First 'big' bike

[2E]

Looking to get my first big bike, have about 500 quid to toy with..

i know its not a huge amount but im not looking for a mint condition new bike, anything 1980+ considered.. part exchange would be ideal, as itll also free up space on my drive, need rid of the cb100.:shooter

Prefer Chopper/cruiser style, but will consider tourers such as the Yamaha XJ600.. like my hondas too (plus look like a tard riding a suzuki bandit with honda leathers:grin2), shadows, rebels ;) hornets amongst the top..

Anyone got anything or find anything, let me know please!:grin2

Thanks.

[Liokaiser]

Im guessing you didnt buy the Eliminator then?

[2E]

Im guessing you didnt buy the Eliminator then?

No theres a post about it..

[Tark]

I dont think you will get a Hornet for £500. You might get something though.

[kasandrich]

If you were lucky you might pick up a Fazer for £500.

But remember, you need to get whatever you buy restricted and thats £150-£200, unles you buy a 33BHP bike. Like a Goose or something.

http://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/suzuki-history/1992/1992_GOOSE350_250jpg.jpg

I think they are 33BHP as standard.

One of the bike sales sites, has a list of 33BHP legal bikes, and a list of bikes that can be restricted, could be very usefull, I'll try and find it for you.

[kasandrich]

33bhp bikes, and bikes which can be restricted

here you go.

http://www.bat-motorcycles.co.uk/33bhp.asp

[rembrandt]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1997-HONDA-CMX-250-C-BLACK_W0QQitemZ280149327450QQihZ018QQcategoryZ9806 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[sniffer dagenham]

Try this one then. Looks in good nick for the age.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Honda-CB-500_W0QQitemZ300146308309QQihZ020QQcategoryZ9806QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[kasandrich]

Tooey, I know you say you like choppers and cruisers, I take it you are aware that the reason sports bikes have a lean forward position is NOT just about aerodynamics? A bike actually needs weight on the front tyre to make it go round corners, choppers and cruisers tend to have a weight backwards riding position, making the front end light and making them corner poorly, (not to mention the ground clearance), I would recommend at least an upright position, like a Bandit, Fazer, etc.

Once you get on a proper bike, you may find that your requirements change. A Fazer 1000, is not where I pictured myself when I took my test, I fancied a Goldwing, but I wouldn't change the Fazer now. Bikes are about performance, Choppers are not.

I'm not trying to tell you what to think, you are a free spirit, I am just trying to make sure you do think before you spend all your hard earned cash.

My youngest Son David, wanted and still wants a crosser, but having ridden the RS125, he has decided to stick with that, he complained about the riding position at first, but he doesn't now, the XT sits at home and its always the RS125 that goes out.

[chromium05]

Tooey - my first bikes were a 125 Yamaha XVS dragstar and a 125 Yamaha Virago - I wanted a cruiser and wasn't interested in sports machines.

However, I was offered a low mileage, good condition, 1989 Honda VFR400 NC30 for a very good price and I ummed and ahhed for a while before deciding to give it a go.

I am so glad I did. I wouldn't have a cruiser anymore ( except a V-Rod, if someone gave me one).

I should also add that on first passing my test, I bought a T reg XJ600. It was a heap of junk to look at but I actually found it very comfortable to ride.

So, based on that, I'd at least consider a fazer or even an XJ600.

And as much of a pain in the arse as it is, I recommend that instead of plumping for the first bike within your price range that comes along, hold on to your money and keep adding into your bike fund.

GS500 - http://www.gumtree.com/london/22/13094122.html

250cc suzuki - http://www.gumtree.com/london/77/12844777.html

or there are plenty of GPZ500 's around....

[2E]

Thanks guys for all the advice, links, and help.. yes im considering sticking with the cb100, im still riding around with l plates, and although i CAN and probably SHOULD take them off, if i do that theres more chance of a tug, and ive been told the front brake lever bodge is about 3 points..:shooter
I have spoken to a welder today who says it would have to be removed from the bike as its alluminium(or is it alloy?) and welding would melt everything else..:laughboun not sure on how true that is.

[kasandrich]

its true, it would have to come off.

get it fixed if its cheap enough.

[2E]

its true, it would have to come off.

get it fixed if its cheap enough.

so i would have to dismantle the right hand switch and brake lever and take them to get it re-welded..?

[FingerZ!]

my gixxer 400 is for sale if you want it

its a bit tatty and needs tlc but its on the road, taxed, and mot'd i think its got about 5 months left on it or there abouts

goes like a rocket, good tyres, cheap ish insurance

could do with some paint to make it look nice, and maybe seat recovering as it has a hole in it. runs good, recent battery blah blah

just an idea

tim

[Gixxer-TeZ]

Thanks guys for all the advice, links, and help.. yes im considering sticking with the cb100, im still riding around with l plates, and although i CAN and probably SHOULD take them off, if i do that theres more chance of a tug, and ive been told the front brake lever bodge is about 3 points..:shooter
I have spoken to a welder today who says it would have to be removed from the bike as its alluminium(or is it alloy?) and welding would melt everything else..:laughboun not sure on how true that is.


It would need tig welding tooey to get a nice job done, and apart from that it would need grinding out before welding so defo needs to come off the bike. I would have a good look for a second hand lever first though because it might cost less than the welding (well ..... if you want it welded properly that is) and to be honest, I would trust a weld holding on something fine gauge like a brake lever. Also, if it is not a good quality lever and not cast very well, it might be tricky to weld up in the first place.

Try ringing Julian Sopers in Leigh-on-sea for a pattern lever.

01702 715727

[Gixxer-TeZ]

can I also point out (and someone will correct me If I'm wrong) but I think you will also find it's an offence to ride with L plates. (ie; when you have passed your test or driving a car say that someone else is learning in. I've always been on the understaning they need to be removed when a licensed person is driving/riding ????

[DJMCJERICO]

If your not sorted in the next couple of weeks I'll see if I can get to the pub on a Wednesday, My virago is only a 125 but you can have a jump on it and see what you think, it's only about 3inch shorter than a xv535 so might give you an idea.

Listen to other peoples advice and then make your own mind up, it's you that will be riding it.

[2E]

can I also point out (and someone will correct me If I'm wrong) but I think you will also find it's an offence to ride with L plates. (ie; when you have passed your test or driving a car say that someone else is learning in. I've always been on the understaning they need to be removed when a licensed person is driving/riding ????

They have been removed now, am looking to get replacement parts for the cb100 from david silver spares regardless of cost..:grin1