ie. what's a good bike to get once I pass it? I'm looking for;

 

Comfort for rider and pillion (the wife)

Reliability (as I know nothing about motorbikes)

Looks

 

Not that fussed about it being the fastest and nimblest out there (although a healthy dose of power would be nice), not worried about what year, and am looking to spend around 2 - 3k

 

I was looking at a Suzuki Bandit 600 (unfaired) CBR 600F or Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R

 

Out of all of these I'm liking the Bandit, it will only be used for short journeys, so not worried about the fairing too much, I think it looks better without personally. My heart says a Ninja as I've always wanted one, but they don't look to comfy for the pillion, so is the CBR the best bet?

 

Any ideas from the riders on here or suggestions for other bikes I havn't looked at yet?

 

Cheers,

 

Jon.

im sure Chunk can point ya to a good bike. I had a blade which was mint - absolutely loved it, but got onto my mates 1200 bandit and it was dead comfy. I personally would go for a bandit or even a hornet as an unfaired bike.

As a first bike then the Bandit, Fazer, Hornet are the popular choice's. Me- Im a fan of the Suzuki SV650 (unfaired) or SV650S as a great first big Bike.

 

V-Twin...Mmmmmm

 

The Bandit's a good bike with a decent pillion seat and pegs. The suspension's soft so with two people it'll be really wobbly though. The Honda Hornet and Yamaha Fazer are better bikes but with worse pillion accomodation.

 

ZX-6R's vary hugely depending on what year you get. Since 2002 they've been mad track bikes but before then some were good all rounders.

 

The CBR600 is a safe bet and a brilliant bike but they're popular so hold their value well second hand.

 

If you want, PM me an address and I'll put a magazine and price guide in the post for you.

I had a GS500, for 3 weeks, got bored of it, then got a Suzuki GSXF750, much nicer

this may be interest to you mate, a mate is doing his over the next few weeks

 

http://www.bikerclub.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1257

Agree with the above. SV makes a really nice first bike, as does a Hornet or a bandit but abit long in the tooth now. As mentioned I wouldnt go for a ZX6, too focused for a first bike and your pillion will hate you for ever more:D You can pick up a duke monster for silly money, nice town bike but not as glitch free as the japs.

CBR600 all day long, good build quality and reliable. The only one of the three your looking at that is, IMHO.Yes, you will pay more, for the same year, but youll get more back when you come to trade up

To be honest you never seem to keep your first bike long so just get whatever you see that takes your fancy, you will soon know what sort of thing feels right for the sort of riding you do. Personally I went down the 350ypvs - gsxr 750- gsxr 1100 route but you may find yourself drawn to something like those dreadfull Viragos or Harleys LOL :D

Paul

I have to agree with Legrath, The SV650 is a great first bike, but if you fancy a inline 4 then the hornet/bandit is a good option, but also the Kawasaki Z750 is a great bike, reasonably cheap aswell.

 

HTH

 

Rich

Yamaha Fazer 600 is great. Not everyone's idea of pretty but I think it looks ok. Fast, amazing brakes, comfortable and if the slightly soft suspension does bother you (its harder than a Bandit) it's easy to upgrade. I had two for a year each recently and I've had quite a few bikes.

 

If insurance is expensive the SV650 would be better as it's a lower group. It has a more sporty riding position but that's not always good.

go with the Bandit for a first bike don't go over 600cc. poss do an advanced test with IAM then get a ZX9 when you pass that. All the best, ride safe and very safe 2 up.

WTG Neil. I'm impressed. You said something serious and helpfull :tongue: lol...dont let that be a new trend for you though ;)

No he didnt he said get a ZX9:D Thats a girls bike;)