Buying a bike

New to this forum, but know (and have met) a few dodgy characters on here.
Right, I am again in the position to own a bike and seeing as it has been a long
time and the world has moved on I have a few questions.
Living in Norway the prices are fairytale compared to the UK, so I won't bother
discussing that.
First question, what is the longevity of bike engines? Bit of an open question I know,
but are they more 'brittle' than car engines, do they have a shorter life expectancy
given the recommended maintenance?
Are there any brands that are more fragile than others? Ie is Honda the Toyota of the bike
world, and Ducati the Ferrari?
What are the main general points to look for when buying 2nd hand?

Bikes currently on the market, in no order of preference that I am tyre kicking:
Ducati 749S (probably too spendy anyway)
Kawasaki ZX6R
Yamaha XT600
Honda CBR900R Fireblade
Brand new Aprillia RS125
All appear to be standard apart from the Ducati that has carbon fibre this and that.
Now I am not really looking for a sportsbike, but beggars can't be choosers. And these
are bikes I remember from my riding days. The last bike I rode was a Yamaha YZF750.
Type of riding would just be out for fun, the odd commute to work. A BMW R800/ 1200 GS
would be nice, but again too spendy.
Hopefully some sensible advice and lots of pisstaking.

Looking at your list I would go for a Yam XT and add a Honda XV (bigger version) to that.
The Aprillia would ruin your back, hips, knees, wallet.
The Duke would break down every other day
Fireblade and ZX6R, OK if you like bum up head dowm.

What do you want to use it for Quent? What sort of UK budget we looking at?

Oh, Hi as well!

That's what I was thinking as well. Budget is upto about 7k, but don't forget noggie prices have no place in the real world. The Aprillia and Duke
do look very sexy, but the D is out of budget anyway, being realistic.
The Kwak and Honda are there because they seem value for money, and I have always liked them.
As you say the XT and the like are probably most sensible.
As for riding, as I said really sunny day hooning, the odd commute, general run around when I havn't got the girls and am feeling too tired for my other bike (pedal power).
I suppode I had better stop virtual tyre kicking and get out and try them for size. Here are some links, for those interested.
http://www.finn.no/finn/mc/used/object?finnkode=34380121
http://www.finn.no/finn/mc/used/object?finnkode=34496172
http://www.finn.no/finn/mc/used/object?finnkode=34518859
Only the K is local though, the other 2 would involve 2 hours driving each way and a ferry to look at. And now this just popped up, but even further away.
http://www.finn.no/finn/mc/used/viewimage?finnkode=34517894
Apart from the Blade all are private sale.

My choice outta that lot would be the XL600V. I wouldnt touch the XT600 with a bargepole, super motard= thrashed to within a inch of its life and more than likely fucked.
Same with the other two being sports bikes, check the fairings, make sure they are original, look for lockwired bolts etc, any signs of track use,walk away.

Seems to currently be my choice as well. Like you say the sports bikes are sports bikes. Not me really, probably why I have a LR not a BMW, like my dad and bruv.
Shame it's too far away to poop and have a look, I'll give the bloke a ring see what he says.
Cheers Bill :-)

Fuck me they let anyone in here now!!!


Hi Gwen.


Thought of you at the weekend. My Little Boy said he'd like to visit Norway. I told him you'd see him right. But he can't afford it. He's says there are no direct ferries any more?

Correctemundo, the closest you can get is Harwich>Esbjerg then a 4 hour drive to Hirtshals >Kristiansand.
Yepp if anyone wants to visit this lovely country, let me know and I'll give you a few pointers. Might even let you have a bed.
As long as you don't snore, or have a wank. You can stay in your own sleeping bag for that.

i visit most years and agree its a awsome country, but feck me 9 quid for a bloody pint

Best to arrive with a crate of Scotch methinks.

pastyman wrote:i visit most years and agree its a awsome country, but feck me 9 quid for a bloody pint

Well if you are ever in the Stavanger area, let me know, I'll show you around.
If your good I might buy you a pint.

Visited Norway a few years ago on a cruise jobby. Visited Stavanger too! Nice place. I reckon that's the way to visit, so food and drink don't have to be bought while there, although I'd like to come up and dive on some of the wrecks in the Fjords.
Bike wise, I don't really know those, except for the Aprilia - the son in law had one and it was dire, and I like 2 strokes.

Is there anyone near London that knows their way around a bike?
Too good to be true? Even with noggie import it still seems a steal.
Can't find much negative on the net about them.
Yamaha 750 Super Tenere

Very nice bikes, and that is cheap as well!

If that was a bit closer, I'd buy it to go to work on! That looks well good. I had a 500 Tenere when I was in South Africa a few years ago, not really fast, but loads of fun.

Sounds perfect.

So what is the consensus on the Honda Africa Twin?
Reading the 'net' seems generally positive.
http://www.finn.no/finn/mc/used/object?finnkode=34718996

Spot on bike, good for commute and serious miles. Very reliable (Its a Honda) and I like them, so it must be good.

Can't agree there Bill. You like tea and it's horrible, so you aren't right 100% of the time.

Bike's good though.

I am ALWAYS right when it comes to bikes.

You naughty boy, cheese
Your not making things easier.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Triumph-thunderbird-bobber-1951-rigid-usa-classic-bike-motorcycle-motorbike-/230785499410?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item35bbe34112#ht_1247wt_1044

Although for some reason this doesn't work for me.

And 'may be' road legal' too as a bonus.

Started life as a Thunderpig but now with no sprung hub so the handling will be marginal at best......
Fuck that, it a blobbyshitbagpileofcrap.

Well I have made an offer on this, after a fellow LR enthusiast that lives a bit closer
went to have a looksie and gave it the thumbs up.
Honda XL600V

That is much mire suited to your requirements sir.