returning rider... choices choices!
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm looking at buying a bike, been away from riding for a few years and life seems to be at a point that i'd be able to have ride again.
anyway, I'm just trying to find something to get! too many options!
when I first passed, I bought a CBR600F, rode it for a while before rebuilding it from the frame up. Eventually sold and stopped riding.
Couple of years ago, got myself a 883 sportster, which whilst I liked having a cruiser, it was a gutless thing but at the time I thought that would be ok as I didn't want to jump back and expect to handle a big bike.
I sold it, didn't replace it.
anyway, now i'm looking again and a triumph explorer 1200 keeps grabbing me. Now I've not ridden one, or anything that bike. Are they hard to handle? Are the "returning ageing biker" suitable?
I'm also considering something more sports tourer - perhaps an older FJR1300
I'm really after something I can just enjoy, it's mostly weekend rides, I'm no racer though, no interest in going absolutely nuts on the road, tbh I'd rather be comfortable and cruise about, that being said, I want "some" excitement, which is what the 883 was really lacking.
if budget allowed i'd have a speedmaster 1200 but £7/8k is a step too far, reasonably want to stick below £5,000.
Or, do I just get a cheap 600 to plod around on for a couple of years to get some riding confidence back
I'm looking at buying a bike, been away from riding for a few years and life seems to be at a point that i'd be able to have ride again.
anyway, I'm just trying to find something to get! too many options!
when I first passed, I bought a CBR600F, rode it for a while before rebuilding it from the frame up. Eventually sold and stopped riding.
Couple of years ago, got myself a 883 sportster, which whilst I liked having a cruiser, it was a gutless thing but at the time I thought that would be ok as I didn't want to jump back and expect to handle a big bike.
I sold it, didn't replace it.
anyway, now i'm looking again and a triumph explorer 1200 keeps grabbing me. Now I've not ridden one, or anything that bike. Are they hard to handle? Are the "returning ageing biker" suitable?
I'm also considering something more sports tourer - perhaps an older FJR1300
I'm really after something I can just enjoy, it's mostly weekend rides, I'm no racer though, no interest in going absolutely nuts on the road, tbh I'd rather be comfortable and cruise about, that being said, I want "some" excitement, which is what the 883 was really lacking.
if budget allowed i'd have a speedmaster 1200 but £7/8k is a step too far, reasonably want to stick below £5,000.
Or, do I just get a cheap 600 to plod around on for a couple of years to get some riding confidence back
If I can make abit of a left field suggestion, Kawasaki Vulcan S.
£5k will get you a couple of years old with less than 2,000 miles on.
Cruiser style so foot forward and comfortable, perky little 650 engine that’ll rev to 9.5k and handles surprisingly well. Weighs in at 220kg but all the weight is low so easy to wheel about.
I’ve had one for 3 years now and everytime think of changing, can’t find anything else that ticks all the boxes without spending daft money. I sustained a a bad back and arm injury but was determined to get back on bike, rule was had to be comfortable on my back and able to get it off the side stand with one arm, it easily did both.
Holding their money better than I thought! Mine must be worth what I paid for it 3 years and 5700 miles ago.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-details/20250326...
£5k will get you a couple of years old with less than 2,000 miles on.
Cruiser style so foot forward and comfortable, perky little 650 engine that’ll rev to 9.5k and handles surprisingly well. Weighs in at 220kg but all the weight is low so easy to wheel about.
I’ve had one for 3 years now and everytime think of changing, can’t find anything else that ticks all the boxes without spending daft money. I sustained a a bad back and arm injury but was determined to get back on bike, rule was had to be comfortable on my back and able to get it off the side stand with one arm, it easily did both.
Holding their money better than I thought! Mine must be worth what I paid for it 3 years and 5700 miles ago.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-details/20250326...
Edited by CoreyDog on Friday 28th March 20:21
Hudson1984 said:
Hi all,
I'm looking at buying a bike, been away from riding for a few years and life seems to be at a point that i'd be able to have ride again.
anyway, I'm just trying to find something to get! too many options!
when I first passed, I bought a CBR600F, rode it for a while before rebuilding it from the frame up. Eventually sold and stopped riding.
Couple of years ago, got myself a 883 sportster, which whilst I liked having a cruiser, it was a gutless thing but at the time I thought that would be ok as I didn't want to jump back and expect to handle a big bike.
I sold it, didn't replace it.
anyway, now i'm looking again and a triumph explorer 1200 keeps grabbing me. Now I've not ridden one, or anything that bike. Are they hard to handle? Are the "returning ageing biker" suitable?
I'm also considering something more sports tourer - perhaps an older FJR1300
I'm really after something I can just enjoy, it's mostly weekend rides, I'm no racer though, no interest in going absolutely nuts on the road, tbh I'd rather be comfortable and cruise about, that being said, I want "some" excitement, which is what the 883 was really lacking.
if budget allowed i'd have a speedmaster 1200 but £7/8k is a step too far, reasonably want to stick below £5,000.
Or, do I just get a cheap 600 to plod around on for a couple of years to get some riding confidence back
I don't get the 'plod around on 600 comment?I'm looking at buying a bike, been away from riding for a few years and life seems to be at a point that i'd be able to have ride again.
anyway, I'm just trying to find something to get! too many options!
when I first passed, I bought a CBR600F, rode it for a while before rebuilding it from the frame up. Eventually sold and stopped riding.
Couple of years ago, got myself a 883 sportster, which whilst I liked having a cruiser, it was a gutless thing but at the time I thought that would be ok as I didn't want to jump back and expect to handle a big bike.
I sold it, didn't replace it.
anyway, now i'm looking again and a triumph explorer 1200 keeps grabbing me. Now I've not ridden one, or anything that bike. Are they hard to handle? Are the "returning ageing biker" suitable?
I'm also considering something more sports tourer - perhaps an older FJR1300
I'm really after something I can just enjoy, it's mostly weekend rides, I'm no racer though, no interest in going absolutely nuts on the road, tbh I'd rather be comfortable and cruise about, that being said, I want "some" excitement, which is what the 883 was really lacking.
if budget allowed i'd have a speedmaster 1200 but £7/8k is a step too far, reasonably want to stick below £5,000.
Or, do I just get a cheap 600 to plod around on for a couple of years to get some riding confidence back
A lot of 600s are pretty quick, plenty fast for enjoyable roads.
Less plodding than most big bikes?
It's the same as with push bikes.
Where will you ride?
Who with?
Why?
I'd buy a different bike for a 15 mile commute than I'd buy for days out in the country or long distance tours or for going to the caff on a Sunday.
Your comments about big bikes, being hard to handle, the answer to that may depend on your height and strength.. Big tall heavy bikes can be arses to park and un-park or manoeuvre on bad surfaces. once you're doing 30mph, they're just a bike unless you're really pushing your luck..
OutInTheShed said:
I don't get the 'plod around on 600 comment?
A lot of 600s are pretty quick, plenty fast for enjoyable roads.
Less plodding than most big bikes?
It's the same as with push bikes.
Where will you ride?
Who with?
Why?
I'd buy a different bike for a 15 mile commute than I'd buy for days out in the country or long distance tours or for going to the caff on a Sunday.
Your comments about big bikes, being hard to handle, the answer to that may depend on your height and strength.. Big tall heavy bikes can be arses to park and un-park or manoeuvre on bad surfaces. once you're doing 30mph, they're just a bike unless you're really pushing your luck..
yeah shouldn't have said plod really, I really mean build confidence, get more riding experience etc. A lot of 600s are pretty quick, plenty fast for enjoyable roads.
Less plodding than most big bikes?
It's the same as with push bikes.
Where will you ride?
Who with?
Why?
I'd buy a different bike for a 15 mile commute than I'd buy for days out in the country or long distance tours or for going to the caff on a Sunday.
Your comments about big bikes, being hard to handle, the answer to that may depend on your height and strength.. Big tall heavy bikes can be arses to park and un-park or manoeuvre on bad surfaces. once you're doing 30mph, they're just a bike unless you're really pushing your luck..
certainly get the push bike analogy (that's why i've got 4 of those buggers haha!!)
I do want a bit of an all rounder, I'm not looking to thrash anything around or be a racer on the road, and in all reality 99% of bikes are going to execute an overtake far quicker than any car i'm likely to have so the excitement factor should be there regardless.
It's mostly a toy, there's no practical job to go with it, I'm not planning bike tours or any of that, no plans to go on an adventure, simply ride with enjoyments.
The Vulcan S is a good shout, certainly one to consider, as are the older muscle bikes (I've always hankered after an old Cb900 hornet)
I think most bikes will really do the job i'm after (mostly because there isn't much of a job it needs to do)
Sports tourer is appealing as I could use it for my monthly office visit (110 miles each way) and that would be the limit of my "touring" but then it's likely to be a compromise in other aspects.
Parking is a bit of a concern, my driveway is on a slope up into the garage - I won't be able to turn the bike around in the garage either so i'll likely be riding it "in" and rolling it "out" so weight is a concern there.
Adventure bikes appeal simply out of looks, they look cool lol. But again will I take it to it's capabilities? no. never.
Perhaps the muscle/naked bike area is the right choice, Yamaha XSR or MT potentially....
choices choices!
in terms of where will I ride? 90% local B roads
Who with? Myself mostly, but cousin and nephew in time is potentially an option
Why? simply enjoyment.
To go back to big and bulky bikes. I'm somewhat of a big and bulky guy lol, but I do want something easy to live with, if we go back to the push bike scenario, I've got fast road bikes, I ride them in lycra, with clipless pedals, bike computer, saddlebag with spares and I set out with a long ride in mind.
I've got a mountain bike that I jump on, wear grotty trainers, take sod all spares and just ride.
I kinda want the mountain bike life for a motorbike, something I can within reason jump on and go. Sure I've got to wear the gear, but it all needs to be easy and enjoyable. So won't be squeezing myself into a tight leather race suit or anything.
hopefully that makes some sense rather than just rambling lol.
gareth_r said:
The 865 Speedmaster and America are in your budget, but 30bhp down on the 1200.
The Thunderbird 1600 would be a bit more, but might be worth a cheeky offer.
I have tested the 865 before and it's a lovely cruiser just a bit too underpowered. Same as my old harley, was a nice thing to ride but a bit gutless. I wasn't a fan of all the noise either, all bark and no bite. The Thunderbird 1600 would be a bit more, but might be worth a cheeky offer.
Lovely bikes though.
Thunderbird is a good shout though, often forget about them! I mean the older Rocket III is affordable but I think I'd be terrified of the thing
Any and every bike you can buy is a compromise. Weight, performance, handling, comfort, style etc. No bike does it all. As such, the right bike is the one you want. Not the one someone else thinks you shuld have, but the one you actually want.
Take as many test rides as you can on as many different makes, models, syles of bike as you can, then go looking for a really good example of the one you want.
While you don't plan to tour, track day, adventure ride etc. perhaps your choice of bike will be an opportunity to try something new!
Take as many test rides as you can on as many different makes, models, syles of bike as you can, then go looking for a really good example of the one you want.
While you don't plan to tour, track day, adventure ride etc. perhaps your choice of bike will be an opportunity to try something new!
Get something lighter.
An FJR isn't a great choice for B roads.
I'm 6'1" and 18 stone and can easily do a 700 mile tour over a weekend on my CBF500.
I'm not dog slow but I don't feel the need to prove to anyone how fast I can go....
Also think about access. Dragging a big bike through a side gate etc is a massive PITA and likely to put you off riding the thing.
An FJR isn't a great choice for B roads.
I'm 6'1" and 18 stone and can easily do a 700 mile tour over a weekend on my CBF500.
I'm not dog slow but I don't feel the need to prove to anyone how fast I can go....
Also think about access. Dragging a big bike through a side gate etc is a massive PITA and likely to put you off riding the thing.
I agree that the bikes may be a bit big just for convenience. You don't want to push one of those around all the time. I found that when I had my pan european, unless I was planning a good ride out, I just couldn't be bothered with it. It's still one of the bikes I owned the longest mind you.
I'm actually currently riding around on a 300cc scooter, I'm just finding that it's all so easy. Wheel it out of the garage, jump on, twist the throttle, 90+mpg, will do 90mph if I need it. Most of the time I just chuck on a bike jacket, helmet and gloves and off I go. I commute on it pretty often as well.
Saying that, I have found myself looking at middleweight naked bikes recently, so not sure how much longer the scooter will last.
But if that sort of bike is what you want, then get one. Or just do what I used to do and keep changing bikes like underwear, much to the displeasure of my wife
;)
I'm actually currently riding around on a 300cc scooter, I'm just finding that it's all so easy. Wheel it out of the garage, jump on, twist the throttle, 90+mpg, will do 90mph if I need it. Most of the time I just chuck on a bike jacket, helmet and gloves and off I go. I commute on it pretty often as well.
Saying that, I have found myself looking at middleweight naked bikes recently, so not sure how much longer the scooter will last.
But if that sort of bike is what you want, then get one. Or just do what I used to do and keep changing bikes like underwear, much to the displeasure of my wife
;)Don't be too worried by weight figures. I'm pretty average and my bikes have all been 250kg+ I have no real issues with them. They certainly aren't heavy once moving, even on tight back roads. Sure a small, light unfaired bike could get arount the tight bends B road quicker but, as said before, everything is a compromise, and I would rather have the comfort, torque, luggage options of a bigger and slightly heavier bike.
Relive your youth op , I am at 63 & 20 yrs away from bikes but no old farts naked,s or adventure for me .
Get a sports bike , my shoulder is killing me , my wrists ache , back etc but I can’t stop grinning .
Things will of died off in the bedroom , so get kicks out on the bike , a naked won’t do it , nor a adeventure unless you were mission position only in the bedroom , get a sports bike !!!
You only live once !!
Hudson1984 said:
I have tested the 865 before and it's a lovely cruiser just a bit too underpowered. Same as my old harley, was a nice thing to ride but a bit gutless. I wasn't a fan of all the noise either, all bark and no bite.
Lovely bikes though.
Thunderbird is a good shout though, often forget about them! I mean the older Rocket III is affordable but I think I'd be terrified of the thing
If you are thinking Thunderbird. I can highly recommend the 1700. Most comfy bike i have ever had. Lovely bikes though.
Thunderbird is a good shout though, often forget about them! I mean the older Rocket III is affordable but I think I'd be terrified of the thing
As someone else said, get one you like. I picked a BMW GS Adventure because it was big and I liked the look of it (I am 6ft 4 and 136kg).
Do i use it for massive touring holidays? Nope. It does my 25 mile commute to and from work in all weather.
I love it. It's comfy, nice riding position. Get between 250 miles and 300 miles a tank.
Work we have BMW RTs. Mainly 1200s with a couple of 1250s. Smaller than my GS but very capable. During my advanced course it was great fun!
Insurance is a good point though. My GS was £800 fully comp with my licence for eight years but zero no claims due to a gap.
Even now with 13 years experience, a bit of no claims (lost some due to a house move and having to cancel my policy sadly) and being an advanced police motorcyclist it's still £680 a year...
This is in a safe place! God knows what it's like in a city.
Do i use it for massive touring holidays? Nope. It does my 25 mile commute to and from work in all weather.
I love it. It's comfy, nice riding position. Get between 250 miles and 300 miles a tank.
Work we have BMW RTs. Mainly 1200s with a couple of 1250s. Smaller than my GS but very capable. During my advanced course it was great fun!
Insurance is a good point though. My GS was £800 fully comp with my licence for eight years but zero no claims due to a gap.
Even now with 13 years experience, a bit of no claims (lost some due to a house move and having to cancel my policy sadly) and being an advanced police motorcyclist it's still £680 a year...
This is in a safe place! God knows what it's like in a city.
LosingGrip said:
As someone else said, get one you like. I picked a BMW GS Adventure because it was big and I liked the look of it (I am 6ft 4 and 136kg).
Do i use it for massive touring holidays? Nope. It does my 25 mile commute to and from work in all weather.
I love it. It's comfy, nice riding position. Get between 250 miles and 300 miles a tank.
Work we have BMW RTs. Mainly 1200s with a couple of 1250s. Smaller than my GS but very capable. During my advanced course it was great fun!
Insurance is a good point though. My GS was £800 fully comp with my licence for eight years but zero no claims due to a gap.
Even now with 13 years experience, a bit of no claims (lost some due to a house move and having to cancel my policy sadly) and being an advanced police motorcyclist it's still £680 a year...
This is in a safe place! God knows what it's like in a city.
£680 with all that advanced stuff under your belt, sorry but that's a mental price.Do i use it for massive touring holidays? Nope. It does my 25 mile commute to and from work in all weather.
I love it. It's comfy, nice riding position. Get between 250 miles and 300 miles a tank.
Work we have BMW RTs. Mainly 1200s with a couple of 1250s. Smaller than my GS but very capable. During my advanced course it was great fun!
Insurance is a good point though. My GS was £800 fully comp with my licence for eight years but zero no claims due to a gap.
Even now with 13 years experience, a bit of no claims (lost some due to a house move and having to cancel my policy sadly) and being an advanced police motorcyclist it's still £680 a year...
This is in a safe place! God knows what it's like in a city.
68 year ole fart here, no advanced stuff, loads of "no claims" one SP30 1700cc Triumph BS21 postcode. £107 with Carole Nash.
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