If you're tall a trail bike is probably a good option. Big bloke I know (must be 6'6" or 6'7") loves his BMW GS 1150.

A GS is quite big for a first bike though.

Especially when you get into the adventure section with the 33l of fuel on the top

Personally, I'd opt for an older 250 or small bike for a few months, then trade up as you'll enjoy finding the limits without being intimidated, you'll learn far more from having less grip and power and when you trade up again you'll enjoy it.

 

Personally, I did this

50cc auto scooter

50cc geared moped

125cc MZ 

Passed bike test

125cc Cagiva Mito

250cc MZ

300cc MZ

600cc Yamaha XJ

+15 more up to a new BMW R1200RT

 

then a break 

125cc Sukida

500cc Aprilia maxi scooter

 

another break

110cc Peugeot Vox semi auto

 

Each step was enjoyable and made me a better rider.  From test to a GS is asking for trouble in my eyes as it is too much. too soon.

Having done the power thing and being fed up with low speed limits everywhere, I now prefer pootling down the unclassified roads on a 7.5bhp scooter more.

Edited 15 December, 201411 yr by mender

Personally, I'd opt for an older 250 or small bike for a few months, then trade up as you'll enjoy finding the limits without being intimidated, you'll learn far more from having less grip and power and when you trade up again you'll enjoy it.

 

Personally, I did this

50cc auto scooter

50cc geared moped

125cc MZ 

Passed bike test

125cc Cagiva Mito

250cc MZ

300cc MZ

600cc Yamaha XJ

+15 more up to a new BMW R1200RT

 

then a break 

125cc Sukida

500cc Aprilia maxi scooter

 

another break

110cc Peugeot Vox semi auto

 

Each step was enjoyable and made me a better rider.  From test to a GS is asking for trouble in my eyes as it is too much. too soon.

Having done the power thing and being fed up with low speed limits everywhere, I now prefer pootling down the unclassified roads on a 7.5bhp scooter more.

 

Thanks for that. I have some previous on scooters. I had a PX125 about 15 years ago and have spent the last 12 months (5000 miles) on a 110cc Honda Vision. After 3 days' training on the Bandit I'd got the hang of controlling the power. I've looked at a couple of 250s, but think that I'll be ready for a bigger bike within a couple of weeks.

 

Not being a spring chicken (I'm 43) I've not got that urge to race everything that you have in your twenties, and family at home to think about.

Thanks for that. I have some previous on scooters. I had a PX125 about 15 years ago and have spent the last 12 months (5000 miles) on a 110cc Honda Vision. After 3 days' training on the Bandit I'd got the hang of controlling the power. I've looked at a couple of 250s, but think that I'll be ready for a bigger bike within a couple of weeks.

 

Not being a spring chicken (I'm 43) I've not got that urge to race everything that you have in your twenties, and family at home to think about.

The Bandit is a good first bike, my thought was that it is winter and horrid so maybe a snotter £600 250-500 until March might be a good idea as it does not matter if damaged and if you do fling it, the risk of getting hurt on a smaller bike when it falls on top of you is less.

 

Only you will know what is best and most appropriate for you and the upright 600s are good bikes for flexibility and grip.

 

Good luck!

I had a couple of 125's as a kid then after passing my test got a 500, took 2 months to want more poke so now have a 1000. No issues, havent spattered myself and know that the throttle isnt on/off but has variable speed settings  

Thanks for that. I have some previous on scooters. I had a PX125 about 15 years ago and have spent the last 12 months (5000 miles) on a 110cc Honda Vision. After 3 days' training on the Bandit I'd got the hang of controlling the power. I've looked at a couple of 250s, but think that I'll be ready for a bigger bike within a couple of weeks.

Not being a spring chicken (I'm 43) I've not got that urge to race everything that you have in your twenties, and family at home to think about.

Oh. Does that urge to race everything go away then?

I get it on the bike. Especially with cars that try to race.

Im 22 though. Haha.

Dont fancy the look of the SV650 then?

Give it another 20 years, and you may worry a little less about racing others. I enjoy riding progressively, but that doesnt mean racing others.  Bikes also tend to get to silly speeds really quickly, and thats both licence and liberty losing territory nowadays.

 

This is my latest bike , loving the sound it makes. (not my bike in the picture, but same colour).  Its very different after a succession of Jap in-line 4 bikes which culminated in a GSXR1000, much more character.  Electronics package is pretty amazing too with quickshifter, traction control, rider modes etc..

 

 

 

Oh. Does that urge to race everything go away then?

Give it another 20 years, and you may worry a little less about racing others. I enjoy riding progressively, but that doesnt mean racing others. Bikes also tend to get to silly speeds really quickly, and thats both licence and liberty losing territory nowadays.

This is my latest bike , loving the sound it makes. (not my bike in the picture, but same colour). Its very different after a succession of Jap in-line 4 bikes which culminated in a GSXR1000, much more character. Electronics package is pretty amazing too with quickshifter, traction control, rider modes etc..

It doesnt last long. As soon as throttle is wound on, its over really.

Thats nice! Enjoying it? Love a big vtwin!

Look what I'm picking up on Saturday....

 

_{Nice Mister Paul.}

 

_{Enjoy it (if the weather isn't too bad)}

Well, at long last I've done it!

I've ridden bikes for 40 years and had to give up, due to illness, 4 years ago.

I've not ridden since and had to sell my beloved Triumph Tiger as it was a chunk of money sitting idle that was needed for more important stuff. :((

I've been really missing riding, so went to see my local training school on Sunday.

They were really good and agreed to me taking a 125 round the pad to see how I got on.

After the initial nervous, looking like I'd never ridden in my life, wobbling about it all came back and I had that stupid grin once more )

The only issues are my weak left arm and hand shaking when doing tight turns, such as fig8 and U turn, but in the real world I don't see it as a problem.

Next step is to take a 500 onto the road for an hour or so to see how I get on with a bigger bike, then who knows?

Fingers crossed it all works out.......

Well, at long last I've done it!

I've ridden bikes for 40 years and had to give up, due to illness, 4 years ago.

I've not ridden since and had to sell my beloved Triumph Tiger as it was a chunk of money sitting idle that was needed for more important stuff. :((

I've been really missing riding, so went to see my local training school on Sunday.

They were really good and agreed to me taking a 125 round the pad to see how I got on.

After the initial nervous, looking like I'd never ridden in my life, wobbling about it all came back and I had that stupid grin once more )

The only issues are my weak left arm and hand shaking when doing tight turns, such as fig8 and U turn, but in the real world I don't see it as a problem.

Next step is to take a 500 onto the road for an hour or so to see how I get on with a bigger bike, then who knows?

Fingers crossed it all works out.......

I had a BMW R1200RT, had a long break, bought a Chinese 125 bike and found it a good way back into it.

 

Why not try a lightweight bike that you won't lose much on and sell it when you get your confidence and strength back?

You can get a new Suzuki Inazuma 250 for £2600.....

I've got no plans beyond the 500 ride yet.

Obviously I'm hoping all goes well but not counting my chickens yet.

IF I do buy something, it'll be 2nd hand with a budget of £2k.

Watch this space.....

Hope it goes well! 

Sounds like a suzuki sv650 will suit .

Good look with it all mate. Im sure youll manage (:

Quick update...

The ride on the training school bike didn't happen, but I've booked a test ride on a DCT version of one of these for tomorrow.

The dealer also has the naked version so I'm going to have a play on that too.

Impressions tomorrow.....

What is that? It looks cool.



I've done my CBT now. Looking towards doing my full licence. Theory test booked for tuesday.

What is that? It looks cool.

I've done my CBT now. Looking towards doing my full licence. Theory test booked for tuesday.

Thats a Honda VFR 1200 Crosstourer (:

It has an auto box with buttons on the bars sort of similar to a DSG set up.

Takes abit of getting used to from what I've read.

Quick update...

The ride on the training school bike didn't happen, but I've booked a test ride on a DCT version of one of these for tomorrow.

The dealer also has the naked version so I'm going to have a play on that too.

Impressions tomorrow.....

Look forward to hearing what you think.

I quite like a play in a dct bike too!

Quick update...

The ride on the training school bike didn't happen, but I've booked a test ride on a DCT version of one of these for tomorrow.

The dealer also has the naked version so I'm going to have a play on that too.

Impressions tomorrow.....

Is the plastic on the seat in case you soil yourself under acceleration LOL. I'm planning to get back on 2 wheels too, but probably next year when I plan to retire. I was thinking of changing the Blackline instead, but the bike is winning at the mo. Be interesting to know what you think of the beast.... good luck and be safe.

Done 100 miles + on my 110cc Vox today, went to a few dealers looking at a possible trade up but nothing catches my eye

 

50cc

125cc

NOTHING

600cc sports

and up

 

I want a 250-400cc very high-mpg, bombproof, all-weather all-rounder with luggage, ideally not a maxi-scoot (again).

I might take a ride on the new WK bikes Trail 400 when it lands @ c £3000 new.

Thats a Honda VFR 1200 Crosstourer (:

It has an auto box with buttons on the bars sort of similar to a DSG set up.

Takes abit of getting used to from what I've read.

It does look like one doesn't it.

It's actually a NC 700X.

My brief to myself was reasonably light weight because of my weak left side.

Nice looking.

Not too powerful and cheap to insure.

The budget of £2k went out the window quickly, as I couldn't find anything I like.

I'm pleased to say it met all the criteria.

The day didn't start well. Got all my kit together and got in the car. It was only when I was changing shoes to boots, in the car. That I realised something was missing.

I'd left my helmet and gloves at home!!

Luckily they loaned me them after laughing.

As I've not been on the road on a bike for 4 years, I had a very nervous and wobbly hour on the naked version of the same bike first.

I'm very pleased to say that the bike is very forgiving and by the time I got back, I was starting to relax, with the familiar huge grin starting to appear.

Both bikes have a parallel twin of about 55hp, but has enough power for everyday use around town. I didn't get to ride at motorway speed but I'm sure it'll cope with that just fine. That'll come on my decider ride on Wednesday.

At 40 mph I could feel the air starting to push on my chest, so I'd think at motorway speed and long distance, a taller fly screen would help.

The faired X version that I rode afterwards is the DCT . No clutch, no gear change, but it does have flappy paddles and a handbrake!

Right handlebar has a rocker switch under your thumb which engages D or S mode and pushed the other way, selects neutral.

Under your index finger is a button which changes the drive from auto to manual.

On the left bar you get the up change button under your index finger, and the down change under your thumb.

You can change gear at will in any mode and the bike will always change into 1st when you come to a stop.

The gear changes are very quick and slick, barely noticeable, and should stop the pillion headbanging issue too.

I found that around town, sport mode gave more control, but manual changes were neede for roundabouts to stop it changing up or down half way round. I guess it's something you would get used to, but, having not ridden a DCT before, felt a little disconcerting.

To sum up, the DCT X version is a cracking bike and inspired confidence. By the time I got back with that one, the grin was well and truly in full swing

So much so that I'm going back on Wednesday to take it out again on faster roads.

If it passes that test, it will be mine.

Thought it looked abit skinny at the top haha. Forgot about the 700.

I'll reAd the rest of the post when i get in aha

It does look like one doesn't it.

It's actually a NC 700X.

My brief to myself was reasonably light weight because of my weak left side.

Nice looking.

Not too powerful and cheap to insure.

The budget of £2k went out the window quickly, as I couldn't find anything I like.

I'm pleased to say it met all the criteria.

The day didn't start well. Got all my kit together and got in the car. It was only when I was changing shoes to boots, in the car. That I realised something was missing.

I'd left my helmet and gloves at home!!

Luckily they loaned me them after laughing.

As I've not been on the road on a bike for 4 years, I had a very nervous and wobbly hour on the naked version of the same bike first.

I'm very pleased to say that the bike is very forgiving and by the time I got back, I was starting to relax, with the familiar huge grin starting to appear.

Both bikes have a parallel twin of about 55hp, but has enough power for everyday use around town. I didn't get to ride at motorway speed but I'm sure it'll cope with that just fine. That'll come on my decider ride on Wednesday.

At 40 mph I could feel the air starting to push on my chest, so I'd think at motorway speed and long distance, a taller fly screen would help.

The faired X version that I rode afterwards is the DCT . No clutch, no gear change, but it does have flappy paddles and a handbrake!

Right handlebar has a rocker switch under your thumb which engages D or S mode and pushed the other way, selects neutral.

Under your index finger is a button which changes the drive from auto to manual.

On the left bar you get the up change button under your index finger, and the down change under your thumb.

You can change gear at will in any mode and the bike will always change into 1st when you come to a stop.

The gear changes are very quick and slick, barely noticeable, and should stop the pillion headbanging issue too.

I found that around town, sport mode gave more control, but manual changes were neede for roundabouts to stop it changing up or down half way round. I guess it's something you would get used to, but, having not ridden a DCT before, felt a little disconcerting.

To sum up, the DCT X version is a cracking bike and inspired confidence. By the time I got back with that one, the grin was well and truly in full swing

So much so that I'm going back on Wednesday to take it out again on faster roads.

If it passes that test, it will be mine.

Sounds good mate. Glad you enjoyed it

Thought the 700 would be more than 55bhp? Must be quite understressed?

Might test ride a viffer 1200 DCT myself i think. I imagine it to be like a car with DSG?

Roll on wednesday!

If it's new, is it not the 750X? (The naked one being the 750S) 


Or is the one you're looking at a used one... or the restricted model?




Went to have a chat to a salesman about bikes yesterday, fairly positive discussion. Then I did some insurance quotes.... I think I'll stay with older bikes for a while. Not cheap to start with.