Cheap first proper bike?

I think a CB500 would be a reasonable step up from a CBR125, It's a solid commuter bike that can provide some thrills with built in Honda reliability. However like the majority of folks here it wouldn't be my first choice. It's pretty dated and in all honesty bland when compared to bikes like the Hornet 600, ZZR600, SV650, Fazer 600, all of which should be in your price range and should be a lot more fun.
 
I have to say I'm just not a fan of the hornet at all, its just feels like a limp wristed sports bike.

If I was going to recommend a bike which is more up to date than the cb and has more poke I'd be suggesting the sv650
 
maccapacca said:
Looking on AT my choice would be

TDM 850
F650
KTM 640

Nothing else floats my boat
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TDM 850 seconded. Got one at the moment, my 6th bike and I love it. Would also agree that the Hornet runs rings around the CB500. Owned both and they are night and day in terms of fun.
 
eidolon said:
I'm quite liking the look of the Hornet, from reading a few reviews it sounds like it'll do the job nicely.

What does everyone think of this one?
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a little pricey .. but looks clean and has a hugger . the reason i say pricey is its in scotland and its end of the season . and sold my 2001 for 2k 3 years ago with lots of extras
 
If it's only done 700 miles in 5 years I'd be a little concerned that the carbs have gummed up, you'd need a test ride to make sure it starts, idles and revs cleanly through the range.

I'd also want to replace the tyres, rubber goes off over time so you could use that to haggle some money off.

Other than that it sounds good.

Might be worthwhile finding a dedicated Hornet forum for advice on what to look for when buying and even beter to see if they know the bike.
 
I'd be wanting to take one for a test ride before parting with 2k, as is clear in this thread, one person may think X bike is great, and others will think it's not for them, as the bike is for you, find one to test ride and make your own mind up first
 
FYI http://www.hondahornet.org.uk/messageboard/index.php is the best place i've found for Hornet advice, really friendly bunch with plenty of knowledge!

I have the same year and model of Hornet as posted (but black) I picked it up with 4,600 miles as it had been left for ages with only the odd turn over. Started first time on the button, had been well looked after and it showed. No problems so far! I've almost doubled the mileage inn 6 months that the previous owner did in 8 years!

Good point about the rubber thought, mine still had the original tyres! Imagine how far tyre technology has come in 8 years, and how bad it was sat for so long, was a HUGE improvement to get a new pair.

Best of luck with it, let us know how you get on ;)
 
condition wise its great but your in bristol :p the cost/hassle of getting it back and given its the ned of the bike season makes it expensive . if it was 2k in bristol i would have said go buy it . and ditto on the tyres .. check the hoses as well
 
Tyres and carbs are a good point, standing around that much won't have done it much good I guess. Condition wise it sounds great but I think you're right, need to really check it out in person before parting with any cash.

I was thinking of just taking a risk and getting it shipped down (it's only £60 on Shipley.com) but after what you've said I think I'll look for one a bit closer to home.

Cheers for the advice :)
 
Faired Hornet's tend to fetch less money in my experience as they aren't as pretty. Great if you like the look of them!
 
Looks like a very tidy example in the pics, but tricky to arrange things at that distance. Either you trust the seller and arrange transport so the first time you see the bike it's on your doorstep and too late to do anything if it's tatty, or you have a very lengthy journey to go and inspect/ride home.

For the age and (apparent) condition it seems like a reasonable price.
 
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