OK, son needs an A2 friendly bike and we plan a good few weeks touring Europe, in a very relaxed manner.
Somethinglike the CB500F looks great, but typically £3k upwards for a newish one. I like the safety/ease of riding potential. And they can take panniers.
But what is the equivalent for £2k? Or should I restrict my naked Bandit which is a great bike, know it's sound with upgraded suspension. He's being riding it around cones on private land and looks great on it. He's 6' so probably a good size for him.
So recommendations?
Do you have a Bandit 12 or 6? A 600/650 would be perfect with a restrictor and there should be thousands of them around for a couple of grand.
Restrict a bandit. The kit isn't difficult to fit (although it used to be that only a recognised shop could fit it).
My bike is an '02 600, naked but running really well. Thinking of restricting that for son and I'll resolve my midlife crisis with an early Tiger 800!
Looks like insurers want a certificate to prove it's been restricted and been quoted £140 by a garage which is a shame as it looks pretty straightforward for me to do.
I'd restrict the bandit and mayb put some engine bars / crash bobbins on it. Used to ride them for work, good reliable bike and comfy for the over six footer. If you know it's a reliable bike that's a a good start for me.
Better the devil you know . RestrictRestrict yours - way better than buying someone else's possible problems.
Can't speak for the Bandit as I've never had one, but recently took delivery of a Duke 390 which is a bloody fantastic bike. I've had a varied bike history, most recently a 2015 GSXR 750, and the Duke is the most fun bike I've ridden. It looks good, it's hugely cheap to run, quick enough for safe overtaking of dawdlers on NSL roads but would probably struggle to break 80mph, great in town and cutting through lines of traffic. Obviously tastes and needs vary, but I reckon it's got to be one of the best A2 bikes available at the moment.