Lighter bike for older rider

[SStone]

So I’ve been riding for a couple of decades from scooters to bikes, 125cc through the 650s, 900s and 1100s.  Always sports tourers or naked bikes.   I’m 60 yrs old and struggling with moving and parking my current triumph 900 as it’s feeling heavier every year.  I’m looking to downsize to a much lighter bike which is fun for commuting, can hold its own in traffic and still enjoyable.  Im also looking for a much newer bike for low maintenance rather than my usual 20 to 30 yr old choices. I’m  on a budget of circa £3000 and considering the MT03 and fz6 as possible lighter bikes.   I’m leaning towards the mt03 for cost reasons but I’m concerned that having spent years on bigger bikes I’ll be disappointed. Any advice for an older, experienced rider looking for lightweight daily commuting fun with occasional 100 mile journeys.

[Simon Davey]

Hi @SStone, and welcome to the forum. 

If you could stretch that budget, you'll do alright with Honda GB350. It's getting lots of great reviews. 

[bonio]

Get a drz400sm. Or at least go try one. Its only a 400 so it runs out of puff and you'll notice that overtakes have to be better planned. But mine will still do 75 / 80 with ease and hold its own on a dual carriageway.  Up to 60, though, it's the king of the road. More torque than you know what to do with. Huge fun. And about the fastest machine around town too. 

 

There's a new version that Suzuki have just brought out, but I'd say keep your cash and get one of the originals. They're a 100% bullet proof, easy to service, low maintenance bike.

 

Join the drz400 Facebook group and wait for one to come up for sale.

Edited yesterday at 07:10 by bonio

[RideWithStyles]

Hi and good idea of changing and getting out of the thought of must have this just because I always have done.

At 39 I dropped from a faired 1000 150hp triple to a naked 500 46hp twin (it wasn’t t light in its class) which is far greater than you’ll be doing, it was a change as it was easier to push about but I never found it lacking as it was a twin would do over 90 without a struggle even on hills, handled pillion weights aswell.

 

depending on which manufacturer your most happy with? If you love the triumphs go with a used speed 400. 40hp 170kg, lovely engine…

if you love the transformer plastic fantastic type then mt03 is a good choice.

avoid ktm would be my advice.

you could try Enfield but the meteor and humiliation has 20hp so this might be at the bottom end of list as it isnt mega light for the hp it offers but has charm and looks nice, id say worth a look and a test ride.

The interceptor and so 600 have charm but not sure if its that much lighter than you have now.
if you want left field choice a neighbour when down further (depending on you view of them) to a decent sized engine scooter, he was happy with it.

I’ll have a think of some more suggestions later on. 

[Throttled]

Could lighter be substituted with a lower centre of gravity? I find manoeuvrability is easier, the lower the centre of gravity. I also think I will eventually get a scooter, which is both light and has a low centre of gravity.

[skyrider]

I have a 225 serow which i have had for several years now which at the moment is what i need seeing as i have osteo arthritis in both shoulders 

[Mississippi Bullfrog]

On my travels I have met a few more senior riders on the new Triumph 400s. They have been very pleased with them.