Spec me a bike.

Sandycheeks

Sandycheeks

Sandycheeks

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Joined
30 Oct 2013
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I am looking to buy my next bike after riding a GS500 EW for a year.
( I also ride a GasGas 250 Raga for trials but that's another story )
I am 37, 6'3'' and 16 stone with a 33'' leg and have had my license for a year.

I am not a speed freak and lean more towards the sports tourer or adventure bike category.

I want to keep my budget pretty low but may go upto 4 grand for the right bike.

Also I would like to be able to carry a passenger.

I like the look of the VFR 800 and can see that it ticks the right boxes but is there anything else...

Basically bike will be used for the 20 mile round commute to work and weekend blasts around the countryside.
 
I quite like the bandit 1250 FALO but it seems a bit out of my price.
To be honest a bandit 600 would do for now...the GS500 is pants on the Motorway.
The problem I can for-see is the insurance as I got my license at the end of July last year so I haven't had a year of no claims yet.
I pay £110 per year for the GS insurance.
I nearly signed for a Suzuki V Strom 1000 with all the luggage and heated grips etc with 15,000 mls on an 05 plt but the thought of spending £4200 scared me off.
 
I like all of those, the Tigers hold their money too much though.
The Versys I particularly like but I can't find a decent 1000 for the right money.
V strom I quite like but they're a bit ugly...I wouldn't let that cloud my judgement though as you can't see what you're riding and as long as it feels good, it's all good.
 
Sintellins.

I have my eye on a 2007 Versys 650 for £2595 from a private seller.
Bike looks clean in the pictures and has all luggage etc.. 18,000 mls.
I like the Versys and was considering a new 2013 bike a couple of weeks ago but even with 0% credit the payments would have made me suffer a bit.
I have just applied for finance with carloans4u from the Autotrader main page and if I borrow £2000 over 24 mths the interest is about £120...Im happy with that.
I am going to arrange a look-see tomorrow but fingers crossed.
 
So I sat on a vstrom 650 today and it just felt right.
I have watched and read loads of reviews on the 650 vs 1000 and feel quite happy going for a 650.
The problem is that they hold their money well with 6 year old bikes with 15-20,000 miles going for around £4200.
Sounds daft but a new last years model would cost around £5200.
Have decided to sell the trials bike and the current GS 500 and thinking may try to find a demonstrator model and buy new.
Decisions decisions.....I've always been crap at spending money, it gives me a cold sweat.
 
I already talking myself out of it.
I am thinking that I could sell my bikes say £2200 for both and then add around £500 then buy for £2700 I would still be happy cos I've got a bike with the added pleasure of not having to pay £100 a month out for the next 3 years.
 
So today I bought a 2008 Versys 650 in green with the matching panniers and 8200 miles.
I didn't even try to knock the guy down on price as I'm happy with that and the seller is also happy.
Feels totally different to the old GS500 and am looking forward to getting a proper go on it when I pick it up later in the week.
 
I will post pics soon...I haven't picked it up yet.
The guy I bought it off had 2 of them, one for him and one for his wife.
I bought his wifes bike as the one he had for himself he bought new and has handed it down to his son.
I went out for a quick blast on the GS tonight and felt very underwhelmed with it after trying the versys.
I suppose I'd better crack on and get the GS sold as I'm running short of room in the garage.
As a side note, I cleaned and polished the gasgas ready for sale and advertised it then decided not to sell it as Trials is the most fun you can have on two wheels FACT !and the thought of selling it made my bottom lip quiver.
 
Regarding the panniers, I might buy some extra wide handle bars just to judge the gaps a bit easier.
I won't really have the panniers on much but they come with the bike and are genuine and colour matched.
(admin: why is the word "colour" showing up as wrong with your spellchecker ?)
If I decide I don't need them I can always sell on evilbay or store them in the garage/loft with all of the other stuff that never gets used but I can't bear to part with.
 
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