New - to me - bike choices budget £3.5K

[locksmith]

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

I cant even say the word :lol

[JoeRock]

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]

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

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]

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

[Gingernutz]

John - reckon it suits you  :b


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]

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

[Gingernutz]

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

[BIG MAC]

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

[stevierst]

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

[lew600fazer]

Good choice there, decent bike, will be ideal for your needs , that is exactly the bike I had, black GT witha all the trimmings. the cbf forum is excellent as well you will get all good advice on there.

www.cbf1000.com

[bigralphie]

Nice ,plenty of places to hold when we carry it over the Spring meet fire pit  :lol

[Gingernutz]

Just been to seal the deal and all systems are go. He is going to take my six in part ex. The cbf is so bloody clean it will be a shame to dirty it. One owner from new and it's only done 3500 in the last three years - it won't know what hit it in a month.  The personal number is included as is the original  actual plate so if I sell the personal plate I won't even have to get a new one.

[BIG MAC]

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

So that's why they are called 'Monkey bikes'

[BIG MAC]

John - reckon it suits you  :b


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.

If that's the original plate it would be 09 or 59 not 99

[Gingernutz]

Trev it is on a personalised plate - its a 59 originally - I've been offered £225 to sell it via a numbers website - I'll try when I have it.

[BIG MAC]

I have KIIT PM on retention in preparation for Scottish independence

[greg1953]

You're all missing the obvious...the Honda Blackbird, it's currently the bargain of the century, especially the early carb models. I sold mine this year.. 39,000 miles, c/w Maxton rear unit, new Bridgestones,VFR 800 h/bars ( more comfortable ) White Power front springs, £1600. It was in very good nick, full MOT and owned by me for 10yrs.
I advertised it on eBay for over three weeks with no interest until a guy came over from Sweden and rode it back.
Don't believe the bollocks about linked brakes being crap either, with EBC HH pads they were superb, especially two up.
The build quality is high as is reliability...downsides....the seat is uncomfortable, there's a big market in custom seats.
Don't give the 'bird a miss, you won't be disappointed....Oh! 172mph at Elvington Top Speed day. So why did I sell it ? Arthritis in my neck..I needed a more upright riding poition.
Greg

[lew600fazer]

And that is exactly what he has in the CBF 1000 nice comfy riding position

[Oldgit]

[/quote] So that's why they are called 'Monkey bikes'
yes we are all descended from primates, you should know that BM