Recommend me a bike!

[Roberrrrt]

So for those of you that aren't aware, I was knocked off the SV recently:

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=175525

Current offer from insurers for write-off of the SV is £2000.

Although I've had 2 SV's and can appreciate their do-it-all capabilities, can't help but wonder whether it's time for something new. Had a few thoughts on bikes, but struggling to find something within budget that meets requirements other than an SV. Requirements are:

1. Decent for short commutes all year round.
2. Not daft on insurance.
3. Bit of character preferred.
4. Capable of odd bit of motorway use (work)
5. Nekkid preferred (fancy a change from plastics!)
6. FUN! :p

Thoughts so far (although some not in budget) have been:

1. Older speed-triples (955i)
2. DRZ-400 sm (no good on m/way)
3. SV
4. Tuono 1000 (bit dear)

Budget £2k. GO!!!!

[speedplay]

I had both the curvy and then pointy sv and decided to go for a proper change.
Asking on here what you should go for will get you all sorts of different opinions on what's best.
Get out there and test ride a few different bikes and you can buy one based on your own opinion and feelings.

[davepreston]

is anyone looking < :) >


sv1000n


runs back to cave

[speedplay]

Daves smashed up all sorts of bikes and kit, he should know what's good for chucking down tarmac...

[Roberrrrt]

I had both the curvy and then pointy sv and decided to go for a proper change.
Asking on here what you should go for will get you all sorts of different opinions on what's best.
Get out there and test ride a few different bikes and you can buy one based on your own opinion and feelings.

Can't test ride for a while given injuries i've sustained, but will want to prior to purchasing - still after ideas though :)

Also, if anyone knows of any garages around west yorkshire that actually give test rides, I'd be interested to hear 'em...

[Roberrrrt]

is anyone looking < :) >


sv1000n


runs back to cave

Don't really fancy one - not suited to my short commute, plus extra weight etc has reputation of losing the 650's nimbleness (sp?) in the twisties...

[Small Clanger]

'98 Ducati Monster 750 on Gumtree Leeds @ £2k ;)

[Roberrrrt]

'98 Ducati Monster 750 on Gumtree Leeds @ £2k ;)

Oooooo that's nice :)

Not sure my wallet could sustain it though, and I'm fairly sure it wouldn't last long stored outside either??

[Roberrrrt]

http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/ducati-monster-750m/97495009#gallery-item-full-1

**DROOL**

[Dave20046]

http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/ducati-monster-750m/97495009#gallery-item-full-1

**DROOL**

THat's really nice, but I reckon you're going to struggle to find anything proper nice & cheap/reliable enough to abuse, commute etc.

Trick bandit or gsxr spring to mind - are you a fan of street fighters? common options though

[Runako]

That is one sweet looking Ducati!

[NTECUK]

Bandits a good budget bike.

[SVMAT]

old speed triple sounds good

Supermoto? Fun but not so good for motorway. Stand up well to being dropped though which is a plus side, and very fun.

[-Ralph-]

Don't go Bandit, you'll just wish you'd had another SV.

[-Ralph-]

Firestorm??

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201209453103291

[-Ralph-]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201126394288080

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201209453166211

Can you tell I've found an excuse to look at bikes on Autotrader?

[fizzwheel]

Can you tell I've found an excuse to look at bikes on Autotrader?

You need an excuse :D

To the OP - SV fits your criteria perfectly... but you have one of those already, depends purely on whether you would want another or you fancy a change to something else.

[Doinitmyway]

Last of the Fazer 600 S1's??

[Roberrrrt]

Yeah I know it does, but I really fancy trying something else!

Ralph, all nice bikes in their own rights, but all covered in plastics - no good! I want nekkid!

[Roberrrrt]

THat's really nice, but I reckon you're going to struggle to find anything proper nice & cheap/reliable enough to abuse, commute etc.

Trick bandit or gsxr spring to mind - are you a fan of street fighters? common options though

Yeah quite a fan of streetfighters, but not blinged up ones. Think more rat, less chrome :)

[Dave20046]

Yeah quite a fan of streetfighters, but not blinged up ones. Think more rat, less chrome :)

worlds your oyster then, find a bargain and tweak it to your tastes :)

Like the VTR suggestion
http://www.build-threads.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/18.jpg
http://www.betablocker.co.uk/gallery/files/1/honda_vtr_fighter_6.jpg

[Dave20046]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Yamaha-streetfighter-1000-exup-/120868811323?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item1c2457b23b#ht_816wt_1344
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/streetfighter-suzuki-gsxr-750-/220967081712?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item3372aa16f0#ht_638wt_1344

[bigbill]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-CB1300-2003-naked-/330694961546?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item4cfef4a98a#ht_640wt_1185

fantastic bikes

[Roberrrrt]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Yamaha-streetfighter-1000-exup-/120868811323?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item1c2457b23b#ht_816wt_1344


Actually spotted that one earlier this aft...always a bit wary though...

[Dave20046]

it's nice, bit far to take a look though maybe

[-Ralph-]

Yuk

CB13's are lovely, but one of the criteria was insurance

[andrewsmith]

Singles?

XT600/660
DR600/650 (and Kawa Equivalent) can always be bored into a fire spitting 700 or 790
LC4 KTM Dukes (post Rotax motors)

[Mrs DJ Fridge]

I love my old Monster, but do NOT go for one for everyday, she hates the cold. I brought her from a dealer and paid your whole budget, I use her to commute all summer, but not through the really cold and wet winter, although I do still take her out on good days over the winter.

I know you wanted a suggestion and this is a negative not a positive, but it might help you.

She has huge character though.

[Roberrrrt]

XT600/660 looked at these, def want a test ride on one though. It'd have to be supermoto version rather than 21" front wheeled for me.

[Winder]

ER6n?

[-Ralph-]

XT600 too agricultural for what you want. It's the last of the true big bore traillies, it's an off road bike first and a road bike second. Bit like a Land Rover Defender, it can sit on the motorway at 90 mph all day long, but if you never actually need to go off-road its the wrong vehicle for the job, you'd be better with a Freelander.

XT660 is a completely different bike, and is supposed to be more road focussed and does have a supermoto version, but I've never ridden one.

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

The tuono will cost you a lot to insure and run they average about 32mpg, older one might be better mpg but they do prefer the longer rides, they're also a handful.

[RACEFIT_GLADDY]

Might be able to get a Z750 just over budget?

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

Z750 is rubbish.

[RACEFIT_GLADDY]

Have you owned one?

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

No, but seen plenty of complaints, they weigh over 200kgs so a heavy underpowered bike, what about an older triumph daytona?

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

oh you want a naked sorry.

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

speed four, hornet? I would personally get the Tuono and say sod the extra fuel/insurance costs although they're a handful they are fun.

[NTECUK]

The 'pillia shiver might be ok .
Lower insurance.
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikes-for-sale/searchresults/detail/Aprilia/SHIVER-750/2008/_/R-NXGN-7571044

[-Ralph-]

The 'pillia shiver might be ok .
Lower insurance.
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikes-for-sale/searchresults/detail/Aprilia/SHIVER-750/2008/_/R-NXGN-7571044

I was going to suggest that, and I've test ridden one too, but I didn't because I think it's out of budget.

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

Yeah you're looking at £3.5-£5k for one of those shivers.

What is your max budget?

[Winder]

On the XT660 supermoto mentioned before, I like! Been looking at them for a while as an option for a commuter bike. Been to a few Yamaha dealers for a good look around the bike and the look and feel good quality. Not the lightest but def doesn't feel as heavy as a curvy, it was fine getting my leg over in jeans but I remember thinking it might be a ball ache in leathers. Unfortunately I haven't ridden one yet, but think it ticks the majority of your requirements. Probably not much help I know but just have a look at one, you 'll either love it or hate it.

[Reeder]

I was going to suggest a triumph speed four too.
Look them up and read the reviews... They sound immense. Rictus has one too so they must be good.

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/Triumph/Triumph-Speed-Four-2002--current/

and here's a nice one for sale.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikes-for-sale/searchresults/detail/Triumph/SPEED-FOUR/2003/_/R-NXGN-7571577

[NTECUK]

Ops your right .£ 2k.
It's hard to beet the SV in that range to be honest.

[Reeder]

That black one is very nice Superstar :)

[Roberrrrt]

Ok test rides I MUST try so far are:

1. XT660
2. Triumph Speed Four

The others don't meet requirements, mainly on price, but also insurance, mpg, excitement factor, nekkid...

[Reeder]

The sound of a speed four with an aftermarket exhaust makes me happy.

[-Ralph-]

You originally suggested a speed triple Robert. I can confirm the engine is an absolute beauty. I THINK they only made 108bhp for an earlier model, there weren't as highly tuned as the Daytona of the time which I think was about 130bhp (my 2006 makes 147bhp). If they are 108bhp, they shouldn't be too bad on insurance.

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

but the speed triple is out of budget.

[rusty76]

4. Tuono 1000 (bit dear)

Budget £2k. GO!!!!

It'll be tight but you might get a gen1 Tuono for £2k. They are cheap to insure, I used to pay £100 comp with 1 yrs ncd.

They are proper exciting bike, but I would say that :-)

[AndyBrad]

Ive got a speed four, use it most days (although not today) it ticks every box ive got appart from not having a triple or vtwin engine. If you look at one let me know as theres lots of little things you can get on them that you need to be aware of either for your own piece of mind or to help drive the price down :)

[-Ralph-]

but the speed triple is out of budget.

:confused:

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikes-for-sale/searchresults/detail/Triumph/SPEED-TRIPLE-955I/1999/_/R-NXGN-7571446

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikes-for-sale/searchresults/detail/Triumph/SPEED-TRIPLE-955I/2000/_/R-NXGN-7570825

[NTECUK]

And a faired.one from a dealer .
You should get a warranty and can strip off the plastic and make money back selling it
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikes-for-sale/searchresults/detail/Triumph/SPEED-TRIPLE-955I/2001/_/R-NXGN-2124780

[RACEFIT_GLADDY]

Could get a gladius and mod it up...

[Roberrrrt]

Could get a gladius and mod it up...

Rather have an SV, plus doubt I'd get one for £2k?

[Paul the 6th]

XT600/660 looked at these, def want a test ride on one though. It'd have to be supermoto version rather than 21" front wheeled for me.

ridden an xt600, good for off road (probably a bit heavy in comparison to a DRZ) and scratching backroads but you will go mental at the lack of top end for motorways..

http://images.aanbod.be/foto/b/2/6/460119_f_b263936e7853407c404306165dc79789.jpg

SV1000N - not as chuckable as the sv650 but you're a big lad so will learn to muscle it round (and get the suspension set up right - I never did and I've recently learned that that's why I had such a strange time with the feel of the cornering).. Oh and it'll shift like feck.

[Paul the 6th]

Could get a gladius and mod it up...

Suppose he could get a latex man suit to wear while he's riding it as well
http://www.latexfashion.com.au/eBay/black_tit_zip%20h1.jpg

[Paul the 6th]

http://www.adamanda.org/bikes/gsxr/evolution/bp/gsxr750_00.jpg

Or one like mine but with an engine which doesn't self implode on the first rideout of the year..

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

:confused:

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikes-for-sale/searchresults/detail/Triumph/SPEED-TRIPLE-955I/1999/_/R-NXGN-7571446

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikes-for-sale/searchresults/detail/Triumph/SPEED-TRIPLE-955I/2000/_/R-NXGN-7570825

Oh of cause you mean the older version I was thinking of the 1050 version :rolleyes:

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

http://www.adamanda.org/bikes/gsxr/evolution/bp/gsxr750_00.jpg

Or one like mine but with an engine which doesn't self implode on the first rideout of the year..

Nice bike but I think the insurance could be an issue.

[Roberrrrt]

Too much plastic superstar!

This looks ok - if you can bear to read past the awful grasp of the english language!!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/suzuki-bandit-gsf1200-streetfighter-12-months-mot-6-months-tax-/220969054991?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item3372c8330f#ht_590wt_929

[Paul the 6th]

lol . looks like it may have been written by badger , not sure if it will handle any better than an sv1000 though? :razz:

[Roberrrrt]

lol . looks like it may have been written by badger , not sure if it will handle any better than an sv1000 though? :razz:

Nah but it's about half the price of one ;)

[-Ralph-]

1200 or 1250 Bandit is a mental bike for the engine alone, also only 100 odd bhp but MONSTER torque, you can sit in 6th gear through the 30mph limits and just twist the throttle when you hit the NSL and it romps away, but I wouldn't touch a 600/650.

[Roberrrrt]

1200 or 1250 Bandit is a mental bike for the engine alone, also only 100 odd bhp but MONSTER torque, you can sit in 6th gear through the 30mph limits and just twist the throttle when you hit the NSL and it romps away, but I wouldn't touch a 600/650.

Aye always had a soft spot for 'em :)

[mister c]

Sell you a very nice Triumph Daytona 955i 2001 (new shape) for under 2 grand. Hopefully after today it will have 12 months ticket on it too :)

[Roberrrrt]

Sell you a very nice Triumph Daytona 955i 2001 (new shape) for under 2 grand. Hopefully after today it will have 12 months ticket on it too :)

Aye had a look at that, not convinced that it's my cup-o-cha tbh...

[Roberrrrt]

Nakedededed Daytona :smt038

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TRIUMPH-DAYTONA-955-MODEL-/320844422360?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item4ab3d15cd8#ht_1073wt_937

[-Ralph-]

Very nice - buy it! ;-)

Will a streetfightered Daytona be more on insurance than a standard Speed Triple though? More powerful and insurance companies often penalise you for mods, and some won't go near streetfighters and custom builds at all.

[Winder]

Ducati m750 monster 2004 on eBay at the minute is very nice indeed. Little black and white number with twin stubby exhausts and bar end mirrors. Not sure if this link works as I'm using my phone but you NEED to give it a look. I would say it'll go for my than £2k by the end of auction though.

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=140715460226&index=17&nav=SEARCH&nid=61978392606

[Roberrrrt]

Ducati m750 monster 2004 on eBay at the minute is very nice indeed. Little black and white number with twin stubby exhausts and bar end mirrors. Not sure if this link works as I'm using my phone but you NEED to give it a look. I would say it'll go for my than £2k by the end of auction though.

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=140715460226&index=17&nav=SEARCH&nid=61978392606

It's nice but probably not reliable enough for my daily commute

[Roberrrrt]

Very nice - buy it! ;-)

Will a streetfightered Daytona be more on insurance than a standard Speed Triple though? More powerful and insurance companies often penalise you for mods, and some won't go near streetfighters and custom builds at all.

Yeah I'll have to check with insurers about that kind of thing.

[Mr Farley]

What about a Hornet? I got one in January and love it, after having my SV for two and a half years. More power than the SV, handles as well and better finished (doesn't sound as good mind). 03 onwards had a facelift, before then look a bit old now IMO. Although you might struggle to get one for 2k?

Insurance is more, but Hastings Direct are giving out some suprisingly low prices at the mo, so I'd check them out aswell :).

[NTECUK]

Hasteings are.a bit flakey.
Wouldn't cover me on the RSV....
Do ask before getting one .

[Mr Farley]

Hasteings are.a bit flakey.
Wouldn't cover me on the RSV....
Do ask before getting one .

Also, they hid part of the excess when I got a quote from them so I wasn't too pleased. The quote was so good it's still works out cheaper to go with them though.

[NTECUK]

Obviously I'm a high risk at 49 only held a full licence 32 years clean licence...

[suzukigt380paul]

well if youve got 2k and want a naked comuter then a bandit 12 or 6 will fit the bill.cheap to buy cheap to run and pretty much bullet proof,or if you want a real comuter and alround bike 2k will buy you a low milage vfr800 pre vtec and that'll still be going strong when all those speed triples and daytonas have bit the dust

[NTECUK]

VFR has no soul ,Tha'ts why they linger around so long.

[suzukigt380paul]

VFR has no soul ,Tha'ts why they linger around so long.b*llocks,no finer bike around 800cc will you find,its got that v engine sound but with a ultra reliable v 4 that can be thrashed every day from now untill its clocked up in excess of 200k,and unlike some bike engines i can mention it wont knock the big ends out or snap the crank or suffer from cct problems

[Roberrrrt]

What about a Hornet?

Suspect I'd fall asleep halfway home on a hornet

[Mr Farley]

Suspect I'd fall asleep halfway home on a hornet

:D I'd try one before dismissing it though.

[rictus01]

I'd obviously agree with the Speed Four recomendations, dubious when I got it as I'd had 6 speed triples prior and needed a lighter bike for everyday use, I tried most of the "middle weight" bikes, but all seem to come with varying "budget" versions of suspension, I've got so used to decent stuff I couldn't really live with that and spending money on upgrades straight away didn't sit well either.
I test rode a street and a street R and then went home on the S4, the S4 is more neutral than the street R (the standard street; although not bad, I'd need to adjust the setup on), makes the same power (all be it in a different way) and has the same braking system as the 955i speed triple (which is one of the best of it's type I've come across) which works even better on the lighter bike.
I can see why Triumph stopped selling the S4 before introducing the Street as it would have robbed sales from it, I did like the bars on the street and the resulting riding postion, so converted the S4 to uprights which suit me much better (cost me about £70 all in) and I have a small but effective screen fitted, I will say I do miss the Triumph triple lump( 955, never really felt the 675 had the midrange I was looking for) and it's flexibility, but the IL4 is a sweet engine in it's own way*, I've had the bike now for sometime and find it ideal for everyday use having done some 25,000 miles on it from sunny sundays to ice & snow road trips, it just does it all.


Oh FYI I paid £2k for an 05 plate with 5,000 miles on it, so they seem to retain their value quiet well looking at current prices


*and besides I have another beast to play with when the need arises.......;)

Cheers Mark.

[yorkie_chris]

Nakedededed Daytona :smt038

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TRIUMPH-DAYTONA-955-MODEL-/320844422360?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item4ab3d15cd8#ht_1073wt_937

Nice!

b*llocks,no finer bike around 800cc

Ok, what else is there around 800cc :smt082

:D I'd try one before dismissing it though.

Yeah try one then you can dismiss it as utter sh*te properly.

[suzukigt380paul]

[QUOTE Ok, what else is there around 800cc :smt082.[/QUOTE]
fz8 gsx750f aprillia sl100falco bmw f800s 650s bandit the list goes on,if your looking for what used to be called a sports tourer with a cc between say 650 and a 1000cc then the vfr800 fits the bill,although i wouldnt touch the vtec, or should i turn the question round and say what bike around 800cc is better then the vfr

[Webber]

Older z750(04-06) is in budget, love mine !

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

[QUOTE Ok, what else is there around 800cc :smt082.
fz8 gsx750f aprillia sl100falco bmw f800s 650s bandit the list goes on,if your looking for what used to be called a sports tourer with a cc between say 650 and a 1000cc then the vfr800 fits the bill,although i wouldnt touch the vtec, or should i turn the question round and say what bike around 800cc is better then the vfr[/QUOTE]

Falco is a great bike.

[NTECUK]

fz8 gsx750f aprillia sl100falco bmw f800s 650s bandit the list goes on,if your looking for what used to be called a sports tourer with a cc between say 650 and a 1000cc then the vfr800 fits the bill,although i wouldnt touch the vtec, or should i turn the question round and say what bike around 800cc is better then the vfr

Falco is a great bike.[/QUOTE]
He did say Naked;)

[dyzio]

Falco is a great bike.

:-dd

[Dave20046]

I've just been offered a nineties ducati ss750 sub £2k if it's of interest

[Biker Biggles]

I've just been offered a nineties ducati ss750 sub £2k if it's of interest

Does it come with the optional dozen nuts and bolts flying round inside the engine?:D

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

Falco is a great bike.
He did say Naked;)[/QUOTE]

:-dd

I know, I was just replying to the statement that it was a rubbish bike or there abouts.

[NTECUK]

:-dd
Over £2K
Not meny below £2500 is there;)

[Roberrrrt]

I've just been offered a nineties ducati ss750 sub £2k if it's of interest
'
As much as I'd love a ducati, I'm not convinced it'd work as a commuter :(

[Roberrrrt]

Found it! This is the one! Not sure it'd be in budget though...

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news--general-news/mad-max-inspired-custom-s1000rr/20231.html

[Reeder]

I would genuinely buy a bike that looks like that.

[Owenski]

That rr is properly up your street rob,

I know you've dismissed the drz as you've identified the lack of top speed.
Not sure if you're aware though I've been using the motorway to commute over winter.
Even with the accurate vapor speedo reading 72 (which has you passing most traffic) the bikes happy. I've been doing it for 4months in the harshest weather and its not missed a beat.

Pop the big bore and FCR on there and they're meant to lap up 80mph+ and be comfortable, I know you're just testing the water but hang about until mine finished and take it for a play. You know you loved it when we headed up to the sun inn.

[-Ralph-]

I recently realised that the speedo on the XT (43bhp) under reads, so it's a lot faster than I thought it was. Sitting thinking I was hovering around 85mph (on a private road, in another country - officer), I looked at the sa nav to find it reading 94, so it'll easily top the ton, and will sit at a sat nav indicated 90mph all day long.

[Owenski]

That vapor dash runs off the user set front wheel dia, so its as accurate as you make it.

Amusing as it is when approaching a speed camera doing an indicated 29, behind a car whose driver then brakes making me drop it down to around 26/27. It makes your bum twitch a bit when you roll through one at an indicated 31 though lol.

[-Ralph-]

I'm just glad I've never had a speeding ticket through the post when I didn't think I was speeding!