Author Topic: New - to me - bike choices budget £3.5K (Read 9067 times)

stevierst · « **Reply #25 on:** 08 December 2014, 09:19:14 am »

I had a TDM 850 mkII for a short while, and it does everything you could want a bike to do, albeit sedately!

It was comfy, returned 47mpg regardless of how you rode it, and wasn't the best on the bends, but if your mile munching, then it was OK. A bit erm, boring really! The 900's are supposed to be a little different though. Got shut of mine rather quickly!!!

JoeRock · « **Reply #26 on:** 08 December 2014, 10:58:18 am »

Being practical, an FZS1000.

Being slightly less practical, but still pretty practical: A late, very clean ZX9R, with extra money paying to upgrade the suspension.

Being much less practical, a ZX10R/R1/GSXR1000/CBR1000RR from around 2004-2006 ish!

Oldgit · « **Reply #27 on:** 08 December 2014, 01:38:27 pm »

amazed that a Foccer said that the BMW bike was not reliable--one of the most reliable bikes in the world I believe--Long way round and the Africa traverse---I don't think I would take your advice on which bike to buy. BMW R1200R owner.

richfzs · « **Reply #28 on:** 08 December 2014, 03:12:20 pm »

bigralphie · « **Reply #29 on:** 08 December 2014, 04:38:20 pm »

Ural with a side car for you off licence runs

stevierst · « **Reply #30 on:** 08 December 2014, 04:39:05 pm »

Quote from: Oldgit on 08 December 2014, 01:38:27 pm

one of the most reliable bikes in the world I believe-

Try telling that to our mechanics at work about the fleet of BMW's and they'd happily stick a steel toecap where the sun don't shine!

And my mate at work with his 13 plate Gs1200 that keeps leaking!

I'll stick with my Jap bikes thanks. About 1/4 million miles covered, and never had a Jap bike let me down! My Aprilia was a different matter though

bigralphie · « **Reply #31 on:** 08 December 2014, 04:52:45 pm »

the shaft drive has a bad rep .
when I was looking at a K1300S a guy having his shaft drive fixed for the 2nd time advised never own one without a warranty

griff86 · « **Reply #32 on:** 08 December 2014, 07:02:58 pm »

[/quote]
Try telling that to our mechanics at work about the fleet of BMW's and they'd happily stick a steel toecap where the sun don't shine!

And my mate at work with his 13 plate Gs1200 that keeps leaking!

I'll stick with my Jap bikes thanks. About 1/4 million miles covered, and never had a Jap bike let me down! My Aprilia was a different matter though

[/quote]

Totally agree about Bmw, they were known to be reliable a long time ago but now they are just awful. My local dealership is booked up with constant warranty work. If it's not the 'wonder wheel' switch gear going every few months, it's engines being replaced, front shock bushes, etc. the list of warranty issues is pretty much endless to be honest.

BIG MAC · « **Reply #33 on:** 08 December 2014, 10:34:38 pm »

I hankered after a ZX9R for a while...they are more comfy than they look

Robbie8666 · « **Reply #34 on:** 09 December 2014, 09:36:59 am »

adding my twopenny's worth in against BMW I had a brand new F650 for my 30th birthday and when i took it in for it's 1st annual service (about 1200 miles), bike shop couldn't book it in before the year so was 1 year 1 week....well when i went to pick it up after leaving it 24hrs they said it wasn't ready, what why not? well as they took it for a test ride after service the front wheel bearings seized and locked the front up!!luckily this was only in thier car park and didn't get dropped, but if i had had it i could have been on a motorway and been thrown off it!
oh but because its over the year old its out of warranty!!!!
WTF I said but they did accept that it should not have failed even in that short space of time and replaced it free but had to wait for parts.. plus i got a GS as a loaner till it was fixed. but that was down to dealership rather than BMW itself!
personally for £3500 I'd go for a triumph or VFR, thats what I'm looking at getting next september to replace my Fazer

Slaninar · « **Reply #35 on:** 09 December 2014, 09:46:47 am »

Quote from: Gingernutz on 07 December 2014, 03:29:54 pm

My foxeye 600 is nearing the end of her life (60K miles). I've been given some cash and am thinking about trading up. Options are

None of those bigger bikes is better for commuting, nor is 60k the end of a Fazer's life.

I also heard that when looking for a new bike, riders are not really looking for bigger, stronger, just for a different way of weight transfer when accelerating/braking/cornering. Just a theory from a friend, not 100% sure.

For 3500, 2nd hand, there should be plenty to choose.

JoeRock · « **Reply #36 on:** 09 December 2014, 10:45:35 am »

Quote from: BIG MAC on 08 December 2014, 10:34:38 pm

I hankered after a ZX9R for a while...they are more comfy than they look

Quite regularly do 200 mile fun blasts on mine with no issues, and I've done 300+ miles in one sitting (well, stopping for petrol half way) a few times now without any issue. Find mine a lot more comfy to ride than a Fazer for long distances too - nice big fairing (for a sports bike), and an excellent riding position balancing your legs, knees, back and wrist makes it a very good long distance bike. Plus, being a 900cc Kwak sports bike, you can do the distances quickly too

stevierst · « **Reply #37 on:** 09 December 2014, 12:15:58 pm »

I've got to admit, I've heard this a few times from zx9 owners. Was almost tempted to get one myself at one point.

noggythenog · « **Reply #38 on:** 09 December 2014, 02:33:12 pm »

Hey Gingernutz.........have you seen the light yet and cancelled that couch order?..........at the end of the day you will have buyers guilt about ten minutes after sitting on a couch whereas a new bike will continue to please for years.

What'll it be?

Gingernutz · « **Reply #39 on:** 09 December 2014, 03:42:06 pm »

Must say not look at a Hornet
Must say not look at a Hornet
Must say not look at a Hornet..................

I am embarrassed to say I like the new ones and they do 62mpg - mick has brainwashed me

locksmith · « **Reply #40 on:** 09 December 2014, 03:50:45 pm »

A H...... H........ a H.............

I cant even say the word

JoeRock · « **Reply #41 on:** 09 December 2014, 05:35:52 pm »

Quote from: Gingernutz on 09 December 2014, 03:42:06 pm

Must say not look at a Hornet
Must say not look at a Hornet
Must say not look at a Hornet..................

I am embarrassed to say I like the new ones and they do 62mpg - mick has brainwashed me

Which model hornet are you talking about mate - there was the original underseat CB600, using the CBR600f engine, then there was a new version (no underseat, using the engine from the CBR600RR) - none of those will do 62mpg unless you're on a very, very long straight run at about 60mph. The newer bike, what I think you mean isn't a hornet - did you mean the 650 model? If so, I'd get an older one tbh - compared to even the original hornet it feels a bit gutless, and its got budget suspension and brakes too (although does look okay at least!). My hornet preference would either be an 05/06 ish last model underseat model, with the USD forks, or the last proper 600cc hornet!

Gingernutz · « **Reply #42 on:** 09 December 2014, 08:22:45 pm »

Hey Joe I have been looking at 2007, 08 and 09 low mileage hornet 600. Mcn quote 60 mpg
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/honda/cb600f-hornet/2007/

Hmm 2006 had a 17l tank and 41 mpg and a tank range of 150

2007 has 19 l tank and 62 mpg - so in theory should go 225 and have 2 litre left - but mcn say 140 miles ffs

Guess it's time to find a more reliable review!

JoeRock · « **Reply #43 on:** 10 December 2014, 11:39:32 am »

Don't use MCN fella, they're frequently wrong (on that little "bike summary" bit anyway!
They are right on both tank sizes, but the hornet has a "spine" style frame - and the tank sits over both sides. Basically means there's about 3/4l in the tank you won't be able to use, so the tank size is effectively about 12/13 on the older hornet and 15/16 on the newer. They're not that efficient either, you really won't get 62mpg on one for certain.
General riding I find them less efficient than the FZS600 but not by much - it's about 45mpg-50mpg around town/commuting gently, 55 ish on long motorway runs (which they're not that good at anyway being a naked bike) and then it'll drop like hell if its thrashed. About 140/150 is probably about right to be honest for combination riding.

My ZX9R & ZX10R under the same riding conditions are almost identical to the hornet I've had and friends have had around town, on a motorway the sports bikes are a few mpg better (guessing more aerodynamic, and rev lower on a constant throtte?)
They are good little nippy bikes, but they're not that efficient. Not sure I'd class it as a huge upgrade over an FZS600 either to be honest, the brakes won't be as good and it doesn't make a massive amount more power - it's just newer, and the suspension is noticably better (particularly if you get the later one with adjustable suspension)

Oldgit · « **Reply #44 on:** 11 December 2014, 09:26:20 am »

[ Hey Ginger Get one of these, that's your commute solved-90 Miles to the gallon.

Gingernutz · « **Reply #45 on:** 14 December 2014, 08:42:22 pm »

John - reckon it suits you

Well the decision has been made. I am selling my six in favour of a CBF1000GT

and here she is.

Its a 2009 with 19K miles and a private plate starting R999 because the previous owner was old bill. Wonder if I could flog that........

I very nearly went down the CB900 route - ticked no boxes at all but I've always liked them and one was available with sod all miles near me in mint condition. This is a far more sensible proposition.

BIG MAC · « **Reply #46 on:** 14 December 2014, 09:24:39 pm »

Good choice Paul...Bury hill once the ice age has passed?

Gingernutz · « **Reply #47 on:** 14 December 2014, 09:36:21 pm »

Sounds good Trev - though I spend my life on the A24 so maybe A272 to Petersfield or further?

BIG MAC · « **Reply #48 on:** 14 December 2014, 11:05:37 pm »

Sure get Bob B to tag along you can do some formation Biffering

stevierst · « **Reply #49 on:** 14 December 2014, 11:32:58 pm »

I'd sell the plate on, it's a prime target for getting your bike done over!