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[theolodian]

Want something that is a good first bike and the missus will be comfortable riding.

[tunnie]

i think Paul M has a BMW R1 ...

[theolodian]

i think Paul M has a BMW R1 ...

The R1 is a Yamaha, but more importantly a completely different beast.  Defo not a good idea as a first bike!

Suzuki SV is another possibility.  Problem is figuring out what would be reasonably comfortabe for the missus.

[Paul M]

i think Paul M has a BMW R1 ...

The R1 is a Yamaha, but more importantly a completely different beast.  Defo not a good idea as a first bike!

Suzuki SV is another possibility.  Problem is figuring out what would be reasonably comfortabe for the missus.

Agreed, neither comfortable nor suitable as a first bike, almost no-one will insure you on it!

I've owned two SV650 in the past, one was the faired "S" version, the second a naked. They're good first bikes, the naked particularly is very comfortable and easy to ride, quite torquey V-twin engines and they're still plenty quick enough for your first few years -- very few cars can keep up with them below triple figures (0-100 in about 9 secs). I blew the engine up on my second one (melted one of the pistons) but that's another story don't let it put you off -- they're good bikes.

I'd imagine the BMW would be a lot more refined, but I've never ridden one. They hold their value though so you're either going to pay a lot more for one, or get a much older model compared with a Japanese bike.

[theolodian]

i think Paul M has a BMW R1 ...

The R1 is a Yamaha, but more importantly a completely different beast.  Defo not a good idea as a first bike!

Suzuki SV is another possibility.  Problem is figuring out what would be reasonably comfortabe for the missus.

Agreed, neither comfortable nor suitable as a first bike, almost no-one will insure you on it!

I've owned two SV650 in the past, one was the faired "S" version, the second a naked. They're good first bikes, the naked particularly is very comfortable and easy to ride, quite torquey V-twin engines and they're still plenty quick enough for your first few years -- very few cars can keep up with them below triple figures (0-100 in about 9 secs). I blew the engine up on my second one (melted one of the pistons) but that's another story don't let it put you off -- they're good bikes.

I'd imagine the BMW would be a lot more refined, but I've never ridden one. They hold their value though so you're either going to pay a lot more for one, or get a much older model compared with a Japanese bike.

Thanks for that.  Yeah, the 2001 BMW is £4K.  A bit much for a first bike.  Not keen to go any older than that.

How nice is the SV650 for a pillion pasenger for rides of 1-2hrs?  I would get a back case with padded backrest.

[albitz]

i have a brand new ducati monster s2r 1000 thats for sale. but it might be more than you would want to spend for a first bike.

[TheBoy]

suzuki sv 650 is a great first big bike, but try out first with pillion.

[tunnie]

what about the BMW bikes they used on Long Way Around / Down.

See those all the time in London now.... i quite like the look of them.

[motmann]

suzuki bandit, does everything it says on the tin!!you can dress it up if you want to for not a lot of money, great 1st big bike

[Paul M]

How nice is the SV650 for a pillion pasenger for rides of 1-2hrs?  I would get a back case with padded backrest.

I've never ridden on the back of one for any length of time, but I've taken a pillion a few times when I had mine. As long as the pillion is smaller/lighter than the rider, it's pretty good -- been some long runs with a girl on the back and it's been great, but with one of my mates who's well over 6ft it takes a bit more planning, as it's quite a light bike so someone big/heavy on the back is very noticeable.

The seat is comfortable enough, and the pegs are in a reasonable place, it's not like a sports bike where the pillion is perched up on top of the bike. It's also got a decent grab rail, something my R1 is missing which makes it unsuitable for carrying a pillion for any distance as they end up pushing into you every time you brake.

[theolodian]

How nice is the SV650 for a pillion pasenger for rides of 1-2hrs?  I would get a back case with padded backrest.

I've never ridden on the back of one for any length of time, but I've taken a pillion a few times when I had mine. As long as the pillion is smaller/lighter than the rider, it's pretty good -- been some long runs with a girl on the back and it's been great, but with one of my mates who's well over 6ft it takes a bit more planning, as it's quite a light bike so someone big/heavy on the back is very noticeable.

The seat is comfortable enough, and the pegs are in a reasonable place, it's not like a sports bike where the pillion is perched up on top of the bike. It's also got a decent grab rail, something my R1 is missing which makes it unsuitable for carrying a pillion for any distance as they end up pushing into you every time you brake.

Thanks.  I keep coming back to the SV 650, so it looks like a good first place to start looking.  £2K for a first bike is also reasonable.

[tunnie]

what are the BMW 1150 GS like to ride?

[cem_devecioglu]

Want something that is a good first bike and the missus will be comfortable riding.

Sorry but definitely a small engine for security..not over 250 cc..

[albitz]

the throttle works both ways, something under 250 with 2 people on it would hardly move

[cem_devecioglu]

nowadays 250 cc s are pretty strong..

Even this is dangerous for a beginner..