Midrange for $5k

[Mekk]

yup so I've been out of the game for a bit and am looking for some indication on what my expectations should be in the midrange market at the moment.

I've got 5k that was a motherbitch to wrangle so I'm hoping to get as much motorcycle as I can for that, with the possibility of stretching if it's deemed to be worth it.

Looked at the trader sites and am surprised by lack of choice for that price and wonder if that reflects the market or just those sites? seems to be mainly farm bikes, the odd chew fiddy and a couple of rusty nailz in a bucket at the moment.

Anyway, man of few needs:

I live in the CBD so something nimble enough to fang around town would be good (and i'm not a huge dude).

Folks live in the dirrty south and i'd like to visit them..sometimes...so something comfortable at highway speeds for both the bike and me if poss.

Ideally i'm thinking about a midrange twin but am having trouble with my budget, at least from what i've seen so far. Any suggestions welcome.

Will also consider 250s but i've only really seen $4-5k priced ones and surely i can get more bike for that much?

[cowboyz]

vtr1000??????

[Gremlin]

I've had one of these: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-355324955.htm

Perhaps this if you're after a twin? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-363198188.htm

[Berg]

As said in another thread, Kawasaki ER6n
235144
A bloody good ride with good power, good brakes, good economy and a nice upright position.
I went for this one and love it to bits. Mrs Berg stole it from me when she got her full licence and she also loves it.
They also do the ER6f which is a fully fairing-ed version of the same bike

[Brett]

I've had one of these: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-355324955.htm

Perhaps this if you're after a twin? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-363198188.htm

Something like the above or look at:

- 2001-2002 GSXR 600
- early 2000's CBR600
-early 200's ZX6r
- Early 2000's R6
- CBR400rr
-VFR400rr
- ER6n Kwaka
- a motard such as this http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-361128625.htm

Basically, plenty of options in that price range!

Good luck

[kave]

I have a Suzuki GSX1200 for sale that is in your pricerange. PM me for details if you are interested.

[Old Steve]

Dont forget good riding gear, helmet, gloves and boots. So you're really looking for a bike for high $3000 to low $4000.

[Smifffy]

seen this?

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/135922-For-Sale-Honda-Hornet-900

[Mekk]

Something like the above or look at:
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Basically, plenty of options in that price range!

Good luck

Cheers, this kinda range is what I was looking for.

I'm interested in DP bikes actually, do they hold up for long distance or mainly for short bursts?

[Mekk]

I have a Suzuki GSX1200 for sale that is in your pricerange. PM me for details if you are interested.

Thanks mate but i'm a little too light for a big beasty

[fatzx10r]

sv650 is not a bad bike, good little allrounder

[Scoobydoo]

An RF900 will rock your world for less than 5!!

[kave]

Thanks mate but i'm a little too light for a big beasty
Heh, I'm 5'5" and would have weighed 65kg when I bought it (a little fatter now). It is an ideal bike for smaller/lighter people, low C.O.G and low seat height.

[Brett]

Cheers, this kinda range is what I was looking for.

I'm interested in DP bikes actually, do they hold up for long distance or mainly for short bursts?

No, they hold up just fine for longer distance riding, depends of course what you go for. IMO something like the Suzuki DRZ400 http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-358835098.htm is a good option, however they are definitely no sports bike.
As a few of the others have mentioned, SV650 is another option, probably more of a sports tourer than the cbr, zxr, gsxr r6 etc. Also have a look at the Honda Hornet.
When thinking about the power side of the equation, remember that something like a 600cc supersport is going to feel similarly quick to something like a Hornet 900. Ride and feel what is best for you.

[TOTO]

here is another option for you

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-362711777.htm

[Smifffy]

here is another option for you

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-362711777.htm

LOL, same bike as post #8

[TOTO]

LOL, same bike as post #8

you must be under the impression that people read the whole thread before posting :stupid:

[Smifffy]

you must be under the impression that people read the whole thread before posting :stupid:

Yeah, I can be dumb like that :doh:

I'm just happy we agree that bike could be worth a look.

[Mekk]

Heh, I'm 5'5" and would have weighed 65kg when I bought it (a little fatter now). It is an ideal bike for smaller/lighter people, low C.O.G and low seat height.

No issue with the weight (200kgish)?

I might be off the mark here but my image of a city bike is something minimal, light and quick which is what lures me to the DP bikez.

Naturally this is all theory and will probably be swept aside in real world application but I am looking to see what kind of range or type I can get for the dough joe.

[Mekk]

No, they hold up just fine for longer distance riding, depends of course what you go for.

I'm just thinking about the size of their fuel tanks is all. Any idea on the kind of mileage they get?

[The Pastor]

I bought a 2000 gsx1200y fro $3k in very tidy condition. only 65k on the clock.

bikes are cheap atm =- look out for $1 reserve auctions!

[Daffyd]

Thought about an F650 BMW Scarver? I know of one for sale... Not mine!

[Sable]

A dual purpose bike is not minimal, light or quick.

[Mekk]

A dual purpose bike is not minimal, light or quick.

comparatively? lesser emphasis on the quick but i would think good for inner cbd traffic.

[schrodingers cat]

Thanks mate but i'm a little too light for a big beasty

Sez you. Throttle works in two directions...

Big cc is actually pretty easy round town. Doesn't matter if you get caught in the wrong gear it will still pull away

[Banditbandit]

Try a Bandit - here's a 600 for less than $5k

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-359751919.htm

Or for a little more, a 650 ... These bikes will surprise you ...

[Mekk]

Sez you. Throttle works in two directions.

More concerned about weight and width than throttlah or power distib but i might take one for a test ride to avoid biker internet armchair syndrome (BIAS?)


Try a Bandit - here's a 600 for less than $5k


Aw jeez why'd they have to fuck it up with that fairing? Considering a bandit though, ta for the reminder

[schrodingers cat]

i might take one for a test ride


You might as well. I went out to buy an 850 twin and came home with a 1000cc 4 cyl. Love it. Its pussy cat down low for plonking round town.
Its never goin to be 250 light but you don't really notice the weight.

Try to arrange a nice long ride so your head isn't full of preconceptions

[Mekk]

You might as well. I went out to buy an 850 twin

TRX?

thing is, you can talk and talk and talk and talk and talk and read and talk for hours and have it all blown away by a test ride.

makes you wonder what the fuck i'm doing even asking these questions!

[Elysium]

As some people here have mentioned, the Honda CB900 Hornet is a very good bike. Very easy to ride, good power and you can mod the bike with so many extras. It can even handle a two week loop of the South Island and loaded with laguage without missing a beat.

Ah...man I had good times with the old Hornet.

[AllanB]

As some people here have mentioned, the Honda CB900 Hornet is a very good bike. Very easy to ride, good power and you can mod the bike with so many extras. It can even handle a two week loop of the South Island and loaded with laguage without missing a beat.



YES to the mighty HORNET 900. :woohoo:

[Banditbandit]

Aw jeez why'd they have to fuck it up with that fairing? Considering a bandit though, ta for the reminder

Horses for courses - I have a naked 650 and a faired 1250 - I think they both look good. :)