Hmmm thinking about getting back on two wheels.

 

Been about 10yr since I had one so I'm a bit out of date with regards to the new stuff.

 

Any opinions on middleweight all-rounders form the last few years? Nothing with too extreme a seat height, I've not got the legs for that.

 

I'm not scared of power but I don't need/want a 170mph missile, so probably looking at a naked or a small fairing or a touring style. I learned the hard way the last time that I'm not really into getting my knee down, I just liked spending some time on the bike on a nice road.

 

SV650 still seems to be around and good (and good deals on them pre-reg).

MV07 getting good write ups

F800 beemers as well.

 

Been offered a VFR1000 cheap but the tank range is crap on them and they seem to be a bit Marmite anyway.

 

I'm not old enough for a divvy :p

Depends on what you want out of the bikes to really suggest anything. What did you ride before?

 

SV650 are great bikes but if you're of average height you may find it cramped. V-Strom, same engine but a bigger trail type bike.

 

MV Agusta - look great, handle well and normally fall to bits quickly

 

BMW bikes are capable but christ they are dull.

Did you mean the Yamaha MT07? if so cracking bikes. Lots of fun without the big speeds. A mate has one mainly for commuting but for fun too ragging it around everywhere. Suspension is basic but he up-rated the front springs and says it made a massive difference.

Did you mean the Yamaha MT07? if so cracking bikes. Lots of fun without the big speeds. A mate has one mainly for commuting but for fun too ragging it around everywhere. Suspension is basic but he up-rated the front springs and says it made a massive difference.

 

Yeah. Bought a mag which was praising the MT10 and spotted they were raving about the MT07 as well.

 

I mostly rode a ZXR400 before but 600 sports as well. CBR600 would do everything, but a stretch for me to get both toes on the ground. mainly just too easy to go silly fast.

 

Can get a SV650 for £4400 pre-reg, MT07 quite a bit more. Debating whether just top spend a couple of grand to start with and get some miles in on something basic. 

 

Would want something I could do some significant miles on without being crippled (al la ZXR400, did 10hr on it once and couldn't walk for 2 days).

 I would go cheap to begin with i.e. 2nd hand SV650 if you're comfortable on it. If you find that you're happy being a biker again and it's not just sat in the garage due to time constraints etc then you can look again in a years time and you won't have lost much on the bike by then you're requirements on the bike may have changed too.

I have a BMW F800ST and it is the best bike I have ever had, great handling, excellent brakes, very torquey and plenty fast enough. Averages about 65 mpg, however I drive it. Engine sounds like a bag of nails, but "they all do that sir".

I agree with getting a used SV (but test ride a new one? The engines pretty much the same i think).

I had a 2001 SV650S for 15k miles n only lost a few hundred quid on it. Made sense for me, as you can pick up bikes that have done nout (mine had 5k on the clock when i bought it) but lost most of their value.

Suspension on the SV is very basic mind.

Street triple ? Cracking bike for all round use. Get the cockpit fairing and it's motorway friendly.

Street triple ? Cracking bike for all round use. Get the cockpit fairing and it's motorway friendly.

 

Always had a thing for a Speed Triple but that might be a second bike if I stick with it.

 

Also like the idea of lardy lazy bikes, CB1300, ZRX1200

Edited 20 June, 201610 yr by Aspman

Always had a thing for a Speed Triple but that might be a second bike if I stick with it.

Also like the idea of lardy lazy bikes, CB1300, ZRX1200

I like those kind of bikes too. Big lazy and torquey.

Ive yet to ride a CB though so it might bot be what i expect

I learn't to ride on a kawaski ER6 and altho it was abit small for me i quiet liked it,

 

One of 3 school bikes didn't have a engine cage on and instructor says he takes that out when he wants to go have abit of fun and said there actually quiet a capable bike,

 

I bought a 57 plate cb600 hornet as wasn't bothered about a sports bike, carn't really comment on it yet as still getting used to it (bit of a jump from a YBR125),

Could go with a couple of 2/3 year old used bikes with low miles and have a bit of a mix on the go. Nothing like having more than one donkey in the stable when you open the doors   Can always lower bikes to suit shorter leg, so anything like the Versus and V-Strom which might fit the bill but seem too tall could still be a possibility etc. So so many 600's out there in the last 10 years made for you jockey types, I am not tall, but knees near touching ears trying to just sit on them!

I will throw it out there as it's still my ultimate bike which I need to get another one of, but the all round capability of the ZZR1200 is pretty good. Not too tall (easily lowered), nice long distance riding position, good strong engine with plenty of torque, really agile even at low speed, good tank range, and if the mood ever warranted, it can be an utter missile..... If you see a nice one, let me know asap  :| 

Honda CB500x is a superb bike, well made, comfortable, surprisingly perky and very affordable. At around 185 kg it's easy to manouvere and ride. Economy is outstanding and pricing very sensible.

It may be less powerful than what you are considering but it's worth a look. I have not found a negative review in the media.i have been exceptionally pleased with mine. There are effectively three version........the adventure, naked and sport..........all using the same engine, but with different ergonomics.

Good luck

Not really looking learner level stuff, I always been a bit happier with something with a bit of power. Low powered stuff (car and bikes) actually makes me more nervous than fast stuff. I like to know I can get out of trouble by going forward not just by braking.

 

I did think about a ZZR600 once upon time  - http://www.motorcyclenews.com/bikes-for-sale/kawasaki/zzr1200/7668210/

 

Also considered the CBR1100XX but would probably need to think about a few years no claims before something like that.

Not really what you are after, but i am very much liking the Ducati Scramber, and the choice of,

plus the finance deal.

http://scramblerducati.com

Edited 22 June, 201610 yr by GoneOffSKi

Not really looking learner level stuff, I always been a bit happier with something with a bit of power. Low powered stuff (car and bikes) actually makes me more nervous than fast stuff. I like to know I can get out of trouble by going forward not just by braking.

 

I did think about a ZZR600 once upon time  - http://www.motorcyclenews.com/bikes-for-sale/kawasaki/zzr1200/7668210/

 

Also considered the CBR1100XX but would probably need to think about a few years no claims before something like that.

 

NICE LINK :( :( WANT! 

I had a ZZR600 E7 as my first bike, they are great wee all rounders and most people who have owned one seem to sing their praises to no end, myself included. They have sadly become very dated looking unlike the US market ones which continued with the dual/bug eyed headlights etc. What I have now is essentially the same engine all be it bored out a tiny bit more, fits me well for size and allows a comfy upright position, isn't very modern though. 

Not really what you are after, but i am very much liking the Ducati Scramber, and the choice of,

plus the finance deal.

http://scramblerducati.com

Very nice looking bikes, but worth looking into servicing before purchase.

http://www.ducatiglasgow.co.uk/servicing/new_model_servicing_plans/service_plan_n2

Ducatis are silly money to service, it just adds up and up. My mate spent £800 on his Multistrada 15k mile service.

Just got rid of it recently (2012 model with 17k on the clock) as it was getting quite a few little issues going wrong, ABS coming on for no reason, sidestand switch cutting the engine out etc. All niggley but dangerous and made him lose trust in it (especially as its used for trips to Austria n wherever else).

Hes just bought a new MT10 (:

 

 

Ducatis are silly money to service

 

Been there, done that and nearly broke me trying to keep up with the maintenance and repairs of which they were lots 

I must be turning into an old man but this really floats my boat - http://www.motorcyclenews.com/bikes-for-sale/yamaha/xjr1300/3283321/

 

I learned some of the time on an old GT550 which was a 220kg shaft driven lump which was actually a doddle to learn on and very chilled.

I must be turning into an old man but this really floats my boat - http://www.motorcyclenews.com/bikes-for-sale/yamaha/xjr1300/3283321/

I learned some of the time on an old GT550 which was a 220kg shaft driven lump which was actually a doddle to learn on and very chilled.

Nice! Supposed to be very good bikes.

Drifted away from the original criteria of 'middleweight' abit though maybe?

If the FJR floats your boat then have a look at the GSX1400 which I find the nicer bike. They're a bit old but bullet proof, lots of low mileage and treasured bikes up for sale too so it's a buyer market

Nice! Supposed to be very good bikes.

Drifted away from the original criteria of 'middleweight' abit though maybe?

 

Power to weight I think I'm still in the middle :p

Power to weight I think I'm still in the middle :p

Quite alot faster and more torquey than the bikes mentioned in the first post though. Plus heavier, harder to manouvre and generally a naked muscle bike really.

I know what you're saying though and i agree, they are nice!

Aspmen, I think you need to get out on a few test rides to see what floats your boat. Riding is about enjoyment for me and the only compromise I now have to make is for the wife as a pillion, other than that it's down to grin factor.  

Just checked insurance for interest.

 

Ran against a BMW1300R, grp 17.

 

This will be a laugh, I thought,  0 NCB, not been on a bike for 10yr and I'm quoting a 175bhp BMW.

 

£178 fully comp. 

 

I was more than that for the 400 3rd party.