Novice Bikes - Advice

[Andy-Leics]

Hi

Have held an A licence for 32years but a few months after getting it sold my RD125 & chose 4 wheels.

I now want to get my first proper bike & would welcome member advice/guidance as am getting v mixed up on what model I should be aiming for.

‘Dream’ bike is Ducati Monster but suspect that would be too much for me to cope with until I find my way.

Looking for something with a reasonably upright riding position to save my old back a bit & relatively low seat position so I can get both feet down flat ideally (I’m 6ft but only 31in inside leg).

Use will be mainly pleasure but occasional 110 mile round commute on mainly motorway. Probably dry weather riding & max 3-6k a year.

Rather than brand new am looking for up to 2-3yrs old from a dealer (I don’t know enough to buy private). Oh & needs to look good, of course!

Honda CB500 seems to be a favourite recommendation but am really not sure.

Hope you guys can help.

[Justarn]

You could easily do a 797 monster, the 74bhp would be perfect to get back into it imo.

[Snod Blatter]

Have you considered one of those back-to-biking training courses? Hinckley Rider Training Scheme run such a course, perhaps they could let you try a small bike and then a bigger one?

[Bender]

Fazer fz6 S2

Vstrom 650

Versus 650

What's the budget?

[Gerontious]

Definitely a middle weight "Adventure Bike" and there is a huge choice.. nearly all of which can easily be adjusted so you can flat foot with a 31" inseam.

[JackieOWheels]

Hi [mention]Andy-Leics[/mention]

Like [mention]Snod Blatter[/mention] says, we would recommend you take some training courses just to get yourself familiar with riding again as 32 years is a long time to just come back to a bike that you may soon find is too powerful for you, especially as a lot as changed since then! It's like the scenario with folk who haven't driven a car for that length of time but goes and buys a sports car.

[Andy-Leics]

Have you considered one of those back-to-biking training courses? Hinckley Rider Training Scheme run such a course, perhaps they could let you try a small bike and then a bigger one?

 

Thanks I wasn’t aware they existed

[Andy-Leics]

Fazer fz6 S2

Vstrom 650

Versus 650

What's the budget?

 

Budget not really the problem fortunately, it’s getting the right machine. Thanks for your suggestions I will take a look

[Bender]

All the above are reasonably light upright comfy with a bit of poke when needed, more so the fazer if you take it past 10k

[Kikesin]

Tiger 800

Tracer 900 or 700

Versys 650

or go with your heart and get the Monster

But ditto above suggestions of getting some further training.

Would recommend you do a Bike Safe course and join your local ROSPA or IAM group.

Most of all, have fun

[Arwen]

You will be able to flat foot most mid sized bikes with your inseam. As for monsters... have you sat on one of them recently? I'm around 5'4" and most of them fit me perfectly. So you may feel a bit cramped on them.

I'd definitely recommend going for a refresher course. You will probably ride a 60hp+ bike on that, so a mid ranged monster (if you still want that) straight off would not be too much change from that.

[RAYK47]

My only experience is on a triple R, so I would say get one of those. Light and comfortable, quick enough that you don't get bored within 3 months.

I am sure a Fazer, MT07 and an SV650would also be good.

[Mississippi Bullfrog]

You really need to sit on a range of bikes to get an idea what suits you and is comfortable. I went to look at a Ducati last year but as soon as I sat on it I knew it wasn't right for me. 31 inside leg gives you a huge range to go at.

[Cam93]

I’m selling a 2012 ninja 650 sports tourer, 11k miles, 2 keys and 2 new tyres! 3200.00 asking price as it’s sat in the garage for 18 months and only moved 300 miles so think it’s time to sell.

[Andy-Leics]

I’m selling a 2012 ninja 650 sports tourer, 11k miles, 2 keys and 2 new tyres! 3200.00 asking price as it’s sat in the garage for 18 months and only moved 300 miles so think it’s time to sell.

 

Thanks but I am going to take the advice & do a course firt

[raesewell]

A very wise decision.