Wally Simmonds
27th October 2011, 20:25
Right, been out of the market for a while (sold my 97 Fireblade earlier this year as was looking at jetting off overseas, but not now) and my friends gone out and purchased himself a road bike. Not to be outdone I've started thinking about purchasing another motorbike. Now, the CBR was the first 'big' bike (coming off a GSXR250, which I absolutely loved) and I really didn't think much of it after the initial 'wow, this is fast!' Very likely because I'm not the greatest of riders, but it's sorta put me off sports bikes, so I'm looking at naked bikes for my next one.
Looks wise - if I had unlimited funds, I'd be taking out a Triumph Bonneville. Now, I know what you're thinking, this is a completely different bike to what I've had before, and probably not all that powerful, but after checking one out at Motarad it's got a really good height and looks the part. I'm quite likely to take that one out next week to see if I like it, but tbqh I don't really have 10k to drop on something like this (Just went to the Dentists today, and you know how that goes!). I'd really like to try a twin though, so will probably take it out for a go in any case.
I've flirted with the idea of getting a hornet, as they are *definitely* in my price range, but what puts me off is that the engine is essentially a detuned 919 motor, which I didn't particularly enjoy, and I've read quite a lot of people say they're a bit of an A to B ride and a little boring. Nearly half the price of the Bonneville, though.
Guess I'm after something reasonably low seat height wise (I'm not very tall, which rules out a lot of bikes), that I can use around town for the occasional commute, and the weekend hoon around Welly. Has anyone got any other recommendations? I had a look at the Z750 too, but looking at Jim2's old one I think it was a little bit big for me =/
Looks wise - if I had unlimited funds, I'd be taking out a Triumph Bonneville. Now, I know what you're thinking, this is a completely different bike to what I've had before, and probably not all that powerful, but after checking one out at Motarad it's got a really good height and looks the part. I'm quite likely to take that one out next week to see if I like it, but tbqh I don't really have 10k to drop on something like this (Just went to the Dentists today, and you know how that goes!). I'd really like to try a twin though, so will probably take it out for a go in any case.
I've flirted with the idea of getting a hornet, as they are *definitely* in my price range, but what puts me off is that the engine is essentially a detuned 919 motor, which I didn't particularly enjoy, and I've read quite a lot of people say they're a bit of an A to B ride and a little boring. Nearly half the price of the Bonneville, though.
Guess I'm after something reasonably low seat height wise (I'm not very tall, which rules out a lot of bikes), that I can use around town for the occasional commute, and the weekend hoon around Welly. Has anyone got any other recommendations? I had a look at the Z750 too, but looking at Jim2's old one I think it was a little bit big for me =/