John writes me: after 30 years of abstinence I want to get back in the saddle. What bike do you recommend?
Between a cake and a sparkling wine, I get under the Christmas unexpected email John, former biker who follows this blog for fun and, after a break of 30 years, decided to go back in the saddle. As it should be, John has the good of the doubts and misgivings about which model is best suited to the great return and puts points.
“after 30 years of abstinence I happened by chance to ride a motorcycle again (un Suzuki Bandit 650) and it was as if it had not passed even a day. I could not down, it was like an awakening. Arrival to the problem: I absolutely have buy soon a motorcycle, but do not know which one to choose! I would like a bike
with so much torque, comfortable, respectful of my neck, nice, Economic fuel, perhaps with driveshaft to limit the maintenance, but I do not like enduro, I do not trust Guzzi, I have a relationship love / hate for BMW. What to do? I have to limit the preferences and privilege some aspects. My tastes a bit’ dated made me appreciate the Yamaha XJR 1300, but also, under certain aspects, the BMW Nine T, but also 4 cylinders Honda more muscular. Can you give me some advice?”
Normal that John is a bit’ confused, we all are when choosing a new bike, more so if it's been so long since the last time we had a. We try to make things clear going for points.
1) The bike has to please you and only to you
The choice of a motorcycle is completely personal, is a purchase that touches the strings of emotion and then everyone is well choose what most makes him feel at ease. Even more so if it is a return to be something that you like and you are excited about.
2) Work hard conditions
Everyone said to himself his own conditions. Holding stakes, of the parameters to be observed, helps to clear his head and narrow the field. For example John, despite being confused, has already in the head of the light elements: comfort, functionality, Classic look, cardan; is perhaps the most complicated part, but it only takes a sheet of paper, a pen and some dream.
3) Define your budget
In some cases it is perhaps the first element to be fixed in the choice, in other cases it is more flexible. In selecting, however,, have imposed a budget helps you choose. If you are lucky enough not to have budget problems good for you, but always keep in mind that:
- on two wheels is not money that bring happiness: spend much does not translate into necessiamente buy the right bike for you;
- in the case of a start (or a new beginning), we must also consider the possibility of a failure and thus a low cost will be a moderate loss;
- There are good opportunities to share at affordable prices and you always have time to go to class;
4) Not sopravvalutarti and simplified life
In other words I am always in favor of a gradual departure, both in terms of both performance and cost as first bike advice to invest in a used a bit’ dated: spend little and you will carry forever in my heart. It is said that your return will be an instant hit, you may find it difficult to want to age, Look for the chaotic traffic, or because you're more cautious of a time or for that pain in the back that never lets you down. So my advice is do not feel like a super man, do not take for granted your skills and make yourself your sweet return, pick out a bike that will simplify your life that you do not complicate the.
John, however, complicates a little’ things with a request to have the drive shaft, limiting factor definitely the scope. More than a maintenance issue – as John puts it – I would do it as a matter of “want” driving and “style”. The chain has no handicap, requires only to be greased, counter continues to have advantages in terms of weight, of sweetness in the response and of costs in case of failure.
Historically the shafts are the Moto Guzzi e the BMW of greater displacement. Other models with universal joints are among the Japanese cruiser, but in this case we do not know why not in line with the tastes of John.
Trying to sum, everything in the request of John would indicate the answer in a BMW R1200 R (R 1150 R). A naked tourist, comfortable, reliable, cardan. The R1200 R, however, – as another model stainless quoted by John or the Yamaha XJR 1300 (4 cylinders, chain transmission) – bikes are quite challenging for a return in the saddle. Although motorcycle disbursement sweet, are “Max” in size and performance. If you just do not want to get off of category, recommend to try Honda CB1100: beautiful with a classic look, reliable, velvety disbursement, rather comfortable and a little less challenging for weights and performance.
I think so far the good John can get there by myself, The advice I would give is to evaluate in more I instead buying bikes lighter and less demanding but not just as rewarding, eg, Triumph Bonneville the Street Triple, Suzuki GSR 750, KTM 690 By or BMW F800R, without forgetting some models of a few seasons ago they carry away with ridiculous prices but still have a lot to give, such as Honda CBF600 N.
Representing different construction philosophies, but in any case are motion perfect for those who begins, for those back in the saddle and riding for those who grinds long way but did not want to complications. The difference, and then, makes personal taste.
