Hi all, I'm looking for a bit of advice on getting a new bike for myself.
Bit about me: I'm 30, passed my test in 2010 and had a daily commuter (all weather, all times of day and night) Kawasaki ER-5. I got rid about 3 years ago and have only ridden fleetingly since, including a couple of refresher lessons here and there so that I don't lose the skill. I've ridden a variety of bikes, including track days on a ZX-6R, couple of Harley sportsters and a couple of bigger bikes briefly, but only owned the Kwak. I'm 5'8" and built relatively stocky but strong. I was confident 2 up but will likely need to practice a bit.
Why I want a bike: Bit of fun, return to the joys of riding and if I change jobs perhaps commuting. I will be using the car the majority of the time and want to limit at least my first year mileage to lowish miles, but after picking up a bit of NCB I want to expand that and perhaps do some touring eventually.
What I'm looking for in a bike: Something bigger than what I had, but not too big that I can't use it. Something that I can probably buy on finance so I won't be bored with in 3 - 4 years assuming that I haven't destroyed it (probably used but might look at new if price is OK). I've always been a steady rider and ride defensively so super-sports aren't really my cup of tea, though I love the look. Probably not looking for a proper cruiser either, something mid-range, but something fun too, don't want a boring bike.
Bikes I've looked at and currently considering: Test rode Harley Roadster which I liked but probably won't have the long term appeal, Yamaha Diversion F which again was good but I wasn't too keen on the gearbox. Considering Ninja 650, Vstrom 650 or older 1000.
Apart from supersports and very expensive new bikes insurance is similar on most types, ie 2012 Yamaha Diversion is same as a 2010 R1200GS for example, so it's not a particularly big issue.
Any ideas on what might be decent to look at?
TL,DR - Help me choose a bike, preferably with an engine.
Bit about me: I'm 30, passed my test in 2010 and had a daily commuter (all weather, all times of day and night) Kawasaki ER-5. I got rid about 3 years ago and have only ridden fleetingly since, including a couple of refresher lessons here and there so that I don't lose the skill. I've ridden a variety of bikes, including track days on a ZX-6R, couple of Harley sportsters and a couple of bigger bikes briefly, but only owned the Kwak. I'm 5'8" and built relatively stocky but strong. I was confident 2 up but will likely need to practice a bit.
Why I want a bike: Bit of fun, return to the joys of riding and if I change jobs perhaps commuting. I will be using the car the majority of the time and want to limit at least my first year mileage to lowish miles, but after picking up a bit of NCB I want to expand that and perhaps do some touring eventually.
What I'm looking for in a bike: Something bigger than what I had, but not too big that I can't use it. Something that I can probably buy on finance so I won't be bored with in 3 - 4 years assuming that I haven't destroyed it (probably used but might look at new if price is OK). I've always been a steady rider and ride defensively so super-sports aren't really my cup of tea, though I love the look. Probably not looking for a proper cruiser either, something mid-range, but something fun too, don't want a boring bike.
Bikes I've looked at and currently considering: Test rode Harley Roadster which I liked but probably won't have the long term appeal, Yamaha Diversion F which again was good but I wasn't too keen on the gearbox. Considering Ninja 650, Vstrom 650 or older 1000.
Apart from supersports and very expensive new bikes insurance is similar on most types, ie 2012 Yamaha Diversion is same as a 2010 R1200GS for example, so it's not a particularly big issue.
Any ideas on what might be decent to look at?
TL,DR - Help me choose a bike, preferably with an engine.