Advice Request First Bike

Griffo

Griffo

Griffo

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Joined
9 Oct 2005
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Location
Berkshire
I've finally been motivated by that September thing, and an upcoming road trip to get the DAS done and get a bike. I'm 24 and have been driving 4 years I think, doing the DAS in the next month or so, provided I don't mess up the theory test in a fortnight.

I will be taking a trip on the bike in late June that is a couple hundred miles or so, people say I should get me a 'Sports Tourer' bike. I've been thinking of the FZ6 Fazer 600 thing, as it looks nice and I have read good things.

My question is this: Can anybody recommend other good bikes that aren't going to be really uncomfortable for long journeys, but still look tasty? I wanted fully faired, but have also been advised that may be a bit premature, what with an accidental drop equalling lots of moneys. So, name some 600 ish sports tourers please!
 
My first bike was the 600 suzuki bandit. Bikini fairing rather than full. Great bike, comfortable and easy to ride. Not the fastest bike in the world but still fast enough to scare you when you are still new to riding. Was comfortable enough to ride from Chester to Portsmourth and I used it as a commuter for years with no problems.

New version comes unfaired or half faired and is now a 650cc.
 
I've done Nottingham to Portsmouth a few times on a naked 400 Bandit. Not great with all the luggage and a passenger but it was a lot better than you'd expect with the addition of a screen.
 
Oh I suppose I should add, my budget for the bike will be around £3,000-£3,500.

Hadn't seen the ER-6F before ta, reading now :)
 
Honda Hornet ...*Thread closed*

great engine great finish great allrounder which has a cult following.

The do them in half faired version which is normally cheaper than the naked ones . Naked looks a lot nicer though . Faster and better looking than the fazer/sv650 etc etc

Persil
 
Another vote for the honda hornet 600. great bike imo. They did a faired version a few years back, although I think this had a very small fuel tank.
 
when looking for something a bit different to my shadow and easier to ride through London my shortlist was between the Honda CBF500, Suzuki Bandit 600 and the Yamaha FZ6 Fazer.

After almost buying a bandit i swerved off and bought a 05 FZ6 Fazer which i am picking up this Saturday.

Also the Suzuki SV650 seems to be a nice easy bike to ride
 
If I was going for some long journeys I'd take a CBR600, not the latest RR model. Its a sports bike so you get the power/looks/brakes/suspension but it isn't quite as 'focused' as its rivals as its a little more comfortable and forgiving. They can do everything from cruising comfortable to loony riding. Another bike to consider is the 600 thundercat, not quite as good as the CBR but they cheap. SV650 is another good choice.
 
Andri said:
when looking for something a bit different to my shadow and easier to ride through London my shortlist was between the Honda CBF500, Suzuki Bandit 600 and the Yamaha FZ6 Fazer.

After almost buying a bandit i swerved off and bought a 05 FZ6 Fazer which i am picking up this Saturday.

Also the Suzuki SV650 seems to be a nice easy bike to ride
Click to expand...

Andri I want photos as soon as you get it! What colour did you go for? I do quite like the exhaust, some reviews call it bland up front, but i'm undecided.

ER-6F looks excellent too, but top-end of budget, will have to sit on a few! I'm 5'8 or thereabouts, dunno if that will matter. I sat on a Bandit 600 alright.

Well if the one suitable Hornet on PH is anything to go by: Blimey you get a lot of bike for your money!

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/293858.htm

Will lack of fairing annoy the hell out of me on long journeys? Or only on long motorway based journeys?
 
it's Blue.
4,300 miles on it.

i wanted something with a "sit up and beg" riding position as I'm soo used to my up right Honda shadow riding position.
Also i wanted some faring as at the moment when out on the road i get blown about all over the place and usually by the end my hands hurt from holding on :p

also the tank range seems to be quite good from what I'm reading.

I'm also about 5'8 or there abouts and both the bandit and Fazer were fine to sit on.
 
Ah that's good to hear!

Just looking into the CBR600F, don't they have the Honda chain tensioner breaking problem? Apart from that it looks like a good buy.
 
Griffo said:
I've finally been motivated by that September thing, and an upcoming road trip to get the DAS done and get a bike. I'm 24 and have been driving 4 years I think, doing the DAS in the next month or so, provided I don't mess up the theory test in a fortnight.

I will be taking a trip on the bike in late June that is a couple hundred miles or so, people say I should get me a 'Sports Tourer' bike. I've been thinking of the FZ6 Fazer 600 thing, as it looks nice and I have read good things.

My question is this: Can anybody recommend other good bikes that aren't going to be really uncomfortable for long journeys, but still look tasty? I wanted fully faired, but have also been advised that may be a bit premature, what with an accidental drop equalling lots of moneys. So, name some 600 ish sports tourers please!
Click to expand...


buell xb9city dont laugh i had one and now have the xb12r

there megga bikes and ride amazingly
 
i quite like the Buell's

Very funky and unique looking. and the sound of them Harley motors is just awesome.
had a close look at them at the NEC bike show last year
 
Fireskull said:
Looked at the Kawasaki ER6F?
Click to expand...

Good call, cracking little bike and great value for money.

Slightly more pricey and a bit different but the BMW F800S is also another superb bike for the purpose you are looking at.

Picture's don't do 'em justice, they look brilliant in the flesh:-

2006bmwf800srd4.jpg
 
Draeger said:
Good call, cracking little bike and great value for money.

Slightly more pricey and a bit different but the BMW F800S is also another superb bike for the purpose you are looking at.

Picture's don't do 'em justice, they look brilliant in the flesh:-
Click to expand...

oooooooh Awfull looking bike lol :p

Brothers getting new ER6F tomorrow so ill have a go on it at the weekend and report back :p
 
a hornet is a good call except the tank range.

if you're looking at doing trips on them then i guess a half faired bike would be best. something like a CBR600 isnt a bad choice for a beginner but in all honesty i would try something like a half faired SV650.

good all round bike and an sv 650 is more than a match for 90% of the cars on the road should you fancy a play.
 
Have you looked at a Suzuki SV at all? 650 is a good bike and quite good value lately.

Comes half faired or full depending on your preference.

*edit*Just realized someone mentioned it aswel, a few of my mates have got them, very good bikes.

I'm still on the 125's though :(
 
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