which motorcycle

[madmondeo]

I am planning on buying my first road motorcycle before too long. Once i have passed my test (hopefully!!) in a couple of weeks. I intend to use the bike to ride to and from work which is just over 500 miles a week. so something comfy would be ideal!! I am after advice/comments as to what bikes to consider. I am looking to buy second hand, and spend about �4000. I am 5 ft 4 in so something smallish yet with a bit of poke. Maybe a 400/500 cc?

thanks all.

[Anthony Cole]

When I passed my Direct Access in April, my boyfriend and I tried to find a bike that would be suitable for me to use for commuting to and from work and to use for going on long rides. We eventually found a Kawasaki GPZ 500s in my price range. This is my second bike since passing my test(I didn't enjoy riding the Yamaha Diversion XJ600 that I first bought). I am 5ft 6in and the GPZ is perfect for me. It is comfortable, has been described has having a bullet-proof engine in all the reviews I have read and has plenty of poke for novice riders(60bhp) and a top speed of 125mph.It is a really easy bike to ride and at 176kg dry weight is a doddle to wheel around. I'm getting about 60mpg. They are no longer made for this country(2004 last model). A really mint example can be picked-up for around �2000. Parts are readily available,it is easy to service and at insurance group 8 is cheap to insure fully comp.
Sharon

[Toureman]

Agree with Anthony about the GPZ 500.

I have a KLE 500 which has the same engine but the KLE is a traily type bike which due to the ride height is not for the vertically challenged.

Had it 8 years with no trouble at all.

[rossifumi23]

Honda CB 500's are bullet proof and vcheap for what you get. make sure it has a disc on the rear not a drum. 98 onwards

[Richard1966]

Check out the Honda Deauville. You should get a 650 or even one of the newer 700's for your budget. These things are designed for long distance regular riding, are very comfy (esp with the tall screen) and rock solid reliability.

[joggerjayne]

Honda Transalp

Comfy, reliable, has a good screen, carries stacks of luggage.

[gramsey438]

| would also suggest the deauville, I have the 650 model and use it daily for my 40 mile round trip to work, as well as pleasure rides whenever the opportunity presents itself :>

Benefits are comfort, good protection from the elements especially if you have the handlebar wind deflectors and feet protectors fitted. Good mpg I get 50mpg + and that is not riding it at it`s most economical.

Engines are bullet proof as long as you keep up the servicing and regular oil changes ( I change mine every 4k)

And probably the biggest selling point for me is the fact that they are shaft driven ! , no chain adjusting lubing or cleaning.

I previously had a VFR750 and I spent more time maintaining it that I did riding it.

The bike is easy to ride and very nimble in the traffic even when I am 2 up with the S.H.M.B.O with me :>

Must warn you that it does have the very unfair tag of bieng called the DULL VILLE , but if you want a reliable machine that gets you from a to b with as little fuss as possible you won`t go far wrong...