So I've wanted a second bike for a while, mainly for use over winter, which tends to be a 40-60 mile ride out of a weekend, occasional commute all year round, perhaps try a track day here and there. I'd also like to try being a bit more hands on mechanically, nothing major, oil/filter changes, that kind of thing. My wife's always been against the idea but at the start of the year she set me a challenge, go without beer all year and I can then get a second bike, with her blessing. 4 months in now and I've not even had a shandy, not been as tricky as I thought, so it's looking promising. Ideally I'll spend about £1500, £2000 max. My current thinking is either: CB600 Hornet, CBR 600, SV650, VFR750/800 or Thundercat. Would be late 90's early 00's for the budget I should imagine. Any thoughts on which of the above to plump for? Any obvious choices I've missed?
Zx9r, the f model is the best or next the e model, good old school bike with a very good fairing to get behind, very stable and planted and you can get a curry and chips under the seat.
I have. Twice. When new then a minty one back in 2008. That’s the problem. Not saying they’re not a good bike, but they were soft by the standards of the day. By today’s standards they’re real wallowy.
I have two, an e and an f and they’re a fantastic all rounder, not the fastest bike on the planet but a seriously good all rounder.
Great predicament to be in! I've ridden all of your list except for the Thundercat, i've owned a 2001 CBR600F and still have a 5th Gen 1998 VFR800. Looking at your list I presume you don't want another sportsbike? Old Blade, SRAD, R1, ZX? Sticking strictly to your shortlist..... I'd say VFR because there's plenty around, cheap, nice to ride, bullet proof and nice to work on. VFR will lose out to the CBR600 and the SV650 if you wanted it to favour trackdays though. Outside of the shortlist maybe consider a Firestorm.
You'd have loads of fun on a '92-'02 Honda CB500. Bullet proof al weather bike, and a weapon on the track if you remove the centre stand. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/363811677772?hash=item54b4dda64c:g:2zwAAOSwBHhiYpOt
A VTR 1000 Firestorm would be high on my list for a commuter/winter bike. A relaxed ride position, plenty low end torque through traffic and well capable when you give it some.
Seems to be plenty around aswell and at good prices. Only slight drawback is they're quite thirsty with a small tank range.
Gen 1 naked SV, great fun and can be had for a grand if you shop a bit canny, leaves you plenty of cash for sticky tyres and petrol, track day costs etc.
Thanks all for you input. Think I dismissed the full on Sport Bike options. I do love my Blade but if you're just wanting to go for a sedate ride around it sometimes feels like it's shouting at you to drop a cog and whack the throttle open. I kinda want a bike that gives me the option to get a wriggle on if I'm in the mood but also won't shout at me if I pootle along like an old dear in a Micra, (which is quite often the case if I'm out in winter and the road's soaking wet/frosty/etc). ZX9R is perhaps in that same category? I hear what you're saying about the CB500, I just worry it might be too far the other way and if a spotty oik in a Fiesta ST decides to have a tickle I'll be a sitting duck due to a lack of grunt? I have a similar concern with the SV option, I must admit. Firestorm is a great shout, always liked the look of them and it's something a bit different, without it being a completely unreliable piece of exotica. Will definitely add that to my list.
Sounds to me like Firestorm if you want a V-twin, or a CBR600F is an option if you want a quick 4-cyl sports tourer.
Haha. Love it, the exact same reason I wouldnt contemplate a CB500 too. Cars are so bloody quick nowadays, you get daft German family meat wagons with 600bhp. Even hot hatches have 250hp.
