Calling all bikers (non-bikers move along there)

[Hornblower]

I nearly dropped the beemer (BMW R1100GS) in the driveway this morning and it has really f*cked my back up again. So, much as I love her I am going to have to think about changing to a smaller, lighter machine. I'd like your advice, my checklist of essentials are as follows:

1. Must be light, no more than 180kg if poss, hopefully under 170
2. Must be quick, no less than 50hp
3. Must have electric start
4. Riding position not too severe - I don't want a café racer
5. Good weather resistance - I don't want to spend every weekend polishing chrome etc
6. Gotta look nice
7. Gotta be less than £2.5K which is what I reckon I can get for the beemer with all the extras

I've been thinking about a Suzuki SV650 (riding position a bit severe) or even the BMW F650GS (probably too pricey) I like the old Yamaha XT600 but they're not too easy to find and might not be quick enough.

What do you think?

 

[Don't get me started]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4MPyX0QCYw

Did you pick your bike up like this.. Its easier on your back

 

[StonehamPark]

Feel free to buy mine, although a touch over your 2.5k budget...

 

[Hornblower]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4MPyX0QCYw

Did you pick your bike up like this.. Its easier on your back

I didn't lose it completely. It might have been better if I had.

 

[Hornblower]

Feel free to buy mine, although a touch over your 2.5k budget...

Very nice, you must be looking for £3K plus for that though.

 

[StonehamPark]

Very nice, you must be looking for £3K plus for that though.

£5,000.00

Good finance options though!

 

[Del Fenner]

A vote for the SV650. I have a dropped seat fitted to mine and it's pretty comfy (I'm 6'0"). Shedloads of them around under 2K I would have thought. It seems to tick all your boxes. Usually comes in blue, I went for the red 'cos they go faster.

Commiserations on moving on from the beemer. It was a very sad day when I said goodbye to my ST1300.

I didn't lose it completely. It might have been better if I had.

I feel your pain.

 

[DarrenFreemansPerm]

Yamaha FZ6? I had a fox eye Fazer, very comfortable and very quick, upright position and decent fairing protection.

 

[Don't get me started]

I didn't lose it completely. It might have been better if I had.

Even is 175kg starts to go it will do you in though..

 

[Notters]

 

[StonehamPark]

I like the old Yamaha XT600 but they're not too easy to find and might not be quick enough.

What do you think?

I like these too.

One up at P&H, may do you a half-decent trade deal.
Only 47 horses though.

XT660R AutoTrader



CBF 600 '58 plate - £3,000
CBF600


ER6N '09 plate - £2795.00
ER6N

 

[BigBod]

For a daily ride I use a Suzuki Burgman 650. Street cred of absolute zero, but what a machine for everyday use and so easy to ride and megga reliable and so comfy. Would certainly meet all your requirements.

 

[BigBod]

Got this one for fun in the Sun...best bike I ever had.

 

[grubbyhands]

How old is your current GS and what mileage, might have someone interested in it? It would stop him whining at me to ride mine. Have you got a price in mind or will you trade it in?

 

[Hornblower]

How old is your current GS and what mileage, might have someone interested in it? It would stop him whining at me to ride mine. Have you got a price in mind or will you trade it in?

It's a 97. Very clean with 42k on the clock. New clutch and ABS pump in the last thousand miles, black with full luggage. Spare pipe. Looking for £2.5k.