'Runaround' bike

I currently share a car with my wife so it makes no sense financially for me to have my own car (unfortunately for me!)

Can anyone recommend a cheap runaround bike for around 1k? I was thinking of a Hornet/FZ6 or something although I've not looked at the bike market for a while. I don't need to commute on it so it will just be used for local running around now and then.

The Monster will stay as my fun bike, I just don't fancy leaving it around London or subjecting it to short trips etc

[slob]

If it’s just local trips get a bicycle

That's a good idea but I'm far too lazy and unfit for that haha

I also kind of want to get back into riding more as free sunny weekends are few and far between. A few years ago I used to commute and I felt more confident riding in most weather.

[slob]

Originally Posted by rac3r

That's a good idea but I'm far too lazy and unfit for that ...

all the more reason!

[Flip]

Originally Posted by slob

all the more reason!

I do agree with you on that- I’m lucky to work very local and it’s quicker for me to use the lanes and cut-throughs to get there on this than by motorcycle (including putting on gear etc.) or in my van. Plus it’s fun through the woods now I’ve not got a green-laner.

Not sure I’d really want to cycle London city streets though.



The Thundercat is very easy and forgiving to ride and is a lot more ‘hop on and go’ making it ideal for when the weather’s a bit rubbish or for parking up where I wouldn’t want to leave the Monster.

Sorry Slob I don't think you'll convince me

Thundercat is a good shout. Just need to check with my insurance if they can do me a deal on a multibike policy. Being able to use your NCB on only one policy makes a big difference

[Ron1000]

Hornet, fazer, sv650, all pretty cheap. Circa 1500 would get you something reasonable.

1500 seems the going rate for something in decent working order.

VTR Firestorm any good?

[Flip]

I bought a Yamaha Thundercat last November for very similar reasons.

Two owners and just under 11,000 miles from new. It had been sorn so needed a little refresh- brakes, tyres etc. but all there for £1700.

[damien666]

And it’s red!
£2750
A mate had one when they first came out. Very easy to ride. Only downside, a bit thirsty.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HONDA-VTR...-/113847236815

[350TSS]

You will need to concern yourself with ULEZ so probably a later bike - if it was me an SV650 (but not the Gladius)

Damn I totally forgot about ULEZ

Taking ULEZ into account looks like my options are the SV or an MT03

[Mr Gazza]

Dacs' wife has recently got a mt03. You could ask her via Dacs what she thinks of it. She seemed quite pleased with it when I saw her on it this morning.

[manwithredbike]

Originally Posted by rac3r

Taking ULEZ into account looks like my options are the SV or an MT03

I've an MT03, the 2007 version with the side mounted shock. Single cylinder 660 and fantastic run around. Plenty of grunt from low down revs and a great steering lock for much tighter turns than the monster which is great in and around town. Low seat height for both feet on the ground. Would def recommend.