A Return to Motorcycling.

[pitboard]

My son has just passed his test and has bought a Triumph Thruxton, which has got my juices flowing a bit. I sold my last bike, a Triumph TR7 Tiger, about 15 years ago, and would like to spend no more than a couple of grand on something to potter about on and show him how it’s done.
I’m a bit out of touch with the biking scene, and am thinking of something like a 600 Hornet, Fazer or Bandit, or maybe an SV650.
What do you lot think? I’m 69, if that makes any difference.

[trickywoo]

SV650 is the Biker Banter equivalent of a MX5.

That being said if you bought the best condition out of any of the bikes you mentioned you won’t go far wrong.

I would suggest maybe adding a 1999ish VFR 800 to the list of possibles.

[Donbot]

A couple of grand is buying something based on condition territory.

I'd say the biggest difference between them is engine configuration. Smooth peaky 4cyl or more grunty twin.

They're all solid bikes which typically do high miles without problems.

[Krikkit]

VFR800 preh-VTEC would be a good shout I think - great noise, comfy, cheap to run

SV650s are everywhere for a reason mind

[NorthernSky]

5th gen 1999 pre-cat and pre-HISS VFR800fi.

A supremely capable all rounder, with gear driven cams whining and V4 engine note. A good one can be found for £2000 easily, or less if you're patient/lucky!

[Bikerjon]

SV650 and VFR's are OK, but you might want something with a more upright riding position. V-Strom 650's are worth a look if you like adventure style bikes.

[Carlososos]

I’ve been looking for a while on that sort of budget. Buy what looks best and best looked after. Going for a specific bike you’ll either
A. Get lucky
B. Buy a snotter
C. Take forever to find a good one

That said bandits seems to offer the best choice. There are lots of cheap nasties about but because of that the prices are low for even the looked after ones.

[NorthernSky]

Join the owner groups on social media and a good one will reveal itself fairly quickly - for either model!