Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: damon80 on 18 April 2011, 23:33:50

Title: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: damon80 on 18 April 2011, 23:33:50
I'm looking at getting back into biking again, after a break of a fair few years...  Must be this nice weather!  But as they say, once a biker...  ::)  I have been having the urge to get back into the saddle for a while now, but it's getting too much now! 

For now, as a re-introduction, I'd be looking at spending a bag of sand.

But... (and I know it's each to their own, before I get shot down in flames) - I don't want a "sports" bike.  Ridden them, but just don't find them comfortable, and the plasticy-fairing look does nowt for me personally, tbh.  More of a fan of naked bikes myself  :y

Anyone have any suggestions?  The only criteria I have - apart from it being a naked-type bike, and being able to buy for about a grand or so - is that it must be 500cc or above.  Oh, and I'm only a short-@r$e, so a low-ish seat height would be preferable  :-[  ;D


Cheers folks  :y

Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: feeutfo on 19 April 2011, 00:09:18
600 Bandit? Not sure on prices though  :-X
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: hotel21 on 19 April 2011, 00:10:40
I'm quite happy with my FJ1200. 

Old - yup.
Comfy - yup, for me.
Short arse? - yup, can reach the pedals
Able to take twisties without fear of being spat off - yup again.
Able to surprise the fug out of some of the 'superbikers' with the slider pads stuck on the outside of the leathers? - yup.
Cheap and cheerfull? - yup

each to their own though.   :y

Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: Turk on 19 April 2011, 00:59:12
Don't want a "sports" bike ?
Plasticy-fairing look does nowt for you ?
More of a fan of naked bikes ?
Only a short-@r$e, so need low-ish seat height ?

  [size=12] Harley ![/size]  :y   ;D


Ah, ok...You want something for about 'a bag of sand'.  [size=12]Harley[/size]    :(    ;D
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: I am a Daisy on 19 April 2011, 01:48:36
SV 650!    Nuff said!
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: tunnie on 19 April 2011, 08:13:40
BMW R 1200 GS  ::)

Its not good for short arse people though  ;D

My first bike might be more you, Yamaha MT-03? 660cc single thumper, it was no supports bike but around town and tight lanes it was a lot of fun!

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/803897/Motorbike/MT-03%20Sale/DSC00003.JPG)

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/803897/Motorbike/MT-03%20Sale/DSC00001.JPG)

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/803897/Motorbike/MT-03%20Sale/DSCN0597.JPG)
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: albitz on 19 April 2011, 09:27:30
Tunnie, the bloke wants a bike for a grand. If your selling that for a grand  or knoe where one can be had for a grand, let me know and I will buy it. ;) ::)

Bandit. :y
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: tunnie on 19 April 2011, 09:38:39
Quote
Tunnie, the bloke wants a bike for a grand. If your selling that for a grand  or knoe where one can be had for a grand, let me know and I will buy it. ;) ::)

Bandit. :y

You want one?  :o

Your right though  :-[

I bought mine for sub £2k two years ago.... I would have thought they would be cheaper now, but looks like they hold their values well!  :o
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: albitz on 19 April 2011, 09:42:08
No, I dont want one, but I could turn a profit on it if I could buy it for a grand. ;) ;D :y
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 19 April 2011, 12:26:48
Quote
I'm quite happy with my FJ1200

Old - yup.
Comfy - yup, for me.
Short arse? - yup, can reach the pedals
Able to take twisties without fear of being spat off - yup again.
Able to surprise the fug out of some of the 'superbikers' with the slider pads stuck on the outside of the leathers? - yup.
Cheap and cheerfull? - yup

each to their own though.   :y




Fantastic bike.....I had a brand new Yamaha FJ1200 in 1991(H) plate.They are low slung so that even a short arse......and dare I say it ::) ::) a girlie can ride one. :y

125 BHP.... loads of torque and they still handle pretty well too.

£1,000 should secure a good example.... :y :y :y

 
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: damon80 on 19 April 2011, 15:30:52
A Harley - if only Turk!!

And as for the Beemer or Yam MT, still a bit long in the leg for me Tunnie...  :-[  ;D

Ridden a 600 Bandit before, but was lacking in low-end grunt IMHO  :-/

I do seem to be swaying towards an FJ1200 - cheers for the info Brucie  :y  Think I shall commence a trawl of t'ebay and MCN to see what I can find on the FJ1200 front  :)
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: hotel21 on 19 April 2011, 17:02:11
piccy (http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.fj1200-3cv.de/Wartung%2BDaten/farbcodes/FJ-Bilder/3-3CW/3cw-1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.fj1200-3cv.de/Wartung%2BDaten/farbcodes/3-3cw.htm&usg=__2ELzq_gc7QVNZ74-xpgh5BPZvyU=&h=600&w=800&sz=177&hl=en&start=224&zoom=1&tbnid=EJ6aK6cFVdh5aM:&tbnh=152&tbnw=244&ei=RbCtTf-OH4eZ8QO13pnzAQ&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dfj1200%2B3cv%2Bblue%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG%26biw%3D1276%26bih%3D829%26gbv%3D2%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=84&oei=FbCtTZO-GoWV8QPBiKnzAQ&page=12&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:16,s:224&tx=153&ty=129)

Not mine (got piccy from google images) but its the same colours etc.  Mine does not have the back rack thingy.

Good steady bike, fine balance between street sleeper/highway hero - bit like an Omega!  It is by no means a sports bike capable of keeping up with modern machines (mine is G plate, 21 years old....) but able to see off a goodly proportion, dependant on your riding standard.   ;)

You should be able to pic up a non ABS model (like above, 3CV version) for the monies you want to spend.   :y
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: damon80 on 19 April 2011, 17:40:32
Ooooohh, very nice!  :y

And liking the analogy with the Omega - sounds like my kinda machine  :)

Come to think of it, I'm sure a bloke up the road has got a pearlescent white one, with red stickers on it - shall have to keep my eyes peeled to see if it is an FJ, and then have a chat to him about it  :)
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: Shimmy on 20 April 2011, 01:17:54
Have to say I'm very much liking the look of the FJ1200 and I don't even have a bike license!

Hope they still remain as bargains then, although I'm not sure whether a litre bike is suitable for a complete novice. :p
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: Sixstring on 20 April 2011, 09:10:43
Got an RF900 Suzuki......fat arse, comfy sports cruiser.........over 150mph easily, 40mpg cheaply obtained (£1000 to £2000 for a mint one) 937cc of pure fun and great for two-up touring should you want to.

You CAN find a tatty but sound one for £800 if you trawl ebay........................


Just a thought. :y
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: Turk on 20 April 2011, 20:10:44
Quote
Got an RF900 Suzuki......fat arse, comfy sports cruiser.........over 150mph easily, 40mpg cheaply obtained (£1000 to £2000 for a mint one) 937cc of pure fun and great for two-up touring should you want to.

You CAN find a tatty but sound one for £800 if you trawl ebay........................


Just a thought. :y

The RF900 is a very under estimated bike.  Mucho bang for your bucks these days.  :y 
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: TheBoy on 20 April 2011, 20:23:03
Is it worth just getting el-cheapo smaller banger bike to see how your older bones cope, and to get a year of NCB?  Bandit 600 or Fazer 600 kind of thing?

Probably not, but worth it was worth throwing in
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: albitz on 20 April 2011, 20:26:06
I would tend to agree with that.  :y
Got my old bogger back on the road today (after 6 months off) if my old bones dont hold up, I might offer to sell him that. ::) :D
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 20 April 2011, 22:16:53
My mate's just getting back into biking after a long lay off, and has recently bought a 600 Hornet and loves it!!! Similarly, he didn't want a 'plastic clad' sports bike and is very pleased with his choice....  :y

I must admit, I'm thinking of changing my CBR600 for something abit bigger and with less clothing... ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: damon80 on 20 April 2011, 22:47:22
Quote
Got an RF900 Suzuki......fat arse, comfy sports cruiser.........over 150mph easily, 40mpg cheaply obtained (£1000 to £2000 for a mint one) 937cc of pure fun and great for two-up touring should you want to.

You CAN find a tatty but sound one for £800 if you trawl ebay........................


Just a thought. :y

Cheers Sixstring - no offence, but has a bit more fairing on it than I'm after.  Looking for something a bit more on the traditional side  :y
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: damon80 on 20 April 2011, 22:51:27
Quote
Is it worth just getting el-cheapo smaller banger bike to see how your older bones cope, and to get a year of NCB?  Bandit 600 or Fazer 600 kind of thing?

Probably not, but worth it was worth throwing in

Older?  Older?!!  I'm only in my early 30's Jamie!!  >:(  ;D

Open to all CC's, as long as over 500cc as do a fair bit of motorway miles.

My ideal bike would be a Yam SRX600 - single-pot thumper, but as rare as hen's teeth  :'(
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: damon80 on 20 April 2011, 22:56:49
Quote
My mate's just getting back into biking after a long lay off, and has recently bought a 600 Hornet and loves it!!! Similarly, he didn't want a 'plastic clad' sports bike and is very pleased with his choice....  :y

I must admit, I'm thinking of changing my CBR600 for something abit bigger and with less clothing... ;D ;D ;D

Rode a 600 Hornet once, bright yellow it was.  Nice bike indeed - I preferred it to the 600 Bandit, seemed to have more low-down grunt than the Bandit.  But, sadly, a bit out of my current price range  :(  :'(



Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: I am a Daisy on 21 April 2011, 12:24:40
Posted this up earlier, have a look at the Suzuki SV 650 V twin. I took one for an MOT for the bike shop as they were to busy and was very pleasantly surprised by the bike on the whole, and I ride an R1, so to jump onto the SV and thoroughly enjoyed it even though its a "wee" bike to me, very capable!
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: albitz on 21 April 2011, 20:14:52
Nice little budget bike, but I cant see him picking one up for a grand. ;)
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: I am a Daisy on 22 April 2011, 02:58:14
See what you mean Albs. Just had quick scan of ebay classifieds for rough price, so point taken, ta! Lol
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: dragonlord on 22 April 2011, 21:55:25
get a harley
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: Turk on 22 April 2011, 22:38:20
Quote
get a harley
I suggested that too, but not for a grand mate. Starting off at around £3k for something in even remotely tidy condition.    
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: Chris_H on 23 April 2011, 10:03:52
You might be able to pick up an early Triumph Speed Triple for that amount.  Reason for suggesting it is it has a very flat torque curve that is good for not catching out out-of-practice riders. :)
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: MarkG on 24 April 2011, 08:04:36
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii17/markgriffiths/IMG_7311-2.jpg)

I wanted to get back into biking a couple of years ago and so bought an FJ1200. Its a cracking bike with an indestructable engine, cheap spares, cheap classic bike insurance (£120 for me) and there are plenty for sale. You can get a minter for £1,500 and something very good for £1,000. Performance is awesome and with a modern wheel mod like mine, it takes modern rubber too. There is also an excellent FJ forum.

As it happens there is one on eBay right now not far from you over in Runcorn. I've  met the guy through the FJ forum and have ridden the bike. It's worth a look. Good luck.
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: TheBoy on 24 April 2011, 09:21:19
Quote
get a harley
Only if decibels mean more than bhp :P


Judging by the fact that the OP stated he wanted at least 500cc, I would suggest he was looking for a certain level of performance
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: Elite Pete on 24 April 2011, 10:09:34
I've been thinking about a bike again and quite fancy a Triumph or an old LC but an LC for a grand will need a fair bit of work.

Something like this

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TRIUMPH-TRIDENT-900CC-/140536944630?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item20b8a797f6
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 24 April 2011, 11:13:20
Quote
I've been thinking about a bike again and quite fancy a Triumph or an old LC but an LC for a grand will need a fair bit of work.

Something like this

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TRIUMPH-TRIDENT-900CC-/140536944630?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item20b8a797f6



You can't beat the sound of a four stroke triple....... :y.....Unless you're a fan of the Kawasaki two stroke triple's from the seventies...... :y :y.... :y
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: dragonlord on 24 April 2011, 12:35:35
Quote
Quote
get a harley
I suggested that too, but not for a grand mate. Starting off at around £3k for something in even remotely tidy condition.    

yea true wont get much Harley for a grand didn't read that bit :-[

or like you say even a 3k it will be a bit tatty plus at that price you only going to get a old sportster that want rubber mounted

my xl1200c was just under 6k
but it mint condition hardy run in and has had a stage one done and a lot spent on it but the previous weekend rider that owned it
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: dragonlord on 24 April 2011, 12:50:08
Quote
I've been thinking about a bike again and quite fancy a Triumph or an old LC but an LC for a grand will need a fair bit of work.

Something like this

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TRIUMPH-TRIDENT-900CC-/140536944630?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item20b8a797f6
me m8s got one

i lookes at the new TRIUMPH`s when i was after another bike

but they just felt to sort moden jap to me
compared with the old pre haris TRIUMPH

dont get me wrong there good bikes but i grew up on the real TRIUMPH`s

i did nearly buy a rocket but the idea was to save cash on petrol the rocket would drink neally as much as the
 omega
sports bike aint me lol
so it was going to be a big naked bike or a cruiser


I thort about a gsx1400 or a yam vmax but again lot of money on maintenance and or id have picked up some points on license with one


in the end the harley won hands down dear to buy yes but way cheap to run
pluss they hold price well

hardly any mantanace on em ie belt drive piss easy to work on/spanner your self

self adjusting lifters so real very little to do other than check belt tension ,primary chain tension and regular oil
and swap the terrible Harley dunlops for a set of Avon venom's
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: Turk on 25 April 2011, 00:18:45
Quote
Quote
Quote
get a harley
I suggested that too, but not for a grand mate. Starting off at around £3k for something in even remotely tidy condition.    

yea true wont get much Harley for a grand didn't read that bit :-[

or like you say even a 3k it will be a bit tatty plus at that price you only going to get a old sportster that want rubber mounted

my xl1200c was just under 6k
but it mint condition hardy run in and has had a stage one done and a lot spent on it but the previous weekend rider that owned it

Yep, never buy a new H-D's, let some other sucker spend a small fortune.  ;D  :y

£3k for my '91 1200 conversion with N4 cams, Screamin' Eagle ignition module and S.E II pipes.
(although I have spent/done a fair bit myself in the last four years.  :-/  ;D)
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: Turk on 25 April 2011, 00:23:08
Quote
Quote
get a harley
Only if decibels mean more than bhp :P


Judging by the fact that the OP stated he wanted at least 500cc, I would suggest he was looking for a certain level of performance

This guy seems to have found it.  ;D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRUAvnEAeiI
Title: Re: Bike Suggestions...
Post by: dragonlord on 25 April 2011, 01:28:02
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
get a harley
I suggested that too, but not for a grand mate. Starting off at around £3k for something in even remotely tidy condition.    

yea true wont get much Harley for a grand didn't read that bit :-[

or like you say even a 3k it will be a bit tatty plus at that price you only going to get a old sportster that want rubber mounted

my xl1200c was just under 6k
but it mint condition hardy run in and has had a stage one done and a lot spent on it but the previous weekend rider that owned it

Yep, never buy a new H-D's, let some other sucker spend a small fortune.  ;D  :y

£3k for my '91 1200 conversion with N4 cams, Screamin' Eagle ignition module and S.E II pipes.
(although I have spent/done a fair bit myself in the last four years.  :-/  ;D)

don't you know it.

 in my case

56plate  se II pipes and down pipe heat shields stage 1 harley sissy bar and rack detachable

new touring seat nice and comfy

oil and bat cover and upper and lower chain guard chrome

only bits im planing on changing will be bars

and a few other bits he spent a fortune