[Closed] Recommend me a first motorbike

To answer the OP:

As it's your first bike you want something cheap,simple, reliable, easy to work on and service and not too much of a handful.

Now, you could go for a 125 but with such a long commute you will begin to get a bit annoyed with after the initial buzz and wish you had soemthing better.

Avoid the likes of the RS125. Sure it's fast for such a small bike and the handling is ace but it's a high maintenance bike and avoid maintenance of them at your peril - they will and do blow up. Plenty around needing new barrels and pistons due to this...

I would do your test (I think you're restricted to 40bhp for a while now?) and get something along the lines of a DR350 (or the more modern DR400), XT350, something like that.
For comuting, it's not the quickest but it is comfy - you will really appreciate that fact.
They have a good amount of torque which = fun. You'll get to know the bikes abilities and begin to explore them, this also = fun.
They are nice and easy to work on, cheap to service and insure and if looked after will go on and on and on...
Plus, when you decide you want to get a bigger bike or something different you will get most of your money back on it.

Don't get me wrong, big bikes are great but you need something which serves two purposes. 1 - a begginers bike. 2 - get to and from work.
You can add in 3 actually - have lots of fun.

hope that helps...

Did my CBT a month ago, didn't get on with gears straight away so completed it on the scooter - that's something to factor in as well.

Even though I can legally ride a 125 geared bike, there's no chance in hell I would without extra training.

Anyway, I do love my scooter - a Honda PCX 125. Around 100MPG, top speed of 60mph, gets upto 45-50mph without any effort, and eventually upto 60 🙂

A chap who rides a motorbike here once said to me 'you will always want more power', and I think he has a point 🙂

A 125 is fine for what I do mind ,and there's not many roads on my commute where I would want more.

Obviously I'm still new to it all, but Zedsdead speaks a great deal of sense I think.

Also, don't forgot costs as other's have said.

Insurance can be around £400 fully comp if you're starting from scratch.

A chap who rides a motorbike here once said to me 'you will always want more power', and I think he has a point

If I'd only had 60 it wouldn't be though.

b r - Member

Guys lets refocus on what the poster is asking for; a bike for an 80 mile commute.

[b]cb500[/b]

Small fairing, economincal, fast enough ( faster than most cars) decent handling, available at the right price, cheapish to insure, reliable.

Its the tool for the job!

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I would do your test (I think you're restricted to 40bhp for a while now?) and get something along the lines of a DR350 (or the more modern DR400), XT350, something like that.
For comuting, it's not the quickest but it is comfy - you will really appreciate that fact.

An 80 mile a day commute on something like a DR350? Mental talk. I've had one (a DR350SE) and while it was a good bike it would have been terrible for that - too slow and too much like hard work at A-road/motorway speeds.

An 80 mile a day commute on something like a DR350? Mental talk.

Yes, of course it is....

[url= http://www.bikersespana.com/articles/product-reviews/books-a-dvds/4103-mondo-enduro ]MONDO ENDURO[/url]

I'd avoid small bikes, not worth the hassle. Something like a CB500 or, if you value your licence, an NTV650. I have a Honda Bros 650 and it's a hoot at legal speeds, cheap to run and well built too. CB500 is lovely when you nail it, but you will get the points then.
[url= http://www.suzuki-bikes.com/suzuki-burgman-650/ ]Suzuki Burgman is good too. [/url]

Northwind - yep mountain biking was the end for my SV 🙁 well before it was the end of me 🙂

Getting back into mountainbiking help end my time on motorbikes as well. The BMW sat unloved and unused for 18 months until I sold it

TJ I have a Fiver lying around. I give it to you and I come up north to free your garage space from the BSA.

5th elefant, she sang beautifully 😀 Now I just need to get the brake working and save money for a paint job...

I'd second the Honda PCX as I have had one for a month now and it is brilliant - however, my commute is 25 miles each way and it does feel like you have to constantly rag it on the A roads to get anywhere. If they made a 250 version it would be even better, but then the 120mpg would drop.

Whatever you get, get an aftermarket screen - got one for the PCX and it makes a world of difference, especially in the rain and at speeds over 50mph.

And one advantage of a larger capacity bike is the ability to not worry so much about what gear its in.

I realise that they are more than you'd want to spend but take a look at Yamaha's new Diversion 600 - probably perfect as a commuter, including ABS (which quite frankly I now wouldn't buy a bike that didn't have it).

But of course, you can't go wrong with a s/h DullVille.

I love big singles too ..they're cheap and fun and full of character.
Did anyone mention a 650 V strom ..seem to be highly regarded good all rounder although probably too much power/speed for a newbie ?

Don't discount the bandit I picked this up the other week r reg only 15k miles full history for a grand and I can't fault it
[IMG] [/IMG]

I had a bandit as a hire bike whilst my f650 was being fixed. It was the unfaired version so felt like your head was being ripped off over about 75mph. Was fast and handled ok but was bloody heavy. My biggest problem was lack of comfort, seat seems to be made of iron and due to my dodgy hips I found it too small in height between seat and foot pegs. Vstrom's I think look nice, unless you are a real midget it wont be too tall.

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Aprilia SL1000 falco
Big and comfortable
Vtwin, so loadsa torque= forgiving on gear misuse and not all that fast
Detuned RSV engine, so incredibly reliable engine
Some electrical issues, but (IME, and the E is a Futura, same bike in a different wrapper) mostly around the kickstand cut out switch and there a few fixes of varying easiness
1000cc - the best answer to "how big is it mister?"
She's Italian

nice £1500 all year commuter there big but slimmer bloke

Don't discount the bandit I picked this up the other week r reg only 15k miles full history for a grand and I can't fault it

That Bandit looks exactly the same as mine did - same colour and model even. It was pretty crap even when fairly new (the suspension in particular was terrible) so hope your one is better!

practical.. comfortable.. affordable.. something yer granny would approve of..

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I always wanted a mobchop!
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honda baby varadero 125

high up position, looks of a big bike.

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EpicSteve its got heavier grade fork oil in but otherwise sus is standard I find it sound tips in easy enough too so steering sound too to me. Each to their own tho, like mtbs 😉

(Mr MC posting)

I did the old part 1 and part 2 many years ago, learning on a 125. When MC decided to learn to ride a bike a couple of years ago I advised her to go the direct access route onto a bigger bike. The performance of 125s is so marginal they encourage dangerous riding, desperate to keep up momentum, hairy overtakes etc, and especially on long regular journies will get very boring very quickly.

MC got a mint SV650 which is such a popular first big bike it is a cliche, but it's also popular for a reason.

I used to have a falco and it was a great bike, but too much for a novice (100bhp, wheelies off the throttle, 150+ top speed) and if you can find one worth owning for £1500 let me know!

As so many before have ignored the poor OP, might I suggest one of these for a regular commute and bimbling to the shops, a second hand one might just get close to the budget. 😉
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your quite right don, I reckon this would be ideal for commuting all year round as long as you added some heated grips

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A cbr 600 which is in my garage and it's yours for £750

Bargain!

I have ridden motorbikes for nearly 30 yrs road and motocross. I do a daily M3 M25 M40 (car) commute and reckon I see approx 3 biker serious injury/deaths each year.

My party pooper tuppence is don't do your test and then immediately start commuting on a motorbike, experienced bikers are risking life and limb each time - inexperienced bikers are simply rolling the dice of life.

TandemJeremy - Member
Getting back into mountainbiking help end my time on motorbikes as well. The BMW sat unloved and unused for 18 months until I sold it
POSTED 1 DAY AGO #

This - I agreed with tj on something!?! Off to punish myself

Since you are after advice, here's mine. Contradicts a few recent posts, but each to their own. The one thing to note is that with lessons, tests, the bike, newly qualified insurance and gear, you will be pushed to pay anything less than £5k to get on the road. Motorbiking is cheap transport once you are up and running, but getting there (particularly with the new testing structure if you go Direct Access) aint cheap at all.

1) Take the Direct Access course (although bear in mind that it might cost you as much to pass as you are thinking of spending on a bike!). At least then you keep your options open as you could then ride anything.

2) Buy the best gear you can afford for you (obviously helmet, but decent boots, gloves, trousers and jacket are a must and again could easily cost as much as your bike budget all in). A flash bike is all well and good, but protecting you is the most important thing, and essential if you plan to ride in all weathers. Rukka = Assos and Rapha, but there's plenty about that works for less.

3) Get something 600cc'ish. If your commute involves any great distance on A roads, you will soon get tired of anything smaller. Having said that, I ride a BMW R1200 GS Adventure, and although it is an often quoted statement, it will only go as fast as your right hand is willing to twist. If not, the 125 Varadero is certainly a substantial looking bike, and put you in a safe and dominating postion.

And in response to a recent post, yes it is inherently dangerous, but great fun, and you can manage the risks to an extent if you have your wits about you. Just think that every other road user is about to do something stupid at every moment of your journey and you won't be disappointed! It certainly isn't the certain ticket to death that some would have you believe. It is a lot to do with how lairy you are as a rider. Statistically, the Yamaha R1 is the most dangerous bike on the road, but it's the type of rider who buys it and the way they are inclined to ride that delivers that stat, not the bike itself. Get something sensible, which can still excite (pretty much any motorbike can do that), ride it sensibly, and you will minimise the risk.

Good Luck!

Have you noticed more people of race replicas have serious accidents than those riding choppers? Or is it just my wrong impression?
Look at a "boring" bike. Bros 400/650, NT650, SV650, Zephyr 500, something nice and relaxed. Or maybe a Jap chopper, a Virago perhaps?

and I can't fault it

Hi. OP here. Remember me? Still checking in for new suggestions.

I've been in to talk to Cardiff Motorcycle School and have settled on the Direct Access route. Not necesarily so I can buy a big, all out bike to tear round on, but to make a commute more comfortable and sensible.

Some nice suggestions of bikes, but in the real world I think I'm looking at:

Bandit 600 (I've read the feedback, but there's something about them that floats my boat)
CB 600 Hornet
CB500 (makes sense as I'll learn on one)
SV 650

Looks like I can pick a clean & tidy one up within my budget and insurance seems to be about the same (£200).

It's probably between the first 2.

I thought this would've come before page 3:

inexperienced bikers are simply rolling the dice of life.

I understand the risks involved. I've cycled the 15 miles to and from work for the last few years on main roads, had enough scrapes and near misses to realise I need to suspect every driver is about to do something daft. I guess it's choice? It is a risk but then I could be in a car crash, get knocked off my bike or get hit by a bendy bus tomorrow. I suppose it's all about controlling what you can control. I know motorcyclists who have ridden for years with no problems and drivers who seem to be in accidents an on annual basis. I'm not a boy-racer and not looking for speed for the sake of it, although I see the value of being able to go quick enough to keep up with traffic. I just want to make a commute as convenient, cheap and reliable as possible - if it's enjoyable too it's a bonus!

Thanks everyone for the advice - much appreciated.

The Bandit is very Inbred-like - not complicated, not sophisticated, but simple and easy to work on. And you could buy any amount of extras for it.
Did you know the early ones had better engines than the later ones?

The 'race replica' type bikes may be very uncomfy, depending on how tall you are, for a relatively short commute.

Of my bikes, I would choose the Yam 660 enduro (would fit road tyres) every time over the full-on road bikes for a mixed commute . Much better vision, more nimble in traffic and less likely to have big repair costs. The four you've mentioned ^^ look fine, my mate has a Hornet and it is bags of fun. Pretty damn quick too - you certainly wouldn't get bored of it quickly 😉

Any of those will be a fine choice & really comes down to personal preference. The only Bandit I have ridden I thought felt heavy & sluggish, the CB500 will probably be the cheapest to run, Hornets always had a relatively short tank range (may have improved) & filling up too often is a pain. I would probably choose the SV just because I like twins. For reference I currently commute on an FZ6N and it does the job fine (170 mile round trip but I'm not in the office every day) but I find inline fours efficient but uninspiring. That is very much a personal preference though.

Good luck with your test & take it easy when you first get on the roads 🙂

The bandit is a UJM - a universal japanese motorcycle. Very good value for money and just works. A bit on the bland side IMO

I'd still say the cb500 tho. Its the best bike for your needs and budget. still need and want are two different thing

Of course these sorts of things are actually perfect for your commute - but actually more expensive to buy.
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Hairychested - Member

The Bandit is very Inbred-like

Inexplicably popular despite not being especially good? Incredibly awful paint finish?

@Northwind - both.
@TJ - most DR use CB500 therefore loads of them are shot.
Bandit or NTV650.

I would have put the list the op want to buy in exactly the other order.

Bandit - big, heavy, and can be quite fast without the brakes or suspension to do it justice in an old steel tube frame.

Hornet - fine for buzzing around at high revs, its exactly what some poeple doent like about inline fours.

CB500 - docile, reliable, but certainly enough hp to get past stuff. Better than most other 500's like.

SV650 - Same budget sus and brakes as bandit, but 50kg lighter, so matters far less - brakes are fine, suspension can be upgraded fairly cheaply later on, torquier so easier to ride than needing to keep revviing a il4, very chuckable, and can be got faired for commutting.

Id go from bottom to top in that order.

An old big trailie would be an ideal first bike. Something like the Yam Tenere or Honda Dominator or the slightly newer Aprilia Pegaso or BM 650.

Spot on for an 80 mile trip and decent examples will fall within budget. Comfy seat with good visibility (tall seat so you may struggle if you're a shortarse) and handle more like a bike that a motorbike. Invisible to the plod too. 90ish top speed (40-50 bhp) and really fun bikes to ride. The Aprilia is probably the best looker of the bunch but you'll need to carry spare bulbs and fuses as they don't like the wet so much. Fairly cheap to run (tyres/insurance).

(tall seat so you may struggle if you're a shortarse)

I am.

The Aprilia is probably the best looker of the bunch but you'll need to carry spare bulbs and fuses as they don't like the wet so much.

Not sure that sounds like the ideal commuter for South Wales, then?

Don't get a trailie then.

Another idea is the ER6

Not sure that sounds like the ideal commuter for South Wales, then?

Wasn't that big a deal really, but then I live in sunny Ireland 😆
Took my Pegaso across Wales a few times and had a blast. Especially one particular really long tunnel (thumping single with twin aftermarket cans makes some noise). The Dommie is probably the most reliable of the bunch and has the lowest seat and least power if your interested in that style of bike. If not, the already mentioned Suzuki SV is a good starter bike with a low seat. Early models are dirt cheap and look awful.

I'm 5foot10 and can both feet flat on the floor on my F650 BMW, it is supposed to make about 50bhp and felt fast when I first got it, two years on it feels a bit slow but is very good for commuting. As I said earlier had a 650 bandit as a hire bike after a dust bin lorry assualted mine recently and it felt bloody fast, they must make 70bhp I would think, whilst it was easy to ride slowly it was tempting to thrash it (it does 80mph in second easily since you ask. I wouldnt have liked this without having a bit my experience under my helmet. It cornered well but felt very small for me and also very heavy. It had the turning circle of a barge too which I found annoying parking it and was suprised to hit full lock so early especially as the BMW is bigger and taller.

Aint the Aprilla Pegaso and BMW f650 the same bikes with different badges?

Aint the Aprilla Pegaso and BMW f650 the same bikes with different badges?

An early Fazer 600 was my very first bike after direct access they are quite cheap now