First "big bike"?

Gimpymoo · 29 Dec 2022 at 22:54

Have narrowed it down to two options:

Honda VFR800F - 5th Gen
Year: 2000
27k

Built like tanks

Suzuki SV650S
Year 2001
10k

Same price.

Head says SV650S, heart says VFR.

I know the VFR is a heavy thing, does not bother me.

Checked insurance, can get both for about the same, just a little more for the VFR.

Thoughts?

Thanks.

Gimpymoo · 29 Dec 2022 at 23:10

Minibiker said:
I had an Sv650s for my first big bike, I'd happily go out tomorrow and buy another one, never had any issues with it, very comfortable, great power for a 650 twin and sounds beefy with the right can on..

What is it like for Motorway miles?

Gimpymoo · 30 Dec 2022 at 10:48

Well, hello, a new challenger enters the arena...

CBF1000

Gimpymoo · 1 Jan 2023 at 20:00

PieEater said:
Don't know if you've considered cost of ownership or if it factors into your decision making but the SV will be cheaper to run, maintain and repair. If you're at all heavy with your right wrist or prone to wanting to ride flat out the SV would also be the better choice as the VFR will get to silly speeds quite quickly.

Solid advice.

My clutch control was good when learning, although prone to revving too high while learning on the MT07 once or twice, quickly learned the clutch controlled my speed, not the throttle.

I am swinging towards a VFR or a second gen CBF1000 I think.

People say the CBF is boring but coming from a 125, I doubt it.

Gimpymoo · 1 Jan 2023 at 20:40

Anything else in the sports tourer category for about £2500, reliable and good for 2up and a top box?

Gimpymoo · 2 Jan 2023 at 20:57

Thanks all for the input.

Have decided on the CBF1000, I think.

I had my heart set on the VFR and as much as I would like one, without spending a fortune on bars, the riding position is not what I am looking for, I want to be comfy and I feel at 6ft2", it would be rather "cramped". At 44, I wish I had started earlier but going "sporty" now would do me no favours in the comfy department.

Adventure bikes look fun. There is a BMW F650GS which looks fun but not sure what they are like.

Never knew passing my test would make choosing a bike soo much fun - lol

Gimpymoo · 5 Jan 2023 at 15:22

Honestly, passing my Mod2 in November has since been a pain in the $%&£.

I thought I would have all the time in the world to chose my "First big bike" but when my trusty CBF125 was stolen, that was no longer the case.

Not riding for that long is sending me mad. I have forgotten what it feels like Desperate to get back in the saddle.

Since looking, I have been useless.

Wavering between what type of bike, Sports Tourer, Adventure, flicking between the two almost daily.

Deciding on a specific model then changing my mind for obscure reason, then going back to the one I originally liked, it really has made me goldilocks.

Dithered on different bikes which I then lose out on because not pulled the trigger quick enough.

After much thinking about "will I fit on it", "will I be comfy" and googling and Youtube videos, I have settled on a VFR800, question now is, what Gen?

5th Gen or 6th Gen

5th looks a little worn, good for a 2000 bike though and top box
6th gen is shiny and comes with full luggage, year 2005.

Both have 27k.

5th Gen - £2100
6th Gen - £2800

I am being drawn towards the 5th Gen.

Thoughts.

Gimpymoo · 5 Jan 2023 at 16:06

Diddums said:
You make my wife look decisive.

Result

Tell me about it though, I think the problem is coming in as a new rider, I have no idea what I will actually like so just got to go what I think will enjoy the most.

Gimpymoo · 5 Jan 2023 at 16:18

Diddums said:
It's not a lifelong commitment, @Captain changed his bikes like he changed his underwear until he got his Fireblade

I think that is going to be me but that is half the fun of being a biker right :cry:

My thinking is, avoid negative equity if you can and all is good.

Gimpymoo · 7 Jan 2023 at 09:49

Changed my mind on the VFR... unsurprisingly :cry:

HOWEVER, I have just paid a deposit on this...

CBF1000
2008
11,160 Miles
£3100

A few scuffs but mechanically sound.

Gimpymoo · 7 Jan 2023 at 13:41

There was a 5k mileage 2008 but CatD for same price.

I chickened out

Gimpymoo · 10 Jan 2023 at 13:53

Picking up from Colwyn Bay so a road trip upcoming, hopefully next week.

First big bike.
First big road trip.

What can go wrong :cry:

Video from the dealer:

Some cosmetic damage but for the mileage, I accept the compromise in cost.

Startup is a little rough, dealer says low battery after being idle in showroom, will be fixed on service.

Gimpymoo · 10 Jan 2023 at 15:05

BG1980 said:
Congratulations, that will be some step up from a 125! As for the cosmetic damage a bike from 2008 (like mine) will always have the odd chip or scratch. You probably won’t even notice unless you actually go looking for it. Enjoy!

Thanks.

It was a tough call between that and a 2005 garaged VFR800 but the VFR had 28,000 on the clock and older and I just thought the CBF would be more comfortable.

Gimpymoo · 10 Jan 2023 at 15:21

BG1980 said:
It certainly looks more comfortable than my VFR and being a Honda will likely be bullet proof as long as it’s been serviced. I’ll be changing my VFR next year purely because I don’t get on with the riding position.

Your post highlights why I was uncertain about the VFR. I am 44 so although not ready for pasture, I appreciate creature comforts and being 6ft2", I got the impression I needed to make some modifications and what not to make it comfortable while the CBF looks "ready to go" comfort wise.

Gimpymoo · 18 Jan 2023 at 11:49

There she is

In the sun, sand and snow of Colwyn Bay.

Walked into the dealer to collect, the bike looked MASSIVE (Purchased it not physically seeing it), felt a little apprehensive, only been on an MT07 at my riding school.

The dealer took pity and took it onto the road for me (their car park was full of snow).

Sat there for a few moments and pulled off.... Soooo smooth, apprehension disappeared immediately and my training came back to me.

Then had a ride back from North Wales to Nottingham. Total madness. Got in a Snowstorm on the motorway, could not see as visor getting covered in snow, opened visor, got face full of snow, very low visibility, pulled onto hard shoulder to wait to clear. Highways patrol car stopped to see if I was ok, they were cool.

Talk about baptism by fire.

First proper journey on a proper bike.

Gimpymoo · 18 Jan 2023 at 16:59

Me and the bike had a good few hours to bond

With everything thrown at us, we got to know each other rather well.

Gimpymoo · 26 Jan 2023 at 23:35

Well, what a first week.

Loved having a "big bike", love the power, love the fact I have the power to "escape" traffic when needed, love the acceleration

Still get a grin when you open up at the lights - HAHAHAHA

I underestimated how big a bike it was, both physical size and weight but it feels "normal" to me already.

All made getting my "A" licence worthwhile.

Going to do some advanced training when more familiar with new bike.

Oh, and if you thought a top box looked naff, they really are worth their weight in gold

Gimpymoo · 27 Jan 2023 at 08:35

Diddums said:
Lovely bike dude, glad you're enjoying it!

The top box is a massive part of why I ride a scooter. The convenience of just being able to fling my shopping and crap in the void under the saddle is fantastic. I'm seriously contemplating whether to get a "big bike" or a massive scooter next, I quite fancy the Honda X-ADV 750.

Thanks.

The top box eats way more than I thought it would. Much better than carrying a rucksack with cans of beans shoved in your jacket with the Naan breads.

I have took the side panniers off for day to day commuting.

WOW, those ADV's look amazing, full luggage too

I never knew "scooters" like that existed. You could tour on that, surely?