What bike should I buy?
Wed, 21/12/2011 - 12:34
I have just bought a 600 Bandit as my first bike, for £600! I had to spend some money on it at the garage, which was mainly new cam belt, etc. Which costs a further £480.
I got it to get me on the road and already I am starting to satisfy that itch of what bike I actually want, and what I am likely going to use it for.
Basically, my position is as follows:
1. It has more than enough power and I actually want something slower than I can be lazy with. This feels like it wants to go fast all the time and feels buzzy to me.
2. I want ABS
3. I find going anywhere above 20 miles an hour on a road where other cars may pull out scary and ruins your sense of 'freedom', I want quiet roads and something to enjoy it on and able to carrage luggage
4. I want something very light, and easy to move and push around
The closest thing I can think of is a Versys?
Thu, 22/12/2011 - 11:24
#2
Re: What bike should I buy?
You may be better off with an electric powered bicycle. If you went over 20mph you could apply the brakes.
Thu, 22/12/2011 - 16:36
#3
Re: What bike should I buy?
Have you thought of doing an advanced riding course or maybe one that is held on a track so that you don't have to worry about traffic. These courses are excellent for not only improving your riding skills but also for building your confidence
Sat, 24/12/2011 - 19:51
#4
Re: What bike should I buy?
Japanese four-cylinder bikes do tend to demand revs to make them go, then when you do they go fast. The Versys would be a good choice, or another Suzuki, the V-Strom 650. BMW's F650GS is a good choice (I mean the 800cc twin cylinder). The V-Strom was introduced a decade ago so there examples for sale right across the price range, but note older V-Stroms are susceptible to corrosion.
Being worried about cars pulling out is a good thing, because sometimes they do! You'll find most experienced riders tend to ride on the assumption that cars are going to pull out, and while most of them don't, when one does they're ready for it.
Sat, 24/12/2011 - 20:23
#5
Re: What bike should I buy?
It pays to be wary of other road users however I would join the others in suggesting that you do some further training. There's little more satisfying than getting more out of the bike you've already got. It almost feels like cheating!
The Bandit will feel like it wants to go, go, go but a great number of machines are the same. Concentraing on your gear selection, positioning and keeping your vision up will all help to combat this.
Just try using your chin as a pointer towards where you want to go on the road. In other words do your best Dan Dare impression. No one can see how daft you look when you've got your helmet on! I do it everytime I'm out and it does work though requires some practice.
Above all enjoy the bike you've got.
NEWS...
* ROSSI NOT TO RETIRE!
Rossi uses Twitter to deny The Daily Telegraph's story...(more)
* ROSSI TO RETIRE!
The legendary Italian racer will be leaving MotoGP for good at the end of this year...(more)
* WIN A ROUTE 66 TRIP!
Harley UK offers Route 66 tour prize for two to anyone taking a demo ride...(more)
* AUDI BUYS DUCATI!
After nearly 30 years, VW Audi Group Chairman finally lands his prize motorcycle factory...(more)
* APRILIA CAPONORD SPY SHOTS!
PIctures snapped illicitly at dealer event show Aprilia's Multistrada rival...(more)
3. I find going anywhere above 20 miles an hour on a road where other cars may pull out scary and ruins your sense of 'freedom', I want quiet roads and something to enjoy it on and able to carrage luggage.
I would respectfully suggest you think about more training before a new bike if you genuinely are scared when travelling above 20mph in other traffic.
My wife has a Versys, a great first big bike, but I nwould concentrate on getting more confidence on the road first.