Running costs?
Discussion
Afternoon all,
In addition to buying a new or nearly bike I'm trying to work out approx. running costs for the first three years. If I do decide to buy this will be my first bike in around 16 years! I passed my test in 1999 and my friends and I had some great times for the first few years before we all got distracted by jobs, partners, families, etc.
I'm looking at naked middleweights - Hornet, Trident, Z650RS, GSX-8s, SV650, MT-07, XSR700............Plenty to choose from. My previous bike was an SV650.
Insurance looks to be around £300, servicing costs vary depending on the mileage but I am going to budget an average of £350 a year. A minor service should be around £200 and a major £500 so I've taken a rough average of £350. VED is £111. An MOT won't be required for the first 3 years if I buy new.
Any thoughts on what I should budget for tyres? A set of Michelin Roadsport 5's look to be around £350 depending on where you but them from but I can't recall how long these last. I'm an average rider and won't be doing any track days and won't be riding through the winter. Bike will be used for pleasure riding and probably some commuting in the summer. My annual mileage will probably be around 3000 - 3500. My guess is that I'll need a new rear tyre every year and a new front every 18 months. Does this sounds about right.
I don't have a huge amount of spare time due to work and other commitments so the only way I can really justify getting a new bike is to use it for commuting in the better weather.
I'll also need new riding gear but I've factored this in as an up front cost.
Thanks in advance.
Edited for spelling
In addition to buying a new or nearly bike I'm trying to work out approx. running costs for the first three years. If I do decide to buy this will be my first bike in around 16 years! I passed my test in 1999 and my friends and I had some great times for the first few years before we all got distracted by jobs, partners, families, etc.
I'm looking at naked middleweights - Hornet, Trident, Z650RS, GSX-8s, SV650, MT-07, XSR700............Plenty to choose from. My previous bike was an SV650.
Insurance looks to be around £300, servicing costs vary depending on the mileage but I am going to budget an average of £350 a year. A minor service should be around £200 and a major £500 so I've taken a rough average of £350. VED is £111. An MOT won't be required for the first 3 years if I buy new.
Any thoughts on what I should budget for tyres? A set of Michelin Roadsport 5's look to be around £350 depending on where you but them from but I can't recall how long these last. I'm an average rider and won't be doing any track days and won't be riding through the winter. Bike will be used for pleasure riding and probably some commuting in the summer. My annual mileage will probably be around 3000 - 3500. My guess is that I'll need a new rear tyre every year and a new front every 18 months. Does this sounds about right.
I don't have a huge amount of spare time due to work and other commitments so the only way I can really justify getting a new bike is to use it for commuting in the better weather.
I'll also need new riding gear but I've factored this in as an up front cost.
Thanks in advance.
Edited by Ecosseven on Sunday 24th September 16:51
Edited for spelling
Edited by Ecosseven on Sunday 24th September 16:55
Sounds reasonable so far, although riding gear is a an ongoing expense as you add bits, summer vs winter gloves, boots, jackets, base layers etc etc
Security for locking up at home ( even in a garage as it might be an insurance requirement) and if commuting).
Paddock stands, covers?
Maintenance: chain lube, cleaner?
Luggage for commuting weekend away etc?
Security for locking up at home ( even in a garage as it might be an insurance requirement) and if commuting).
Paddock stands, covers?
Maintenance: chain lube, cleaner?
Luggage for commuting weekend away etc?
trickywoo said:
I’d say you could double your forecast tyre life on Road 5 or 6.
6k for a rear and getting on for double the front.
Chain and sprockets at around 20k maybe brake pads sameish time.
This! A set of Road 5's or Road 6's will last much longer and you'll get no where near their handling limits. They'll also be better in thr rain should you get caught out. 6k for a rear and getting on for double the front.
Chain and sprockets at around 20k maybe brake pads sameish time.
I found the Road 6 wore pretty similar front to back, I reckon you'd get at least 2 years out of a set, possibly 3.
The SV I had never returned worse than 60MPG, frequently did over 70 and did over 80 on one tank, impressive. Others on your list are reputed to be more fun but I loved it.
The SV I had never returned worse than 60MPG, frequently did over 70 and did over 80 on one tank, impressive. Others on your list are reputed to be more fun but I loved it.
Thanks all,
Sounds like I can reduce my tyre budget slightly! Good shout regarding allowing for chains, sprockets, chain lube, replacement riding gear over time. All very helpful. The good news is that my commute is over some decent roads and is 20 miles each way. If I do decide to get a bike it will be early next year.
I am tempted by another SV650 as they are a great bike, however may be I should try something different. Having said that you can currently get one for £6k brand new! Bargain. The Z650RS looks gorgeous but mechanically (on paper at least) it's probably not a match for the newer Hornet 750, GSX-8s, and the Triumph Trident.
Thanks again.
Sounds like I can reduce my tyre budget slightly! Good shout regarding allowing for chains, sprockets, chain lube, replacement riding gear over time. All very helpful. The good news is that my commute is over some decent roads and is 20 miles each way. If I do decide to get a bike it will be early next year.
I am tempted by another SV650 as they are a great bike, however may be I should try something different. Having said that you can currently get one for £6k brand new! Bargain. The Z650RS looks gorgeous but mechanically (on paper at least) it's probably not a match for the newer Hornet 750, GSX-8s, and the Triumph Trident.
Thanks again.
If running costs are important it may be worth looking at the Honda CB500 or CB500X. Cheaper road tax, insurance and better MPG.
Will the GSX-8S match the SV650 when it comes to MPG?
I agree the Z650RS looks great but I've been told by one person that the Kawasaki parallel twin isn't as characterful as the SV Vee Twin.
Will the GSX-8S match the SV650 when it comes to MPG?
I agree the Z650RS looks great but I've been told by one person that the Kawasaki parallel twin isn't as characterful as the SV Vee Twin.
I never knew anyone looked at costs to this detail
To service an SV650 could easily just be oil, filter and chain lube, do it yourself for sub £50. Plus £30 MOT
I buy the vast majority of my gear used from eBay, if it doesn't fit I sell it on, frequently at a profit. Leather jacket £15, RST new, last seasons jacket £69 Roadskin jeans £40 etc
To service an SV650 could easily just be oil, filter and chain lube, do it yourself for sub £50. Plus £30 MOT
I buy the vast majority of my gear used from eBay, if it doesn't fit I sell it on, frequently at a profit. Leather jacket £15, RST new, last seasons jacket £69 Roadskin jeans £40 etc
Edited by KTMsm on Monday 25th September 06:41
Breaking owning a bike down into mere numbers seems a bit sad. Appreciate everyone's situation is different of course, and not suggesting for a second that you don't get one!
The way i look at it: what happens if you see that exhaust or saddle you really want, or find you need some commuter bits? What about if your bike friends plan a few trips away? Your costs could easily spiral with any of these and blow your budget. That or you just don't do any of it, which perhaps defeats the purpose of getting the bike somewhat.
Always the possibility of dropping the bike, or having a small off too, It's a nasty thought but not totally unlikely. You'd spend over £350 immediately, and I can't imagine you'd just not ride the bike again all year.
You can run a bike on a shoestring if needs be, I've done it but it does take away some enjoyment. Your budget expectations are not ridiculous. But if you can, I'd budget higher, perhaps £1000 a year, not just for the necessities but for a few desirables too, since that what a bike is after all.
Either way, good luck and have fun!
The way i look at it: what happens if you see that exhaust or saddle you really want, or find you need some commuter bits? What about if your bike friends plan a few trips away? Your costs could easily spiral with any of these and blow your budget. That or you just don't do any of it, which perhaps defeats the purpose of getting the bike somewhat.
Always the possibility of dropping the bike, or having a small off too, It's a nasty thought but not totally unlikely. You'd spend over £350 immediately, and I can't imagine you'd just not ride the bike again all year.
You can run a bike on a shoestring if needs be, I've done it but it does take away some enjoyment. Your budget expectations are not ridiculous. But if you can, I'd budget higher, perhaps £1000 a year, not just for the necessities but for a few desirables too, since that what a bike is after all.
Either way, good luck and have fun!
Edited by Pebbles167 on Monday 25th September 07:03
Pebbles167 said:
Breaking owning a bike down into mere numbers seems a bit sad. Appreciate everyone's situation is different of course, and not suggesting for a second that you don't get one!
The way i look at it: what happens if you see that exhaust or saddle you really want, or find you need some commuter bits? What about if your bike friends plan a few trips away? Your costs could easily spiral with any of these and blow your budget. That or you just don't do any of it, which perhaps defeats the purpose of getting the bike somewhat.
Always the possibility of dropping the bike, or having a small off too, It's a nasty thought but not totally unlikely. You'd spend over £350 immediately, and I can't imagine you'd just not ride the bike again all year.
You can run a bike on a shoestring if needs be, I've done it but it does take away some enjoyment. Your budget expectations are not ridiculous. But if you can, I'd budget higher, perhaps £1000 a year, not just for the necessities but for a few desirables too, since that what a bike is after all.
Either way, good luck and have fun!
Thanks for your input. I won't be running the bike on a shoe-string budget, I'm just trying to work out approx. running costs so that I if I do decide to buy a new bike I'm sure that I can afford to run it. I'll make sure I also have a suitable contingency to cover unexpected costs and ensure I get the most enjoyment out of the bike for days away and any extras I may want. I'll book in some more test rides over the next few months so that I'm a good position for next year.The way i look at it: what happens if you see that exhaust or saddle you really want, or find you need some commuter bits? What about if your bike friends plan a few trips away? Your costs could easily spiral with any of these and blow your budget. That or you just don't do any of it, which perhaps defeats the purpose of getting the bike somewhat.
Always the possibility of dropping the bike, or having a small off too, It's a nasty thought but not totally unlikely. You'd spend over £350 immediately, and I can't imagine you'd just not ride the bike again all year.
You can run a bike on a shoestring if needs be, I've done it but it does take away some enjoyment. Your budget expectations are not ridiculous. But if you can, I'd budget higher, perhaps £1000 a year, not just for the necessities but for a few desirables too, since that what a bike is after all.
Either way, good luck and have fun!
Edited by Pebbles167 on Monday 25th September 07:03
Thanks again for everyone's replies.
If you're on a budget and you have some mechanical skills buy used and do most of the servicing yourself. Stick to about 5 years old and hopefully not much is corroded up or about to fail.
Tyres are always cheaper if you drop the wheels off yourself and take them to the local tyre place, some places that do car tyres also do bikes to loose wheels.
Only tax it when you need to, it's easy go do online.
I still think a £350 / year budget is going to be optimistic - but if you can avoid the bling you shouldn't be far off.
Tyres are always cheaper if you drop the wheels off yourself and take them to the local tyre place, some places that do car tyres also do bikes to loose wheels.
Only tax it when you need to, it's easy go do online.
I still think a £350 / year budget is going to be optimistic - but if you can avoid the bling you shouldn't be far off.
If you're looking at new consider a two or three year PCP as it avoids you tying up capital in something that, whilst it'll do a great job of getting you back on two wheels, may not be a "keeper". My SV cost very little, a few hundred down and £60 a month, and when my needs changed in an unanticipated manner (her majesty loved going pillion) it was straight forward enough to get out of the finance and onto a more suitable bike. I really like the look of the grey SV with red wheels: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-details/20230111...
£6k? For a returning rider, what do the more expensive options get you? The Z650 derivatives aren't a lot more, different interest rates could swing it, if you were using finance.
£6k? For a returning rider, what do the more expensive options get you? The Z650 derivatives aren't a lot more, different interest rates could swing it, if you were using finance.
Ecosseven said:
Pebbles167 said:
Breaking owning a bike down into mere numbers seems a bit sad. Appreciate everyone's situation is different of course, and not suggesting for a second that you don't get one!
The way i look at it: what happens if you see that exhaust or saddle you really want, or find you need some commuter bits? What about if your bike friends plan a few trips away? Your costs could easily spiral with any of these and blow your budget. That or you just don't do any of it, which perhaps defeats the purpose of getting the bike somewhat.
Always the possibility of dropping the bike, or having a small off too, It's a nasty thought but not totally unlikely. You'd spend over £350 immediately, and I can't imagine you'd just not ride the bike again all year.
You can run a bike on a shoestring if needs be, I've done it but it does take away some enjoyment. Your budget expectations are not ridiculous. But if you can, I'd budget higher, perhaps £1000 a year, not just for the necessities but for a few desirables too, since that what a bike is after all.
Either way, good luck and have fun!
Thanks for your input. I won't be running the bike on a shoe-string budget, I'm just trying to work out approx. running costs so that I if I do decide to buy a new bike I'm sure that I can afford to run it. I'll make sure I also have a suitable contingency to cover unexpected costs and ensure I get the most enjoyment out of the bike for days away and any extras I may want. I'll book in some more test rides over the next few months so that I'm a good position for next year.The way i look at it: what happens if you see that exhaust or saddle you really want, or find you need some commuter bits? What about if your bike friends plan a few trips away? Your costs could easily spiral with any of these and blow your budget. That or you just don't do any of it, which perhaps defeats the purpose of getting the bike somewhat.
Always the possibility of dropping the bike, or having a small off too, It's a nasty thought but not totally unlikely. You'd spend over £350 immediately, and I can't imagine you'd just not ride the bike again all year.
You can run a bike on a shoestring if needs be, I've done it but it does take away some enjoyment. Your budget expectations are not ridiculous. But if you can, I'd budget higher, perhaps £1000 a year, not just for the necessities but for a few desirables too, since that what a bike is after all.
Either way, good luck and have fun!
Edited by Pebbles167 on Monday 25th September 07:03
Thanks again for everyone's replies.
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