Although I obviously have a high affection for scooters I am getting closer to considering a long term plan to get a geared license. I know there are ups and downs between the two.

I might be wrong but I guess that most popular manual bikes have much better spares support. Getting upgrade parts and aftermarket stuff seems to have a lot more choice. You don't have to remove ridiculous amounts of plastic to get to things.

On the downside I don't really know much abou them. Initially I was thinking a Suzuki bandit. But some things say that my height of 5ft 7 might not be great.

So basically if did take the plunge I would be looking for a cheap first geared bike. An all rounder. Decent fuel economy. Maybe in the 500cc to 700cc range. Any suggestions?

masterchop wrote:Although I obviously have a high affection for scooters I am getting closer to considering a long term plan to get a geared license. I know there are ups and downs between the two.

I might be wrong but I guess that most popular manual bikes have much better spares support. Getting upgrade parts and aftermarket stuff seems to have a lot more choice. You don't have to remove ridiculous amounts of plastic to get to things.

On the downside I don't really know much abou them. Initially I was thinking a Suzuki bandit. But some things say that my height of 5ft 7 might not be great.

So basically if did take the plunge I would be looking for a cheap first geared bike. An all rounder. Decent fuel economy. Maybe in the 500cc to 700cc range. Any suggestions?

But then you'd have to faff around with gears and clutches! These don't seem particularly great reasons to choose a manual over an auto. The availability of upgrade & aftermarket bits is purely down to popularity of the base bike - obviously in sportsbike-obsessed UK, the suppliers market mostly bits for bikes. But, since Maxis are wildy popular elsewhere in Europe, loads of aftermarket stuff is available from European suppliers, especially for the TMax.

if you really want a nice one then the sk4 in black looks very nice,, this one on ebay is a sensible price http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SUZUKI-Bandit ... 233e7cb3d1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Honda NC700s - good power not much plastic and plenty of aftermarket bits and fine for a short arse. 8000 miles between services and helmet size integrated luggage and excellent fuel economy.

And dct so you can save a ton of money on redoing the test. Best of both worlds really.

With gears comes chain drive (mostly) and chains are a complete and utter p.i.t.a. if you use the bike as daily transport and ride decent mileages in all weathers.
Spares support, i doubt it makes any difference to delivery times if you want parts for a scooter or a bike.

Cheap first geared bike, a Honda CBF500 fits the bill well. Cheap to buy, maintain, good on fuel, and can get a wiggle on when required.
Good luck with your quest.

chains are a complete and utter p.i.t.a. if you use the bike as daily transport and ride decent mileages in all weathers.

A PITA even if you don't!
I know you can fit Oilers and adjusting a chain is dead easy etc etc but I still hate them!
Regarding a Geared bike I have had my share of them.
But after riding a lot of Scoots you realise that changing gears and clutches is a real Faff

Andy

i've had chains for years plus scoots without, back to a chain again, dead easy to adjust and lube but i still hate them/

Geared bikes will always be better than scooters for sheer riding pleasure. I'm giving up my scoot soon to go back to "proper" bikes.

IM5ft 4 and easy reach floor and ride a bandit i had a new 600 in blue was a nice bike,a bit revvy i traded it in for a VFR750