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I've not had a road bike for about 7 years now as all my money has gone on racing. Not racing this year due to injury, so finally thinking about picking up an old road bike again to pootle about on, and get back into riding (not ridden now since last August)

Currently thinking about an old CB500 or steel framed CBR600 as there seem to be loads about, but is there anything else similar that would be worth considering.

Needs to be cheap to insure as no no claims, not too boring, and I'm not looking to spend a fortune on a rocketship I wouldn't use - so a fun, practical older bike seems to sum up the requirement - so any suggestions.


(And I definately don't want a Falco (had a Mille and wouldn't have another), although I do like the TRX 850, though not sure its that practical.)

A friend of mine had a TRX. It was a nice bike, but he rode it past his ability's and sold it on. He currently selling a ZX7R, which is in very good original condition.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kawasaki-ZX7R ... 4d0c949ad1

Another friend is selling his CBR400RR.. Which again is in very good nic.

Thought about both of those, but riding position is a bit too sporty (It's my back I've injured), and probably looking for more of an all rounder than a sports bike

Ah, I see.

How about something from the 80's.. Like a GS850? They're nice solid bikes, and unlike their bigger brothers, don't command high prices.

Suppose you need to consider the obvious candidates -
Bandit 1200/1250 or GSX version.
Fazer 600 or 1000
Hornet 600 or 900
Could also look at a Guzzi, there are some nice late 1100s and 1200s going cheap. Different and bags of character.
Could also look at a Futura, if you can find one.

If the CBR600 is comfy enough, try for an alloy frame version, the old steel frame versions are very good but getting a bit tired now.

What sort of budget are you looking at?

how about a older gsx600f really reliable bullet proof engines looks sporty with the full faring and twin exhaust yet a comfy sports tourer riding postion and also dead easy to work on and repair if need be

another bonus is its a little bit different to the usual bandits and CBR's

I've just come back to 2 wheels after a long spell in a cage and I bought a Ducati Monster 750. It cost me less than 2 grand, the insurance is just over £70 for the year and it's a cracking bike. Nice looking (I know nice is something your Granny knits for you) sounds lovely, it's a great bike for the money and it won't get you into too much trouble with plod.

If you want a V-Twin, but not a Falco, then how about an old TL1000S? Or for something more sport-touring, an old VFR750? I prefer the original pre-single sided swingarm jobs myself (the RC24 models), but all the 750s are fun and have some definite character. To my mind the older ones have more, but...

And at least it's a V engine and you've no cam chain to worry about - ever!

Thanks for the ideas - there were a few there I hadn't considered.

Think the GS850 is going back a decade to far, but for some reason got me thinking of the old Lawson replica kawasaki, which I always used to drool over (not sure how many are around though), or a bandit which would be a similar possibility.

The monster is definately another one for the list which I hadn't thought about.

Looks like something more upright with a bit of character is what I actually want

Paulh wrote:Thanks for the ideas - there were a few there I hadn't considered.

Think the GS850 is going back a decade to far, but for some reason got me thinking of the old Lawson replica kawasaki, which I always used to drool over (not sure how many are around though), or a bandit which would be a similar possibility.

The monster is definately another one for the list which I hadn't thought about.

Looks like something more upright with a bit of character is what I actually want

Kawasaki zrx1100 or 1200.(lawson rep) Theres still a few about and they aint a lot of money.
I had the ZRX 1200r,And i still miss that bike (as our american cousins like to say "awesome").
Very comfortable and pulls like the proverbial train.

either size of older bandit comfy as a comfy thing nuts as a nuts thing

What about the SV650? Ridiculously easy bike to ride. Ideal for newbies and those coming back to biking after a lay-off. There are many ways to adjust the riding position with ease too.

agree with the sv650 - lovely bike

if you are on the hobbit size of comfortably padded - ask those who saw the snug fit leathers this weekend - then look out for an sv1000 - rarer, but lovely bikes with more oomph than the 650

They had shrunk...

SV is a highly recommended beastie

Had an SV racebike for a few years until last month so not something im considering

Decent enough bikes, but lacking a bit of character.