A first big bike for my mate.

Right, my mate passed his test today and is now looking for his first big bike, models he's interested in:

Suzuki SV650s
Yamaha 600 thundercat
Honda CBR600F
Honda hornet


And anything else 600 ish, sportyish and not stupid for a first bike.

Location wise anything from Leeds to Newcastle (he lives in Ripon).

And finally price wise, I think he's looking to spend around 1500 but may be able to stretch that a little bit for something he really likes.

Anyone got anything, or suggestions?

How long is he intending to keep it? Stepping stone for 6 months or for a few years? (sorry not too hot on current licence requirments, if the answer is obvious!).

What's it for? Commute / Sunny Sundays / trips around the UK / Continent - 1 or 2 up?

Sunny Sundays and fun, not sure how long he'll keep it, depends how bad he catches the bug!

He's got a full licence, has a car for pleasure (new civic Type'R) and a pick up for work, so no need for a practical bike.

Originally Posted by Tim in Belgium

And anything else 600 ish, sportyish and not stupid for a first bike.

Whilst obviously an SV650 is what he wants ..........if I was him (and working my way up)......I would go for a Honda CBR600. Common as muck .....but their is a reason for that. Good Bike.

Have not ridden one for over a decade mind! - but it was a revelation to me back then and (like the SV650) the fact they still make them over a long period is a damned good indication of a cracking bike.

Too much power? No such thing - but in the case of the CBR not IMO uncontrollable or unmanageable and defo not "stupid" for a newbie - unless they are a complete moron and do not appreciate they need to learn themselves in over some miles- but same same for any other bigger bike. yer can poottle around on them whilst yer learn.

Plus it is a Honda, who build bikes well - which makes keeping them and resale as painless as these things can ever be. Not sure what year / miles yer would be looking at for that price.