Looking to buy my first ‘big bike’ would like some feed back on these bikes:
Kawasaki Z750S, Honda CB 600F Hornet, Triumph Street Triple and BMW F800ST.
I’ve only had experience of the Hornet but would say that they are all excellent bikes which have recieved good reviews in the press - so I guess it comes down to what appeals to your gut - for me it would be between the Hornet and the Z750 (I’d go for the Zed as i’ve already had a Hornet - personally I rate them equal) - I like the looks of the Honda and Kawasaki and the fact that they provide everyday practicality (capable commuters with Japanese reliability) combined with groovy contemporary styling and genuinely fun performance and handling (the Hornet is one of the mostest fun bikes I have ever ridden - it encourages you to take the ****!) I’m guessing that the Zed is similar.
I don’t have any experience of Triumphs apart from riding a relative’s speed triple - I was well impressed by the motor and handling - if the street triple is similar then you won’t be dissapointed (I don’t know what their reputation for reliablity is though - possibly to early in models life to say).
The BMW has got a lot of good press also - BMW have come out with some very funky, appealing bikes in recent years and have shed their boring dated image.
Your best bet is to test ride all of them and then go on gut feeling - which bike best suits your criteria.
Endorsed.
Triumphsn (received wisdom) reliability is a bit of an issue and they sure know how to charge for their spares. Only buy new or with a good warranty is what I hear.
BMW’s quality and reliability is repoortedly legendary. Just that. A legend. Again, new or with a good warranty.
Not a fan of Japanes bikes, but I know which I’d buy.
But then, I bought Italian which is pretty dumb by all sensible standards.
I recently had the same decsion and I went for the Z. So glad I did - Im loving it.
I test rode the Hornet. I really lliked it, but although it was a good fun bike I found it a bit small and light for me. Thats the main difference between the two in my opinion. Its a great bike, but compared to the Z I found it quite “dainty”. The Z is just as flickable but somehow seems to have a bit more attitude.
Also with this years model, I found the Hornet had tons of vibrations both through the seat and the bars. I couldnt feel my hands after riding for an hour.
Why not book up some test rides? I had a great time riding loads of bikes for about 2 weeks. (the only place I could find with a test model Z750 was Metropolis by the way.)
I have test ridden the F800ST, and it is still top of the bikes I would like to own. What you are getting for the money is excellent, comes with steering damper, and braided bike lines as standard. The engine for a twin is so smooth and the power delivery is excellent. The only negative is the price once you have added the extras.
It is also one of the most frugal bikes that you can get. Was cruising up the A1 at 75 when on the test ride, and the on board computer was reporting 78mpg!
Even second hand the prices are holding firm, for the price you can get a brand new Honda CBF600S.
Still love to own one.
I’m with Sid – it’s between the Honda Hornet and Z750S if it’s your first big bike.
I have a Hornet and absolutely love it (2005 version so can’t comment on the new one) – you can also do lots to it to make it faster/funkier/noisier/handle better without spending loads of cash. It can be quite an involving ride if you want it to be and is fairly cheap on insurance.
I’d check on the Z750S in comparison with your insurers to ensure they don’t see that as a big leap in power – their prices may make your mind up for you.
I’ve got a triumph street triple and I can’t praise it enough.
Its a stunning bike, its the best looking out of the bunch BY FAR and if you look at the road reviews its head and shoulders above the other nakeds in its class…It sounds lovely and everywhere I go it turns heads.
I’ve had mine for 6,000 miles now and not had anything go wrong, starts every time without fail… its light, got a nice wheel base and perfect for commuting or throwing around the lanes… its not the most ideal for cruising at high speeds on the motorway, although once you find your position its not a problem!
I looked at the hornet when I was making my choice and I knew once I test rode the street it was what i wanted, it was just a case of finding one and avoiding the waiting list… its clear though when you do get one, why there is a waiting list… its just a great bike!
I’m not baised though! 