Interference Fit

Gorgeous, and yes, I'm open minded as to a potential shift in preferences. In terms of pure theatre and visual appeal, I'd have a hard time deciding between a Ducati Street Fighter and a MV Dragster, but thankfully I'm now of an age and level of wisdom to accept that as a novice, I might as well order the flowers at the same time as the bike if I were to be so foolish. And this is where I'm torn. Sensible head says just get a small 300-500cc bike for a year and see how you get on, then use that as a contextual frame of reference for years 2 and beyond when insurance and experience are improved. And if so, which one. Hence thread.

Thanks - same as you, long in the torso, 33" inside leg. Being true to myself and reflecting on years of classic/interesting car ownership, a lot has to do with aesthetics and pride of ownership. I get as much pleasure cleaning, tinkering, maintaining and polishing as I do driving. I like things that are a bit special, even at the expense of functional performance. I like to look at something and think, yeah, I own that. In car speak, the Honda NSX is a better car than the Ferrari 348 in every single measurable way - on paper, to own, to drive - a better car all round. But I'd spend my money on the Ferrari every day of the week and twice on Sunday because it just feels (emotionally) far more special.

Thanks for the replies. I'll be selling a classic car to fund this so will have up to about £10k to spend (less preferably) and don't have a particular preference between new and used. From the static showroom trial fit, the SV650 (and a Monster 821) felt decent size wise as my legs are pretty average, it's my long back that makes me taller than average. I've read good things about the MT07 but I just can't get on with the looks. Would a used Monster 796 or 797 be a reasonable shout?

Thanks, I've not considered insurance to be honest - it has kind of fallen off the radar as I've got older and most cars are reasonable. is this not the case with bikes? How does bike insurance costs compare with cars?

I'm in my 40's and just starting my UK DAS process toward getting my first ever bike. I'm enthusiastically watching endless youtube bike reviews and have started visiting bike showrooms to get a feel of what I might like as a first bike, but I'm getting lost in the mix and could do with some advice as what I read can be very conflicting at times. I'm 6'4" which I'm realising is a factor to consider having now sat on a good few bikes. The bike will only be used for local weekend rides of no more than an hour at a time, purely for fun - I'm not interested in touring, track days or any kind of off road activity - this will purely be a road bike for pleasure. Whilst I love sports cars and currently have a Caterham, I know that I need to be sensible with a bike and not bite off more than I can chew. I'm rather level headed, boring and sensible and will not be trying to wheelie or any other kind of shenanigans - I just want to ride, have fun and enjoy it, as safely and easily as possible. Perhaps if I share my thoughts and observations so far, those who have been through my journey might be able to steer me back on track or away from disaster? Big priority (perhaps wrongly) is the bike has to be visually appealing - if I don't like the look, then I don't think I'd go for it. To give you an idea of the fantasy bikes that set my pulse racing, it's things like the MV Augusta Rush or Dragster, the Panigale, the Triumph Rocket 3R, the Diavel V4 etc - all scream character and drama, but I know none of them are even remotely appropriate for an inexperienced rider, however they point toward what visually resonates. Following reviews, I visited a few showrooms to sit on some bikes for an initial ergo and gut check. These have been my findings so far: Honda: Rebel 500 - far too small, don't like forward controls at all, so most if not all cruisers are out CB500R - liked it, but felt a bit 'pretend' and also a bit too small CB500F - Fitted very well indeed, really comfy, but I looked ridiculous on it, like I was riding a child's bike - just too small for me CB500X - Much more like it - probably the sensible choice, but, not 100% on the looks 750 Hornet - Mmmm, can't put my finger on it, but just didn't hit the spot despite similarities with the 500X/F Triumph: Trident - Felt like a more refined bike than the Hondas but again, just a bit too small / cramped for my height and I looked/felt a bit silly on it Street Triple 765RS - Wow, loved this but felt very intimidated by it and it's power/performance potential and know deep down it would not be a good choice for me Tiger 660 - didn't have one to try but might be a good option? Ducati: Monster - Decent all round, just didn't feel quite like me and not massively into the looks Super Sport - Lovely, but again, bit cramped and intimidating / inappropriate Suzuki: SV650 - This felt the most appropriate and sensible so far, fitted well and didn't intimidate, preferred it to the Monster as still had the old school tube frame, but is it long in the tooth now? GSX 8S - Really liked this although styling perhaps one that would grow on me. Again, a great fit, comfy and didn't intimidate Aprillia: Tuono 660 - Very nice, very comfy but a bit of a mix of styles, not sure what it is and next to the RS660, it was soon forgotten - also probably too much for a new rider? RS660 - Fell in love. Totally. Yes, a bit 'on the wrists', but was soo gorgeous and comfy, I'd want to forgive it everything. But again, probably one for a couple of years time? BMW: F900R - Liked this, felt very grown up and about the right size and comfort, but perhaps a bit much for a novice? F900XR - As above but felt even more appropriate for my height, if a little intimidating size wise and again, a bit much for inexperienced riders? Wanted to sit on a GS310 but didn't have one on site KTM: Just not for me, any of them. So, other than not sitting on the BMW GS310 or Triumph Tiger 660, my thoughts are that the Suzuki SV650 and the GSX-8S felt the most comfortable, did not feel intimidating, felt appropriate and unlikely to tempt me to push beyond my own limits too soon. The sensible choice as it were, whilst I dream of an Aprillia RS660? Had a look at a few Kawasakis but none floated my boat and I don't like the Yamaha MTs. Am I on the right track here or am I totally barking up the wrong tree? If I were to go for say a Honda CB500X or GS310, would I be wanting to upgrade too soon, or is that actually a good thing to build up slowly into bigger bikes? Can people start off on a bigger more powerful bike and still successfully learn to be safe, competent riders? All suggestions, pointers and experiences welcome.