GPZ500S



500CC
V-Twin
Good All-Rounder

Essentially, A Faired ER5

Buell Blast



Im looking for another ZXR400R For next summer.

im liking the "faired er-5", but wary of dropping it. The buell Blast looks aggressive, and cool, but also looks expensive.

Infinity Motorcycles and busters accessories for clothing/stuff.

As for bikes; Ive got a CBR125 atm and I am taking DAS lessons instead of an intensive course.
I can honestly say that I am happy Ive gone for individual 1 hour (1on1) lessons rather than an intensive 2on1 4 day course. The main reason being that the instructor is teaching me to ride and not just how to pass the test. He anticipates me needing ~10 lessons before a test, which will cost me about £350.

I have no plans to go on the motorway on my 125. Its fairly nippy and gets to 75-80 with no problems BUT even on dual carriageways when a car/van/lorry over takes the bike wobbles like a git because it is so light :s

I need to use the motorway really, so no real option other than to get on a big but gentle bike.

What are your bike plans after your DAS? How much did the 125 set you back?

The GPZ is a popular learner bike, so they are dropped quite regularly.

Benefit being that you can pick up parts cheap, that and the engine/gearbox are absolutly Bombproof.

Kawasaki...The Honda of the Bike world.

(Yes I know Honda make bikes but...Yawn)

Theres a blast on Biketrader, sub £2k that needs a new indicator.
In Cheshire.

Quote from: soopahflyThe GPZ is a popular learner bike, so they are dropped quite regularly.

Benefit being that you can pick up parts cheap, that and the engine/gearbox are absolutly Bombproof.

Kawasaki...The Honda of the Bike world.

(Yes I know Honda make bikes but...Yawn)

Arent hondas renowned for being amazing on bombproof engines.

I read somewhere about a CB500S doing 150,000km without needing a thing changed on it.

The likes of the Fazer and Yams are in an absolute different class to the GPZ - the GPZ is like the hyundai cars - dirt cheap and reasonably competent. Would be good as a commuter I guess but I couldnt bring myself to ride one. Id go for a Fazer at least.

Most bikes are reliable if looked after properly, however the bikes that I have found taking the biggest beating with the greatest of ease are small yams and kwaks - my KR1-S was indestructible.

You can almost guarantee that if a bike seems a good bit cheaper than others that its shafted - make sure and inspect the side casings for any repairs - best case scenario get the clutch cover off and check for any play in the main bearings. Check for new grips, suspiciously shiny clutch and brake levers, forks that are bent, repairs in the exhaust, worn mounts, pointy sprokets - if they feel sharp and pointy - theyre shafted. make sure the chain isnt slack OR adjusted all the way out - its on its last legs if it is. Get it off the ground and make sure there is no excessive swingarm/rear susp play. Check for hidden oil leaks fom the forks - freshly wiped looking. There are so many ways people will try and shaft you over on a bike, and they will try.

6/10 mint bikes are polished sh*t. If you lived over here Id go and look at them with you for peace of mind, but unfortunately I dont!

Was thinking of buying new maybe... or at least from a dealer rather than privately. May pay a premium but prefer to have a warranty of some kind. I dont really know what you mean by swingarm play (I know what a swingarm is... but wouldnt know whats excessive play), side casings? that would be the sides of the engine? or what? where abouts are those on a bike?

Handy tips youve got clearly, but im more of a layman than a mechanic, any chance you can explain a little more?

apologies - the side casings are indeed the sides of the engine - these often crack when the bike has slid into a kerb for example and can leak badly if not repaired properly, but lets face it, you dont really want a machine thats been slid into a kerb!!

Maybe one like mine (well mine is changed a bit  and has a HD fork)
only 25 hp

That is a pretty bike.

Quote from: M3ta7h3adI need to use the motorway really, so no real option other than to get on a big but gentle bike.

What are your bike plans after your DAS? How much did the 125 set you back?

If I decide to take a DAS test and pass Ill sell the 125 and get a 500. The place I am learning at have said that they will probably do me a deal on the 500cc I will be using for the lessons/test.

I paid £1600 for a 9 month old sub 2k miles 125. It was private sale and the seller was talked down from wanting £2k for it

thats a damn good deal so even still within warranty. Damn. Nice one. Done many miles on it so far?

Yeah it had 15 months warranty left when I bought it
Ive put about 250-300 miles on it since picking it up. The length of my ride are increasing so I suspect that the mileage will ramp up soon