Author Topic: New - to me - bike choices budget £3.5K (Read 9308 times)

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

FZ1
BMW K1200R
CBF1000
Triumph Tiger

The BMW K1200R is a bit random but like the look of them and on paper is what I need (commute 15K year 3-4K of pleasure riding. Must take hard luggage)

Whatcha reckon?

stevierst · « **Reply #1 on:** 07 December 2014, 04:05:15 pm »

Fz1 is a sportsbike as has been discussed on here many times, and for me wasn't that comfy, was too thirsty, and made you ride it like you stole it!

Cbf1000 is a gentle Fazer thou alternative, a good do it all bike that is a bit budget really. (A mate at work has an 08 that's going very ginger!)

The Beemer is a full on tourer that can boogie when you want it to, but not as reliable as you think! Very comfy though

The tiger is quirky but comfy. Had one for about 5 months bit soon found out that they need suspension upgrades from stock. The engine is fantastic especially when you tweek it a little.

There are others that will do all you ask.

Fazer thou maybe?

Tmation · « **Reply #2 on:** 07 December 2014, 04:41:21 pm »

Quote from: stevierst on 07 December 2014, 04:05:15 pm

The Beemer is a full on tourer that can boogie when you want it to, but not as reliable as you think! Very comfy though

I think you may be getting your BMW's mixed up, the K1200R is the 4 cylinder naked and BMW luggage is semi soft expandable. The R1200RT is the boxer tourer and K1200RT is the 4 cylinder tourer.

How far is your daily commute each way? All year round rain and shine, snow and salt?

Personally, if I was doing lots of commuting I would want a big fairing, shaft drive and heated grips.

You might get a BMW800 for that sort of money.

Gingernutz · « **Reply #3 on:** 07 December 2014, 04:44:02 pm »

Stevie - thats really helpful

Yup its the naked one I was looking at.

1400 miles a month on average - not looked much at the BMW800 - off to read a few reviews and look at used prices

stevierst · « **Reply #4 on:** 07 December 2014, 04:50:00 pm »

Yep, got the wrong Beemer d'oh! Forgot it's the one that looks like bender the robot off fururama!

How's about an
Aprilia futura?
Bandit 1200s?
VFR 800?
CB1300s?

BIG MAC · « **Reply #5 on:** 07 December 2014, 05:22:28 pm »

Plus 1 for the BMW 800 belt drive and economical Fugly though

slimwilly · « **Reply #6 on:** 07 December 2014, 05:28:41 pm »

i would give the VFR top marks for your use. I had one for 10 years,brilliant bike.

griff86 · « **Reply #7 on:** 07 December 2014, 06:18:10 pm »

What about an fjr1300. Some nice ones on eBay for £3500. Shaft drive, big fairing, adjustable screen, hard luggage, etc.

I fancy one but I want to keep my 600.

The triumph tiger is nice, I work in a bike shop and get to test ride many different bikes and I enjoyed the 800 one lately.

stevierst · « **Reply #8 on:** 07 December 2014, 06:23:32 pm »

I'd be with griff86 on the fjr1300. It's a bit of a tourer/sport tourer cross. I'd have one of I had the room in my garage, along with a:-
Bimota sb6r,
GSX750 inazuma,
Rgv250,
KTM 990 supermoto
Etc......
Etc......
Etc......

I can only dream.

richfzs · « **Reply #9 on:** 07 December 2014, 06:34:33 pm »

The fjr is a fabulous bike to ride - but there's one thing that would stop me having one as a year round commute (in standard form, anyway). The screen is bloody dreadful - I'm 6'1" and the bike (I run 2 of them for the charity) is unrideable with the screen anywhere other than in the lowest position. As soon as I start to raise it, it puts a hurricane of turbulence around my lid. Earplugs don't even start to help with the noise.

With a different screen (I'm experimenting with laminar lips at present) , it does get a lot better.

I ain't saying scratch it from your list, just be prepared to spend time & cash experimenting to get a screen setup that works for you.

(I do enjoy riding the fjrs, rocket ships!)

lew600fazer · « **Reply #10 on:** 07 December 2014, 06:41:34 pm »

I am amazed no one has advised to get a Gen 1 you should get a minter and change for £3.5k
If you want a very good 1000 bike for touring and commuting you should be able to get a very good CBF1000 GT model fully fared and with top box and panniers.

I had one for 2.5 years and toured France several times.

The only issues with the CBF Mk 1 is there have been a few stator failures and Honda have increased the warranty on that item for 7 years. Also another niggle is the OEM screen as you may, depending on your height and build. I fitted an MRA screen and for me it was fine. To be honest the OEM is not as bad as some make out it is a frigging motorbike after all, if you do not like the wind on you face get a car

Check out this forum they are a friendly lot www.cbf1000.com

Just been on the CBF forum. how would this fit

Due to storage problems I am looking to sell my biffer.
2009 model in Silver she has only 6000 miles on her. Immaculate condition, one small scratch on the fairing. Full givi luggage, hugger and wired for battery optimiser.
MOT July 2015, Tax Nov 2014.
This is virtually a new bike. I am looking for £3750.

This may be out of your budget but gives you an idea.

This is seriously in pristine condition. I am selling my much loved black CBF1000GT which was a summer toy and its a shame that it does not get used much and spends it life in the garage. I bought it brand new from Dobles in March 2011

MOT till March 2015
12000 miles
FSH

It comes with the full luggage system, optimate connection, Crash Bungs,RAM mount and Aqua Box for Sat NAV, 12V Connector, MRA after market screen, starcom intercom system and rear hugger.

£4950 for all this is a total bargain

Give me a call on 07711 698879 or send me an email at w_watchman@hotmail.com

Cheers

Will Watchman
Edenbridge
Kent

2011 CBF1000 GT - Black.jpg (244.11 kB, 1024x768 - viewed 55 times.)

stevierst · « **Reply #11 on:** 07 December 2014, 06:55:09 pm »

I mentioned the Fazer thou! I did, I did, I did!

Mick-H · « **Reply #12 on:** 07 December 2014, 07:26:55 pm »

I'd be looking gen 1 Fazer 1000, TDM 900, VFR 750 or pre Vtec 800.

noggythenog · « **Reply #13 on:** 07 December 2014, 09:37:49 pm »

Are these CBF1000's simillar to a Gen 1 then.....or is a Gen 1 a bit more sporty?

BIG MAC · « **Reply #14 on:** 07 December 2014, 09:52:58 pm »

Ask Bob Brown he reckons his is like an FZS600 but with 1000cc oomph

BIG MAC · « **Reply #15 on:** 07 December 2014, 09:57:33 pm »

Isn't the Dullville a sensible candidate?

stevierst · « **Reply #16 on:** 07 December 2014, 10:07:41 pm »

Quote from: noggythenog on 07 December 2014, 09:37:49 pm

Are these CBF1000's simillar to a Gen 1 then.....or is a Gen 1 a bit more sporty?

Yeah, they're a bit more like a torquey Fazer 600, not quite as much zing as the Fazer thou.

noggythenog · « **Reply #17 on:** 07 December 2014, 10:09:05 pm »

Quote from: BIG MAC on 07 December 2014, 09:52:58 pm

Ask Bob Brown he reckons his is like an FZS600 but with 1000cc oomph

Just had a look at reviews........so utterly capable and enjoyable bike.....just a little bit dull looking.

lew600fazer · « **Reply #18 on:** 07 December 2014, 10:24:09 pm »

The CBF 1000, is a cracking all rounder bike, if wanting shaft drive and fall asleep, go down the Dullville route.
The CBF 1000, bangs out just short of 100bhp. I have never owned a TDM so cannot comment on that.I have read a few reviews and sounds like a good option. If you like 4 pots and low down torque the CBF will tick your box. I think the FZ600 S1/S2 would show the CBF1000 a clean pair of heels, in top end speed and certainly on twisties.
I do at times think about off loading the FZ1 and mnoving back to a CBF but still enjoy the buzz of the FZ1.

If I was in your shoes just needing transport and something to tour on,good grunt the CBF 1000 Mk 1 is well in your budget. If you can stretch a bit more the Mk 2 CBF is a goer as well. Just do not expect them to be hanging onto the Fazer range of bikes.

Gingernutz · « **Reply #19 on:** 07 December 2014, 10:29:37 pm »

The TDM seems like an option - the Dullsville would be very sensible but I have taken the piss out of a work mates too long to even think about getting one. I thought the CBF1000 would have the legs on a Fazer hmmmmmmmmm

Trev you still thinking about flogging your S2??

There may be a delay now anyway as it appears a new sofa would be nice. At this rate it will be this time next year .......

Aegis Bearing Mel · « **Reply #20 on:** 07 December 2014, 10:34:20 pm »

Quote from: Gingernutz on 07 December 2014, 10:29:37 pm

There may be a delay now anyway as it appears a new sofa would be nice. At this rate it will be this time next year .......

Didn't even see a Goldwing on your list...

BIG MAC · « **Reply #21 on:** 07 December 2014, 10:57:02 pm »

I am thinking of moving it on Paul but only because I want a trailie for France duty - otherwise it's been sweet as a nut

lew600fazer · « **Reply #22 on:** 07 December 2014, 11:02:09 pm »

Having owned an S1, them the CBF1000GT, Z1000SX and the S2 now FZ1. Top end the FZ600 S1&S2 will show the CBF a clean pair of heels.
On a dyno my CBF1000 Gt never got above 97 bhp , top end was 135 GPS speed, My FZ600 S2N was top end 140 and me being a fat bastard.
Will concide the CBF around town and touring was a much user friendly bike. If we are lokking for a value bike for all round day to day use , the CBF 1000, is a good option along with the TDM as mentioned though have never ridden a TDM

Mick-H · « **Reply #23 on:** 08 December 2014, 06:33:05 am »

Owners reviews are worth a read
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/yamaha/tdm900/2002/

BBROWN1664 · « **Reply #24 on:** 08 December 2014, 08:47:08 am »

I can concur. The CBF1000 is a great bike. Slightly bigger than the FZS600 and lots more torque. Great bike to ride and contrary to what some people say, the build quality is OK. Not the greatest of Honda quality, but better than Yamaha can be.