Resistance was futile.... I bought a new bike

Sorry, forgive the new bike feeling, its just fab Pigbunk.... I owe you a fiver

Well, 4 weeks without a bike I succumbed to booking a test ride on a CBF1000 and Fazer 1000 today. So I arrived at Dobles this afternoon, handed over my licence and passport and headed out on the CBF.

The first ten minutes were spent getting used to the different riding style of the IL4 rather than the twin Im used to. Having over revved the engine at lights unintentionally scaring the poor woman in the car next to me , I headed out of Coulsdon down the A23 and through Redhill on the A25 to Reigate.

The CBF1000 is 101bhp, similar to my CBR. And like my CBR I was finding it slightly too easy to be above the limit. But being on a test ride, I kept to the limit and just settled into the bike.

After confidence issues with my SV [no surprise there really] despite being the first time back on the bike after last months accident, I really felt confident with it. It felt stable and very steady. While I missed the engine braking of the SV, the brakes are superb on the CBF as one guy gave me cause to test them in Reigate

So having established its credentials in traffic and town riding, I took it out on the A25 towards Dorking and Boxhill. And I wasnt disappointed with its handling on the sweeping bends, nor on the tighter ones. And opening up on the straight, I remembered that just launched feeling of an IL4 in the powerband that I had with the CBR. Ive heard people say its underpowered, but by god, its got enough for me.

A quick run up to the M25 junction and onto the motorway to see how it handles. Here I noted a difference between the CBF and my CBR - that like the SV, the CBF is actually very comfy sitting around 90/95. Yes it will easily go much faster but unlike the CBR which seemed to want to go faster still, I found it easier to find restraint with the CBF

The upright riding position I liked so much with the 600 version is great and one reason I opted for considering the CBF. I felt like I could see so much more going on around me. The wind buffeting wasnt an issue on the motorway with the adjustable screen either. And by eck, it was comfy. There was a little vibration in the pegs but minimal and bearable. This was a bike I could easily go to Scotland on comfortably and not collapse at Jedburgh unable to move for half an hour like I did with the SV.

So quick bomb up the A22 Caterham bypass, back through Purley and back to the showroom ready to take out the Fazer.

Except... I didnt take the Fazer out. Now that might seem odd to some, but tbh, the crashes with the SV have if anything taught me what my limitations are right now.

And from that, I want something comfortable to do distance on. I want something Im happy and confident being on in terms of holding it and feet down. I want something that handles superbly. I want reliability. I, tbh, dont really want or need a road rocket but I want something thats easy to ride and has ooomph when I need it and the CBF has more than enough ooomph for me.

It really goes back to the fact the CBF exceeds my expectations and what I want considerably. And that if the CBF exceeds what I want, the Fazer to be honest seemed that it would be too much for me atm. There were other considerations too like mods needed. The Fazer would require some while the CBF really doesnt need them. All this combined to a decision that in all honesty, the CBF right now is the right bike for me.

So, virtual drinks on me. Should finalise the finance monday morning. Theyre fitting the givi rack this week with a hugger, alarm and crash bungs. Should pick up next Saturday. Will be booking monday for the 600 mile service I think

Congrats on finding "the right" bike Lyn will be great to find you back on the road again and hope you have more luck than before with this one

H

happy new bike !!

[TEC]

Glad to hear you're back on two wheels

I see you'll have the regulation (for you) top box So what colour etc though chances are I will notice the topbox before anything else

good choice, it is a bike i will concider after the SV, a 1000 without all the competitivness of the sports bikes.

and at that price for a honda, mad not to. 6K is brobably my limit next time so i will be seeing what sort of deal i could get on one with my SV as trade in.

if you dont mind me asking what was the price/deal you got like?

The CBF1000 is certainly a top choice. Did you not consider the Big Bandit as it would certainly be cheaper.

My next bike...if I ever do get a next bike...will be in this class so i'll be interested on your views on how it goes. My cash would be on the Bandit.....I think....

good luck with new bike lyn, but you should have bought my raptor

Nice one Lyn, I'm very happy for you, with slight envy also, the CB is usable all year round and very comfortable on the twisties and around town but with plenty of oomf for the summer hoot as well. A cracking choice of steed. I'm sure you'll have lots of fun

[northwind]

I really like the CBF. Well, obviously it looks like ****, but that's ok Sort of the best bits of a big trailie and the best bits of a big naked rolled together. I've only actually ridden the 600 but it was a great wee package...

Some will say it's boring... Some don't realise that it's not what you've got, it's what you do with it You can be bored on a supermoto or have a hoot on a deuville, it's all down to the rider.

Hey hey - welcome back to the road and really glad you found the right bike first time...

... saves all that mucking about with test rides and lets you loose on your own much quicker.