What used naked bike?
Discussion
I have the urge to buy another bike.
I'm 50 later this year and got my licence 25 years ago. In that time, I've only had two bikes - a Bandit 600 naked (which I loved) and a VFR800 5th gen - the one before VTEC which I still own but never really gelled with. I love the sound of the V-four on song, but I don't love the weight on my wrists. Due to limited use, the VFR needs some work - it won't idle reliably when warm and I'm told the fuel pressure drops off at idle, and the injectors are likely blocked.
But I no longer commute and no longer have any family to look after, so I barely drive anywhere these days - I just do a 2-3 week road trip in my Boxster around nicer bits of Europe once a year on my own. When I do drive in the UK, I'm immensely frustrated by the glacial pace of traffic in my part of north west Surrey. All the NSLs have become 40s, and all the drivers seem to have become brain-dead as a result and some barely manage 30 on these roads. So once again, I'm drawn to biking, where I can blat past all the automatons doing their thing in slow motion. On the one hand, I'm tempted to buy an old Blackbird. I'm about 179cm (5'11") but a fatty at about 125Kg so I'm sure that could handle my weight. But on the other hand, I'm much more drawn to naked bikes - the kind with round chrome headlights rather than the super-modern-looking ones. If it weren't for that I'd have gone straight for a Tuono V4.
In 2015 I test-rode a BMW RnineT and really liked it, apart from the lack of a top end that a four cylinder bike tends to have, and the feeble exhaust note. I remember being loaned a CB900 by Honda Chiswick once when my VFR went in for a service, and finding it nowhere near as powerful as I thought a bike with a Fireblade engine (albeit detuned) would be but it felt very easy to ride and I thought I might like one. I also test rode a new GSX1400 at one point and found it totally listless.
I don't have much of a clue about bikes from Yamaha, Kawasaki, Triumph or Ducati.
I'm not a speed demon in that I don't care about triple figure speeds. I don't do track days, get my knee down, do wheelies or ride like a twit. But I do love twisties and I love a good exhaust note.
I don't care too much about ULEZ although compliance would be a bonus as I'm only a few miles from the outer edge of the London zone, and I don't care too much about age or gizmos like ABS. I will only ever ride on dry days.
I've found researching this to be tricky - I haven't kept up on what bikes are out there for about 20 years, and everything about naked bikes seems to focus on the middleweights an I think I want more power. Can anyone suggest a naked bike on the more traditional-looking side of things, which is nimble enough not to feel crap in the twisties, and has a bit of power? Something in the 110-160bhp range would probably suit. Thanks!
I'm 50 later this year and got my licence 25 years ago. In that time, I've only had two bikes - a Bandit 600 naked (which I loved) and a VFR800 5th gen - the one before VTEC which I still own but never really gelled with. I love the sound of the V-four on song, but I don't love the weight on my wrists. Due to limited use, the VFR needs some work - it won't idle reliably when warm and I'm told the fuel pressure drops off at idle, and the injectors are likely blocked.
But I no longer commute and no longer have any family to look after, so I barely drive anywhere these days - I just do a 2-3 week road trip in my Boxster around nicer bits of Europe once a year on my own. When I do drive in the UK, I'm immensely frustrated by the glacial pace of traffic in my part of north west Surrey. All the NSLs have become 40s, and all the drivers seem to have become brain-dead as a result and some barely manage 30 on these roads. So once again, I'm drawn to biking, where I can blat past all the automatons doing their thing in slow motion. On the one hand, I'm tempted to buy an old Blackbird. I'm about 179cm (5'11") but a fatty at about 125Kg so I'm sure that could handle my weight. But on the other hand, I'm much more drawn to naked bikes - the kind with round chrome headlights rather than the super-modern-looking ones. If it weren't for that I'd have gone straight for a Tuono V4.
In 2015 I test-rode a BMW RnineT and really liked it, apart from the lack of a top end that a four cylinder bike tends to have, and the feeble exhaust note. I remember being loaned a CB900 by Honda Chiswick once when my VFR went in for a service, and finding it nowhere near as powerful as I thought a bike with a Fireblade engine (albeit detuned) would be but it felt very easy to ride and I thought I might like one. I also test rode a new GSX1400 at one point and found it totally listless.
I don't have much of a clue about bikes from Yamaha, Kawasaki, Triumph or Ducati.
I'm not a speed demon in that I don't care about triple figure speeds. I don't do track days, get my knee down, do wheelies or ride like a twit. But I do love twisties and I love a good exhaust note.
I don't care too much about ULEZ although compliance would be a bonus as I'm only a few miles from the outer edge of the London zone, and I don't care too much about age or gizmos like ABS. I will only ever ride on dry days.
I've found researching this to be tricky - I haven't kept up on what bikes are out there for about 20 years, and everything about naked bikes seems to focus on the middleweights an I think I want more power. Can anyone suggest a naked bike on the more traditional-looking side of things, which is nimble enough not to feel crap in the twisties, and has a bit of power? Something in the 110-160bhp range would probably suit. Thanks!
Thanks. I didn't really have a budget in mind but I was imagining spending a couple of thousand on an older bike. I know you can find decent CB900s at that sort of money. But I'd have to spend around £6k for an r nineT.
How do Monsters and Triumphs cope with not being ridden 8 months of the year?
How do Monsters and Triumphs cope with not being ridden 8 months of the year?
Surprised you didn't like the CB900. I have a VFR800 (pre-VTEC) and switched to a CB900 and it was better in every way except weather protection (not least getting rid of the awful linked brakes). Still have the Hornet whereas the VFR800 lasted a year.
What about a CB1000R? I must admit to keep looking at them as 145ish hp is plenty, and most other nakeds don't look anywhere near as nice (and half the people who recommend nakeds suggest Tuonos and so on that aren't even naked!). Honda reliability and build quality has a lot going for it.
What about a CB1000R? I must admit to keep looking at them as 145ish hp is plenty, and most other nakeds don't look anywhere near as nice (and half the people who recommend nakeds suggest Tuonos and so on that aren't even naked!). Honda reliability and build quality has a lot going for it.
stang65 said:
Surprised you didn't like the CB900. I have a VFR800 (pre-VTEC) and switched to a CB900 and it was better in every way except weather protection (not least getting rid of the awful linked brakes). Still have the Hornet whereas the VFR800 lasted a year.
I did like the CB900 but it felt less powerful than expected. But if I can find a nice one at the right price I'll probably get one.stang65 said:
What about a CB1000R? I must admit to keep looking at them as 145ish hp is plenty, and most other nakeds don't look anywhere near as nice (and half the people who recommend nakeds suggest Tuonos and so on that aren't even naked!). Honda reliability and build quality has a lot going for it.
I don't think I was aware of this one. At first glance it looks too much like a Transformer and not retro enough but I might warm to it. I should have put this in my OP, but I'm definitely aiming at older bikes rather than anything too new. I try to stay off Facebook, but any time I look at my local groups I see that bike theft is rife in my area. It probably is everywhere. I live in a nice area and have a secure garage, but I also travel for work quite a bit so would prefer not to put anything too irresistible to scrotes in there.Looks as a limiting factor restrict choice, but it's personal preference. I can't believe how much bike an FZ1 is for so little money, but a 1050 Speed Triple is a great choice for not much and classier looks. R1200R could be within budget, well rounded and more fun than initial impressions maybe. Triumph have a load of 1200 twins.
Krikkit said:
A Triumph Speed Triple, Ducati Monster 1100 or 1200 would probably suit the most.
Not sure what your budget is, but I think I'd be looking at a Monster 1200 Evo, or a 1050 Street Triple.
Monster 1200 a good mix of classic and modern I think. Looks traditional for sure but in a beefy modern way. Mine:Not sure what your budget is, but I think I'd be looking at a Monster 1200 Evo, or a 1050 Street Triple.
In my 40s and relatively new to biking (did my test in 2021). Always wanted a Fireblade or Gixxer as a kid (in the 90s) but also loved the Triumph Speed Triple that Tom Cruise rode in MI2. Looked at an older Suzuki SV650 as my first bike but when it came down to it, didn't actually like being leant over on my wrists, so went for a 2019 Kawasaki Z400 (naked Ninja). Great bike but only had it for a couple of riding seasons before I had to sell due to redundancy.
I regret selling it a little, as I sold low to the trade (it was October so not a great time to sell) and then got a better job eventually, so bought myself a 1999 Suzuki Bandit 1200 last summer for around 2k. Dark green and low miles. Very comfortable and more of an event to ride but carbs can be a bit of a pain on a cold start and it's a less good commuter bike (heavy clutch, bit top heavy and grumpy at low speeds and uses as much fuel as my car) but more of an event to ride for fun and it is a cool-looking bike.
In fairness, I probably don't need a 1200 and if I had a bit more budget, a 900/1000 might be the sweet spot. I really like the look of the Kawasaki Z900 RS (4 cylinder) but the Yamaha MT-09/10 or XSR900 (more retro-looking bike with the triple) or the Honda CB650R/CB1000R (4 cylinder) might also be worth a look. I love the idea of a Triumph but there isn't one that really grabs me. The Street/Speed Triples appeal most on spec but look a bit too "Streetfighter" and the Bonnevilles look lovely but I didn't find them that comfortable and they're not that powerful.
I regret selling it a little, as I sold low to the trade (it was October so not a great time to sell) and then got a better job eventually, so bought myself a 1999 Suzuki Bandit 1200 last summer for around 2k. Dark green and low miles. Very comfortable and more of an event to ride but carbs can be a bit of a pain on a cold start and it's a less good commuter bike (heavy clutch, bit top heavy and grumpy at low speeds and uses as much fuel as my car) but more of an event to ride for fun and it is a cool-looking bike.
In fairness, I probably don't need a 1200 and if I had a bit more budget, a 900/1000 might be the sweet spot. I really like the look of the Kawasaki Z900 RS (4 cylinder) but the Yamaha MT-09/10 or XSR900 (more retro-looking bike with the triple) or the Honda CB650R/CB1000R (4 cylinder) might also be worth a look. I love the idea of a Triumph but there isn't one that really grabs me. The Street/Speed Triples appeal most on spec but look a bit too "Streetfighter" and the Bonnevilles look lovely but I didn't find them that comfortable and they're not that powerful.
Stevemr said:
I am amazed you found a GSX1400 listless.
£4K will get you a good XXR1300 Yamaha
£5K will get you a good GSX1400
Both over 15 years old so join VJMC and insure as classics.
Suzuki slightly quicker, handles a bit better. Yamaha looks better.
Could add cb1300 and zrx1200 to that list.£4K will get you a good XXR1300 Yamaha
£5K will get you a good GSX1400
Both over 15 years old so join VJMC and insure as classics.
Suzuki slightly quicker, handles a bit better. Yamaha looks better.
The cb and xjr tend to be a bit cheaper than the others but there isn’t much between them how they ride.
The later cb can be had with abs if that’s important to you.
Yam also revamped the xjr to a bit cafe racer. I was tempted by one but the small tank put me off.
I have a similar shopping list to you. Want a need bike for Sunday fun. My eclectic list so far, in no particular order:
Speed Twin 1200 - sat on one yesterday, might test ride, it's not huge to sit on tho (I'm 6'3")
Tuono - I had a Mk2 Tuono V2, wish I'd never sold it, might try another one if a good one comes up
CB1300 - highly regarded but a boat of a thing, wheelbase not much shorter than my American RV!
Indian Scout - wildcard, might not suit me, never had a bike like that, but saw one which looked really good
Indian FTR - can't make my mind up whether I like these or not
Monster 1200 - sat on one yesterday, they have this weird thing where the front "disappears" when you're sat on it. Might be worth a ride
Z900RS - loved these since they came out, test rode a nice orange & brown one yesterday, loved the looks but it was 100% UJM to ride, nothing about it tweaked my pips
Norton Commando 961 - they're down well below £10k now, might be too wristy tho?
I've also wondered whether to look at things like the Enfields, BSA Goldie, etc. I'm not sure they will get the juices flowing either though?
Speed Twin 1200 - sat on one yesterday, might test ride, it's not huge to sit on tho (I'm 6'3")
Tuono - I had a Mk2 Tuono V2, wish I'd never sold it, might try another one if a good one comes up
CB1300 - highly regarded but a boat of a thing, wheelbase not much shorter than my American RV!
Indian Scout - wildcard, might not suit me, never had a bike like that, but saw one which looked really good
Indian FTR - can't make my mind up whether I like these or not
Monster 1200 - sat on one yesterday, they have this weird thing where the front "disappears" when you're sat on it. Might be worth a ride
Z900RS - loved these since they came out, test rode a nice orange & brown one yesterday, loved the looks but it was 100% UJM to ride, nothing about it tweaked my pips
Norton Commando 961 - they're down well below £10k now, might be too wristy tho?
I've also wondered whether to look at things like the Enfields, BSA Goldie, etc. I'm not sure they will get the juices flowing either though?
Bob_Defly said:
Go and test ride a Speed Twin 1200, the torque is great for overtaking, and it's less wristy than a Thruxton.
I was going to suggest a Speed Twin.I bought myself a new Ducati Monster 937 last year and it's great for going fast, and handles like a supersport but I found it a pain in traffic as it just wants to go.
And out in the countryside I was often blasting along at jail time speeds
I chopped It in for a Speed Twin 900 and couldn't be happier.
It's happy at cruising at low speeds and has enough poke to be silly. Great at cutting through traffic with me pretending to be Steve McQueen escaping from the Wermacht
Went to a Triumph dealer earlier today to have a look at the speed twin 1200. It's got the sort of look that I like but the exhaust note wasn't anything to write home about. I'll have a look to see if I can find any examples of a partially unmuted bike. I don't want a stupidly loud exhaust, but a nice exhaust tone is what really gets my blood pumping when it comes to anything automotive.
I also went to a BMW dealer and had a look at the R12 nineT which seems like a stupid name. But that bike with the option 719 with gold and accents and gold spoked wheels really does it for me. But I was thinking of finding a bike for £3-6k and now I'm going mad and looking at a £17k new bike. I suppose I could spend £17k if it were my primary transport, but it's really not going to be anything like that. Just a toy for sunny days when I need a bit of escapism.
I'm going to see if I can find a Ducati Monster for sale somewhere. I think they look great, but for some reason I am looking at twins when I sort of decided I wanted a four cylinder. Should I be looking at an old Bandit 1200? Right price, right look, but maybe a pile of rusty bolts by now.
I think I really need to narrow down what I really want and then hunt for that..
I also went to a BMW dealer and had a look at the R12 nineT which seems like a stupid name. But that bike with the option 719 with gold and accents and gold spoked wheels really does it for me. But I was thinking of finding a bike for £3-6k and now I'm going mad and looking at a £17k new bike. I suppose I could spend £17k if it were my primary transport, but it's really not going to be anything like that. Just a toy for sunny days when I need a bit of escapism.
I'm going to see if I can find a Ducati Monster for sale somewhere. I think they look great, but for some reason I am looking at twins when I sort of decided I wanted a four cylinder. Should I be looking at an old Bandit 1200? Right price, right look, but maybe a pile of rusty bolts by now.
I think I really need to narrow down what I really want and then hunt for that..
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