Ideal engine size??

[Robserver]

Hello

I am currently riding a yamaha 125 on full licence and will be looking for a bigger machine.

I am not interested in big bikes(1000cc plus) Pimarily for commuting 6-7 miles each way nsl some hills as well as the occasional longer run up to 60 plus.

I intend doing IAM

What would other members consider to be an ideal cc. I have no preferance for any particular make.

[Rick]

I'd say something like a CBR600 would be ideal, it will still keep you smiling once you get used to the power. Possibly a 500 twin, eg. CB500 GS500 type might do you for a bit and be much cheaper to insure. I'd steer away from supersport 600's until you get a bit of experience, i found the R6 a bit of a flighty beast but fun when you know what you are doing. My personal choice in your shoes would be a pre RR model CBR600.

[Robserver]

Thanks for the response. Looked at a Kawasaki ER5 the other day. Unfortunatly rather tatty so will continue to see what is about. A local dealer phoned to tell me about a Yamaha xj600n. have looked up some reviews general feedback sounds ok. Have arranged to have a look.

[Red Herring]

The XJ600N, or Diversion is a good workhorse but by todays standards a fairly crude bike. I've got one I use as a winter hack, it's reliable, runs cheap tyres, and doesn't wear out chains etc to quickly so as a commuter bike it makes do, but it's not a lot of fun.

If you like the inline four layout look at the Honda 600 Hornet, or the Yamaha 600 Fazer. Both easy bikes to ride, have enough performance to stop you ever getting bored, yet can poodle around quite sensibly as well. Slightly cheaper, but arguably almost as much fun is the Suzuki SV650, the Honda CB500 or the Kawasaki ER5.

If you have money to burn then the new Triumph Street Triple is an absolute gem of a bike and definitely worth a good look.

[slowsider]

Biased, as I own 2, the TDM850 is worth a look. Much more relaxed than the IL4's and quite torquey enough to make using acceleration sense a breeze

[Red Herring]

I was also slightly biased as amongst others I have the Diversion, the Hornet and the SV650, each of which are good in their own area, but if I was going to reccommend one it would be the SV.

[ton class]

The smaller twin cylinder BMWs are excellent bikes & well worth a look.

F 800S is sporty - fast & very economical

F800 ST is sports/touring

G 650 Xcountry is an all rounder - on/off road

G 650 Xmoto is more oriented towards the supermoto look

F 800 & 650 GS are enduro styled bikes

I have had four BMWs over the years & would recommend the marque wholeheartedly.

I have a friend who is a RoADAR examiner who loves his Honda Varadero.

[OILY PAWS]

Yamaha Thundercat.............ideal all rounder, v-underrated

[markc1290]

Having read this thread, the thing that still gets me is, why would we need a 600cc superbike+ when the max speed limit is 70mph and most commuter bikes will 0-60 in 5 seconds!

I'm really trying to figure out which bike is going to be best for me in terms of advanced riding and just struggle with the idea of such powerful machines ever being used to their potential.

If I have missed a point or something please tell me!

PS I love the idea of all that power, but would only get to use it if I lived on the isle of man

[Red Herring]

Tell me marckc1290, have you ever been on a bike? If you have you surely know the answer to that one.