A friend of mine passed his test about 2 years ago and got a 125 to mess around on
This was promptly stolen and he has not replaced it.
He wants a 500-600cc and asked me what to get
I don’t pretend to know anything about bikes but i said i knew some people that did
Something that looks good but won’t break down every other week and does not cost a fortune for a second hand bike
Over to you
There is a small problem here. Second hand bikes tend to be expensive just because people seem to over value what there bikes are worth. My partner recently brought a GPZ 500s and got a very good deal on a prvate sale. However it took ages to find one at the right price. I would suggest something like:
Honda CB500, Kawasaki GPZ 500s, Kawasaki ER5, Suzuki GS500, Suzuki Bandit, Honda Hornet, Yamaha Fazer these are the type of reliable bikes that would make a sensible choice.
Good luck to your mate with the search.
I was asking the same thing not so long ago. The answer I got (except I wanted a brand new one) was a Honda CBR 600F.
I got it and it’s great, a little bit more comfortable than a full on race rep (so I’ve been told).
Depends what he wants to do with it however the above suggestions are great but I’ll add a Trans Alp and if he’s tall an Africa Twin (although that’s a 750 it’s easy going) to the list
Good luck
Personally, if they want a commuter and something that can be played on its quite a choice. ER6, SV650, Hornet, GS600, Fazer all spring to mind.
I also went for the CBR6f, very good, and two of my friends went for the Thundercat/race (400 and 600)and absolutely loved them!
CBR600 F there is no substitute, that is until I have sufficient saved for a blade 
I’d recommend the CBR600F from me too. Lots of poke and a comfy position. I test rode one a couple of months ago as it was my 2nd choice (1st as a commuter, 2nd as a desirable). Plenty of 2nd hand models around. Or if he’s wanting to go new, Most dealers had a 0% offer on.
if they just want a little runaround then look no further than the boss hoss…very nippy little bike to go in and out of traffic…
What the monkey said 
I can see that ‘making progress’ on the Embankment! Not…
I can recommend the hornet, having done 68,000 miles on mine - commuting, back-lane scratching, bimbling, track days, european touring and the Nurburgring. I love it.
Almost coincidentally, a friend of mine is selling an X-reg hornet, 12,000 miles, £1800. There is some “history” but it is basically a good bike if your friend is interested.
Duncan
NAH !!! Bugger those suggestions…first choice, a blade…second choice, a blade…and third choice…err a cbr600…HAR HAR !!!
Seriously, you havent really said what your mate prefers? Faired or not? Lower or standard seating? What do they fancy getting? We all love our bikes and i for one wouldnt dream of a BOSS HOSS…or HARLEY…give me sport bike all the time…(if you want you can give me my ultimate bike, MV Augustga 1000…NO? oh ok i can but dream, or sell me house!) BUT the BOSS HOSSES and HARLEYITES…would argue the toss on that, and have their reasons, as i would too?..So your friend may have a different idea on the suggestions here?
I personally couldnt handle a 125 or 500? I just couldnt ride em !!! Madness aint it??? Dont know how i passed my test on a 500…stoopid aint it?..(anyone else found that?..you just go all mental when on them like you just cant ride em!!) But as soon as i got on a 1000cc i was in heaven, then when i tried the Busa…i was in the “zone” man !!! ha ha (but got out of that fast, thats why im still alive…and got …well…i think we all KNOW what ive got !!! hardy ha ha)…
Well i passed my test this year and before i had a Honda Varadero 125. I bought myself a used Fazer 600 Old style, its fantastic! Ive beenb to France and the Southwest loads of times, its fairly cheap to run, very reliable, and looks great! Just a tip, go for the older style fzs, its a much better bike i think anyway.
westfazer
Got to agree with the CBR6, had an SV for a year which was fine but struggled once on a motorway. My CBR is narrower for filtering and has (apart from the 5000 rpm flat spot) better acceleration that the SV, will go round corners well and there are plenty of second hand ones about. Downside if you park on the street is insurance Group 14 whereas an SV is Group 10 (11 for S) and also that the latest models are getting rarer as more people have gone for the RR.
