Bike for SWMBO

[Ranga]

So, the good wife has finally got her restricted license. Unfortunately, it appears she doesn't really like the F650GS, and it probably isn't really suited to her anyway.

As silly as I keep telling myself it is, I actually think the Braaap Mercury (who would call themselves Braaap?!!) is a cool little bike, but I've concerns about the quality. She loves the style, but I'd rather see her on something similar in dollars and Japanese. All she wants is something that's not a scooter, is small/light and 'cool' :)

Any thoughts?

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Its an interesting question,,
do you put her on a good bike,,
or one she likes?

[Pedro_The_Swift]

You got long legs Ranga?:p
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/273.jpg

[Ranga]

Wow, didn't realise the amount of new Chinese 'retro' bikes on the market!

Cleveland CycleWerks - Ace Cafe' (http://clevelandcyclewerks.com/ace-cafe/)
braaap Mercury Cafe Racer - braaap Road Bike (http://www.braaapmotorcycles.com/Mercury-Cafe-Racer_p_5570.html)
Skymax 125 - Scooters and Buggies WA (http://scooterswa.com.au/bikesandbuggies/home/260-skymax-125.html)
ACE 125 - Scooters and Buggies WA (http://scooterswa.com.au/bikesandbuggies/road-bikes/201-ace-125.html)

One of these would be nice, but a bit out of the price range - 2015 Royal Enfield Continental GT 535 (http://www.bikesales.com.au/bnbis/OAG-AD-1611509/2015-Royal-Enfield-Continental-GT-535/)

[Homestar]

What's your budget? Personally, I would spend a bit more on a Jap bike, or spend your $5K on a good second hand bike. What restrictions are there on a Qld restricted bike licence? Is it part of the LAMS scheme or restricted to 250cc?

[Ranga]

What's your budget? Personally, I would spend a bit more on a Jap bike, or spend your $5K on a good second hand bike. What restrictions are there on a Qld restricted bike licence? Is it part of the LAMS scheme or restricted to 250cc?

I'd like to limit it at the value of the BMW - probably about 4-5K. I'm thinking used Jap also, but imagine my dilemma trying to find something she likes! :rolleyes: We have the LAMS scheme here.

[Ranga]

You got long legs Ranga?:p

I'm actually a short-arse - 5'6". I've got a factory lowered seat on it, but I'm also thinking of lowering the rear suspension linkage. In the right position I can flat-foot the Versys on one side, so it's tolerable. It is a very nice bike to ride though. :D

[digger]

Bike for SWMBO

sounds like a fair swap... :angel::wasntme::twisted:

[V8Ian]

sounds like a fair swap... :angel::wasntme::twisted:
Very brave, that man. It's easy to see whose wives dont get on the forum. :D

[Homestar]

Ok, what sort of bikes does she like? How about a sports tourer? I ride one of these as the 'loaner' bike when I take SWMBO's bike in for a service. Easy to ride and has good road manners. Sits on 100 easily which those Chinese 250's won't. Plenty of low KM examples around. Ideal learners bike - 2008 Suzuki GS500F (http://www.bikesales.com.au/private/SSE-AD-2579967/2008-Suzuki-GS500F/?cr=0&psq=((((Price%3Drange%5B4000..5000%5D%26((((SiloTy pe%3D%5BBrand%20new%20bikes%20available%5D%7CSiloT ype%3D%5BBrand%20new%20bikes%20in%20stock%5D)%7CSi loType%3D%5BDealer%20used%20bikes%5D)%7CSiloType%3 D%5BDemo%20%26%20near%20new%20bikes%5D)%7CSiloType %3D%5BPrivate%20used%20bikes%5D))%26Make%3D%5BSuzu ki%5D)%26BikeAll%3Dkeyword%5BLams%5D)%26Service%3D %5BBikesales%5D)&pso=0&pss=Premium)

[Homestar]

Not her thing? What about an adventure tourer style? 2006 Kawasaki KLE500 (http://www.bikesales.com.au/private/SSE-AD-3638169/2006-Kawasaki-KLE500/?cr=0&psq=((((Price%3Drange%5B4000..5000%5D%26((((SiloTy pe%3D%5BBrand%20new%20bikes%20available%5D%7CSiloT ype%3D%5BBrand%20new%20bikes%20in%20stock%5D)%7CSi loType%3D%5BDealer%20used%20bikes%5D)%7CSiloType%3 D%5BDemo%20%26%20near%20new%20bikes%5D)%7CSiloType %3D%5BPrivate%20used%20bikes%5D))%26Make%3D%5BKawa saki%5D)%26BikeAll%3Dkeyword%5BLams%5D)%26Service% 3D%5BBikesales%5D)&pso=0&pss=Premium)

[Homestar]

Cruiser perhaps? 2009 Honda VT400 (http://www.bikesales.com.au/dealer/OAG-AD-5467402/2009-Honda-VT400/?cr=0&psq=((((Price%3Drange%5B4000..5000%5D%26((((SiloTy pe%3D%5BBrand%20new%20bikes%20available%5D%7CSiloT ype%3D%5BBrand%20new%20bikes%20in%20stock%5D)%7CSi loType%3D%5BDealer%20used%20bikes%5D)%7CSiloType%3 D%5BDemo%20%26%20near%20new%20bikes%5D)%7CSiloType %3D%5BPrivate%20used%20bikes%5D))%26Make%3D%5BHond a%5D)%26BikeAll%3Dkeyword%5BLams%5D)%26Service%3D% 5BBikesales%5D)&pso=0&pss=Premium)

[Homestar]

Or that classic look? A bit older, but would be reliable and again, would sit on 100 no problems. 1988 Yamaha SR400 (http://www.bikesales.com.au/dealer/OAG-AD-1888506/1988-Yamaha-SR400/?cr=0&psq=((((Price%3Drange%5B4000..5000%5D%26((((SiloTy pe%3D%5BBrand%20new%20bikes%20available%5D%7CSiloT ype%3D%5BBrand%20new%20bikes%20in%20stock%5D)%7CSi loType%3D%5BDealer%20used%20bikes%5D)%7CSiloType%3 D%5BDemo%20%26%20near%20new%20bikes%5D)%7CSiloType %3D%5BPrivate%20used%20bikes%5D))%26Make%3D%5BYama ha%5D)%26BikeAll%3Dkeyword%5BLams%5D)%26Service%3D %5BBikesales%5D)&pso=0&pss=Premium)

So, that's 4 different styles - one from each of the big 4 Jap manufacturers. All are LAMS approved and fit your budget. :). Hopefully she likes the look of one of those. :)

My work here is done... :D

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Cruiser perhaps? 2009 Honda VT400 (http://www.bikesales.com.au/dealer/OAG-AD-5467402/2009-Honda-VT400/?cr=0&psq=((((Price%3Drange%5B4000..5000%5D%26((((SiloTy pe%3D%5BBrand%20new%20bikes%20available%5D%7CSiloT ype%3D%5BBrand%20new%20bikes%20in%20stock%5D)%7CSi loType%3D%5BDealer%20used%20bikes%5D)%7CSiloType%3 D%5BDemo%20%26%20near%20new%20bikes%5D)%7CSiloType %3D%5BPrivate%20used%20bikes%5D))%26Make%3D%5BHond a%5D)%26BikeAll%3Dkeyword%5BLams%5D)%26Service%3D% 5BBikesales%5D)&pso=0&pss=Premium)
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/251.jpg

wow,, 252kgs,, :o

[p38arover]

I met a lady at the Goucester V-Strom Gathering this year. Her husband was on the Strom but she was on a Suzuki Inazuma 250 Twin. She loved it. $4990 ride away.

INAZUMA 250 - Features | Suzuki Motorcycles (http://www.suzukimotorcycles.com.au/range/road/sport-sport-touring/inazuma-250)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/239.jpg

[vnx205]

wow,, 252kgs,, :o

252 kg!

That is very close to twice the weight of my Honda CB250RS.

It probably wouldn't suit though as it is kick start only. I consider that an advantage, but I suspect your wife wouldn't see it that way.

[p38arover]

Wow, didn't realise the amount of new Chinese 'retro' bikes on the market!

Cleveland CycleWerks - Ace Cafe' (http://clevelandcyclewerks.com/ace-cafe/)
braaap Mercury Cafe Racer - braaap Road Bike (http://www.braaapmotorcycles.com/Mercury-Cafe-Racer_p_5570.html)
Skymax 125 - Scooters and Buggies WA (http://scooterswa.com.au/bikesandbuggies/home/260-skymax-125.html)
ACE 125 - Scooters and Buggies WA (http://scooterswa.com.au/bikesandbuggies/road-bikes/201-ace-125.html)

One of these would be nice, but a bit out of the price range - 2015 Royal Enfield Continental GT 535 (http://www.bikesales.com.au/bnbis/OAG-AD-1611509/2015-Royal-Enfield-Continental-GT-535/)

I saw the Moto3 at the bike show yesterday. It's a nice looking bike.

I looked at one of these recently and it looks a good bike for touring:

CFMoto 650TK CFMoto 650 TK - Cycle Torque Magazine (http://www.cycletorque.com.au/cfmoto-650-tk-2014/#.VlJphvkrIhc)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/237.jpg

[Ranga]

Well, the thing is, I'd like it to be a very different style than the Versys, hence a nice change if I happen to hop on it.

I'm not a fan of cruisers, and they're too heavy. I'm thinking along the lines of maybe a CB400, but even those are almost 200kg. The brain is telling me to get her a CB125, but then I won't want to ride it :p

A naked 'street-fighter' like the Inazuma or KTM Duke would possibly be fun, but she doesn't really like the style.

I kick starter wouldn't bother me, but for her I figure would only end in tears ;)

Interestingly, I actually booked a test ride on the CFMoto tourer, but didn't get around to it, after reading about some quality issues. Seems like a lot of bike for the money though. Reading some horror stories about the Braaap and reliability and poor after-sales support. I reckon in about 5 years I'd be willing to risk a Chinese bike.

Also, whatever bike we find, needs to be in QLD.

Decisions, decisions...

[p38arover]

I'm thinking along the lines of maybe a CB400, but even those are almost 200kg. T

My wife had a CB400 ABS but it was about $10K - she liked it.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/235.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/11/236.jpg

[Ranga]

Yeh, they're nice, but not cheap

[B92 8NW]

I'm really surprised she doesn't like the F650. I ride a G650 Adventure and they're such a great LAMS bike. I love mine. Not too heavy, heaps of torque, excellent performance, on road, off road, huge range of accessories.

[vnx205]

Did you notice the confusion in that article about the CFMoto's fuel consumption?

Fuel wise I found the bike very frugal with the worst consumption figure coming in at 4.1lt/100km whilst the best was 4.5lt/100km.

[Ranga]

I'm really surprised she doesn't like the F650. I ride a G650 Adventure and they're such a great LAMS bike. I love mine. Not too heavy, heaps of torque, excellent performance, on road, off road, huge range of accessories.
Agreed - maybe I can still convince her to keep it.

[Shortyesquire]

Suzuki sv650s. Torquey V twin, abs, half fairing. Second hand they are good buying.

Yamaha xt660m or r. Big single cylinder with efi. Does have a lower suspension setting. Goooood adventure bike.

Ktm 640sm. Dream option. Crazy fast, probably not legal. Might make you look slow on twisty mountain roads.

[Ranga]

You really think any of these are good for a short, new lady rider?

[Shortyesquire]

You really think any of these are good for a short, new lady rider?
Suzuki and Yamaha are both Lams approved and shouldn't be too challenging in terms of seat height.

The Yamaha is probably too similar to the f650 to be worthwhile, but the Suzuki is a very lovely road bike that has a great riding position and the bonus of abs on some models. Probably the last bike she needs until she decides on something crazy like a speed triple.

The Ktm is just good, full stop.

[p38arover]

The SV650 uses a very similar engine to the DL650 V-Strom.

Great engine, some owners in the USA are up into 300,000+ miles on their Stroms. The SV650 would be a good choice.

[vnx205]

If you are worried about her feet reaching the ground, maybe you could convince her to look at one of the popular motorcycle racing classes in Australia and buy a racing bike.









Like this one. :p










http://www.cessnockmotorcycleclub.com.au/wp-content/gallery/pbgp-rachelle-corcoran/rachelle-corcoran-hi-res-pbgp-111.jpg


There are more pics here is the thought of owning a racing bike has got her all excited. :D:D:D

Gallery - Cessnock Motorcycle Club (http://www.cessnockmotorcycleclub.com.au/gallery/)

[Ranga]

SV650
Still too heavy, and possibly/probably too powerful. She's only 5'4" and about 60kg. Add this to her lack of experience and confidence.

[Ranga]

Like this one. :p

Oh don't worry, I'd buy her (or even me! :D) a postie bike in a heartbeat, but she really needs to practice her clutch work.

[Homestar]

Suzuki and Yamaha are both Lams approved and shouldn't be too challenging in terms of seat height.


The Suzuki sure is - my Wife is about the same height as Rangas - different weight category though... :angel: She can't get her toes within 2" of the ground on the SV650 - we were at the Suzuki dealer the other week. She rides a cruiser because that's all she can find with a low enough seat height.

[vnx205]

I can see that seat height could be an important consideration for some people.

A friend of mine had a BMW GS. He told me that when he stopped in town, he rode into the gutter, so that he could put his foot on the footpath. It was about the only way he could reach the ground.

I noticed that elsewhere, he mounted and dismounted near a bump or a step, so I can believe what he said.

I think he either had a lower seat made or sold the bike. I can't remember which.

I can understand though why someone would baulk at the idea of riding a cruiser. :)

[Pedro_The_Swift]

some sort of vertical twin, around 600cc's with cruiser styling without the extra baggage (252kgs!?!)

hmm

doesnt look heavy,
seat looks nice and low,
shaft! ;)

http://www.bikesales.com.au/dealer/OAG-AD-10825759/2006-Yamaha-V-Star-XVS650-Custom/?cr=0&psq=%28%28%28Make%3D[Yamaha]%26Model%3D[V-Star%20XVS650%20Custom]%29%26%28%28SiloType%3D[Demo%20%26%20near%20new%20bikes]|SiloType%3D[Private%20used%20bikes]%29|SiloType%3D[Dealer%20used%20bikes]%29%29%26Service%3D[Bikesales]%29&pso=0&pss=Premium

[Homestar]

The good thing about cruisers for the vertically challenged is that no only can their feet touch the ground, but the centre of gravity of the bike is very low too so people like my Wife can hold them up fairly easily even though they are quite heavy. She ride a C50 Boulevard with ease.

The XVS650 Pedro linked is a very good bike - reliability in spades.

[Ranga]

The funny things is, my F650GS has factory lowered suspension and lowered seat, meaning height isn't really a problem for her. She stated last night that the weight (even though it has a low COG assisted by the fuel being under the seat) and power was what she was worried about. She keeps comparing it back to the CB125 that she did her Q-Ride on. I'm trying to convince her that the F650GS will be fine.

Despite this, the BMW is getting a bit high on kms, so I'm keen to move it on. I could replace it with another, but was thinking it would be nice to have a different genre to the Versys, hence the thinking about a retro-styled bike like a cafe racer. Still not that keen on a cruiser, never have been.

[Ranga]

So, anyone able to give me a good reason not to buy her one of these?

Classic Chrome | Royal Enfield Australia (http://royalenfield.com.au/models/classic-chrome/)

:D

[Mick_Marsh]

Nup. Get it.
Looks good.

[Ranga]

Looks good.

That's what I reckon - quite different from my Kawasaki too! ;)

[p38arover]

Nah! This one in yellow: Continental GT | Royal Enfield Australia (http://royalenfield.com.au/models/continental-gt/)

I saw them at the motorcycle show and quite liked them.

[Ranga]

Nah, I reckon the Bullet is more suited to the laid-back, cruising style of a Royal Enfield.

[Homestar]

This is the one I've been thinking about buying... Battle Green | Royal Enfield Australia (http://royalenfield.com.au/models/battle-green/)

Make up a ramp so I can chuck it in the back of the 101 when I go away... :D

[p38arover]

You'll have to sell the CBR, Gav. :(

[Homestar]

Yeah, that's the catch...:(

[p38arover]

I'd love it but having bought the L322.

You should have done a special deal for me - your L322 and the CBR. :D

[Homestar]

I have tried several times, but I just can't bring myself to sell the CBR. I'm hoping next year is the year it's back on the road with me on it terrorising motorists. :D