Is?
I want something like this for my first bike. Not too worried about anything else as I don’t trust central London nor my riding abilities for anything better at first. I just know that, being a cyclist, I will try and get through spots too small and end up dropping it, etc.
So what to get? A CB500?
ask PJ
:w00t:
well I’ve been on a GPZ500 for the past year, so far I have needed a set of rear breke pads, a new tyre and a chain (bearing in mind it is 2nd hand)thats it, I’m going to give her a service in the next month or so but just out of politness I think she would run for another 5000 before a service…
I wanted a bigger bike, but now the plan is keep the GPZ as it is soooo reliable and get a bigger bike for the track…
GPZ 500 or CB 500 both good runners, also GS500 (might be a bit old now) can maybe look at old bigger trailies, single cylinder makes less maintenance!
CB500 - or Suzuki Bandit 600.
C90:cool:
A CB500 is very reliable if you service it regularly it will theoretically run forever plus it can be an absolute riot to ride in and out of town. They also bounce well as there is not a lot of things to break off and you have an advantage in the traffic light grand prix because you know you can confidently give it full throttle without it launching you into a ditch or flipping.
If you are going to buy one check the following:
Condition of chain and sprockets. If the rear wheel is at the wear indicator then it will need a new chain and sprockets soon which will cost you.
Servicing. The CB500 is supposed to have it’s valve clearneces checked every 16000 miles. This is a big service and costs about £300. If the bike had done over 16000 ask if the service has been done and ask to see a receipt. If it hasn’t had the valves done it will still run but it will run like a dog.
In my experience there is no such thing as a cheap bike, try to budget for protective gear, tyres, insurance and servicing. A saving on initial investment may bite you in the bum when it need. A £1000 example might seem like good value till you’ve costed up the parts that need replacing.
If you do all your servicing yourself you’ll save money, if you can’t be arsed though it soon adds up. You can also not service it but then it will run like a dog. It will still run, but it’ll run like a dog and then there are safety issues.
Hornet. Bulletproof well made and fun
fireproof too. well mostly 
+1 c90
I’ve got to go with the C90 too. There almost indestructable. They even survive “youth programmes.”
Next size up. Probably CG125 or DT125
Size up again. Royal Enfield 350, possibly the 500.
CB500 or GS500, both good bikes
I have a Bandit 600n for sale if you’re interested. Read the reviews about it on the net and I think you might reckon it’s what you need. I use it for commuting into London on and weekend rides and it’s been great, would keep it if I could but I’m getting a sportsbike now.
I had a CB500 as my forst bike - loved it… Was a great bike - couldnt recommend it more!
One thing to watch out for is pitted fork stanchions… Expensive to fix. So either fit some gaiters over them in the winter months or keep applying 3-in-1 to them after you wash it…
Apart from that - never had any issues… great bike.
BANDIT 600 OR CB500
BOTH VERY GOOD FIRST BIKES
600 bandits are quite good:P
OH TUG DONT START NOW MATE.
ITS JUST THE OLD ONES THAT LIKE WALLS(SORRY TEL)
Can’t believe you said that Paul :w00t:
Honda SLR650, Honda Dominator, Honda FX650 Vigor or Honda FMX650 if you like the supermoto / trailie style of bike.
They all use the same bulletproof 650cc single, they dont really make enough power to be intimidating, and my SLR does very nicely fuel economy wise in my opinion. I get about 50-55mpg around town and up to 58, 60ish mpg on the motorway.
It was a bit harsh;)
