Best small-medium enjoyable road bike?

[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. 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. 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/moto...-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/List...x?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.