Best small-medium enjoyable road bike?

[Winston001]

So what's the best second-hand sort of bike? Reasonable power for open road and passing. Reliable even boring. Light enough for around town.

A bike which pushes around corners but accepts sweepers are for bigger machines. Big enough to go to rallies but small enough to fit in the garage with two cars.

Any 650 does all of that and more but I'm thinking 250 - 500. Say $4000.

Thoughts?

[Oakie]

Kawasaki ZZR400 if you can find one. CB400SF was also pretty good without being exciting at all.

[Ender EnZed]

Any 650 does all of that and more but I'm thinking 250 - 500. Say $4000.

Thoughts?

That's basically the cheap, used LAMS market you're looking at. Those bikes are a lot more expensive than they used to be, and harder to find. e.g. Something like this (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-794904526.htm)

Non-LAMS 650s are better value. e.g. Something like this. (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-786942496.htm)

[R650R]

I see you already have a dirtbike, get a super motard of some description.
Even my DR650 with 80/20 tyres on it is all you ever need for fun riding at legal speeds and maybe slightly above. Also own sportsbike and really it doesn't have any advantage until your going silly fast open roads.

[F5 Dave]

1989 RGV250 with rattley power valves, a rumbley crank and a worrisome shift into 2nd should sort you out.

[Black Knight]

A Honda CX either 400 or 500 from 82 on--King of the London Courier bikes achieving mileages of around 250000 miles (for your round town riding) and will sit on 100KPH all day (for your touring).Ultra reliable,easy maintenance,water cooled, shaft drive and currently reasonably priced but are appreciating.

[Hitcher]

The Kawasaki ER6N will take a power of beating for both fun, rideability and economy.

You'll easily find a good one in your indicated price range. It's a buyer's market for second-hand bikes at the moment and unlikely to change for a while. Avoid overpriced LAMS shit when you already have a full license.

[Stirts]

The Kawasaki ER6N will take a power of beating for both fun, rideability and economy.

What this man said!!!

[HenryDorsetCase]

early Street Triple is nearly your budget. best. bike. ever.

[Ender EnZed]

early Street Triple is nearly your budget. best. bike. ever.

For $4k? It'd have to be a long way from tidy.

[HenryDorsetCase]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=804420596

I am not in a position to buy this presently but rego is $112 a year, they are very reliable, and this would fulfil your needs. Plus if you buy it and sell it to me next year I will give you $500 more than what you paid for it if its in the same condition. cant go wrong

[HenryDorsetCase]

For $4k? It'd have to be a long way from tidy.

fair call. but $4k becomes $6k fairly easily....... right?

[James Deuce]

fair call. but $4k becomes $6k fairly easily....... right?

Where did you see one for $6k?

Haven't seen one under $8.5k in quite some time.

[Stirts]

For $4k? It'd have to be a long way from tidy.

Here's on for less..That shit should buff out!!

<img src="http://img.virtualshowroom.com.au/FP1300/AUB01MANF/item/41589/41589762F.JPG"></img>

[Banditbandit]

For fun I'd go for something like this ...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-805708434.htm

[Ender EnZed]

fair call. but $4k becomes $6k fairly easily....... right?

Well, yeah, that's how it usually works. But it kinda ruins the "What kind of ***** bike should I buy for $*k?" game when we start changing improving the criteria.

OP should get a Hornet 900 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-807056557.htm). It's pretty close to 250-500cc.

[ducatilover]

I think if you found an ER6n like Hitcher said, you should buy it. Nice bikes 'em. Enough pep to keep you entertained and do most jobs well.
I'd get a ZXR400 and put a ZZR600 motor in it for that price. ;)

[HenryDorsetCase]

Well, yeah, that's how it usually works. But it kinda ruins the "What kind of ***** bike should I buy for $*k?" game when we start changing improving the criteria.

OP should get a Hornet 900 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-807056557.htm). It's pretty close to 250-500cc.

Good call. great bike. and small physically too. enough ergs to be fun.

early (carbed) SV650's around that money?

[F5 Dave]

For fun I'd go for something like this ...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-805708434.htm

That would have to meet my description of no fun.

The 500s were heavy slugs, I can't imagine the 400 would be 'life affirming'

[HenryDorsetCase]

That would have to meet my description of no fun.

The 500s were heavy slugs, I can't imagine the 400 would be 'life affirming'

I know someone who bought one new in the 80's and had NO END of issues with it. Primarily (IIRC) it has Heron heads and the acute angle between the cam/cam follower/valve stem and the fact they were made from chocolate meant it kept eating valves and guides and cylinder heads..... anyway not a happy camper. Backed by the legendary spare parts and support, which has apparently only improved as years have gone on.

something something dark side.

I guess if it is still running after 30 years then its likely fixed. Like early VF750 Interceptors: if still running they have had the cam oiling issue fixed.

[BlackSheepLogic]

Really really nice find.


http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=804420596

I am not in a position to buy this presently but rego is $112 a year, they are very reliable, and this would fulfil your needs. Plus if you buy it and sell it to me next year I will give you $500 more than what you paid for it if its in the same condition. cant go wrong

[GrayWolf]

I know someone who bought one new in the 80's and had NO END of issues with it. Primarily (IIRC) it has Heron heads and the acute angle between the cam/cam follower/valve stem and the fact they were made from chocolate meant it kept eating valves and guides and cylinder heads..... anyway not a happy camper. Backed by the legendary spare parts and support, which has apparently only improved as years have gone on.

something something dark side.

I guess if it is still running after 30 years then its likely fixed. Like early VF750 Interceptors: if still running they have had the cam oiling issue fixed.

The very early CX's did have a chocolate cam issue... it was rapidly sorted by Nonda.. hence why the CX became the bike of choice for London dispatchies...

[HenryDorsetCase]

The very early CX's did have a chocolate cam issue... it was rapidly sorted by Nonda.. hence why the CX became the bike of choice for London dispatchies...

I didnt know that about CX's. I was talking about the Guzzi V40 someone posted earlier.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Really really nice find.

It is exactly the bike I want and it has come up at exactly the wrong time for me to buy it.

[GrayWolf]

I didnt know that about CX's. I was talking about the Guzzi V40 someone posted earlier.

Ah apologies, yes the early 'small block' guzzies were a mixed bag... the 500, 650 twin valve's were OK, but the 4 valve heads were diabolical. Even 'today' they had some major issues with the 1100 4 valve heads, Seems they finally sorted it last year with a new tappet and follower design...

[yevjenko]

As has been said before, stay away from the lams market as that way be overpriced...

Can't go wrong with a bandit 600 or 750...

Oh look I just happen to have a 750 for sale

[James Deuce]

Can't go wrong with a bandit 600 or 750...



In your opinion. I'd rather ride a Lambretta 150, naked, in rush hour traffic.

[haydes55]

In your opinion. I'd rather ride a Lambretta 150, naked, in rush hour traffic.


That would certainly be an adrenaline rush!

[yevjenko]

In your opinion. I'd rather ride a Lambretta 150, naked, in rush hour traffic.
I think I saw you actually... May need counseling to get that out of my head

[James Deuce]

Job, done.

[F5 Dave]

Can you see the real me? -can you? CAN YOU?





About two guys in their 40s will get that but Jim will likely be one of them.

[mossy1200]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-807035297.htm

Don't delay put an offer on it today.

[Coldrider]

Where does the ER6 fit the boring bit, requested?

[F5 Dave]

I've been having a great time on Tube. pearl jam do a cover of the real me that really does the original every bit as good. Not as many Lambrettas though.

[ducatilover]

As has been said before, stay away from the lams market as that way be overpriced...

Can't go wrong with a bandit 600 or 750...

Oh look I just happen to have a 750 for sale

I traded mine for leprosy, a worthwhile upgrade TBH

[HenryDorsetCase]

I traded mine for leprosy, a worthwhile upgrade TBH

LOL harsh.

[James Deuce]

LOL harsh.

But on the money.

[yevjenko]

Why the hate on the old bandit?

[Winston001]

Thanks for all the ideas chaps, much to ponder over. I did think of a CX 500 but not many around. As for the CL350 - I don't remember them at all but the CB 350 was an excellent bike. :D

[ducatilover]

Why the hate on the old bandit?


305421 Basically covers it.

[Voltaire]

I bought this off a mate few weeks back, its only 600cc but being a BMW 800/900, 750 Commando rider its a lot of fun.
305465

[cs363]

305421 Basically covers it.

May as well get the set: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/toyota/auction-806139433.htm

[GrayWolf]

Thanks for all the ideas chaps, much to ponder over. I did think of a CX 500 but not many around. As for the CL350 - I don't remember them at all but the CB 350 was an excellent bike. :D

What does come up on occasions, and were/are damn good machines,,, Yamaha XJ650/750's.... There have been a few really nice condition ones at times. Good performance (for their time) well made, reliable.

[ducatilover]

May as well get the set: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/toyota/auction-806139433.htm

Oh God, that is a lovely appliance.

[cs363]

Oh God, that is a lovely appliance.

Isn't it though? I love how even the photos have a beige tint to them! :lol:

[pritch]

OP should get a Hornet 900 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-807056557.htm).

When I read the criteria that was the first model that came to mind. I think the OP would get a better choice of bikes by looking at the various Jap 750 to litre bikes rather than the LAMS stuff.

[Winston001]

Understand that Pritch but I had in mind a small light bike which still had enough torque to be fun.

On the larger bike side, always fancied a Triumph Thruxton.