Looking for suggestions for my first ‘big bike’- to buy in April after I’ve passed my test.
I’d be looking to get something 2-3 years old.
Budget is flexible- I was thinking of spending up to £6k, but I don’t have to spend all of it if there is a good mid-priced, middleweight bike that is good for a new biker.
I’m looking for models with ABS- was thinking about stability control too, although I know it isn’t on many bikes.
I’m going to be a fair weather commuter and weekend rider.
Naked, Sports Tourers and Roadster/Muscle bikes appeal to me, rather than dedicated sports bikes or custom cruisers.
So far I’ve been thinking about a Street Triple (too fast?) or a XJR1300 (too big?) but I’m open to most things.
I want something that isn’t too much, too soon- happy to upgrade in a year or two once I am a bit more confident.
hmmm speed is only controlled by one thing YOU … the bike regardless of its cc will only go as fast as you wamt it to …
a 1300 is as easy to ride as a 600 BUT weighs a hell of a lot and I personally would not recommend it as your first big bike but that is my personal opinion …
hmmm if the excel show is on soon get and sit on a few bikes or get to the meet points and ask to sit on a few bikes as well as various showrooms
Depends what floats your boat really. If you fancy a sports bike, go CBR600, if you fancy a v twin maybe an SV650, I’d stay middleweight though until you’re completely comfortable.
I bought the rest of my kit today and I had to get a couple of things fixed on the bike after the tumble (new handlebars & pegs- as they were quite bent, clocks cover and front brake lever as well).
I probably will get a bike before doing bike safe, just because I’m a big guy and the YBR isn’t THAT comfortable- it is a little on the small side for me.
I’ve checked out the KTM690 and the Yamaha Diversion today- they both seem like they might be good, although the Street Triple is still my no 1.
Just did a price comparison- they want £850 PA for insurance on the Street Triple.
That is probably a bit more than I want to spend.
My current insurance is £250 full comp for the 125.
Might be looking more for a cheaper, older GSF or a Diversion to get a couple of years no claims on before getting a Street Triple.
I got a Diversion as my first big bike and i’ve been very happy with it. It’s not fast by big motorbike standards and it’s a bit heavy but having just spent 2 weeks travelling up and down the country in a Vauxhall Astra loaded with prams and whatnot it feels fast enough! Insurance is pretty reasonable too, even in south west London.
A triple would have been top of my new bike list but I think the insurance was a bit much at the time and I got a great deal on the Divvy.
there will be a MT07 coming soon as welll 