Midrange for $5k

**Mekk** · 23rd March 2011, 01:57

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** · 23rd March 2011, 03:01

vtr1000??????

**Gremlin** · 23rd March 2011, 03:05

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

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

**Berg** · 23rd March 2011, 21:35

As said in another thread, Kawasaki ER6n

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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** · 23rd March 2011, 21:41

Originally Posted by Gremlin

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

Perhaps this if you're after a twin? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-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-Mo...-361128625.htm

Basically, plenty of options in that price range!

Good luck

**kave** · 24th March 2011, 14:14

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

**Old Steve** · 24th March 2011, 19:35

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

**Smifffy** · 24th March 2011, 19:40

seen this?

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...nda-Hornet-900

**Mekk** · 24th March 2011, 22:44

Originally Posted by Brett

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** · 24th March 2011, 22:48

Originally Posted by kave

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** · 25th March 2011, 01:22

sv650 is not a bad bike, good little allrounder

**Scoobydoo** · 25th March 2011, 07:53

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

**kave** · 25th March 2011, 07:57

Originally Posted by Mekk

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** · 25th March 2011, 08:19

Originally Posted by Mekk

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-Mo...-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.