Advice on a winter hack/pillion/daily rider - Honda GL400

[kippermitten]

Im looking for a daily cheap bike, no more than 500 squids, enough power to motorway it, pillion and enjoy.
I really like the look of the Silverwing GL400 - anyone know much on these?
What are they like to ride, service be a pillion on etc etc etc!
Also, suggestions to other machines more than welcome, im looking for a bit of style if poss, retro stylee so opposed to the GSXR!
Cheers!

 

[Maccapacca]

Seen F650 on the bay for circa £500 with no MOT and sorned, no real issues and easy to work on, do you mean the scooter type 400?

 

[kippermitten]

F650 too tall for my short rse legs! Im only 5' 6", id need stilits
No, defo not scooter, needs to be something comfy with a bit of power and reasonable economy and a bit diffferent hence the GL500/GL500/CX500 bikes.

My workings out are thus:

The GSXR if used over the winter(I ride all weathers all the time) is going to get messed up from fairings to metal work and so on and need more servicing/tyres.

 

[Maccapacca]

SRX400?

 

[Dogbreath]

If you like the cruiser style have a look at the virago 535, very suitable for the err..vertically challenged. Otherwise something like a ER5/GS500 suit most of the smaller members of the population and are tried and trusted commuting machines.

 

[kippermitten]

Still no further on with my choices...

Looking at Yam 600 Diversions, CX500, GL400, GS500(missed a PEACH off the bay) and a others...

So - I have about 500 squids or less to spend - needs to be powerful enough to pillion me bird around in London and on short runs but not at warp speed - able to take luggage ideally - and be a bit different?

Prooving tough...

 

[Dogbreath]

Have a look for a GPZ500; cheap to run, tough as old boots and enough grunt for motorway use. The GS500 is a slug, but the Diversion is also a good choice.

 

[psalliss]

have a look at triumph trophys. just picked up a 92 one for £700 with full luggage as my hayabusa is getting ruined by using it every day.

 

[kippermitten]

Nice shout on the Trophy - although Im finding myself drawn to a CBR1000F c.1990 in White red n Blue - seems like a bullet proof powerful hack. Anyone know what sort of height the seat is? Any particular issues to be aware of?