Second Bike Options

Discussion in 'Other Bikes' started by Marc, Apr 29, 2022.

  1. Marc

    Marc Active Member

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    So I've wanted a second bike for a while, mainly for use over winter, which tends to be a 40-60 mile ride out of a weekend, occasional commute all year round, perhaps try a track day here and there. I'd also like to try being a bit more hands on mechanically, nothing major, oil/filter changes, that kind of thing. My wife's always been against the idea but at the start of the year she set me a challenge, go without beer all year and I can then get a second bike, with her blessing. 4 months in now and I've not even had a shandy, not been as tricky as I thought, so it's looking promising.

    Ideally I'll spend about £1500, £2000 max. My current thinking is either: CB600 Hornet, CBR 600, SV650, VFR750/800 or Thundercat. Would be late 90's early 00's for the budget I should imagine.

    Any thoughts on which of the above to plump for? Any obvious choices I've missed?
     
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  2. warren smart

    warren smart Active Member

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    Zx9r, the f model is the best or next the e model, good old school bike with a very good fairing to get behind, very stable and planted and you can get a curry and chips under the seat.
     
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  3. NS400R

    NS400R Elite Member

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    ZX9R is a bit of a wallowy barge imho. Depends what you’re looking for in a bike I guess.
     
  4. warren smart

    warren smart Active Member

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    I would say you’ve never ridden one then.
     
  5. NS400R

    NS400R Elite Member

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    I have. Twice. When new then a minty one back in 2008. That’s the problem. Not saying they’re not a good bike, but they were soft by the standards of the day. By today’s standards they’re real wallowy.
     
  6. warren smart

    warren smart Active Member

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    I have two, an e and an f and they’re a fantastic all rounder, not the fastest bike on the planet but a seriously good all rounder.
     
  7. CharlieR85

    CharlieR85 Elite Member

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    Great predicament to be in! I've ridden all of your list except for the Thundercat, i've owned a 2001 CBR600F and still have a 5th Gen 1998 VFR800.

    Looking at your list I presume you don't want another sportsbike? Old Blade, SRAD, R1, ZX?

    Sticking strictly to your shortlist.....

    I'd say VFR because there's plenty around, cheap, nice to ride, bullet proof and nice to work on. VFR will lose out to the CBR600 and the SV650 if you wanted it to favour trackdays though.

    Outside of the shortlist maybe consider a Firestorm.
     
    #7 CharlieR85, Apr 30, 2022
    Last edited: May 1, 2022
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  8. Muffking

    Muffking God Like

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  9. Blade runner 1

    Blade runner 1 Elite Member

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    A VTR 1000 Firestorm would be high on my list for a commuter/winter bike. A relaxed ride position, plenty low end torque through traffic and well capable when you give it some.
     
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  10. CharlieR85

    CharlieR85 Elite Member

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    Seems to be plenty around aswell and at good prices. Only slight drawback is they're quite thirsty with a small tank range.
     
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  11. TonyEmm

    TonyEmm Member

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    Gen 1 naked SV, great fun and can be had for a grand if you shop a bit canny, leaves you plenty of cash for sticky tyres and petrol, track day costs etc.
     
  12. Blade runner 1

    Blade runner 1 Elite Member

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    Fair point about the size of tank.
     
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  13. Marc

    Marc Active Member

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    Thanks all for you input.

    Think I dismissed the full on Sport Bike options. I do love my Blade but if you're just wanting to go for a sedate ride around it sometimes feels like it's shouting at you to drop a cog and whack the throttle open. I kinda want a bike that gives me the option to get a wriggle on if I'm in the mood but also won't shout at me if I pootle along like an old dear in a Micra, (which is quite often the case if I'm out in winter and the road's soaking wet/frosty/etc). ZX9R is perhaps in that same category?

    I hear what you're saying about the CB500, I just worry it might be too far the other way and if a spotty oik in a Fiesta ST decides to have a tickle I'll be a sitting duck due to a lack of grunt? I have a similar concern with the SV option, I must admit.

    Firestorm is a great shout, always liked the look of them and it's something a bit different, without it being a completely unreliable piece of exotica. Will definitely add that to my list.
     
  14. Coda

    Coda Active Member

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    Sounds to me like Firestorm if you want a V-twin, or a CBR600F is an option if you want a quick 4-cyl sports tourer.
     
  15. dern

    dern Well-Known Member

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    This is up for sale near me for £2150...

    [​IMG]
     
  16. CharlieR85

    CharlieR85 Elite Member

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    Haha. Love it, the exact same reason I wouldnt contemplate a CB500 too. Cars are so bloody quick nowadays, you get daft German family meat wagons with 600bhp. Even hot hatches have 250hp.
     
  17. dern

    dern Well-Known Member

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    To solve this, you just go play on narrow roads. more fun anyway.
     
  18. Selmer50mark

    Selmer50mark God Like

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    Old Suzuki bandit , easy to work on and robust ,,,,,,, or does it have to be a Honda
     
  19. Coda

    Coda Active Member

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    yes
     
  20. Selmer50mark

    Selmer50mark God Like

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    Oops,:rolleyes: ,,,,,,,blame it on a brain fart :D
     

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