First Bike?

[Davel]

Looking for a first bike - enduro type of thing.

Instructor has suggested BMW 650, Honda Transalp or even a Triumph Tiger.

Anyone any views on the above?

I'm looking to do about 4-5000 miles per annum including the odd 600 mile round trip to Scotland.

Thoughts please?

[gixxer1000]

Davel, although not on your list, my first bike was a '98 Honda VFR800 and it was perfect. Loads of power but not too extreme a delivery. Sporty if you want it to be, and a great tourer when that's what's required.

An excellent all round bike that's easy to ride and forgiving for the less experienced rider.

Just a tought!

[Kevp]

My first bike was a VFR 750.
It was bought on my girlfreinds requommendation, (a long term biker).
I found it to be good and reliable. But for me it just lacked something.
Very Good at mile eating on any roads and never been left behind, even being a novice at the time.

[tl1000gussie]

My first proper bike was a 650 funduro, I now ride a tls1000, but if i could have two bikes the funduro would be on my list.
It was reliable, easy to ride, very forgiving could be used for a little experimental riding styles. i.e motorcross hanging leg out or superbike style leaning in.
fantastic to learn to wheelie on, (on private land only) not to bad off road either wont catch a proper off roader but amusing. not wishing to use stereotypes but if you are scottish it was very economical 200 miles on a tenner at 100 mph. about flat out. Oh yeah brakes were pretty good to, and was good pillion bike and ace in traffic and comfy on long jeornys. only sold it as mates had sports bikes and i couldnt keep up else I would still have it now.
In fact wheres the number for bmw dealership.

[Steve_T]

Really fancied the VFR, but insurance was huge on it for me as a rider with zero experience and NCB (~£2k). Went for an SV650 in the end, delighted with it. Now all I've got to do is learn to ride it

Steve.

[Davel]

I've also been told that the Transalp is a cracking bike. Anyone had one at all?

[soulpatch]

faser 600 :d

[Davel]

Thanks TL1000gussie - it's all down to you!

Went out Friday night and bought a s/h BMW 650 GS.2001 with 3,500 miles on the clock. Its beautiful...and spotless....and has all the extras already fitted.

Now all I need is my test!

See you around.

[tallchris99]

My first bike was a BSA Brigand. Bought in 1983 for £200 this 50cc sports moped was made under licence in Italy and was to my 16 old eyes the mutts nuts.

[Davel]

Why didn't I do this years ago?

Started the CBT Friday, finished it today - on a 500 tomorrow. Great fun!!!

Booked theory test and practising at home. Hopefully practical test early July.

Despite it pi**ing down on both days, it was brilliant.

The bike arrives at the end of the week so might do my direct access on it too! (BMW F650GS).

Can't wait to get through it all.

Why was I so chicken?

[smeagol]

Good news matey. Going for my first CBT day on Sunday (also been practicing my theory) your comments have cheered me up no end.

Well done.

[d3v]

hmm k I just got quoted 2500 quid insurance for a 1998 used aprilla 125cc thats smashed up > please say this was a glitch