250 or 400

ODubhain82

Hi,
Looking at getting a bike and could do with some suggestions.
I had an RG80 back in the day and have been hankering for another bike for the last few years.
I've done the theory test and have the learners permit up to catagory A.
I love the look of a parallel twin such as a honda cb and would like to mod it into a tracker/cafe style.
I've read that inline 4 cylinder bikes have a less forgiving power curve so I'm not keen on those. I'm not looking for anything too fast/aggressive.
Was considering a cb250 or similar but am concerned it would be too underpowered for me.
I'm 6ft and 15+ stone. I looked a bit too big for the rg80 and that was a few stone ago.
40yrs old this year too. Yes, it is probably a midlife crisis.
Apologies for the long post.
Price range...ideally under 2k.
Thanks.

blade1

ODubhain82 wrote: »

Hi,
Looking at getting a bike and could do with some suggestions.
I had an RG80 back in the day and have been hankering for another bike for the last few years.
I've done the theory test and have the learners permit up to catagory A.
I love the look of a parallel twin such as a honda cb and would like to mod it into a tracker/cafe style.
I've read that inline 4 cylinder bikes have a less forgiving power curve so I'm not keen on those. I'm not looking for anything too fast/aggressive.
Was considering a cb250 or similar but am concerned it would be too underpowered for me.
I'm 6ft and 15+ stone. I looked a bit too big for the rg80 and that was a few stone ago.
40yrs old this year too. Yes, it is probably a midlife crisis.
Apologies for the long post.
Price range...ideally under 2k.
Thanks.

I'd go bigger again.

ODubhain82

blade1 wrote: »

I'd go bigger again.

Any parallel twins come to mind?

blade1

ODubhain82 wrote: »

Any parallel twins come to mind?

Tdm900.
Maybe a bit over your budget so Tdm 850.
I would try and stretch to the 900 though if at all possible.
Not going to win any beauty contest but lovely bike to ride.

mamax

blade1 wrote: »

Tdm900.
Maybe a bit over your budget so Tdm 850.
I would try and stretch to the 900 though if at all possible.
Not going to win any beauty contest but lovely bike to ride.

+1
Love my 850, great bike to ride and a better looking bike that the 900 in my opinion
The early 900 had a few issues so if you go for one of them try 05 up but they would be a bit over your budget.
Try get a 99 to 01 850 as they don't have any of the problems of the earlier ones, the tdm has a cult following around the world and most owners actually look after them and load them with extras, have a look at http://www.carpe-tdm.net/
Honest review here > https://classic-motorbikes.net/yamaha-tdm850-the-great-all-rounder/
Another bike worth a mention is the V-Strom 650 but go ride a few bikes and see how they feel

ODubhain82

blade1 wrote: »

Tdm900.
Maybe a bit over your budget so Tdm 850.
I would try and stretch to the 900 though if at all possible.
Not going to win any beauty contest but lovely bike to ride.

Looks good. Insurance might be a problem though on that size engine. I'm hoping for something I could turn into the attached photo but probably with more power.
Am I wrong to overlook 4 cylinders?

blade1

ODubhain82 wrote: »

Am I wrong to overlook 4 cylinders?

Probably, I'm a fan of twins myself but 4cyl are more refined.
I see the route you want to take though.
The only problem you may have is picking up sometime that isn't falling apart for reasonable kind of money.
The word "classic" is used on all sorts of scrap heaps these days.

ODubhain82

Ya, I've been watching Donedeal for a good while now and any cb400 twin that comes up is from the 80's. Dont mind getting the hands dirty (I'm an electrician) but would prefer something a bit newer. Newer seems to equal 4 cylinder. Is there a huge difference between 2 and 4 cylinders in terms of power? Bearing in mind my last bike, 20 years ago, had very little power to hurt yourself with.

mamax

ODubhain82 wrote: »

Looks good. Insurance might be a problem though on that size engine. I'm hoping for something I could turn into the attached photo but probably with more power.
Am I wrong to overlook 4 cylinders?

You will get cheap insurance on a tdm and with your height and weight it will be comfortable
Most of the 250 or 400's will make you look like an elephant riding a tricycle and will feel small to you, personally I hate bikes that feel small and twins have something that I love so the tdm does it for me, go test ride some bikes

ODubhain82

Elephant on a tricycle ....Hmmmm.....Not the look I'm going for:D.

Max Headroom

6 feet and 15 stone...every bike is going to look small...no offence..:)

ayux4rj6zql2ph

Max Headroom wrote: »

6 feet and 15 stone...every bike is going to look small...no offence..:)

Jaysus you should see me on the DL650 then, 6' 2" & 18 stone :pac:

Max Headroom

Sutton Hundreds Watchman wrote: »

Jaysus you should see me on the DL650 then, 6' 2" & 18 stone :pac:

I'm picturing it now....I like it....:)

ODubhain82

Right, 250s definately ruled out so. Where do we stand on the cylinders question?

Roadtoad

Honda Deauville, 650 or 700.
Twin. Shaft. ABS. Shelter. Heated grips.
Let it go in two years or when you think of something better.

ODubhain82

Appreciate all the help lads.
I get the feeling that no one recons a 4 cylinder bikes is the way to go.
So, thats out too. Definately want something forgiving.
All the bikes suggested so far look like very sensible options.
I did sit on a V Strom 650 a while back and it felt very comfy.
My mate, who owned it, struggled a bit with its seat height. It seemed
fine for me though.
Its probably the best option so far I'd say.
Love something more retro though.

Sonics2k

Roadtoad wrote: »

Honda Deauville, 650 or 700.
Twin. Shaft. ABS. Shelter. Heated grips.
Let it go in two years or when you think of something better.

I'll add on to this one.

DL650 is a bit taller, so if you prefer a slightly lower ride take the Deauville. Had mine for just over a year.

Jack Moore

I’m 6’2 and 18 stone
TDM 850 is ideal for me

zubair

Get a 4 cylinder bike!

I joke of course, but I wouldn't rule out all IL4s, some you might want to rule out because they just aren't what you're looking for but there's no reason to rule them all out. Typically, the power band on an IL4 is higher in the rev range and there's a spike in the power delivery but it's all very manageable, usually twins have a more linear power band. There are exceptions to both.

The honda hornet is a very good naked bike that is almost cafe racer ish. It's an IL4 and the motor is great fun, more fun than most twins.

ODubhain82

Hornet is a nice looking bike. 4 cylinders would make me a bit nervous.
My last bike was a single with a very predictable power curve, ie none.
The thing is, none of the suggested bikes makes me go "wow!".
They are probably more practical and better handling etc than the retro
cafe/ tracker style but if I'm going to take all the agro from the missus its

going to have to be for something I can't take my eyes off.

My problem is the style of bike I like is either going to be too small for me,
as in a modern 250, or a genuine antique bigger cc bike.
There doesn't seem to be a 2 cylinder cb style bike made anymore.
I don't really fancy a cruiser/ harley lookalike.
Maybe I should lose weight for a 250?

zubair

At 6ft and 15 stone a 250 won't get you out of your driveway.

Do the ibt, see what you think then. I presume the bike is just for Sunday spins given you want a cafe racer style bike, the season is over now though so won't be many spins left until spring.

It's fine to have a preference on engine type, most people do but there's nothing to fear with an IL4, a hornet and an SV are about the same to 100kmph.

ODubhain82

Had my heart set on a 250. Not going to be much use for longer spins though.
That's a good idea about the IBT. I was thinking about buying the bike first
and doing it on that but might make more sense to do it first.

Max Headroom

Yamaha SRX400 or 600......Honga Bros/Hawk again 400 or 600...great bikes and retro style....my preference would be an SRX but theyre hard to come by..

MSVforever

I wouldn't get anything below 600cc unless it's a winter hack.

Sometimes it's difficult to make a decision as with biking your heart is also involved.

There are so many middle size bikes out which could be interesting for you : Yamaha XJ6 diversion, Kawasaki ER6F (from 2012 model), Honda Hornet 600 (from 2007 onwards ), Honda CBF 600 S, SUZUKI SV 650 (faired version ), BMW F 800 GT, KAWASAKI Versys 650, V-STROM 650, Kawasaki Z800.

There are other good bikes out there but they might be uncomfortable for your size.

If funds were no issue then I would upgrade to a BMW GS1250, the latest KAWASAKI VERSYS 1000 or the latest SUZUKI V-STROM 1000.

Back to reality I was offered to swap my 2007 V-STROM 650 for a 2003 V-STROM 1000 and I declined.
The old V-STROM 1000 feels less refined and is very thirsty in comparison. I'm averaging about 5.5L/per 100 km while he gets only around 10L / per 100 km. Yes it has way more torque and a bit more top end speed but this doesn't justify the half of the mileage difference imo.

blade1

Get an old cx500/650 and do something like this

Max Headroom

blade1 wrote: »

Get an old cx500/650 and do something like this

Turbo....;)

East cafe racer/ scrambler project AND cheap insurance....
https://www.donedeal.ie/vintagebikes-for-sale/xs-yamaha-750-special/20128109

ODubhain82

Max Headroom wrote: »

Turbo....;)

East cafe racer/ scrambler project AND cheap insurance....
https://www.donedeal.ie/vintagebikes-for-sale/xs-yamaha-750-special/20128109

Like that one. Is something that old going to be a lot of work though? Also looks like a lot of cylinders lol.

colm_c

ODubhain82 wrote: »

Had my heart set on a 250. Not going to be much use for longer spins though.
That's a good idea about the IBT. I was thinking about buying the bike first
and doing it on that but might make more sense to do it first.

I don't think you'd be able to get insured before getting the IBT, therefore you can't use your own bike for IBT...

ODubhain82

colm_c wrote: »

I don't think you'd be able to get insured before getting the IBT, therefore you can't use your own bike for IBT...

Ya, I need to check that out. I could possibly trailer the bike to the IBT location? Looking at a 250 tomorrow obviously against all recomendations. Sorry all. Love the look of the parallel twin.
So, yet another example of asking for advice then ignoring it.
I appreciate all the help though.
When I realise its too damn small I'll be going back though the suggestions. I'd say the sv650 would be a winner.
I'll post some photos of whatever way I go.
Thanks lads.

MSVforever

Go for the SV650. You can get them pretty cheap .Please leave the 250 alone..... you will regret it once you have tried out a 600cc + bike .

Well unless money is no objection

ODubhain82

MSVforever wrote: »

Go for the SV650. You can get them pretty cheap .Please leave the 250 alone..... you will regret it once you have tried out a 600cc + bike .

Well unless money is no objection

You're right. The sv looks to be a good bike. I'll probably end up with one. I'm a sucker for the retro looking bikes. Have to get it out of my system.

mamax

ODubhain82 wrote: »

Ya, I need to check that out. I could possibly trailer the bike to the IBT location?

You won't get insurance without your ibt cert so you will have to use the instructors bike

ayux4rj6zql2ph

mamax wrote: »

You won't get insurance without your ibt cert so you will have to use the instructors bike

CN will insure you but you need to produce the IBT Cert within 30 days of taking out the policy.

Principal won't however, i'm currently with them.

Unsure about Liberty.

MCE are leaving the Irish market.

zubair

I am sure it's possible to buy a bike and do your ibt on it but the one piece of advice I give everyone is to do the ibt first. There's a reason for this, you have no idea starting out what you really want or need in a bike or how an a2 bike compares to an a. The ibt is an opportunity to get a better idea of what you're looking for and to understand the bikes available to you and what's best to start on. Buying a bike and then doing the ibt is putting the cart before the horse.

I'll try avoid ranting because it sounds like you're not really interested in our advice but i started on a 250 as that's what the system allowed at the time when I started, my god I wish I had a 600 then, they're gutless and you'll be left for dead by a trendline polo on the m50.

Just do the ibt and then decide if a 250 is what you really want.

mamax

You might get insurance but you won't be legally "licenced" until you complete the ibt and have the cert in your hand, that is a fact not speculation

ODubhain82

zubair wrote: »

I am sure it's possible to buy a bike and do your ibt on it but the one piece of advice I give everyone is to do the ibt first. There's a reason for this, you have no idea starting out what you really want or need in a bike or how an a2 bike compares to an a. The ibt is an opportunity to get a better idea of what you're looking for and to understand the bikes available to you and what's best to start on. Buying a bike and then doing the ibt is putting the cart before the horse.

I'll try avoid ranting because it sounds like you're not really interested in our advice but i started on a 250 as that's what the system allowed at the time when I started, my god I wish I had a 600 then, they're gutless and you'll be left for dead by a trendline polo on the m50.

Just do the ibt and then decide if a 250 is what you really want.

Definitely interested in the advice I'm getting.

I think I will do the IBT first as you recommend. It makes sense.
What I really want though is a retro styled bike, which is a pain in the arse
as there seems to be very few around that would be suitable.
The bikes suggested so far just don't do it for me at the moment.
Not trying to be awkward.


The quest for a cb250 isn't going well anyway. I've tried to buy 3 over
the last few months with no joy. Sellers not responding / bike sold at last

minute before I can get to it etc.
Would I be mad to buy something this old?
https://www.donedeal.ie/vintagebikes-for-sale/honda-cb-450-nighthawk/19426590

blade1

ODubhain82 wrote: »

Definitely interested in the advice I'm getting.

I think I will do the IBT first as you recommend. It makes sense.
What I really want though is a retro styled bike, which is a pain in the arse
as there seems to be very few around that would be suitable.
The bikes suggested so far just don't do it for me at the moment.
Not trying to be awkward.


The quest for a cb250 isn't going well anyway. I've tried to buy 3 over
the last few months with no joy. Sellers not responding / bike sold at last

minute before I can get to it etc.
Would I be mad to buy something this old?
https://www.donedeal.ie/vintagebikes-for-sale/honda-cb-450-nighthawk/19426590

If everything works as it should like he states in the ad,it's small money so would be ok.
However,now maybe this is just me...
When I see an ad like that where he has put a few quid into carbs and a few other bits, I start to question it.
Had it issues and he tried to fix them and couldn't so now he is getting rid of it.
It maybe legit but I'd be wary.

phildin

It's also worth taking the vehicle requirements for the A test into consideration, you need to take the test on a bike with an engine of 595cc or greater and power of 50kw or greater. You can do the A2 on a 400 while 250s are in a weird twilight zone, too big for A1 and not big enough for A2. You can obviously rent a bike for the test (I had to as I had a 250) but it's hassle, expense and makes the test un-necessarily stressful.

lalababa

ODubhain82 wrote: »

Ya, I need to check that out. I could possibly trailer the bike to the IBT location? Looking at a 250 tomorrow obviously against all recomendations. Sorry all. Love the look of the parallel twin.
So, yet another example of asking for advice then ignoring it.
I appreciate all the help though.
When I realise its too damn small I'll be going back though the suggestions. I'd say the sv650 would be a winner.
I'll post some photos of whatever way I go.
Thanks lads.

6ft and 15st. I am nearly 6ft and was 16st when I had a 125, and a 250. The 125 was top speed of 60mph ish but was less when conditions were against it. Found it too slow and light for bigger roads and motorways because you have so many feckers up your ass and expecting to pass and force drift you into the left.
There are some exceptions such as varadero 125 and tdr 125 which can handle fast roads.
I had a bog standard gn250 and it was grand for all roads except with passenger.
It got up to 75 easy enough and then at push 85. So in my opinion most 250 can handle your measurements.
But you should check top speed and bhp and weights of the bikes you are interested in.
Ergo motorbike website will help you size wise.
Some of the 250cc cruisers are both low seated and sluggish.
That said there's nothing wrong with going above 250 , a more powerful and heavier bike will be more comfortable cruising at motorway speeds and will feel more stable.

ODubhain82

Had a test drive on a cb450 today. Initially felt pretty heavy but once moving it was very comfortable. Decent power but not overwhelming.
Very predictable and forgiving also.
Going back tomorrow with a trailer.ðŸ˜

Max Headroom

ODubhain82 wrote: »

Had a test drive on a cb450 today. Initially felt pretty heavy but once moving it was very comfortable. Decent power but not overwhelming.
Very predictable and forgiving also.
Going back tomorrow with a trailer.ðŸ˜

What year is it..??.....private or dealer..?

zubair

Link pls

ODubhain82

https://www.donedeal.i...0-nighthawk/19426590

This is the one I bought. He has another couple.
It felt great on the road.

Edit: I dont think that link is working. But its on Donedeal at the minute.

Year = '82.

ayux4rj6zql2ph

ODubhain82 wrote: »

https://www.donedeal.i...0-nighthawk/19426590

This is the one I bought. He has another couple.
It felt great on the road.

Edit: I dont think that link is working. But its on Donedeal at the minute.

Year = '82.

This?

https://www.donedeal.ie/vintagebikes-for-sale/honda-cb-450-nighthawk/19426590

ODubhain82

Sutton Hundreds Watchman wrote: »

This?

https://www.donedeal.ie/vintagebikes-for-sale/honda-cb-450-nighthawk/19426590

Thats the one.