mpg with mixed riding. 50mpg+ on a good commute and 30mpg if really pushing on.

Insurance was around £150 a year for me.

Maintenance costs are peanuts compared to any Mercedes.
Was absolutely flawless in terms of reliability the whole time I had it.

When I passed my test, I went straight onto a 600 Bandit. Great bike, neutral, forgiving handling. I got bored within 2 weeks.

Went crazy and bought a GSXR1000 K1. That fed my hunger for a power but was neck and wrist breaking and at the time I was commuting 35 miles each way on the bike.

I then moved onto the CBR600F after riding a friends bike. I was convinced this is all the bike one could ever need. For me it was the perfect blend of the bandit and the GSXR.

I did plenty of long journeys on it and it performed exceptionally well.

Along the way I have also had flings with a second bike, R6, R1, Blackbird, the list is pretty extensive, but they all got moved on pretty quickly as they weren't as multi talented and couldn't replace the CBR.

When I moved closer to work I seriously looked at the Honda Hornet as it is essentially the same bike as a CBR but slightly more upright seating position.
I only decided against it due to being spoilt by an excellent fairing on the CBR which makes a HUGE difference at any speed over 50mph.

 

[Sp!ke]

I hired a F800GS earlier in the year in South Africa. I was impressed with the bike overall apart from the seat which was on the narrow side. If you like the style of these then certainly put it on the possibility list and go get a test ride.

Ideal for adventuring on as you can see in my below pics.

 

[wemorgan]

Thanks again, there's certainly no shortage of bikes to choose from. Honda seem to get such good reviews, I'm adding a NC700X in to the mix. There's a 2012 on MCN for £4250.

Time to visit a dealer to enquire about refresher lessons

 

[Sp!ke]

Avoid the automatic version of the NC700x.

[YOUTUBE]2XkS198CVL4[/YOUTUBE]

 

[wemorgan]

Avoid the automatic version of the NC700x.

Why, what have you heard?

 

[Sp!ke]

whooped by 400cc bikes.

You just dont want an automatic motorcycle.. really you dont.

 

[st13phil]

Honda seem to get such good reviews, I'm adding a NC700X in to the mix. There's a 2012 on MCN for £4250.

I had one of those as a loan bike when my Pan was serviced earlier this year. It's typically Honda from the point of view of fit, finish and build quality (i.e. the best there is), but it's a bike that's targeted at a very specific market. I wasn't overly impressed with the suspension, which had all the hallmarks of being selected for reasons of price rather than performance, but in all honesty it was perfectly adequate. The engine is essentially two cylinders lopped off one of Honda's car mills and it's totally different to just about every other modern bike engine to ride. It has a reasonable spread of torque, but it feels very flat at the top end (everything was all over by about 6,500). This has two very real benefits though: it makes it easy and forgiving to ride and it achieves excellent fuel economy. If you're looking for an easy to ride, stylish, bike that is economical to run then I'd say it's a pretty good choice.

Personally, I'd also try out a Deauville as suggested by Druk. The fixed luggage is useful if you want to use it for a commute or to pop down the shops, the shaft drive is maintenance free and the engine has a bit more personality than that in the NC700X.

 

[SL300-24]

Will,
We use CB600F's at work for training. They are a very under rated bike. Ideal choice for someone in your position. Good smooth 4 cylinder engine and everything works as Mr Honda makes them.
Pre 2008 they are on carbs, later ones injected. To be honest the carb version runs better. £2500 will buy you a low miles 2007/8 bike. Deauville's are good for long distance travel but a bit boring for a weekend blast, and the panniers do not hold much TBH. Shaft drive save a little maintenance though.
If I was choosing it would be a CB600F or a Hornet if you prefer the styling they are a similar bike. If you decide more sporty, then CBR 600 is a good place to start, plenty about and pretty good value for a older one.
Remember there is no such thing as a bad (modern) bike these days, but the important thing is to get the right type of bike for the type of riding that you will be doing, and one that fits you and you are comfortable on.
Most sports bikes are uncomfortable in town, cruisers hard work on the motorways etc. you get the idea.....

 

[st13phil]

We use CB600F's at work for training. They are a very under rated bike.

I agree. The CB600F is a nice middleweight with enough performance to be fun, while being light enough to be easy to manage for a less experienced rider. I also agree that the Deauville can be a bit dull by comparison, but as you say...

...the important thing is to get the right type of bike for the type of riding that you will be doing, and one that fits you and you are comfortable on.

Will needs to try a few different style bikes to see what works for him and his expected usage.

 

[Berkshire Rich]

CB600F or Fazer would get my vote. Both very competent (but not dull), plenty of power but controllable, light and easy to ride, comfortable and very decent quality. Plenty around too, good time of year to buy

 

[chubbs111]

why not a classic? ive got an enfield bullet 350, £56 insurance £30 road tax 80+mpg but only capable of 60mph but it has been very reliable and certainly fun to ride.

 

[wemorgan]

why not a classic? ive got an enfield bullet 350, £56 insurance £30 road tax 80+mpg but only capable of 60mph but it has been very reliable and certainly fun to ride.

I think I'm a softy when it comes to bikes. I value electronic ignition, modern tyres, brakes and ABS too. A classic as a first bike feels like potential hard work. I'd like to start with something easy

 

[Oli]

Some of my favorite bikes are smaller ones, the Aprilia RS250 and Honda RVF400 for example. The problem is, they are very focused bikes and they beg you to ring there necks and give them some stick. If you do this well you will be keeping up with the big ones!

You know I agree, my first proper bike was an RVF 400 and I loved it, but am still kicking myself to this day that I didn't buy an RS250 instead, I still want one to this day, despite owning an S1000RR, which incidentally would make a terrible first bike!!.

My vote for a first bike if you want something sporty would be an early R6, their cheap,fun to ride and spares are plentiful.

 

[Oli]

whooped by 400cc bikes.

You just dont want an automatic motorcycle.. really you dont.

Do quickshifters count?.

 

[V12]

My vote for a first bike if you want something sporty would be an early R6, their cheap,fun to ride and spares are plentiful.

Each to their own but my R6 was the worst bike I ever owned.

Slower than the CBR throughout 90% of the rev range, awful riding position for the road.
They might be OK for the track though...

 

[gaz_l]

I'd love another bike, but SWMBO has very specific views on the matter. I'm allowed as many horsepower as I like as long as they're attached to 4 wheels (hence the SLK). Motorbikes are off the menu, full stop. Oh well, marriage is a compromise.

I do still have a bike hidden at the back of the garage, 22 years old now and only 3000 miles on the clock. It hasn't been on the road for about 10 years, I really must drag it out in the spring and give it some TLC. This isn't mine, but mine's identical (perhaps with the addition of pitted chrome and a touch of tin worm)..

Cheers,

Gaz

 

[jamesfuller]

Might be worth looking at a supermoto style bike. Its like a trailey bike but on grippy road tyres. Big thumping single with lots of low down grunt, upright riding position.
Fun but it all happens under the ton so you don't lose your license so much!

 

[Oli]

Each to their own but my R6 was the worst bike I ever owned.

Slower than the CBR throughout 90% of the rev range, awful riding position for the road.
They might be OK for the track though...

I've ridden an R6 but not owned one and found it ok, I've also had 2x CBR600RRs in the past too(2004 and 2007) which are fantastic bikes as well in fact I prefer them but was suggesting the R6 over one because they are cheaper and it's best not to spend a fortune on a first bike.

 

[Oli]

Or just go way over budget and buy a thing of extreme beauty:

 

[wemorgan]

Sports bikes are a nice temptation, but I know my limits and a ~600cc endro/adventure/naked style bike will suit me well.