Fun Cheap Bike - 5k max
Discussion
Looking to get back on a motorbike after an accident at the start of this year. My GSXR750 lasted just over 24 hours before I hit a patch of ice while being frisky with the throttle and wrote it off. Thankfully no broken bones but a lot of muscle damage; saved by my air bag vest and weight training.
In the short time I had the GSXR I realised I made a mistake. I found it uncomfortable and too fast/competent compared to my previous humble cbf600; which was more engaging when riding at a sensible pace.
I'm looking for something with similar power to the cbf but a bit more fun. I've stumbled across the SV650 2016+ and the CBR650R. The CBR looks nice but I imagine it will be fairly boring and maybe a bit too quick. So I've landed on the SV for some cheap cheerful fun.
Have I missed any other bikes?
PS: I'll be riding within the speed limits due to needing my licence for my job; with the exception of a NSL overtake at no more than 80mph.
In the short time I had the GSXR I realised I made a mistake. I found it uncomfortable and too fast/competent compared to my previous humble cbf600; which was more engaging when riding at a sensible pace.
I'm looking for something with similar power to the cbf but a bit more fun. I've stumbled across the SV650 2016+ and the CBR650R. The CBR looks nice but I imagine it will be fairly boring and maybe a bit too quick. So I've landed on the SV for some cheap cheerful fun.
Have I missed any other bikes?
PS: I'll be riding within the speed limits due to needing my licence for my job; with the exception of a NSL overtake at no more than 80mph.
I swapped a k4 gsxr 750 for that model of SV a couple of years ago.
Still enjoying it. I’ve put hyperpro springs and an after market shock on which has made a great improvement.
There isn’t anything wrong with the handling standard to be fair, I’m just a bit heavy.
I personally ruled out the Triumph for quite a few reasons. I know they are popular but do nothing for me on any level.
MT-07 is another option.
Still enjoying it. I’ve put hyperpro springs and an after market shock on which has made a great improvement.
There isn’t anything wrong with the handling standard to be fair, I’m just a bit heavy.
I personally ruled out the Triumph for quite a few reasons. I know they are popular but do nothing for me on any level.
MT-07 is another option.
I've had both the SV and the CB. The CB is a much nicer looking and higher quality bike and probably better in every objective way. However, I preferred riding the SV, lots more fun and in my opinion was much nicer going round corners.
That said if you like the looks and engine config of the Honda, then it's not a bad bike by any stretch, it's got loads going for it, just not for me. Probably a fantastic bike for the right person. Also it wasn't that much faster than the Suzuki if you're genuinely worried about that, only at the top end. Although the torque curves look similar on paper, they don't feel it and the Suzuki was much better at 60 and below.
Edit: sorry, looks like you're looking at the CBR, not CB. Regardless, most of the above still applies. Different tires than the CB I believe though which might make it better in the corners. Always felt really sketchy on Metzeler Roadtecs if it wasn't bone dry and warm, and even then....
That said if you like the looks and engine config of the Honda, then it's not a bad bike by any stretch, it's got loads going for it, just not for me. Probably a fantastic bike for the right person. Also it wasn't that much faster than the Suzuki if you're genuinely worried about that, only at the top end. Although the torque curves look similar on paper, they don't feel it and the Suzuki was much better at 60 and below.
Edit: sorry, looks like you're looking at the CBR, not CB. Regardless, most of the above still applies. Different tires than the CB I believe though which might make it better in the corners. Always felt really sketchy on Metzeler Roadtecs if it wasn't bone dry and warm, and even then....
Edited by horsemeatscandal on Thursday 22 April 19:33
Edited by horsemeatscandal on Thursday 22 April 19:33
Also following this as I'm liable to get battered on my insurance renewal (someone's made a claim on my car insurance so there goes my NCB. I've never claimed and first owned a bike in 2005...). Looking for something in a lower insurance group than my Yamaha FZ6 S2 Fazer.
Thinking for me is:
Suzuki SV650S
Honda CB500R - the CB650 is a classic CB Honda where the engine is 20mph better than the chassis or suspension.
Maybe a Ducati Monster 797
Anything I've forgotten? I'm not having another Yamaha and I definitely don't want a Triumph. I've never liked the Kawasaki ER-6 either.
Thinking for me is:
Suzuki SV650S
Honda CB500R - the CB650 is a classic CB Honda where the engine is 20mph better than the chassis or suspension.
Maybe a Ducati Monster 797
Anything I've forgotten? I'm not having another Yamaha and I definitely don't want a Triumph. I've never liked the Kawasaki ER-6 either.
I am coming from a different starting place but also considering these two when I get my full license.
I use an sv650 at my training school, it's punchy enough, easy to ride and to me seems a great all rounder. In standard form with no screen it does get quite breezy at nsl speeds as you would expect. SV650x also looks good if you want clip ons.
I'm leaning towards the cbr for the wind protection, touch more power, il4 and it's a nicer looking bike. That said, I would be happy with either.
I use an sv650 at my training school, it's punchy enough, easy to ride and to me seems a great all rounder. In standard form with no screen it does get quite breezy at nsl speeds as you would expect. SV650x also looks good if you want clip ons.
I'm leaning towards the cbr for the wind protection, touch more power, il4 and it's a nicer looking bike. That said, I would be happy with either.
MV Agusta Brutale, I picked up 910R for the kind of money you are talking about, fast as a fast thing, handles brilliantly, and being the R version, has forged Brembo wheels, uprated radial Brembo calipers, 50mm Marzocchi forks, and an upgraded Sachs rear shick.
Has the potential to get you into serious trouble though.
Has the potential to get you into serious trouble though.
I had a street triple R (675) which was good fun but actually riding it back to back with a Ducati scrambler full throttle it transpires the Duc is a much better road bike.
Its a bit slower, brakes aren't as good, not as flashy, but actually it's more fun to ride.
The Duc engine is a peach and produces a lovely noise and punts you along quickly enough.
At 80mph or so the wind blast gets a bit annoying but that's the trouble with it looking so good.
Sv650 is a fine bike but very budget in the suspension dept though obviously can be rectified.
Have you considered as well a more retro styled bike? Bonneville, triumph scrambler, kawasaki W800 etc?
Its a bit slower, brakes aren't as good, not as flashy, but actually it's more fun to ride.
The Duc engine is a peach and produces a lovely noise and punts you along quickly enough.
At 80mph or so the wind blast gets a bit annoying but that's the trouble with it looking so good.
Sv650 is a fine bike but very budget in the suspension dept though obviously can be rectified.
Have you considered as well a more retro styled bike? Bonneville, triumph scrambler, kawasaki W800 etc?
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