Gordon Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 Hi all, I'm returning to biking soon. I started on an RD 50 in 1987, progressed to an RD 125 in 88. Had a couple of years off after being sinful and getting a car lol. Then passed my bike test. That was about when I met the wife who swore I would never have a bike as they are dangerous. Little did I know that she really meant it. Anyway after 30 years I'm finally divorcing her and my new Mrs is well happy for me to have a bike. So, what do I get? Keep getting conflicting opinions from people and online. Love the ninjas so first thought about the 400...then the zx4rr showed up and seemed ideal apart from some saying you have to thrash it to find the power. Then I've spoken to people who say don't bother you'll soon get bored, go straight for the zx6r! Tempted to use them as an excuse and go for it but not sure it's truly a wise thing to do. Then there is the Aprillia rs 660 Anyone out there with good advice. Ps I'm a very active 54 year old (scaffolder/ultra marathon runner) and did a fair bit of scrambling in my teens. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 Hello &Welcome @Gordon 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boboneleg Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 Welcome Gordon scrambling you say , you must as old as some of us old codgers 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renegade Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 1 hour ago, boboneleg said: Welcome Gordon scrambling you say , you must as old as some of us old codgers Your all still kids. Welcome @Gordon 1 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buckster Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 48 minutes ago, Renegade said: Your all still kids. Welcome @Gordon Your first bike had a steam engine. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catteeclan Posted February 24 Share Posted February 24 Hi Gordon. Have you had a ride on any of these bikes? Just thinking you're looking at pretty bikes rather than what you're going to be comfortable on. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon Posted February 24 Author Share Posted February 24 Hi, not yet but a few test rides are gonna be the next thing so might have a complete change of heart then. Do like the pretty bikes though 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saul Posted February 24 Share Posted February 24 12 hours ago, Gordon said: Hi all, I'm returning to biking soon. I started on an RD 50 in 1987, progressed to an RD 125 in 88. Had a couple of years off after being sinful and getting a car lol. Then passed my bike test. That was about when I met the wife who swore I would never have a bike as they are dangerous. Little did I know that she really meant it. Anyway after 30 years I'm finally divorcing her and my new Mrs is well happy for me to have a bike. So, what do I get? Keep getting conflicting opinions from people and online. Love the ninjas so first thought about the 400...then the zx4rr showed up and seemed ideal apart from some saying you have to thrash it to find the power. Then I've spoken to people who say don't bother you'll soon get bored, go straight for the zx6r! Tempted to use them as an excuse and go for it but not sure it's truly a wise thing to do. Then there is the Aprillia rs 660 Anyone out there with good advice. Ps I'm a very active 54 year old (scaffolder/ultra marathon runner) and did a fair bit of scrambling in my teens. Hello and Welcome. My best mate had a ZX6R for awhile, plenty quick enough for sure, tis a sport bike though and depending what you want to do with it, it can be a little uncomfortable and thirsty. Fantastic bit of kit for a blast though. Be interested to see how you get on. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon Posted February 24 Author Share Posted February 24 Thanks for that mate. I definitely want a sports bike and not planning on major distances, just fun rides out. The other half's hairdresser Kelly had one too and she said go for it 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Six30 Posted February 24 Share Posted February 24 Hello Gordon.. you will get bored of a 400 for road use , i would go for the zxr6. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon Posted February 24 Author Share Posted February 24 Thanks @Six30, I've been hearing that a lot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YamaHead Posted February 24 Share Posted February 24 Welcome aboard @Gordon....right off the bat, like you already as that's my Dad's name...lol My oldest grandson had the Ninja 400...loved it--even did a trackday with it. He eventually sold it on....now rides my old XT 600 SuMo...couldn't be happier. I did a stint at a bike shop awhile back & had the opportunity to turn a few spanners on ZX6's...nice bikes, but the ergo's will eventually take a toll on your body. Pretty, Fast bikes are 1 thing, but there a fair amount of Ergo-correct options out there that will make for quite a load of happy 2-wheel miles. It'll be great to see what you end up with.... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pedro Posted February 24 Share Posted February 24 Welcome, @Gordon! If you’re confident in your fitness and don’t plan on doing long rides, try to go for a test ride on whatever you like the look of, check if that one makes you happy and that you’re adequately comfortable on it. Disregard every other opinion as you’re clearly already thinking about it with safety in mind. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buckster Posted February 24 Share Posted February 24 Get anything you like that isn't Chinese. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon Posted February 24 Author Share Posted February 24 Haha, many thanks for all the good info @YamaHead. Glad your dad had such a cool name lol. Always been fan of the kawasakis ever since my brother-in-law took me out on his souped up zxr750.....lunatic of a bike! But must say after trolling YouTube for months there is heck of a lot to choose from that seem a bit less extreme, streettriple and GSX8R to name a couple. I'll be interested to see what I end up with too! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saul Posted February 24 Share Posted February 24 33 minutes ago, Gordon said: But must say after trolling YouTube for months there is heck of a lot to choose from that seem a bit less extreme, streettriple and GSX8R to name a couple. I'll be interested to see what I end up with too! That GSX8R is a lovely bike but the ZX6R or ZX9R is a whole nother level if you want sport riding. I have ridden a GSX8S good torquey and relatively quick bike but not a really a sport bike, also has piss poor lights. I much prefer my CB750 Hornet to the GSX8S I have an itch for a ZX9R, hellofva lot of bike for the money in comparison to a Blade. But I’m old and fucked I couldn’t ride a real sport bike for long. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beemer Bummer Posted February 24 Share Posted February 24 Get a beemer! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earache Posted February 24 Share Posted February 24 Hi Gordo - welcome! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boboneleg Posted February 24 Share Posted February 24 4 hours ago, Buckster said: Get anything you like that isn't Chinese. I reckon Pete prompted you there ........... 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boboneleg Posted February 24 Share Posted February 24 3 hours ago, Beemer Bummer said: Get a beemer! Oi ! don't scare off our new member you arsehole ........... 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Six30 Posted February 24 Share Posted February 24 6 hours ago, Gordon said: Haha, many thanks for all the good info @YamaHead. Glad your dad had such a cool name lol. Always been fan of the kawasakis ever since my brother-in-law took me out on his souped up zxr750.....lunatic of a bike! But must say after trolling YouTube for months there is heck of a lot to choose from that seem a bit less extreme, streettriple and GSX8R to name a couple. I'll be interested to see what I end up with too! street triple .. the 765 I can recommend … 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon Posted February 24 Author Share Posted February 24 This choosing business is getting harder! Lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boboneleg Posted February 25 Share Posted February 25 Just don't get one in dildo blue ................. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saul Posted February 25 Share Posted February 25 7 hours ago, Gordon said: This choosing business is getting harder! Lol I would say don't pump a load of cash into a bike yet, get an older £1500-£2000 Sport bike for a few months and see if that is really what you want. You can always sell it later for a more spendy sport bike or try a different type of bike without losing thousands in depreciation. If you were to pump say 7 to 10K plus into something you found didn't suit what you wanted to do in the long run you would take a big hit in depreciation. Just a thought. Good luck with whatever you choose to do. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon Posted February 25 Author Share Posted February 25 Now there's an idea. Thank you 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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