New Bike (possibly) what to get?

[appollo1]

In March next year I will be leaving the RAF after 22 years service (I know i don't look old enough to have been in that long) and will be receiving a small payout.

My wife asked me today what I am going to buy as a treat to myself when i finish as i must get something for doing so long in the job!!!

When i confirmed that she was being serious (maybe i should get it in writing or she may change her mind and blame it on her stroke next year) first thing i said was i'd get a new bike.

This has got me thinking if all is well and i do get a bike then what to get?

I know that there are many of you who have progressed on from the SV so serious answers please!

What would you buy and would you buy brand new or 2nd hand?

[punyXpress]

Well, you've 6 months to trawl the dealers getting demo rides.
Or you could . .

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by appollo1

What would you buy and would you buy brand new or 2nd hand?

What do you want, something for fun, long rides, sporty?

VFR800?

2nd hand, you'll lose money as soon as you ride a new bike out the showroom

[andrewsmith]

Bloody hell mate

You've had the good round!
Go to Saltire in February with a wedge of reddies. If your going to keep it for 4+ years new!

I think you need to go and test ride some stuff, there are loads of options out there, but you need to decide what you want it for.

Do you want to go long distance or take pillions? Is it just for weekend bimbles? Faired or unfaired? Etc etc, we either need more to go on or you need to get out there and test ride a few then narrow down the options.

[appollo1]

Puny that is not for me as that is obviously an officers bike lol

I love my SV and it is really good condition but i just fancy something different as my wrists get quite sore after a while on the bike.

I quite like the look of some of the nakeds around, Street Triple, the new Honda 700, even a bandit.

Then again i quite like the more upright "comfy" looking bikes like the CBF1000, VFR, but i do like the CBR600RR and the GSXR's.

I will be looking around over the next few months and maybe having a few test rides to see what happens.

[Bri w]

Oh I love spending other people's money...

I love my Street R and wouldn't hesitate to recommend one, although I'm not too keen on the slanty eyed, new, version. If its a decent IL4 naked I'd go for the CB1000r, or perhaps stick with a big triple and try the Speed R. Another middleweight naked I'd consider is the MV Brutale 675. For a bit more protection from the elements it would be a Tiger or Explorer. And if I wanted the sore wrists and neck it would be the GSXR750 - georgeous... I'd love one but it wouldn't love me.

New or old? I think there's something a bit special about having a new bike but... how long to run it in? Run it in quickly and you've got the cost of the service so soon after buying it. Run it in and there may be a snagging list. In truth, I'd go for new but if the right 2nd hand bike was available, i.e. just run in/1st service done/all the niggles sorted I'd be tempted to go for it and spend the difference on new helmet/leathers/accessories.

[carelesschucca]

All I can advise is try a few bikes that your interested in and see which one you love...

I knew as soon as I rode the Street that it was the bike for me. I loved it instantly, I've tried other bikes since and I've liked them but I knew deep down that there was real no love... I just feel with bikes you've gotta love them not just like them... You gotta love what your riding, biking is about passion for me...

As for new or 2nd hand I was blinded by the street R and bought new, in a way I wish I'd gone 2nd hand as it would have been cheaper but there's something special about riding a brand new bike out of the showroom... special in the way you know as soon as it comes off the forecourt its already lost you money

[JamesMio]

Originally Posted by Bri w

Oh I love spending other people's money...

I love my Street R and wouldn't hesitate to recommend one, although I'm not too keen on the slanty eyed, new, version. If its a decent IL4 naked I'd go for the CB1000r, or perhaps stick with a big triple and try the Speed R. Another middleweight naked I'd consider is the MV Brutale 675. For a bit more protection from the elements it would be a Tiger or Explorer. And if I wanted the sore wrists and neck it would be the GSXR750 - georgeous... I'd love one but it wouldn't love me.

I don't know if this means Bri's suddenly started talking sense, or (more worryingly) I'm heading the other way, but ^ THIS! Pretty much exactly what I was about to write.

[Artful]

If its a sitty up bike your after I can highly recommend the FZ1. I tried a few of them. The GSR 750 and CB1000R are also good bikes but smaller in size. I liked the big bulky look and feel of the FZ. Just try a few out.