Bike Recommendations

[JTDG]

Hi all!

 

I passed my CBT around 6 months ago and got myself a CB125F. Bought it for the commute, and my head said “all roads by me are 60, it does 60 no issues” 

 

However I quickly discovered issues. Sure it does 60. Assuming no wind or inclines. So 60, quickly became around 50 into head wind (I live in SW Scotland so we gets lots of wind) but then my main commute is the A75, single carriageway and overtaking spots are uphill. Now 50 quickly becomes 40/45. After two trips on it, I’ve pretty much left the bike in the garage. It’s a great little bike but I’m a heavy guy and I definitely don’t feel safe around the amount of HGV’s we get here. So the Mrs is now probably getting the bike and I’m in the process of doing my DAS.

 

So I am looking for some bike recommendations. Stuff to be aware, Facebook market place has nothing within 50 miles of me. I have a Honda dealership local, (20miles) and we have two shops that only really sell sport bikes.

 

Bikes I have looked at are;

Honda CB650R

Honda 750 Hornet (Honda’s available on the DAS and could be test driven)

Honda CBR650R

MT-07

Trident 660

Z650

 

(bottom three I would have no way to test drive unless I drove atleast 80miles) 

 

I’d rather buy used, but the Honda garage has a pretty poor used selection, so both Honda would be new. 
 

Is there any bikes you would look at recommending that I potentially haven’t considered?

 

It'll be used for commuting, but I also want something fun that I can take out on weekends.

 

[husoi]

I would suggest that you go to a dealer and sit on the ones you fancy.

No point in us telling you what we like if you're the one riding it

Honda is well known to be the best brand of you want trouble free ownership.

From all the bikes I ever had, only one had a problem with the ecu and because I rode it to a flooded area and had water up to the tank.

Other than that even the old shadow is a great bike. Yes showing signs of age but you expect that for a 35yr old bike.

 

If possible, have a ride test to see which one you feel comfortable with both on height and riding position 

[JTDG]

17 minutes ago, husoi said:

I would suggest that you go to a dealer and sit on the ones you fancy.

No point in us telling you what we like if you're the one riding it

Honda is well known to be the best brand of you want trouble free ownership.

From all the bikes I ever had, only one had a problem with the ecu and because I rode it to a flooded area and had water up to the tank.

Other than that even the old shadow is a great bike. Yes showing signs of age but you expect that for a 35yr old bike.

 

If possible, have a ride test to see which one you feel comfortable with both on height and riding position 

I will be going down to try the Honda’s but as mentioned three of them it would almost be impossible to try unless I was travelling close to a 100 miles, but if someone said (the mt-07 is worth travelling to try I’d probably go and try it, likewise if someone said it’s not great I wouldn’t bother with the journey) Those are the bikes I have considered, Ideally I am looking for recommendations for bikes I maybe haven’t heard of or thought of, I didn’t even know about the z650 until I saw one pass me the other day and I was like “what’s that!” (had only really heard of the ninja 650) 
 

 

Edited February 23 by JTDG

[Essexboy]

I owned a CB650R previously and it was a cracking bike and would have another.

 

Some schools are affiliated to Honda (for example) and used to offer big savings on a new bike when you passed your test. I got 1K knocked off a brand new bike as I passed with a Honda affiliated school.

Might be worth asking your local training schools if the deal currently exists? 

[JTDG]

3 minutes ago, Essexboy said:

I owned a CB650R previously and it was a cracking bike and would have another.

 

Some schools are affiliated to Honda (for example) and used to offer big savings on a new bike when you passed your test. I got 1K knocked off a brand new bike as I passed with a Honda affiliated school.

Might be worth asking your local training schools if the deal currently exists? 

Aye the school I’m with is Honda affiliated and I know you do get discount on Honda not sure what the discount is though! 

[Simon Davey]

You could reduce the engine capacity and look at a GB350. £4k new, and will do everything except kill you. 

Have a look at YouTube reviews, especially the MCN video. 

[onesea]

You want a bike for a commute in wet windy conditions.  You don’t mention distance.

 

My thoughts would go to:

• Fairing - don’t go fully naked it’s more tiring, cold and wet,
• Fuel consumption - it soon mounts up,
• Bag carrying - top box or panniers, there is always something to go to work from time to time.
• Sit up position - is much more comfortable and better visibility in traffic,

From Top of head:

• Honda NX700 / 750 - sensible all rounder,
• Enfield Himalayan,
• Mt07 tracer (faired version),
• MT09 tracer - fuel consumption up
• TDM 900 -old bikes now
• Africa Twin

 

Sit on EVERY bike you can see what feels right, then be patient.

 

Oh and don’t buy from Superbike Warehouse

[Simon Davey]

@onesea I wish I'd spoken to you before I bought my bike.... I considered nothing except, "phoar, that sounds good"...

[Essexboy]

38 minutes ago, Simon Davey said:

@onesea I wish I'd spoken to you before I bought my bike.... I considered nothing except, "phoar, that sounds good"...

That's how I bought a Monster

[JTDG]

2 hours ago, onesea said:

You want a bike for a commute in wet windy conditions.  You don’t mention distance.

 

My thoughts would go to:

• Fairing - don’t go fully naked it’s more tiring, cold and wet,
• Fuel consumption - it soon mounts up,
• Bag carrying - top box or panniers, there is always something to go to work from time to time.
• Sit up position - is much more comfortable and better visibility in traffic,

From Top of head:

• Honda NX700 / 750 - sensible all rounder,
• Enfield Himalayan,
• Mt07 tracer (faired version),
• MT09 tracer - fuel consumption up
• TDM 900 -old bikes now
• Africa Twin

 

Sit on EVERY bike you can see what feels right, then be patient.

 

Oh and don’t buy from Superbike Warehouse

Will have a look into these cheers! I’m planning a trip to see family in Liverpool in a few weeks so might try and find some of those bikes while down there.

[Fleck]

I bought the new Hornet 750 and it's fantastic, easy to ride, plenty of power - in fact it's too good because I can never sell it

Edited February 23 by Fleck

[V650]

I have the Honda CB500X and it is great 

Fuel consumption is also great 

J

[Mawsley]

I don't commute anymore, but when I used to clock up around 30-40k miles a years I swore by the shaft drive XJ range. I'm out of the loop on new bikes, I'm betting shafts are far and few between, but if you stumble across a low mileage regularly serviced XJ900S then snap it up. Consumption is acceptable, it's good for long distance comfort and the weather protection is reasonable with some mitts added. The last thing I ever wanted to do was mess about with chains on cold or wet days.

 

Genuinely think if I faced the possibility these days I'd go for a belt-driven superscooter.

[muldoon74]

10 hours ago, JTDG said:

Hi all!

 

I passed my CBT around 6 months ago and got myself a CB125F. Bought it for the commute, and my head said “all roads by me are 60, it does 60 no issues” 

 

However I quickly discovered issues. Sure it does 60. Assuming no wind or inclines. So 60, quickly became around 50 into head wind (I live in SW Scotland so we gets lots of wind) but then my main commute is the A75, single carriageway and overtaking spots are uphill. Now 50 quickly becomes 40/45. After two trips on it, I’ve pretty much left the bike in the garage. It’s a great little bike but I’m a heavy guy and I definitely don’t feel safe around the amount of HGV’s we get here. So the Mrs is now probably getting the bike and I’m in the process of doing my DAS.

 

So I am looking for some bike recommendations. Stuff to be aware, Facebook market place has nothing within 50 miles of me. I have a Honda dealership local, (20miles) and we have two shops that only really sell sport bikes.

 

Bikes I have looked at are;

Honda CB650R

Honda 750 Hornet (Honda’s available on the DAS and could be test driven)

Honda CBR650R

MT-07

Trident 660

Z650

 

(bottom three I would have no way to test drive unless I drove atleast 80miles) 

 

I’d rather buy used, but the Honda garage has a pretty poor used selection, so both Honda would be new. 
 

Is there any bikes you would look at recommending that I potentially haven’t considered?

 

It'll be used for commuting, but I also want something fun that I can take out on weekends.

 

You're in a similar situation to me (except wife wont be getting my cb125f as she neither can nor wants to ride!).. 

 

I'm a heavier guy aswell (although that is going to change, health issues starting to appear..)

 

I love the Honda and got an indicated 61mph out of it yesterday (even though Rever app says max 59mph)..

 

Like you however I get frustrated (would be on any 125cc I feel) at lack of overtaking power as at 50 mph you've not much left to overtake and getaway so just have to hold back and hope the bugger in front turns off at some point soon.. 

 

I intend doing DAS this year and, like you, am looking at bigger bikes. 

 

Have you considered Royal Enfield or CF Moto?

 

https://www.amrmotorcyclesltd.com/category/royal-enfield

 

amr are in Hillington in Glasgow, maybe worth a wee day trip to have a look, get a test ride? 

 

There are some great deals on RE and CF at the moment. 

 

I have the "Chinese" doubts as well but an NK650 for £4000 brand new?.. Gotta be worth a look..(Basically the NK looks exactly like the z650... also, I may be wrong, but I'm sure the NK engines are derived from the Kawasaki units used in the z650 or its predecessor).... 

 

If your hell bent on a brand new honda you'll maybe have to travel and take a day out (as per royal enfield above.)

 

You could have a bash on an RE at hillington then pop over to Victor Devine and co for a go on a couple of Hondas. Make a day of it. I'm luckier in a way as I'm Central Scotland and there are plenty within an hour for me to go to. 

 

Where you live might be a bit of pain when it comes to actually going to a dealer but on the plus side you've got some awesome roads down there for when you get the bigger bike.. (I used to deliver all round Dumfries, Stranraer etc.. Looking forward to some all dayers when I get my big bike aswell..)#

 

[onesea]

7 hours ago, Simon Davey said:

@onesea I wish I'd spoken to you before I bought my bike.... I considered nothing except, "phoar, that sounds good"...

Not certain I like that statement, it could be considered that it makes me sound sensible.

Inwill try and remedy this with future advice.

 

Have you considered a RocketIII Enoughbtorque to haul the fatest ass up the best mountain Scotland can supply.
 

Edited February 23 by onesea

[muldoon74]

https://www.amrmotorcyclesltd.com/product-page/royal-enfield-411-scram-premium

 

4k for a brand new Scram 411?

 

Not to be sneezed at..... (I'm seriously considering this post-DAS..)

 

AMR in Glasgow aswell.. 

[bonio]

If you're commuting you really want a screen. Some fairings too to keep your legs dry - semi faired will do.

 

A top box is perfect for a commute, but make sure its big enough for a laptop or whatever it is you need to take in with you. A Lomo bag on a rack or the pillion seat is not a bad alternative, but you don't want to be lugging stuff around in a rucksack... it soon gets wearying.

 

For secondhand, You might add a vstrom 650 or a versys 650 to your list. An sv650s isn't a bad option,and cheap as chips, but you'd have to sort something out for luggage.

 

If you're looking at new or newish then I'd be taking a look at what cfmoto or voge have to offer. But it's not worth buying new if there's no dealer support near you.

Edited February 23 by bonio

[IndigoJo]

12 hours ago, JTDG said:

Hi all!

 

I passed my CBT around 6 months ago and got myself a CB125F. Bought it for the commute, and my head said “all roads by me are 60, it does 60 no issues” 

 

However I quickly discovered issues. Sure it does 60. Assuming no wind or inclines. So 60, quickly became around 50 into head wind (I live in SW Scotland so we gets lots of wind) but then my main commute is the A75, single carriageway and overtaking spots are uphill. Now 50 quickly becomes 40/45. After two trips on it, I’ve pretty much left the bike in the garage. It’s a great little bike but I’m a heavy guy and I definitely don’t feel safe around the amount of HGV’s we get here. So the Mrs is now probably getting the bike and I’m in the process of doing my DAS.

 

So I am looking for some bike recommendations. Stuff to be aware, Facebook market place has nothing within 50 miles of me. I have a Honda dealership local, (20miles) and we have two shops that only really sell sport bikes.

 

If you want something with a bit more oomph than the CB125F, you could look at the NX500 (or any Honda 500) or the GB350S. That's Honda's take on the Enfield 350cc/20hp bike -- about twice the power of the CB125F, fuel economy about 100mpg which is twice what a 650cc sports bike will give you.

 

Look on Auto Trader as well; that has ads from dealerships in the area, not just personal ads. 

[JTDG]

3 hours ago, muldoon74 said:

You're in a similar situation to me (except wife wont be getting my cb125f as she neither can nor wants to ride!).. 

 

I'm a heavier guy aswell (although that is going to change, health issues starting to appear..)

 

I love the Honda and got an indicated 61mph out of it yesterday (even though Rever app says max 59mph)..

 

Like you however I get frustrated (would be on any 125cc I feel) at lack of overtaking power as at 50 mph you've not much left to overtake and getaway so just have to hold back and hope the bugger in front turns off at some point soon.. 

 

I intend doing DAS this year and, like you, am looking at bigger bikes. 

 

Have you considered Royal Enfield or CF Moto?

 

https://www.amrmotorcyclesltd.com/category/royal-enfield

 

amr are in Hillington in Glasgow, maybe worth a wee day trip to have a look, get a test ride? 

 

There are some great deals on RE and CF at the moment. 

 

I have the "Chinese" doubts as well but an NK650 for £4000 brand new?.. Gotta be worth a look..(Basically the NK looks exactly like the z650... also, I may be wrong, but I'm sure the NK engines are derived from the Kawasaki units used in the z650 or its predecessor).... 

 

If your hell bent on a brand new honda you'll maybe have to travel and take a day out (as per royal enfield above.)

 

You could have a bash on an RE at hillington then pop over to Victor Devine and co for a go on a couple of Hondas. Make a day of it. I'm luckier in a way as I'm Central Scotland and there are plenty within an hour for me to go to. 

 

Where you live might be a bit of pain when it comes to actually going to a dealer but on the plus side you've got some awesome roads down there for when you get the bigger bike.. (I used to deliver all round Dumfries, Stranraer etc.. Looking forward to some all dayers when I get my big bike aswell..)#

 

Luckily there is a Honda dealer about 35 minutes from me. But I actually work in Glasgow. My commute however is to Lockerbie then train up. So don’t mind having a nosey while up in Glasgow.

When I was looking for a 125 I had looked into some Chinese. But both my instructor and the Honda Garage scared me off. It also didn’t help that when I went to view a lexmoto brand new it failed to start! (Though that nk650 looks tidy) 
 

Not considered RE so will have a look! 

 

[JTDG]

6 hours ago, Fleck said:

I bought the new Hornet 750 and it's fantastic, easy to ride, plenty of power - in fact it's too good because I can never sell it

It is a good looking bike. I’m actually going on a taster session before my das and there will be both a cb650r and hornet 750 present. So will be able to get my bum on some seats! 

[JTDG]

2 hours ago, bonio said:

If you're commuting you really want a screen. Some fairings too to keep your legs dry - semi faired will do.

 

A top box is perfect for a commute, but make sure its big enough for a laptop or whatever it is you need to take in with you. A Lomo bag on a rack or the pillion seat is not a bad alternative, but you don't want to be lugging stuff around in a rucksack... it soon gets wearying.

 

For secondhand, You might add a vstrom 650 or a versys 650 to your list. An sv650s isn't a bad option,and cheap as chips, but you'd have to sort something out for luggage.

 

If you're looking at new or newish then I'd be taking a look at what cfmoto or voge have to offer. But it's not worth buying new if there's no dealer support near you.

Topbox is something I am looking at as while my commute is to the train station (I don’t quite fancy a 100mile commute on a bike to work!) my backpack doesn’t half get heavy! Can a screen be added to any bike? 

[bonio]

44 minutes ago, JTDG said:

Can a screen be added to any bike? 

Yeah, you can. I've got an mri universal screen that I stick on the drz in winter. It's ugly but good for keeping the cold air off my chest.

[Fleck]

10 hours ago, muldoon74 said:

https://www.amrmotorcyclesltd.com/product-page/royal-enfield-411-scram-premium

 

4k for a brand new Scram 411?

 

Not to be sneezed at..... (I'm seriously considering this post-DAS..)

 

AMR in Glasgow aswell.. 

OMG that bike is 9kg heavier than the 750 Hornet and is only 24bhp. If I had to ride that I'd give up motorcycling

[Fleck]

10 hours ago, muldoon74 said:

https://www.amrmotorcyclesltd.com/product-page/royal-enfield-411-scram-premium

 

4k for a brand new Scram 411?

 

Not to be sneezed at..... (I'm seriously considering this post-DAS..)

 

AMR in Glasgow aswell.. 

Have a look at the Honda CL500. It's nearly double the power, has a smoother twin cylinder engine and is lighter. 

[RideWithStyles]

23 hours ago, JTDG said:

Hi all!

 

I passed my CBT around 6 months ago and got myself a CB125F. Bought it for the commute, and my head said “all roads by me are 60, it does 60 no issues” 

 

23 hours ago, JTDG said:

However I quickly discovered issues. Sure it does 60. Assuming no wind or inclines. So 60, quickly became around 50 into head wind (I live in SW Scotland so we gets lots of wind) but then my main commute is the A75, single carriageway and overtaking spots are uphill. Now 50 quickly becomes 40/45. After two trips on it, I’ve pretty much left the bike in the garage. It’s a great little bike but I’m a heavy guy and I definitely don’t feel safe around the amount of HGV’s we get here. So the Mrs is now probably getting the bike and I’m in the process of doing my DAS.

 

 

So I am looking for some bike recommendations. Stuff to be aware, Facebook market place has nothing within 50 miles of me. I have a Honda dealership local, (20miles) and we have two shops that only really sell sport bikes.

 

Bikes I have looked at are;

Honda CB650R

Honda 750 Hornet (Honda’s available on the DAS and could be test driven)

Honda CBR650R

MT-07

Trident 660

Z650

 

(bottom three I would have no way to test drive unless I drove atleast 80miles) 

 

I’d rather buy used, but the Honda garage has a pretty poor used selection, so both Honda would be new. 
 

Is there any bikes you would look at recommending that I potentially haven’t considered?

 

It'll be used for commuting, but I also want something fun that I can take out on weekends.

 

Hi and congratulations.

Until end of last year we had the wife’s cbf125, some Pretty steep hill around us, as long as you keep it in the sweet spot of the upper range it should be good, don’t worry aslong as it’s got fuel and a good amount of oil in it keeping it to red line is ok for it and wont harm it.

skinny tyres don’t need much action to get them to turn, we had a top box on it so wind could catch it, if you tuck in it reduces the wind drag- a little goes a long way with those things.

 

well one question goes, who’s gonna service it? You or the Honda dealer or some other some dealers/garage?

Need to check what conditions this dealer has? Some have a policy of only servicing their own sold bikes first and others to a certain age it reaches…so just don’t assume.

So this dealer with a “poor selection of used bikes” is already saying what it does and has an interest in…

 

Should be a small bike business somewhere rather than a stealers about, maybe you havnt noticed? Some don’t bother with FB or online side of stuff, too costly and time consuming.

 

just to note be mindful that the list their are roadsters apart from the cbr650r which is sort of classed as a my first sportsbike…

What sort of price bracket are you thinking? Plus check the insurance for any bike prior to committing to, they can vary wildly.

the engine configurations will have a very different aspect to how it goes about its business not just power, a low powered but revvy inline 4 might be tiresome around your area for you (plus smaller profile bike for a big chap).

 

mt07 is more of a wilder Beast, giggles for experienced riders Sunday blast but maybe abit too wild and edgy? Depends on you mind set but is suspect if your put off by the cbf125 moving about abit then I think edgy is not the way at the moment…

 

the trident triple is a good alternative but expensive and some don’t like the triple engine….personally I love it.

 

a parallel twin or vtwin (like a Suzuki vstrom) is a great road choice.

tons of torque low down and flat delivery, I spent a happy 4years on one (A2class bike of 500cc 46hp so roughly five times the power of the cbf125) AFTER I sold the triple 955cc so a massive down sizing, would easily do over 100 with at least 4thou left in reserves even with a pillion on, never got below 75mpg, service was cheaper, consumables were cheap and lasted.

 

if your a tall and big chap then maybe a adv style of bike maybe better for you? More details will narrow it down for us.

Edited February 24 by RideWithStyles