Big Bike Shopping and General Questions

TripleT

TripleT

TripleT

Soldato
Joined
24 Oct 2002
Posts
9,654
Location
Manchester City Centre
Hi all,

Doing my test soon so just perusing what to get, have cash ready but I was thinking of waiting until the end of summer unless something comes along. Are prices that much better then?

Top of my list are the fz6 and z750 - how bad is wind blast on a naked bike? Won't be doing that many motorway miles which is were I imagine it becoming a problem.

Bought my first bike from Honda second hand so was pretty straight forward but thinking of going private, any general buying advice on what to look for and ask?

Need to get visiting some larger bike shops really, quite a few near me luckily.
 
I've only test riden a naked bike but I did notice the wind blast compared to a fully faired, and that's not on the motorway either.

All in all it depends what you want from the bike and what you will be using it for as to what will be best suited

FZ6 better for commute as more relaxed riding stance

Z750 is more of a 'out to play' bike. That said I know someone who uses an R6 to commute
 
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Chances are you will be doing your test and training on a naked bike, that would be the best way to decide.

Wind blast is very noticable, ecspecially if you've become acustomed to a fully faired bike. When i took the plastics off my bike 75 felt like 100 and sitting at 100 was very uncomfortable.

I commute on a CBR 600 although its a very old one a so is classed as a sports tourer. Personally i'd go for the Z750, just remember it will only go as fast as you twist your wrist.
 
buy privately,you'll save more,service history is a bonus and general condition

theres not much to go wrong on a bike tbh,

fz6 is a nice first big bike,fairings/screens are great at keeping the wind and rain of your upper body/legs aswell as wind,you'll want one in winter with cold windblast
 
Another thing to look for is a non-standard exhaust. It makes no end of difference for getting noticed on the roads.....and of course sounds so much better :D
 
Well I'm obviously a fan of naked bikes, you have a lot more fun at non-prison speeds and I only have an issue with wind blast above 180 km/h.

You will get wet in rain no matter what with the wrong equipment, and with the right waterproofs I've never had an issue with a naked bike in the rain.
 
You get used to the wind blast very quickly, I remember riding back home after picking up my CB400 at 80ish thinking my helmet was about to be ripped off my head...

Now, unless it's there's a 20-30mph headwind, 80+ is easy, the wind is hardly noticable. Above 90 is when you start to feel it properly, but I see that as a good thing, a licence saver if you will :D

I do 200 miles a week comuting + pleasure miles on a naked bike. When I slid it down the road a few months ago, apart from the tank dent, the other damage was easy to repair. If it was faired I'd be looking at a big bill for new fairings.
 
Dropped my 899 in for a service and was given a Triumph Street triple with no screen etc on front.

Hated the wind felt horrible at 70-80+ but as kreeeee says, there was something enjoyable about it at lower speeds. Best thing is to get few test rides and see what you think.
 
TripleT said:
Hi all,

Doing my test soon so just perusing what to get, have cash ready but I was thinking of waiting until the end of summer unless something comes along. Are prices that much better then?

Top of my list are the fz6 and z750 - how bad is wind blast on a naked bike? Won't be doing that many motorway miles which is were I imagine it becoming a problem.

Bought my first bike from Honda second hand so was pretty straight forward but thinking of going private, any general buying advice on what to look for and ask?

Need to get visiting some larger bike shops really, quite a few near me luckily.
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I've always ridden naked bikes and love them. I like the wind blast, as Kreeee says there's something fun about it! I'm used to it, don't get neck pains or anything going down the motorway and I've got neck problems...

I had a part faired Bandit for a few months when I got knocked off my Hornet (had the main front section faired) and it just wasn't the same. It was newer, quicker due to the age difference, but just not fun, felt far too smooth for a bike :D. I do like my bikes a bit more 'raw' which is why I went for the Speed Triple in the end over a GSXR750.

As you said, you're also not on the motorway, so sitting at a constant 70+ will never happen, so you probably wouldn't have an issue with the wind.

Also, I wouldn't worry about the time of year to buy. I bought my Speed at just about the prime bike buying time and got a better deal than they've been offering all winter. They tend to put deals on during peak season to encourage you - 0% APR, addon packs etc. :)
 
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You lose the sense of occasion with a fairing, it's just more engaging without one :)

Craig321 said:
Also, I wouldn't worry about the time of year to buy. I bought my Speed at just about the prime bike buying time and got a better deal than they've been offering all winter. They tend to put deals on during peak season to encourage you - 0% APR, addon packs etc. :)
Click to expand...

Buying new is very different. The season matters a huge amount when buying second hand.
 
Kreeeee said:
You lose the sense of occasion with a fairing, it's just more engaging without one :)



Buying new is very different. The season matters a huge amount when buying second hand.
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Oh I missed the bit about him buying private! Yup you're right, time of year matters quite a bit. It's hard to sell in winter, so best to buy then if you can put up with either waiting or riding through the winter when you first get the thing.
 
Cheers all, theres just something about naked bikes that draw me in. My cbf125 is "part-faired" but not really and ive never had any problem with that at 65mph (can't go faster :p)

I love the z750 so think I'm set on that, seen a mint one near me too but trying to not pull the trigger until I've passed, don't want to jinx myself! If it goes I'll wait until after summer, maybe...!

My Honda garage gave one actually so might take a good look whilst mines in for a service tomorrow.

Can't believe its only 50quid more to insure over my 125, and that's with one of the worse postcodes for motor theft.
 
Kreeeee said:
Get the bike you love and nothing else, or you'll regret it.
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Very good advise! I did this and love having my SV. Yes it's not as fast as others but I've wanted one since a few of me mates had them years ago. And they sound great with a different end can
 
TripleT said:
Can't believe its only 50quid more to insure over my 125, and that's with one of the worse postcodes for motor theft.
Click to expand...

I've been running some quotes to see how much I'll be looking at when I sort my full licence and it's actually cheaper for me to insure a full size 800cc bike than it is for me to insure my YBR 125
 
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