lukesft

Okay great to know thanks! What’s the specific tank bag you use?

Hey there, just put a deposit down on my first bike - 2013 xj6 diversion f. Bloody excited to get out on it and plan on getting a lot of miles in this summer, including a trip to Spain. any advice on what I’ll need in terms of kit would be greatly appreciated. How far to go in terms of toolkit, compressor etc. hi vis I know is a requirement for Europe and saw something about reflectors on helmets? Not sure how true/relevant much of it is other than the vest. the bike has got full luggage and will probably add a tank bag. So fair bit of room. Also best portable locks? Thinking chain and disc with alarm and best ear plugs struggling to find ones that are any good just been using disposable construction ones? any help would be great, seems to be quite a lot to consider . cheers

Yeah thinking most shad systems with small side panniers, top box and a tank bag will be plenty. unfortunately had my first accident this weekend so bit shaken. Quite a sobering moment especially as you feel quite invincible as a newbie - lots to learn from it though sure it’ll make me a better rider. Anyone got must experience on that front was trying to find an accident thread…

Just can’t get over the looks of that one, wish there was more belt drives out there because they seem to be great for reliability.

Oh nice thanks mate! Yes think ideally 1000s are the way to go but as my first bike I think I should probably be looking in the 6/700cc range? from an insurance point of view too

So I’m looking at £4/5k for a bike - on the lower end of that without luggage higher with luggage. Currently looking at sv650s & xj6 diversion prefer a sportier look. Looking to do a trip to Spain this summer don’t need a touring bike but something that’s reliable, economical and somewhat comfortable for a 6’ft 1”. Feel like abs is a must for a new rider too so that would be ideal. Any guidance would be great, thanks

Agreed thanks man

just an update - tried getting test rides at bmw and triumph in London, no bueno. apparently need to of held my license for at least a year! might have to go outside of London? also made a mistake in my insurance quotes and every bike mentioned here and that I have tried is £1000 fully comp. assume for biking comprehensive is best? not off to a good start haha.

Cheers guys appreciate all the tips - agree with you there about experience and people you meet etc. that’s what I’m here for. think I will go to a dealer and test ride a few and go from there. anyone know good bike dealerships in around london or further afield?

Doing some more research on it my only concern is the engine. I loved the mt07 engine in training and felt comfortable yet slightly intimidated by it it was perfect for that blip of adrenaline. My only worry is that the versys (from what I’ve read) doesn’t have that fun side. Am I completely wrong? I mean im a beginner so I’m sure everything will feel amazing but just don’t want to get bored of it in 6 months and want something else would be nice to have something to grow into. if you have any experience on one would be great to know your thoughts.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-details/202302053957415?advertising-location=at_bikes&price-to=5000&postcode=SE17PB&model=Versys 650&sort=price-desc&page=1&price-from=500&make=Kawasaki&include-delivery-option=on been eyeing this up - looks like it’s been looked after.

found a mk3 2018 Versys 650 for £4,600 @ 24,000miles with 3 hard panniers. insurance comes in at £181 so super cheap too. my only concern and not something we've covered is how many miles is too many miles on a bike engine?

Cheers for all these guys. I am a big fan of the 750gs bar the price tag! anyone got anymore thoughts on the Kawasaki er6? Seem good value and I assume reliable from a Japanese manufacturer. tempted by the GS if I can afford have always had my eye on those.

yes apologies - ideally under £5k but could stretch to £7k as an absolute max but would need that to have panniers etc. I assume I can get something reliable and nice for that kind of budget?

Thanks Bonio, okay with that in mind. Let’s say my pillion won’t be touring with me but will hop on for the odd 1/2 hour ride (so need the ability but not necessarily the comfort/power) and wouldn’t be ridden fully loaded with her. what would you recommend then? Fully loaded, great bike I can do thousands of miles on that won’t cost the earth. I will check these quotes out too, the tracer came in around £600 which didn’t seem too bad - oversea riding and pillion always takes it up.

Thanks for all in the insight guys! Much appreciated. Very new to this all. Just some context in 6ft1, about 83kg and active lad so not too worried about weight but do want something fun to ride. Only concern with most of these options is insurance cost as one of the reasons I’ve been looking 6-800cc mark as I’m 24 and literally got my license yesterday. thanks again for all the options but any idea of bikes that can do the same with slightly smaller engines?

Hey there, I have just passed my mod 2 for full category A license. I practiced and tested on an MT-07 and I am looking for a bike around a similar engine size. I plan to go to Europe in the summer on a bike and do some touring. My girlfriend is from Madrid so likely to do lots of riding in Spain and need something suitable for a pillion newbie. I have been recommended the tracer 700 which looks quite ideal - but wondering if anyone had any other recomendations from budget (under £3k) to mid range (£5/6k) to more expensive (around £10k mark). Any help much appreciated - also soft or hard panniers etc? best upgrades and accessories for this kind of trip? cheers L