First big bike

bainbridge

bainbridge

bainbridge

Soldato
Joined
9 Dec 2009
Posts
5,533
Location
Bristol
Hey all

Mod 2 now passed. I have a 1975 Honda CB200 which I'm restoring but it'll probably be good 2-3 months before it's roadworthy.

So I'm looking at getting something newer to put my training into practice.

www.autotrader.co.uk

2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 for sale for £4,495 in ST. HELENS, MERSEYSIDE

2023 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 for sale in ST. HELENS, MERSEYSIDE from Millennium Motorcycles - Find your perfect bike today with Autotrader
www.autotrader.co.uk www.autotrader.co.uk

What about this?
 
Great bikes. Four moving parts, can be fixed with a hammer. Will outlast you and anyone you know.

Made in India, so parts will be both cheap and plentiful.

Just keep your expectations managed, you're not gonna be crossing the Antarctic or setting lap records on it.
 
Have a look at the Kawasaki W800 as well. Only a touch heavier but reportedly feels lighter, somehow the same power and single-digits-more torque from an extra 150cc. Build quality is supposedly a lot better though; less plastic, more metal. There are a few on Autotrader with les than 5000mi on the clock for the same money as the Interceptor.

My advice is always to go and ride these bikes to see how they feel. There'll always be one that just feels more right than the others. Get that one.

P.S. I wish Honda would hurry up with their CB750 K3 - I want to know what it's actually going to look like.
 
iamgigglz said:
Have a look at the Kawasaki W800 as well. Only a touch heavier but reportedly feels lighter, somehow the same power and single-digits-more torque from an extra 150cc. Build quality is supposedly a lot better though; less plastic, more metal. There are a few on Autotrader with les than 5000mi on the clock for the same money as the Interceptor.

My advice is always to go and ride these bikes to see how they feel. There'll always be one that just feels more right than the others. Get that one.

P.S. I wish Honda would hurry up with their CB750 K3 - I want to know what it's actually going to look like.
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They've unveiled the 500 haven't they?
 
Cheers folks. Looks like a new 750 interceptor is due out soon so if I were buying new I'd wait.

Looking at something like a 23/24 which has been fully serviced with low mileage, I'll do the servicing moving forward.

I like the look of the W800 but can't find any newer than 2021.

I sat on a Kawi Z650 RS and they're appealing, but I really dislike the way that the horizontal radiator pokes out the sides and the funny rear mudguard assembly that so many modern bikes have.

Honda CB650R is too hi tech for me.

I just want something with modern reliability and classic looks that I can ride around on without too much drama.
 
McGray said:
They've unveiled the 500 haven't they?
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Ah yeah the Super Four. It's a little drab - I'm hoping the 750 is a little more retro bling.

bainbridge said:
I like the look of the W800 but can't find any newer than 2021.
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Fair enough
bainbridge said:
I sat on a Kawi Z650 RS and they're appealing, but I really dislike the way that the horizontal radiator pokes out the sides
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Yeah that seems odd and super vulnerable if the bike falls over.

bainbridge said:
and the funny rear mudguard assembly that so many modern bikes have.
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Easily sorted with a tail-tidy.

bainbridge said:
Honda CB650R is too hi tech for me.
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Different beast - bit of a hooligan machine.

bainbridge said:
I just want something with modern reliability and classic looks that I can ride around on without too much drama.
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I wish there were more of these around.
There's the Yamaha XSR700 - great motor, but a bit more expensive and the dash will probably put you off.
Have a walk around a Triumph dealership - I'm pretty sure they have 47 different models based on their lazy 900cc Bonneville twin
Moto Guzzi V7 could be fun. No idea what they're like.

Too much money but I can personally vouch for a BMW R NineT. I have the original 2014 model. They gave it a big tech upgrade in 2024 so you'd probably want a 2023.
The motor is all torque, will go forever and is dead easy to work on, plus no chain to worry about.
 
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