1st bike?

Hi all,

Got my CBT next week and then booked a course for my full licence.

Looking to purchase a bike ready for when i've got my full. Have a budget
of £2000 - £2500.

Anyone recommend a good first bike round 500 - 600cc that won't punish me
too much?

Like the Honda CB500 or a CB600F Hornet.

Cheers,

Jach

On Fri, 4 Jun 2004 20:19:04 +0100, "Jach" <jach@nospamadam.com> wrote:

>Hi all,
>
>Got my CBT next week and then booked a course for my full licence.
>
>Looking to purchase a bike ready for when i've got my full. Have a budget
>of £2000 - £2500.
>
>Anyone recommend a good first bike round 500 - 600cc that won't punish me
>too much?
>
>Like the Honda CB500 or a CB600F Hornet.

Either would be a good choice but I think you might struggle to get a
good 600 Hornet for 2.5k

A Suzuki SV650S would be a good choice as well.
--
GSXR1000 DIAABTCOD#11 BOTAFOT#75
"We take these risks, not to escape from life,
but to prevent life escaping from us."
http://www.bensales.com

The Older Gentleman wrote:

> Suzuki 600 Bandit? You can get a bloody nice one for that sort of
> dosh. And it's more of a "real" bike than a Honda 500 twin IMHO.

I'd agree with TOG on the Bandit 600. I bought one last year and it's a
capable commuter but up for a bit of fun at the weekend. A mate in work
has a CB500 and it simply wouldn't have the same weekend appeal to me
but I've never actually ridden one.

Make sure you try a few before deciding though as YMMV.

--
rb

Jach wrote:

> Thanks all. Yeh the 600 Bandit has been mentioned by biker friends
> also. Whats the seat heat like? I'm a short arse ( ! )

790mm but I doubt that means much, you need to try one for size. If you
need it then there are options on lowering the seat height such as by
changing the seat unit or technical stuff on swing arms and the like.

BTW If you want to stay on the right side of UKRM people then post your
replies below what you are replying to (like I am now) and read the
UKRM CBT/FAQ. It's on the web, have a quick Google for it.

--
rb

Jach wrote:

> Thanks all. Yeh the 600 Bandit has been mentioned by biker friends also.
> Whats the seat heat like? I'm a short arse ( ! )

IIRC, the seat height is 810mm, but my short-arsed friend could sit on
it and reach the floor.

> Not had any quotes yet, but how much would we be talkin for a 600 Bandit for
> a newbie. 28 years old living in Lancashire?

That's gojng to be very difficult to say, as it depends on where you
live, where you'll keep it etc. Try www.clickquote.co.uk for an idea,
but remember they won't be the cheapest.

Also, it would be a good idea to read the FAQ:
http://www.ukrm.net/faq/index.html
and especially the bits about posting to the group.

You'll find it especially useful to post your replies at the bottom.

--
John

SV650
Black it is
and naked

JC wrote:
> Eh? I thought it was Bandits that were often written off with just
> subframe damage, or am I thinking of something else?

Older style Bandits, like mine, have the rear footrest hangers as an
integral part of the frame. If they bend in a spill then you have got a
write off. Maybe this is what you are thinking of?

--
rb

Jach <jach@nospamadam.com> wrote:

> Whats the seat heat like?

Depends how warm your arse gets ;-)

--
Trophy 1200 750SS CB400F CD200 Z200 x2 ST70 DT50MX YTC#3
GAGARPHOF#30 GHPOTHUF#1 IHABWTJ#1 BOTAFOT#60 ANORAK#06
BOF#30 WUSS#5 http://www.chateau.murray.dsl.pipex.com/

rb <redbandit6@hotmail.com> wrote:

> JC wrote:
> > Eh? I thought it was Bandits that were often written off with just
> > subframe damage, or am I thinking of something else?
>
> Older style Bandits, like mine, have the rear footrest hangers as an
> integral part of the frame. If they bend in a spill then you have got a
> write off. Maybe this is what you are thinking of?

That's it. They switched to mounting the pillion pegs on their own
brackets and that cured it.

--
Trophy 1200 750SS CB400F CD200 Z200 x2 ST70 DT50MX YTC#3
GAGARPHOF#30 GHPOTHUF#1 IHABWTJ#1 BOTAFOT#60 ANORAK#06
BOF#30 WUSS#5 http://www.chateau.murray.dsl.pipex.com/

The Older Gentleman wrote:

> > Older style Bandits, like mine, have the rear footrest hangers as an
> > integral part of the frame. If they bend in a spill then you have got
> > a write off. Maybe this is what you are thinking of?
>
> That's it. They switched to mounting the pillion pegs on their own
> brackets and that cured it.

"Insurance write off" and "not repairable" are not the same, usually.

Or is it truly terminal?

--
Simon

Brighton | MYSOB: http://www.sweller.co.uk/sob/
England | MZSOB: http://www.mztech.fsnet.co.uk/

Jach wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> Got my CBT next week and then booked a course for my full licence.
>
> Looking to purchase a bike ready for when i've got my full. Have a
> budget of £2000 - £2500.
>
> Anyone recommend a good first bike round 500 - 600cc that won't
> punish me too much?
>
> Like the Honda CB500 or a CB600F Hornet.

As posted elsewhere on this group, I am selling my Fazer to make way for a
new VFR. It was my first bike and has served me well.

I've just ordered a new (pre-reg) VFR800 from Taz in Peterborough. They
offered £1800 for my Fazer as a trade-in, which I think is about fair, given
the low price of the VFR when compared with the price of used models from
dealers. If anyone on UKRM would like to take it off my hands, I will accept
the best offer received (of at least £1800 of course!) in the next couple of
weeks.

Yamaha FZS600 Fazer
Black
Reg 04/08/98 (S plate)
37000Kms (23000 miles)
Datatag, Hugger, Belly pan, D/Bubble screen.
2 previous owners.
Taxed and Tested until September 2004.
Serviced February 2004, including new brake pads front and rear.
Rear tyre will need replacing soon.

I live near Lincoln if you wish to come and view or test ride (with full
security).

--
Helium
Yamaha 600 Fazer

sweller says...
> The Older Gentleman wrote:
>
> > > Older style Bandits, like mine, have the rear footrest hangers as an
> > > integral part of the frame. If they bend in a spill then you have got
> > > a write off. Maybe this is what you are thinking of?
> >
> > That's it. They switched to mounting the pillion pegs on their own
> > brackets and that cured it.
>
> "Insurance write off" and "not repairable" are not the same, usually.

*ding*

> Or is it truly terminal?

Not normally. The footrest bracket is just a vee made up of two small
diameter tubes that bends when it goes over. An insco will write the
bike off for requiring a new frame, but 5 minutes with a blowtorch and
som brute force usually has it straightened out. It's rare that the
damage is transfered to any other patrt of the frame. Aside from that
small thing on the earlier Bandit 600 they are extremely strong bikes
and most damage can be repaired quickly and cheaply, if you have engine
protectors.

If you don't have engine bars and it goes down a bit heavily on the
right, you can smash the ignition pick up cover. Behind that cover is
the oil pressure switch which is susceptible to being ripped out if
knocked. That is much harder to repair and usually means there's a
damaged lower crankcase as well, hence my comment about looking for
repaired cases.

--
Lozzo: Homoseldomerectus
Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace

rb secured a place in history by writing:

> I'd agree with TOG on the Bandit 600. I bought one last year and it's a
> capable commuter but up for a bit of fun at the weekend. A mate in work
> has a CB500 and it simply wouldn't have the same weekend appeal to me
> but I've never actually ridden one.

I've had both. The CB doesn't look like a 'real bike' in the way that the
Bandit does, but I actually preferred the CB to ride, more fun to thrash
and handled marginally better. You need to ride them, it's too close to
call for me.

--
F

In uk.rec.motorcycles, Jach said:

> Hi all,
>
> Got my CBT next week and then booked a course for my full licence.
>
> Looking to purchase a bike ready for when i've got my full. Have a budget
> of £2000 - £2500.
>
> Anyone recommend a good first bike round 500 - 600cc that won't punish me
> too much?
>
> Like the Honda CB500 or a CB600F Hornet.

Go for a Bandit. They're cheap to run and cheap to repair.

I used to get knocked off mine about once a month and used to crash
about as often, the last one finished it off for me though

--
Smile...tomorrow will be worse
CBR1000FL

In uk.rec.motorcycles, Lozzo said:

> Not normally. The footrest bracket is just a vee made up of two small
> diameter tubes that bends when it goes over. An insco will write the
> bike off for requiring a new frame, but 5 minutes with a blowtorch and
> som brute force usually has it straightened out. It's rare that the
> damage is transfered to any other patrt of the frame. Aside from that
> small thing on the earlier Bandit 600 they are extremely strong bikes
> and most damage can be repaired quickly and cheaply, if you have engine
> protectors.

Isn't it the same with the exhaust bracket? I remember after a couple of
crashes the rubber on the can clamp bracket thing rubbed on the swingarm
and needed a firm arm to bend it back again.

> If you don't have engine bars and it goes down a bit heavily on the
> right, you can smash the ignition pick up cover. Behind that cover is
> the oil pressure switch which is susceptible to being ripped out if
> knocked. That is much harder to repair and usually means there's a
> damaged lower crankcase as well, hence my comment about looking for
> repaired cases.

Without engine bars, I think mine when I had it would've lasted about
three weeks.

Pretty they ain't but engine bars can and do save a lot of work.

--
Smile...tomorrow will be worse
CBR1000FL

"Whinging Courier" wrote in message ...

>
> Go for a Bandit. They're cheap to run and cheap to repair.

Thanks all for your advice and experiences. Do you recommend the "naked" or
"faired" version? Will be used for work (nice days) and weekend visits to
the pennines.. just up the road from me :-)

> I used to get knocked off mine about once a month and used to crash
> about as often, the last one finished it off for me though

>

I've heard alot about people being knocked off their bikes and involved in
accidents. Are your knocks due to your own error or other motorists?

Cheers,

Jach

Jach wrote:

> "Whinging Courier" wrote in message ...
>
>>Go for a Bandit. They're cheap to run and cheap to repair.
>
> Thanks all for your advice and experiences. Do you recommend the "naked" or
> "faired" version? Will be used for work (nice days) and weekend visits to
> the pennines.. just up the road from me :-)

You choose. I had a faired Bandit, but went naked when I bought the SV.
I fitted a fly screen to the SV which makes a good difference. Where
I park sometimes there's a naked Bandit with the same screen: it looks
good.

One side panel for a faired Bandit is about £90. (the older model, that
is, I don't know about the new ones.)

--
John

SV650
Black it is
and naked

Jach <jach@nospamadam.com> wrote:

> I've heard alot about people being knocked off their bikes and involved in
> accidents. Are your knocks due to your own error or other motorists?

Experienced riders tend to get knocked off my errant motorists.

Newbies ditto, but they also manage to crash unaided - much more
frequently.

--
Trophy 1200 750SS CB400F CD200 Z200 x2 ST70 DT50MX YTC#3
GAGARPHOF#30 GHPOTHUF#1 IHABWTJ#1 BOTAFOT#60 ANORAK#06
BOF#30 WUSS#5 http://www.chateau.murray.dsl.pipex.com/

In uk.rec.motorcycles, Jach said:

> Thanks all for your advice and experiences. Do you recommend the "naked" or
> "faired" version? Will be used for work (nice days) and weekend visits to
> the pennines.. just up the road from me :-)

Your choice but I reckon the naked looks better. The screen on the S
will keep some of the wind off but makes the whole thing look ghastly
IMO.

> I've heard alot about people being knocked off their bikes and involved in
> accidents. Are your knocks due to your own error or other motorists?

Mostly due to motorists not looking but sometimes the odd patch of
diesel, gravel, poorly surfaced roads and two pedestrians.

BTW, if you do decide for a bandit and fit engine bars, don't lean so
far that they touch down. You can get away with it once or twice but
eventually you'll crash

--
Smile...tomorrow will be worse
CBR1000FL

"The Older Gentleman" <chateauSPAMKILL.murray@dsl.pipex.com> wrote in
message news:1gex4eq.2mumo6gsmyvsN%chateauSPAMKILL.murray@ dsl.pipex.com...
> Jach <jach@nospamadam.com> wrote:
>
> > I've heard alot about people being knocked off their bikes and involved
in
> > accidents. Are your knocks due to your own error or other motorists?
>
> Experienced riders tend to get knocked off my errant motorists.
>
> Newbies ditto, but they also manage to crash unaided - much more
> frequently.

- often due to unscrubbed tyres.

On Sat, 5 Jun 2004 21:22:07 +0100, "Porl" <porlp@btinternet.com>
wrote:

>
>"The Older Gentleman" <chateauSPAMKILL.murray@dsl.pipex.com> wrote in
>message news:1gex4eq.2mumo6gsmyvsN%chateauSPAMKILL.murray@ dsl.pipex.com...
>> Jach <jach@nospamadam.com> wrote:
>>
>> > I've heard alot about people being knocked off their bikes and involved
>in
>> > accidents. Are your knocks due to your own error or other motorists?
>>
>> Experienced riders tend to get knocked off my errant motorists.
>>
>> Newbies ditto, but they also manage to crash unaided - much more
>> frequently.
>
>- often due to unscrubbed tyres.

<looks the other way>
--
Champ
GSX-R 1000, GPz 750 turbo, ZX7RR Endurance Racer x 2
GYASB#0 BotToS#2 BOTAFO(T|F)#35 WG*#1 DFV#8
Team UKRM Racing : www.team-ukrm.com

"Jach" <jach@nospamadam.com> wrote in message
news:cV3wc.11270$NK4.1471879@stones.force9.net...
> Hi all,
>
> Got my CBT next week and then booked a course for my full licence.
>
> Looking to purchase a bike ready for when i've got my full. Have a budget
> of £2000 - £2500.
>
> Anyone recommend a good first bike round 500 - 600cc that won't punish me
> too much?
>
> Like the Honda CB500 or a CB600F Hornet.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Jach
>
> hornets a good choice , reasonable on insurance ,inexpensive to buy ,
quick enough to gain experience on for the first 12 months or so

Jach wrote:

> "Whinging Courier" wrote in message ...
>
> >
> > Go for a Bandit. They're cheap to run and cheap to repair.
>
> Thanks all for your advice and experiences. Do you recommend the
> "naked" or "faired" version? Will be used for work (nice days) and
> weekend visits to the pennines.. just up the road from me :-)

I chose naked because I prefer the look but I also believe that a
faired model would cost more to insure due to the cost of fairing
damage in a spill - although SWK is welcome to jump in here.

I commute on the motorway all year and don't really have a problem with
a lack of fairing. Although I had a ZX9R for a couple of days recently
and while I rather liked being tucked down behind the screen on the
motorway I hated being in town traffic on it.

--
rb
GSF600 - naked and unanodised

"The Older Gentleman" <chateauSPAMKILL.murray@dsl.pipex.com> wrote in
message
news:1gewfoz.qwte2s1x8mlqkN%chateauSPAMKILL.murray @dsl.pipex.com...
> Jach <jach@nospamadam.com> wrote:
>
> > Whats the seat heat like?
>
> Depends how warm your arse gets ;-)

Nice.

--
Molly
"Kneesliders Sponsored by Cane"
"Gower School" By Appointment".
GSX-R1000 (sick), Triumph Thunderbird, GS500, GHPOTHUF#27
TGF, UKRMFBC#7, Two#24, BOTAFOF#11, YTC#9, GYASB#1. SbS#23.
DFWAG#2, DS#2, DIAABTCOD#20. remove "thisbit" in the reply
http://www.mollyg.net (our own endurance team) http://Team-ukrm.com
"Nemo repente fuit turpissimus"

"rb" <redbandit6@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:40c16804$0$20517$cc9e4d1f@news-text.dial.pipex.com...
> JC wrote:
> > Eh? I thought it was Bandits that were often written off with just
> > subframe damage, or am I thinking of something else?
>
> Older style Bandits, like mine, have the rear footrest hangers as an
> integral part of the frame. If they bend in a spill then you have
got a
> write off. Maybe this is what you are thinking of?

Can be straightened for about 80 quid. Trust me on this. Me and the
straightener are on first name terms.

--
Molly
"Kneesliders Sponsored by Cane"
"Gower School" By Appointment".
GSX-R1000 (sick), Triumph Thunderbird, GS500, GHPOTHUF#27
TGF, UKRMFBC#7, Two#24, BOTAFOF#11, YTC#9, GYASB#1. SbS#23.
DFWAG#2, DS#2, DIAABTCOD#20. remove "thisbit" in the reply
http://www.mollyg.net (our own endurance team) http://Team-ukrm.com
"Nemo repente fuit turpissimus"

Molly says...
> "rb" <redbandit6@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:40c16804$0$20517$cc9e4d1f@news-text.dial.pipex.com...
> > JC wrote:
> > > Eh? I thought it was Bandits that were often written off with just
> > > subframe damage, or am I thinking of something else?
> >
> > Older style Bandits, like mine, have the rear footrest hangers as an
> > integral part of the frame. If they bend in a spill then you have
> got a
> > write off. Maybe this is what you are thinking of?
>
>
> Can be straightened for about 80 quid. Trust me on this. Me and the
> straightener are on first name terms.

Can also be straightened for the price of a bottle of butane gas for a
blowtorch.

--
Lozzo: The SpeedySpic
Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace

Ben wrote:
>
> On 6 Jun 2004 21:06:11 GMT, Whinging Courier
> <markonusenetTAKEITAWAY@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
> >
> >Maybe it's just the bike I'm riding but I find having a screen and
> >fairing makes going fast too easy

>
> I find having a GSXR1000 makes going fast too easy.

My number-one reason for having an unfaired bike.

--
ogden, b12 (with funky yellow luggage)

rb wrote:

> Jach wrote:
>
>> "Whinging Courier" wrote in message ...
>>
>> >
>> > Go for a Bandit. They're cheap to run and cheap to repair.
>>
>> Thanks all for your advice and experiences. Do you recommend the
>> "naked" or "faired" version? Will be used for work (nice days) and
>> weekend visits to the pennines.. just up the road from me :-)
>
> I chose naked because I prefer the look but I also believe that a
> faired model would cost more to insure due to the cost of fairing
> damage in a spill - although SWK is welcome to jump in here.
>
> I commute on the motorway all year and don't really have a problem with
> a lack of fairing. Although I had a ZX9R for a couple of days recently
> and while I rather liked being tucked down behind the screen on the
> motorway I hated being in town traffic on it.
>

I liked the naked bandit to look at, but when looking didn't count out the
faired model. I saw a 1999 Bindit 600S in as new condition advertised at
2200, didn't think the guy would bite so offered him £1800. he accepted, I
bought myself a bike and dont regret it. The fairing makes longer jaunts a
breeze, and gives you something to tuck behind. Also it was no more
expensive to insure than a naked bindit. However, It's too big for my
current address[1] so resides at my parents place as my weekend toy while I
try and convince the wife to let me buy a second bike (125/250) for
commuting.

[1] The bike has to go through my hallway to get into it's 'secure compound'
otherwise I have to rely on on-street parking, which is not recommended in
my pikey neighbourhood.

PG

--
*bikes@YOURTITSgoldingweb.co.uk*
take out YOUR TITS to get my attention
Then -> [C-50. c-90. DT-50. TY-175. kx80 CG-125, ER-5,]
Now -> [Bandit 600S - K&N, ART, HOSES]
*http://www.goldingweb.co.uk*

On Mon, 07 Jun 2004 10:11:27 +0100, ogden <ogden@pre.org> wrote:

>Ben wrote:
>>
>> On 6 Jun 2004 21:06:11 GMT, Whinging Courier
>> <markonusenetTAKEITAWAY@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
>> >
>> >Maybe it's just the bike I'm riding but I find having a screen and
>> >fairing makes going fast too easy

>>
>> I find having a GSXR1000 makes going fast too easy.
>
>My number-one reason for having an unfaired bike.

I've seen many people say things like this and have never understood
it. Surely the whole point of biking is to go fast? If you don't want
to do so, through age or infirmity, then get a car, FFS, or at least
learn that the throttle control works both ways.

--
Ace (brucedotrogers a.t rochedotcom)
GSX-R1000K3, CB400F2
BOTAFOT#3, SbS#2, UKRMMA#13, DFV#8, BOTCdV#1

On Mon, 07 Jun 2004 10:11:27 +0100, ogden <ogden@pre.org> wrote:

>Ben wrote:
>>
>> On 6 Jun 2004 21:06:11 GMT, Whinging Courier
>> <markonusenetTAKEITAWAY@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
>> >
>> >Maybe it's just the bike I'm riding but I find having a screen and
>> >fairing makes going fast too easy

>>
>> I find having a GSXR1000 makes going fast too easy.
>
>My number-one reason for having an unfaired bike.

I think I'm the kind of person who would ride any bike fast[1]. I
really should slow down a bit.

[1] 'For me' values of fast obviously.
--
GSXR1000 DIAABTCOD#11 BOTAFOT#75
"We take these risks, not to escape from life,
but to prevent life escaping from us."
http://www.bensales.com

On Mon, 07 Jun 2004 11:51:52 +0200, Ace <b.rogers@virgin.net> wrote:

>>> >Maybe it's just the bike I'm riding but I find having a screen and
>>> >fairing makes going fast too easy

>>>
>>> I find having a GSXR1000 makes going fast too easy.
>>
>>My number-one reason for having an unfaired bike.
>
>I've seen many people say things like this and have never understood
>it. Surely the whole point of biking is to go fast? If you don't want
>to do so, through age or infirmity, then get a car, FFS, or at least
>learn that the throttle control works both ways.

Up to a point. There's a difference between 'fast' in miles an hour
and 'fast' in the sensations you get when riding. There's an argument
that if bike A makes 100 mph feel as fast as 130mph on bike B, then
you're better of on bike B. Not an argument to which I subscribe, of
course :-)
--
Champ
GSX-R 1000, GPz 750 turbo, ZX7RR Endurance Racer x 2
GYASB#0 BotToS#2 BOTAFO(T|F)#35 WG*#1 DFV#8
Team UKRM Racing : www.team-ukrm.com

On Mon, 07 Jun 2004 11:24:22 +0100, Champ <neal@champ.org.uk> wrote:

>On Mon, 07 Jun 2004 11:51:52 +0200, Ace <b.rogers@virgin.net> wrote:
>
>>>> >Maybe it's just the bike I'm riding but I find having a screen and
>>>> >fairing makes going fast too easy

>>>>
>>>> I find having a GSXR1000 makes going fast too easy.
>>>
>>>My number-one reason for having an unfaired bike.
>>
>>I've seen many people say things like this and have never understood
>>it. Surely the whole point of biking is to go fast? If you don't want
>>to do so, through age or infirmity, then get a car, FFS, or at least
>>learn that the throttle control works both ways.
>
>Up to a point. There's a difference between 'fast' in miles an hour
>and 'fast' in the sensations you get when riding. There's an argument
>that if bike A makes 100 mph feel as fast as 130mph on bike B, then
>you're better of on bike B. Not an argument to which I subscribe, of
>course :-)

Better off on bike A, surely?
--
GSXR1000 DIAABTCOD#11 BOTAFOT#75
"We take these risks, not to escape from life,
but to prevent life escaping from us."
http://www.bensales.com

Champ says...

> Up to a point. There's a difference between 'fast' in miles an hour
> and 'fast' in the sensations you get when riding. There's an argument
> that if bike A makes 100 mph feel as fast as 130mph on bike B, then
> you're better of on bike B. Not an argument to which I subscribe, of
> course :-)

70mph on my CB250RS down a twisty back road is often more fun than 130
mph on A roads when riding the Thunderace. I've had a belly full of
laughs riding 125s, and even mopeds in the right circumstances.

--
Lozzo: The SpeedySpic
Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace

Ben wrote:
>
> On Mon, 07 Jun 2004 10:11:27 +0100, ogden <ogden@pre.org> wrote:
>
> >Ben wrote:
> >>
> >> On 6 Jun 2004 21:06:11 GMT, Whinging Courier
> >> <markonusenetTAKEITAWAY@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
> >> >
> >> >Maybe it's just the bike I'm riding but I find having a screen and
> >> >fairing makes going fast too easy

> >>
> >> I find having a GSXR1000 makes going fast too easy.
> >
> >My number-one reason for having an unfaired bike.
>
> I think I'm the kind of person who would ride any bike fast[1]. I
> really should slow down a bit.
>
I tend to cruise around the ton on the bandit, with sprints up to
140 or so whenever necessary [1]. Quite enough for my licence,
thankyouverymuch - being nicked after a 130mph chase wasn't my
favourite experience of 2001 and nor is it one I'm in a hurry to
repeat.

That said, my next bike _will_ be faired. But all in good time.

[1] For some value of necessary.

--
ogden, b12 (with funky yellow luggage)

On Mon, 07 Jun 2004 11:27:07 +0100, Ben <ukrm@bensales.com> wrote:

>On Mon, 07 Jun 2004 11:24:22 +0100, Champ <neal@champ.org.uk> wrote:
>
>>On Mon, 07 Jun 2004 11:51:52 +0200, Ace <b.rogers@virgin.net> wrote:
>>
>>>>> >Maybe it's just the bike I'm riding but I find having a screen and
>>>>> >fairing makes going fast too easy

>>>>>
>>>>> I find having a GSXR1000 makes going fast too easy.
>>>>
>>>>My number-one reason for having an unfaired bike.
>>>
>>>I've seen many people say things like this and have never understood
>>>it. Surely the whole point of biking is to go fast? If you don't want
>>>to do so, through age or infirmity, then get a car, FFS, or at least
>>>learn that the throttle control works both ways.
>>
>>Up to a point. There's a difference between 'fast' in miles an hour
>>and 'fast' in the sensations you get when riding. There's an argument
>>that if bike A makes 100 mph feel as fast as 130mph on bike B, then
>>you're better of on bike B. Not an argument to which I subscribe, of
>>course :-)
>
>Better off on bike A, surely?

Yes, of course. Stupid me.
--
Champ
GSX-R 1000, GPz 750 turbo, ZX7RR Endurance Racer x 2
GYASB#0 BotToS#2 BOTAFO(T|F)#35 WG*#1 DFV#8
Team UKRM Racing : www.team-ukrm.com

On Mon, 07 Jun 2004 11:24:22 +0100, Champ <neal@champ.org.uk> wrote:

>On Mon, 07 Jun 2004 11:51:52 +0200, Ace <b.rogers@virgin.net> wrote:

>>>> I find having a GSXR1000 makes going fast too easy.
>>>
>>>My number-one reason for having an unfaired bike.
>>
>>I've seen many people say things like this and have never understood
>>it. Surely the whole point of biking is to go fast? If you don't want
>>to do so, through age or infirmity, then get a car, FFS, or at least
>>learn that the throttle control works both ways.
>
>Up to a point. There's a difference between 'fast' in miles an hour
>and 'fast' in the sensations you get when riding. There's an argument
>that if bike A makes 100 mph feel as fast as 130mph on bike B, then
>you're better of on bike B. Not an argument to which I subscribe, of
>course :-)

Me neither, also of course. And yes, I understand the theory, and some
aspects of it make sense, like the fun I can still get out of riding
the 400/4 (although that's increasingly rare[1]). But to suggest that
proper bikes make going fast 'too easy' is garbage, IMO.

[1] Anyone fancy a nice 400/4, currently located chez moi in Alsace,
but still on UK Plates, make me an offer.

--
Ace (brucedotrogers a.t rochedotcom)
GSX-R1000K3, CB400F2
BOTAFOT#3, SbS#2, UKRMMA#13, DFV#8, BOTCdV#1

	#1
Jach	1st bike? Hi all, Got my CBT next week and then booked a course for my full licence. Looking to purchase a bike ready for when i've got my full. Have a budget of £2000 - £2500. Anyone recommend a good first bike round 500 - 600cc that won't punish me too much? Like the Honda CB500 or a CB600F Hornet. Cheers, Jach

	#2
Ben	Re: 1st bike? On Fri, 4 Jun 2004 20:19:04 +0100, "Jach" <jach@nospamadam.com> wrote: >Hi all, > >Got my CBT next week and then booked a course for my full licence. > >Looking to purchase a bike ready for when i've got my full. Have a budget >of £2000 - £2500. > >Anyone recommend a good first bike round 500 - 600cc that won't punish me >too much? > >Like the Honda CB500 or a CB600F Hornet. Either would be a good choice but I think you might struggle to get a good 600 Hornet for 2.5k A Suzuki SV650S would be a good choice as well. -- GSXR1000 DIAABTCOD#11 BOTAFOT#75 "We take these risks, not to escape from life, but to prevent life escaping from us." http://www.bensales.com

	#3
rb	Re: 1st bike? The Older Gentleman wrote: > Suzuki 600 Bandit? You can get a bloody nice one for that sort of > dosh. And it's more of a "real" bike than a Honda 500 twin IMHO. I'd agree with TOG on the Bandit 600. I bought one last year and it's a capable commuter but up for a bit of fun at the weekend. A mate in work has a CB500 and it simply wouldn't have the same weekend appeal to me but I've never actually ridden one. Make sure you try a few before deciding though as YMMV. -- rb

	#4
rb	Re: 1st bike? Jach wrote: > Thanks all. Yeh the 600 Bandit has been mentioned by biker friends > also. Whats the seat heat like? I'm a short arse ( ! ) 790mm but I doubt that means much, you need to try one for size. If you need it then there are options on lowering the seat height such as by changing the seat unit or technical stuff on swing arms and the like. BTW If you want to stay on the right side of UKRM people then post your replies below what you are replying to (like I am now) and read the UKRM CBT/FAQ. It's on the web, have a quick Google for it. -- rb

	#6
rb	Re: 1st bike? JC wrote: > Eh? I thought it was Bandits that were often written off with just > subframe damage, or am I thinking of something else? Older style Bandits, like mine, have the rear footrest hangers as an integral part of the frame. If they bend in a spill then you have got a write off. Maybe this is what you are thinking of? -- rb

	#7
The Older Gentleman	Re: 1st bike? Jach <jach@nospamadam.com> wrote: > Whats the seat heat like? Depends how warm your arse gets ;-) -- Trophy 1200 750SS CB400F CD200 Z200 x2 ST70 DT50MX YTC#3 GAGARPHOF#30 GHPOTHUF#1 IHABWTJ#1 BOTAFOT#60 ANORAK#06 BOF#30 WUSS#5 http://www.chateau.murray.dsl.pipex.com/

	#8
The Older Gentleman	Re: 1st bike? rb <redbandit6@hotmail.com> wrote: > JC wrote: > > Eh? I thought it was Bandits that were often written off with just > > subframe damage, or am I thinking of something else? > > Older style Bandits, like mine, have the rear footrest hangers as an > integral part of the frame. If they bend in a spill then you have got a > write off. Maybe this is what you are thinking of? That's it. They switched to mounting the pillion pegs on their own brackets and that cured it. -- Trophy 1200 750SS CB400F CD200 Z200 x2 ST70 DT50MX YTC#3 GAGARPHOF#30 GHPOTHUF#1 IHABWTJ#1 BOTAFOT#60 ANORAK#06 BOF#30 WUSS#5 http://www.chateau.murray.dsl.pipex.com/

	#9
sweller	Re: 1st bike? The Older Gentleman wrote: > > Older style Bandits, like mine, have the rear footrest hangers as an > > integral part of the frame. If they bend in a spill then you have got > > a write off. Maybe this is what you are thinking of? > > That's it. They switched to mounting the pillion pegs on their own > brackets and that cured it. "Insurance write off" and "not repairable" are not the same, usually. Or is it truly terminal? -- Simon Brighton \| MYSOB: http://www.sweller.co.uk/sob/ England \| MZSOB: http://www.mztech.fsnet.co.uk/

	#10
Helium	Re: 1st bike? Jach wrote: > Hi all, > > Got my CBT next week and then booked a course for my full licence. > > Looking to purchase a bike ready for when i've got my full. Have a > budget of £2000 - £2500. > > Anyone recommend a good first bike round 500 - 600cc that won't > punish me too much? > > Like the Honda CB500 or a CB600F Hornet. As posted elsewhere on this group, I am selling my Fazer to make way for a new VFR. It was my first bike and has served me well. I've just ordered a new (pre-reg) VFR800 from Taz in Peterborough. They offered £1800 for my Fazer as a trade-in, which I think is about fair, given the low price of the VFR when compared with the price of used models from dealers. If anyone on UKRM would like to take it off my hands, I will accept the best offer received (of at least £1800 of course!) in the next couple of weeks. Yamaha FZS600 Fazer Black Reg 04/08/98 (S plate) 37000Kms (23000 miles) Datatag, Hugger, Belly pan, D/Bubble screen. 2 previous owners. Taxed and Tested until September 2004. Serviced February 2004, including new brake pads front and rear. Rear tyre will need replacing soon. I live near Lincoln if you wish to come and view or test ride (with full security). -- Helium Yamaha 600 Fazer

	#11
Lozzo	Re: 1st bike? sweller says... > The Older Gentleman wrote: > > > > Older style Bandits, like mine, have the rear footrest hangers as an > > > integral part of the frame. If they bend in a spill then you have got > > > a write off. Maybe this is what you are thinking of? > > > > That's it. They switched to mounting the pillion pegs on their own > > brackets and that cured it. > > "Insurance write off" and "not repairable" are not the same, usually. ding > Or is it truly terminal? Not normally. The footrest bracket is just a vee made up of two small diameter tubes that bends when it goes over. An insco will write the bike off for requiring a new frame, but 5 minutes with a blowtorch and som brute force usually has it straightened out. It's rare that the damage is transfered to any other patrt of the frame. Aside from that small thing on the earlier Bandit 600 they are extremely strong bikes and most damage can be repaired quickly and cheaply, if you have engine protectors. If you don't have engine bars and it goes down a bit heavily on the right, you can smash the ignition pick up cover. Behind that cover is the oil pressure switch which is susceptible to being ripped out if knocked. That is much harder to repair and usually means there's a damaged lower crankcase as well, hence my comment about looking for repaired cases. -- Lozzo: Homoseldomerectus Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace

	#12
Ferger	Re: 1st bike? rb secured a place in history by writing: > I'd agree with TOG on the Bandit 600. I bought one last year and it's a > capable commuter but up for a bit of fun at the weekend. A mate in work > has a CB500 and it simply wouldn't have the same weekend appeal to me > but I've never actually ridden one. I've had both. The CB doesn't look like a 'real bike' in the way that the Bandit does, but I actually preferred the CB to ride, more fun to thrash and handled marginally better. You need to ride them, it's too close to call for me. -- F

	#13
Whinging Courier	Re: 1st bike? In uk.rec.motorcycles, Jach said: > Hi all, > > Got my CBT next week and then booked a course for my full licence. > > Looking to purchase a bike ready for when i've got my full. Have a budget > of £2000 - £2500. > > Anyone recommend a good first bike round 500 - 600cc that won't punish me > too much? > > Like the Honda CB500 or a CB600F Hornet. Go for a Bandit. They're cheap to run and cheap to repair. I used to get knocked off mine about once a month and used to crash about as often, the last one finished it off for me though -- Smile...tomorrow will be worse CBR1000FL

	#15
Jach	Re: 1st bike? "Whinging Courier" wrote in message ... > > Go for a Bandit. They're cheap to run and cheap to repair. Thanks all for your advice and experiences. Do you recommend the "naked" or "faired" version? Will be used for work (nice days) and weekend visits to the pennines.. just up the road from me :-) > I used to get knocked off mine about once a month and used to crash > about as often, the last one finished it off for me though > I've heard alot about people being knocked off their bikes and involved in accidents. Are your knocks due to your own error or other motorists? Cheers, Jach

	#16
jsp	Re: 1st bike? Jach wrote: > "Whinging Courier" wrote in message ... > >>Go for a Bandit. They're cheap to run and cheap to repair. > > Thanks all for your advice and experiences. Do you recommend the "naked" or > "faired" version? Will be used for work (nice days) and weekend visits to > the pennines.. just up the road from me :-) You choose. I had a faired Bandit, but went naked when I bought the SV. I fitted a fly screen to the SV which makes a good difference. Where I park sometimes there's a naked Bandit with the same screen: it looks good. One side panel for a faired Bandit is about £90. (the older model, that is, I don't know about the new ones.) -- John SV650 Black it is and naked

	#19
Porl	Re: 1st bike? "The Older Gentleman" <chateauSPAMKILL.murray@dsl.pipex.com> wrote in message news:1gex4eq.2mumo6gsmyvsN%chateauSPAMKILL.murray@ dsl.pipex.com... > Jach <jach@nospamadam.com> wrote: > > > I've heard alot about people being knocked off their bikes and involved in > > accidents. Are your knocks due to your own error or other motorists? > > Experienced riders tend to get knocked off my errant motorists. > > Newbies ditto, but they also manage to crash unaided - much more > frequently. - often due to unscrubbed tyres.

	#20
Champ	Re: 1st bike? On Sat, 5 Jun 2004 21:22:07 +0100, "Porl" <porlp@btinternet.com> wrote: > >"The Older Gentleman" <chateauSPAMKILL.murray@dsl.pipex.com> wrote in >message news:1gex4eq.2mumo6gsmyvsN%chateauSPAMKILL.murray@ dsl.pipex.com... >> Jach <jach@nospamadam.com> wrote: >> >> > I've heard alot about people being knocked off their bikes and involved >in >> > accidents. Are your knocks due to your own error or other motorists? >> >> Experienced riders tend to get knocked off my errant motorists. >> >> Newbies ditto, but they also manage to crash unaided - much more >> frequently. > >- often due to unscrubbed tyres. <looks the other way> -- Champ GSX-R 1000, GPz 750 turbo, ZX7RR Endurance Racer x 2 GYASB#0 BotToS#2 BOTAFO(T\|F)#35 WG*#1 DFV#8 Team UKRM Racing : www.team-ukrm.com

	#21
steve robinson	Re: 1st bike? "Jach" <jach@nospamadam.com> wrote in message news:cV3wc.11270$NK4.1471879@stones.force9.net... > Hi all, > > Got my CBT next week and then booked a course for my full licence. > > Looking to purchase a bike ready for when i've got my full. Have a budget > of £2000 - £2500. > > Anyone recommend a good first bike round 500 - 600cc that won't punish me > too much? > > Like the Honda CB500 or a CB600F Hornet. > > Cheers, > > Jach > > hornets a good choice , reasonable on insurance ,inexpensive to buy , quick enough to gain experience on for the first 12 months or so

	#23
Molly	Re: 1st bike? "The Older Gentleman" <chateauSPAMKILL.murray@dsl.pipex.com> wrote in message news:1gewfoz.qwte2s1x8mlqkN%chateauSPAMKILL.murray @dsl.pipex.com... > Jach <jach@nospamadam.com> wrote: > > > Whats the seat heat like? > > Depends how warm your arse gets ;-) Nice. -- Molly "Kneesliders Sponsored by Cane" "Gower School" By Appointment". GSX-R1000 (sick), Triumph Thunderbird, GS500, GHPOTHUF#27 TGF, UKRMFBC#7, Two#24, BOTAFOF#11, YTC#9, GYASB#1. SbS#23. DFWAG#2, DS#2, DIAABTCOD#20. remove "thisbit" in the reply http://www.mollyg.net (our own endurance team) http://Team-ukrm.com "Nemo repente fuit turpissimus"

	#24
Molly	Re: 1st bike? "rb" <redbandit6@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:40c16804$0$20517$cc9e4d1f@news-text.dial.pipex.com... > JC wrote: > > Eh? I thought it was Bandits that were often written off with just > > subframe damage, or am I thinking of something else? > > Older style Bandits, like mine, have the rear footrest hangers as an > integral part of the frame. If they bend in a spill then you have got a > write off. Maybe this is what you are thinking of? Can be straightened for about 80 quid. Trust me on this. Me and the straightener are on first name terms. -- Molly "Kneesliders Sponsored by Cane" "Gower School" By Appointment". GSX-R1000 (sick), Triumph Thunderbird, GS500, GHPOTHUF#27 TGF, UKRMFBC#7, Two#24, BOTAFOF#11, YTC#9, GYASB#1. SbS#23. DFWAG#2, DS#2, DIAABTCOD#20. remove "thisbit" in the reply http://www.mollyg.net (our own endurance team) http://Team-ukrm.com "Nemo repente fuit turpissimus"

	#25
Lozzo	Re: 1st bike? Molly says... > "rb" <redbandit6@hotmail.com> wrote in message > news:40c16804$0$20517$cc9e4d1f@news-text.dial.pipex.com... > > JC wrote: > > > Eh? I thought it was Bandits that were often written off with just > > > subframe damage, or am I thinking of something else? > > > > Older style Bandits, like mine, have the rear footrest hangers as an > > integral part of the frame. If they bend in a spill then you have > got a > > write off. Maybe this is what you are thinking of? > > > Can be straightened for about 80 quid. Trust me on this. Me and the > straightener are on first name terms. Can also be straightened for the price of a bottle of butane gas for a blowtorch. -- Lozzo: The SpeedySpic Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace

	#26
ogden	Re: 1st bike? Ben wrote: > > On 6 Jun 2004 21:06:11 GMT, Whinging Courier > <markonusenetTAKEITAWAY@yahoo.co.uk> wrote: > > > >Maybe it's just the bike I'm riding but I find having a screen and > >fairing makes going fast too easy > > I find having a GSXR1000 makes going fast too easy. My number-one reason for having an unfaired bike. -- ogden, b12 (with funky yellow luggage)

	#27
Keelworm	Re: 1st bike? rb wrote: > Jach wrote: > >> "Whinging Courier" wrote in message ... >> >> > >> > Go for a Bandit. They're cheap to run and cheap to repair. >> >> Thanks all for your advice and experiences. Do you recommend the >> "naked" or "faired" version? Will be used for work (nice days) and >> weekend visits to the pennines.. just up the road from me :-) > > I chose naked because I prefer the look but I also believe that a > faired model would cost more to insure due to the cost of fairing > damage in a spill - although SWK is welcome to jump in here. > > I commute on the motorway all year and don't really have a problem with > a lack of fairing. Although I had a ZX9R for a couple of days recently > and while I rather liked being tucked down behind the screen on the > motorway I hated being in town traffic on it. > I liked the naked bandit to look at, but when looking didn't count out the faired model. I saw a 1999 Bindit 600S in as new condition advertised at 2200, didn't think the guy would bite so offered him £1800. he accepted, I bought myself a bike and dont regret it. The fairing makes longer jaunts a breeze, and gives you something to tuck behind. Also it was no more expensive to insure than a naked bindit. However, It's too big for my current address[1] so resides at my parents place as my weekend toy while I try and convince the wife to let me buy a second bike (125/250) for commuting. [1] The bike has to go through my hallway to get into it's 'secure compound' otherwise I have to rely on on-street parking, which is not recommended in my pikey neighbourhood. PG -- bikes@YOURTITSgoldingweb.co.uk take out YOUR TITS to get my attention Then -> [C-50. c-90. DT-50. TY-175. kx80 CG-125, ER-5,] Now -> [Bandit 600S - K&N, ART, HOSES] http://www.goldingweb.co.uk

	#28
Ace	Re: 1st bike? On Mon, 07 Jun 2004 10:11:27 +0100, ogden <ogden@pre.org> wrote: >Ben wrote: >> >> On 6 Jun 2004 21:06:11 GMT, Whinging Courier >> <markonusenetTAKEITAWAY@yahoo.co.uk> wrote: >> > >> >Maybe it's just the bike I'm riding but I find having a screen and >> >fairing makes going fast too easy >> >> I find having a GSXR1000 makes going fast too easy. > >My number-one reason for having an unfaired bike. I've seen many people say things like this and have never understood it. Surely the whole point of biking is to go fast? If you don't want to do so, through age or infirmity, then get a car, FFS, or at least learn that the throttle control works both ways. -- Ace (brucedotrogers a.t rochedotcom) GSX-R1000K3, CB400F2 BOTAFOT#3, SbS#2, UKRMMA#13, DFV#8, BOTCdV#1

	#32
Lozzo	Re: 1st bike? Champ says... > Up to a point. There's a difference between 'fast' in miles an hour > and 'fast' in the sensations you get when riding. There's an argument > that if bike A makes 100 mph feel as fast as 130mph on bike B, then > you're better of on bike B. Not an argument to which I subscribe, of > course :-) 70mph on my CB250RS down a twisty back road is often more fun than 130 mph on A roads when riding the Thunderace. I've had a belly full of laughs riding 125s, and even mopeds in the right circumstances. -- Lozzo: The SpeedySpic Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace

	#33
ogden	Re: 1st bike? Ben wrote: > > On Mon, 07 Jun 2004 10:11:27 +0100, ogden <ogden@pre.org> wrote: > > >Ben wrote: > >> > >> On 6 Jun 2004 21:06:11 GMT, Whinging Courier > >> <markonusenetTAKEITAWAY@yahoo.co.uk> wrote: > >> > > >> >Maybe it's just the bike I'm riding but I find having a screen and > >> >fairing makes going fast too easy > >> > >> I find having a GSXR1000 makes going fast too easy. > > > >My number-one reason for having an unfaired bike. > > I think I'm the kind of person who would ride any bike fast[1]. I > really should slow down a bit. > I tend to cruise around the ton on the bandit, with sprints up to 140 or so whenever necessary [1]. Quite enough for my licence, thankyouverymuch - being nicked after a 130mph chase wasn't my favourite experience of 2001 and nor is it one I'm in a hurry to repeat. That said, my next bike _will_ be faired. But all in good time. [1] For some value of necessary. -- ogden, b12 (with funky yellow luggage)