Arrrghhh decisions.

I needed a new bike, so bought the 656cc Bandit. I was doing 50+ miles per day so needed somethig with a big tank, reliable, would start every day whatever the weather outside (bike is garaged).

However, i've changed jobs, now do 24 miles per day. Although the Bandits fine, its comfy and does the job, im finding myself thinking about the weekends, and having a sports bike instead of the Bandit.

But, will it be more relibable? Well it should be just as reliable with the mileage?

Do i keep the bandit, buy a cheap sports bike? (TL, similar)
Do i sell the bandit, buy a 2nd hand decent sports bike (R1, or something similar)
Do i sell the bandit, get a cheap 125/scooter for work, and a nice sports bike (Benelli, Aprilia, Honda VTR ish)
Keep the bandit, keep saving, get a cheap sports bike as well?

Thing is, the Bandit doesn't do anything wrong, and the new one HAS to be reliable, it must get me to work every day whatever the weather. But where i don't need to do so many miles now, and the roads have corners, not just a motorway then a city center, im confused to hell as to what to do. Especially as my dad put over £1k into buying the Bandit for me (had it 1.5 years).

I don't really like my "commen" bikes, I like my rarer and more excotic items, which leads me away from the R1 type buy. I've only really got about 5-10 bikes that i'd really like, but the purchase and running costs will be quite high.

I'd like a new bike, but i've not got a real reason to sell the Bandit, other than my newer riding friends have flashy sports bikes, is it me just being envious?

Its just getting off my dads Benelli, and jumping on the Bandit REALLY shows its quality level, but then the Benelli won't work in the snow ice and rain like the Bandit will

Input and opinions wanted. It may not give me my answer, but it may give me something more to think about.

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by Daimo

Do i sell the bandit, get a cheap 125/scooter for
work, and a nice sports bike (Benelli, Aprilia, Honda VTR ish)

Personally I'd be looking at this. If your 2nd bike is a toy, then it should be one that you really like / dream of. If it costs a bit more to run and its only a toy then its a luxury that if you can afford it I would induldge myself in.

Mind you if the bandit is bought and paid for and is doing what you want why not keep it ?

2nd bikes are a minefield I've looked at loads and I keep coming back to an RGV250 / RS250 but its totally illogical. I may well up with one.

The other thing we looked at doing is putting money into Liz's 749S and maybe upgrading it to a 749R or a 999 as we both like the shape. Its something we discussed but its a lot of extra money for not much extra BHP.

Be interesting to see whats on your list of 5 - 10 bikes you really like. I know what you mean about liking the exotica. I dont think you'll be on your own with that one

'98 Blade.

Yeah, OK, I'm biased, always was, always will be.

But it's not that pricey, affordable to run, can hoon like a loon or pootle like your granny, and it's a Honda - so is reliable and won't rot at the first sign of salt on the road with no sign of you cleaning it.


I had one once.

[Skip]

Agree with Fizz here - it sounds like getting to work and back year round is a must - so why compromise? A cheap and cheerful scooter/125 for the work hack and the gorgeous slice of exotica in the garage - I am sure your Dad wont argue with that

[Stu]

Originally Posted by Daimo

I don't really like my "commen" bikes, I like my rarer and more excotic items, which leads me away from the R1 type buy. I've only really got about 5-10 bikes that i'd really like, but the purchase and running costs will be quite high.
.

i think you will find the rarer bikes are cheaper than the common choices second hand.
e.g. I reckon a Benelli would be £1K - £2K cheaper than a Ducati or Jap IL4 1000.
As to whether you sell the Bandit for a 125 it's down to how much money this will raise & how badly you need that money.

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Be interesting to see whats on your list of 5 - 10 bikes you really like. I know what you mean about liking the exotica. I dont think you'll be on your own with that one

Yeah the Bandits fully paid off now, its got coming up to 16k on a 56 plate bike. I do enjoy it, i like the close ratio box, makes your feel like your going faster than you are, without being into 3 figure speed by the time your in 3rd gear.

Benelli Tornado, up the top, and as my dad works with them, i can get one for cheaper, and have the servicing etc done, but its still not cheap to run.
Aprilia RSV Factory
Ducati 916 (up 996).
Ducati 851/888, a future collectors bike, but less thrashing and more loving involved
Honda VTR SP2, just becuase dribble.
Bimota DB5 (yeah keep dreamin boyo... )

Realistically, i'd only have about £4k-£5k to spend, but if i bought a ped/125 jobbie, i'd find the money to stretch to the Benelli.

Originally Posted by Skip

Agree with Fizz here - it sounds like getting to work and back year round is a must - so why compromise? A cheap and cheerful scooter/125 for the work hack and the gorgeous slice of exotica in the garage - I am sure your Dad wont argue with that

Only issue with scooters is that I had a VXR200 and it was a crock of poop, worst £2500 i ever spent. It did last 22,000km odd, including a few down the road visits, but the constent rollers changing, and belt changes, and crappy electrics made it a nightmare.

But then it was sitting at 80mph for 14 miles, and the next 12 into a city center.

I'd still ride the nice bike all the time it was sunny too, just the small one for winter and rubbish days (most of the year then )

[fizzwheel]

OK with 16k on on your bandit its probably not worth a huge amount of cash... so...

Out of your list. I'd be looking at the 996 / 998 I personally woudlnt buy a 916 the later bikes seem to have a better reputation for reliability or the SP2.

Seems to me thought you have your heart set on a Benelli so maybe save up a little more cash and get what you want ?

tuono...

everything you want in one reliable package.

Regards

Alex

Certainly worth adding in the list I agree!!

VTwin Character, with Streetfighter styling (the feeling of going faster than you are?).

Fizzwheel seems to know me better than he thinks without meeting me