New Motorbike (any ideas?)

[Jameen]

Right, its coming up to my 17th birthday, and since i am now completely in love with motorbikes, I have decided that I am going to take my motorbike test, and get on a big boys bike (instead of this annoyin lil' 50 i have at the moment)

As the laws in this country are annoying, ill have to get a bike thats restricted to 33 bhp or less.

I'm looking at 400's at the moment, although I've been offered a couple of 600's (CBr 600 F, GSX-R 600) and even been offered a gixxer 750 :eek:

Anyone actually got any idea what these bikes would be like restricted to this pathetic amount of power output?

Also, has anyone got any other ideas for bike that might be suitable to start on?

Appreciate any feedback!

Thanks

Jameen

[Emissary]

You really don't wanna try insuring a 600 or a 750 mate, not unless u'v got REALLY deep pockets.

U'll be payin an arm and a leg for a 400 at your age, I did and I was 2 years older.

The 400s a good option though, they weigh the same as a modern superbike and their size means they handle really well (bit of a generalization but I no the hondas do). I'v had 2 restricted 400s, an early model CBR, the aero, first of the line, and now I'v got final model NC30, the VFR. The handling on the CBR wasn't up to scratch, but its nothing like a CBR as you no it, it barely qualifys, but the NC30 is an absolute dream. And both motors hav plenty of useable power even when restricted.

Restricted 400s tend to top out at just over a ton, though I'v seen nearly a 120 out of mine down a long gentle hill. Just riding on your own or with cars around u'll wonder why u ever want more power, honestly. Its only when u ride against superbikes that wish u had more, and even then, through the twisties, they won't get away. Most people are surprised by its performance as a 400, let alone that its restricted.

Through the twisties I'v pulled in everything from speed triples, daytonas, R1s even a 916 on one occasion (don't ask me how) so they ain't lacking

[Jameen]

Yeah I was lookin at the CBR an VFR. I dont like the Aero though, looks too old an ugly! I was lookin at an early 91 CBR Gull Arm (I think) goin for around £3,500. Way too much, but it was in a dealership. Im looking around for other cbrs, cause i think thats what i really want.

I've had a couple of quotes on insurance. Got one for £2,500 :mad: which is really stupid cause i dont really want to spend that much on buyin the bike!

Well ive got a couple of weeks till my birthday, and my nice fat paycheck to start savin up properly for this baby. Gonna hopefully be ridin it by february...HOPEFULLY!

If anyone knows anyone who has a CBR 400 an is sellin it, I might be interested ;)

Thanks

Jameen

[TazUk]

Having owned two VFR400's I'd recommend one of those :D

Comparing the VFR to the CBR, the VFR feels like it's more powerful at the top end but has quite a high first gear. The CBR is stonger at the bottom end but tends to run out of puff quicker. Both handle and brake well, the VFR has more of a front weight bias so it's no wheeley machine, but this does make if feel a bit more stable.

A couple of sites to visit for 400's

http://www.bat-motorcycles.co.uk/

http://www.elliottmc.co.uk/

[Slamdog]

i would say go with the 400 imports too...

ahh gone are the days where you pass your test in the morning and get a gsxr1100 that afternoon, all on a norwich union rider policy.....

mate of mine had one of the little honda thingys, and it was very nipppy against my thundercat, ok, it couldnt beat me on power or braking, but it's handling was there and it kept up quite well...

[master baits]

vespa mate , especially if your just commuting , then think of all the moey you save for serious modding (the vespa not the pc).Seen one last week with a cc underneath , nealry fell off my seat.

[UnWished Legacy]

As your only 17, your going to have to settle for a small engine- 250 or so, at the max unless you want to pay loads for insurance.

You mentioned getting a CBR6 or an SV.

NO CHANCE!!!

***

Your best off waiting till March (or so) and getting a CBF200 (the replacment for a Honda CB200 or getting an Aprilia Rs125 and de-restricting it... you can get best part of 100 out of those apparently, they come to about 27 BHP if you do it right.

Or you might want to get a 2nd hander from the local yellow papers.

you'll never got insurance for a 600/700 bike- even with a restricter on it.
not unless your wanting to pay the mest part of £1'600... IF they decide to cover you.

If you/anyone else want to chat about biking in a more suitable forum- then try www.ukbikeforum.com then clicking on the FORUMS link.

I've been there for quite a while- no complaints so far.

[Sticky]

Originally posted by UnWished Legacy
Your best off waiting till March (or so) and getting a CBF200 (the replacment for a Honda CB200 or getting an Aprilia Rs125 and de-restricting it...

Do you mean a CBF250? It looks as though it'll be a great CB250 replacement, but not exactly in keeping with the styling that someone who had an eye on an NC30 would love!

I don't know if i'd be keen to part with a fair wedge of cash on a new CBF250 straight after the test. Years ago I thought I was Mick Doohan on an NSR125......... I wasn't. And it hurt......... a lot. The thing is, nearly all the breakers had NSR125's by the bucket load. There won't be any spares at the breakers to repair a low speed fall on a new bike for quite a while.

As some of the guys have already said, the NC30 is a great bike. I love them. Had I not had a dodgy gearbox in mine, i'd still have it sitting alongside my Fireblade right now. Sold it at a silly price :(

Jameen, it seems as though you have your eye on a sports bike. All the sports 125's are fun, but i wouldn't limit myself to one if you intend to go and pass the bike test soon. Shop about for insurance, but don't decide the bike by it. You 'll just be unhappy, and always want something else. There's a lot of fun to be had on 250's without going "dull". NSR250 (mental bikes) or RS250's if you want the excitement and handling of a two stroke race rep. Even a well looked after RGV250 would fit the bill!

Alternatively look longer term and get a 400. Being a Honda fan, i'd limit myself to the Honda range. RVF400's are still a bit pricy, and i couldn't justify the premium over a VFR400 for the USD forks and revised styling. I'd go for a NC30 with sound mechanicals and tidy it up over time. Scout around breakers and look out for bargains. Take care of it, and modify it over time. Shouldn't cost ye much at all.

Great bike, they handle amazingly well (and that's got to be important if you are down on power to start out with), yet even in restricted form I have no doubt they'll bring you a hell of a lot of fun. I once read an article by a test rider who tried out the 33bhp restrictor, and he loved the bike, only really noticing it lacked a bit of pull at the top end compared to the unrestricted bike (and they do pull). But so what? It'll probably protect yer license while waiting on getting the restrictor removed! Sorted!

Three or four years down the line, you remove the restrictor, you're back up to full power, sling on a tasteful exhaust, and it'll be like a new bike. Alternatively, then sell it on for a three or four year old CBR600RR! Ye can't lose.

I should have NC30 articles in the loft that I can scan in if you want a read. Not a problem. Unfortunately I gave a magazine away with one of the best articles a few years back, but I have more.

Check out http://www.400greybike.co.uk/ there is a hell of a lot of info there.

[Jameen]

Vespas are so boring! my ped is boring, and havin another one wont help me one bit lol :D

Thanks for your advice sticky, I had a look at the RVF's, they really are pricey arent they! I'll look into the prices of VFR's around here, cause i like the look of them. Obviously though I would still get a cbr 400 if one came along in a good price range :rolleyes:

Legacy, thanks a lot for the bike forum, ive been looking for one, but had no luck, so I turned to my fave forum for advice :D Ill check that one out soon.

My birthday is coming up soon, so ive gotta book my theory test and practical, so I can get it out the way as soon as possible! Donations for that welcome!

Thanks guys

Jameen

[[Dan]]

http://www.yamaha-xjr-ownersclub.co.uk/phpBB2/modules/gallery/albums/album40/000_0303.sized.jpg

Ma boys bike

I can only recomend it m8

Dan

[Sticky]

Good call, Dan. And i'm liking the polished rims.

As much I love a full on sportsbike, these I adore!

They look great, handle in true Honda style, throw some mods at them and they looks mean as hell.

Hmmmm. An RVF400 front end, wonder if it'd fit.........

[Jameen]

Well guys, christmas is nearly upon us, and so is my birthday!

Ive made a decision about the bike im getting. Its a 2002 GSX-R 600, and i've had a full insurance quote for £935, so not bad at all really!

Just gotta book my test, and then see where things go.

Strange thing is, ive been really thinking about getting a car recently too! Here we go again!

Anyway, Merry Christmas to you all!

Cheers

Jameen

[Slamdog]

Originally posted by Jameen
Well guys, christmas is nearly upon us, and so is my birthday!

Ive made a decision about the bike im getting. Its a 2002 GSX-R 600, and i've had a full insurance quote for £935, so not bad at all really!



jesus h christ!!! £935 for a 600.... feck that.... when I started, my rider policy (any bike, any size and mods) was 300 quid fully comp... and that were only 10 years ago. I had my heavily modded gsxr 1100 on that policy.....

and your quote is for a RESTRICTED 600? that sux big time....

[Euphoria]

I don't honestly know what to say for you to get, but my gfs dad has an R1 and says if I do a bike lisence he will take me and my gf to a track and let us have a go possibly! How cool would that be :D

Will be needing spare underwear! And I would definatelly stack it lol

[mertymen]

HAHAHAHAHAHA LOL!!! Omg i ALMOST wet myself wen u said "Donations are welcome!" lol. Anyway, i had to say that...... pssshhhh.

Safe Nej

[master baits]

get a goodboy

[Sticky]

See this thread for where the deposit has been dropped:

http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12924

Nice.

[Slamdog]

Originally posted by Euphoria
I don't honestly know what to say for you to get, but my gfs dad has an R1 and says if I do a bike lisence he will take me and my gf to a track and let us have a go possibly! How cool would that be :D

Will be needing spare underwear! And I would definatelly stack it lol why would you need to stack it?

http://www.slamdog.demon.co.uk/photos/gsxr1.jpg


me at cadwell park on my gixer 1100m.

Got some piccies of me at brands, cadwell and thruxton on my thundercat too.

[Euphoria]

I dont know would probably push too hard and crash! Or be to worried about crashing. Need to get my confidence I guess! 1000cc bike is pretty fast! I Attached a pic of the bike.

[Slamdog]

Originally posted by Euphoria
1000cc bike is pretty fast! I Attached a pic of the bike.

A 1000cc bike is as fast as a 500cc bike... it all depends how much you open the throttle....

going fast on a bike isn't all throttle, but technique. I certainly couldn't outride 600cc bikes on the gixer cos it was so damned heavy, but out drag em was a breeze. just shows dont it... i could do 0-136 in 9 seconds, but was 5 seconds slower round cadwell than a mate on his thundercat.

so i bought a thundercat myself and tuned it.... lovely...

[Euphoria]

I wouldnt know to be honest, the only bikes I've personally ridden are a Scrambler and a 50CC scooter! Been on the back of a Yamaha Virago which I thought was cool.

Just heard from my gf that her dad is bored of the R1 already and wants a new bike... :confused:

[Sticky]

Buy Honda. :D

[Cyberdude]

I have a GSXR400 jap import...... unrestricted.

Insurance is nothing ;-)
And its soo much fun... twisty roads leave anything !

;-)


Cd