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Need transport. Buy another bike?

  • 14-08-2012 3:34pm
    #1
    cantdecide
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,465 ✭✭✭✭


    I'm not riding or driving at the moment as I'm just back from travelling and I'm fairly broke now and on the social. I won't be able to work for the foreseeable future as I'm still recovering from injuries from my last bike accident but I'll soon be able to drive again.

    I have my super clean '01 GSX1400 here at home which is my pride and joy. I've had it four years but it hasn't been used since last autumn when I left Ireland. The bike needs new tyres, headstock bearings, forks rebuilding, downpipes need stripping and a refinishing (preventative maintenance), back brake caliper needs rebuilding. The way I see it, it will probably cost a grand or more no matter what I do. The other downsides to the bike is that I would love to use it for touring Northern Europe for a week or more before the Summer is out and I have no tank bags, racks, boxes etc. Lastly- it's my baby and I know it's at the age now where if I use it daily, it will get ropey fast. Also, the running costs per KM on bikes like these is pretty stiff.

    On the other hand, I'm starting to think I could pick up another bike with lower running costs in good running order for less than I'd spend on my GSX. I was told about a guy locally who picked up a mint TDM850 with all the gear for €1300.

    My brother was thinking even if I knocked the touring idea in the head a Varadero 125 would do a tall guy like me just for pootling about locally. Running costs on a budget must be pretty affordable.

    Any thoughts? I'm totally open to suggestion...


Comments

  • #2
    Del2005
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,102 ✭✭✭✭Del2005


    You'll go mad on a 125 after a 1400, bro in law had one and even though it was his 1st bike it was too slow for him after the first few weeks.

    Get at least at 250, plenty of Bros's or any of the Bandit clones for that money.


  • #3
    daenerysstormborn3
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,213 ✭✭✭daenerysstormborn3


    You'd pick up a decent CB400 for under €1,000 and they're the type of bike that last forever. For example, my CB, hasn't been started in 6 months (due to similar circumstances to yourself) and it started up last week, took one push of the button and no hassle.


  • #4
    serious3
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,026 ✭✭✭serious3


    i picked up a 1999 bmw F650st with top box, new c+s for 1250, it does near as damn it 100mph and 57mpg, good fun in the twistys too, i'm going touring later this year for a few days on it!


  • #5
    galwaytt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,822 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    ...any middleweight twin would be big enough, simple enough, and cheap enough to buy & run.

    Kawasaki ER-5
    Suzuk GS500 or SV650
    Honda CB500

    ..are the first ones into my head. A friend of mine is heading to NZ in a few weeks, so I don't know what he plans to do with this ER-5.....must ask.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • #6
    paddy147
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 15,858 ✭✭✭✭paddy147


    Yamaha TDM 850 is a great bike and very reliable too.


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  • #7
    serious3
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,026 ✭✭✭serious3


    paddy147 wrote: »
    Yamaha TDM 850 is a great bike and very reliable too.

    hmmm i was warned off these by a mechanic as the strange firing order makes them hard on cranks and big ends? anyone else heard this?


  • #8
    CJhaughey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,907 ✭✭✭✭CJhaughey


    serious3 wrote: »
    hmmm i was warned off these by a mechanic as the strange firing order makes them hard on cranks and big ends? anyone else heard this?
    Don't think so, the TRX uses the same engine and has no reported problems.
    Yamaha design stuff pretty well, the R1 has a crossplane crank and that puts a lot more stress on the crank and no problems there either.


  • #9
    daenerysstormborn3
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,213 ✭✭✭daenerysstormborn3


    There will never be another Yamaha in this house anyway. Big ends went in any yamaha himself has owned. After the hassle he had with his last R1 (07) he'll never touch another yammy.


  • #10
    fatbast
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 126 ✭✭fatbast


    Cb500 l have one for sale for a grand new tyres taxed heated grips half faired model!


  • #11
    cantdecide
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,465 ✭✭✭✭cantdecide


    Thank you one and all...

    Lots of good points there but I've decided to go for a leftfield option and commit to a four wheel option and persevere with my project VT500 with the intention of turning that into a daily driver eventually. Better start putting it back together then:D


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  • #12
    Wonda-Boy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,013 ✭✭✭✭Wonda-Boy


    BOOOOO Down with that sort of thing!!!!! :p


  • #13
    cantdecide
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,465 ✭✭✭✭cantdecide


    Wonda-Boy wrote: »
    BOOOOO Down with that sort of thing!!!!! :p

    I know I know :cool: I got all psyched up at the thought of a new motor but I came down to Earth when I realised that recommissioning the cage is maybe the more expensive option but it's less risky to my cash flow than a new bike and buying someone people's problems etc...


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