DAS First bike YAWNNN!!

Hi,

Probably been done a million times before... but all info would be gratefully accepted. I shall be taking my DAS in a month or so and am looking for ideas of bikes, I would like something sporty yet still good for long distances and carrying a passsenger. Im not too fussed about accelaration etc more about comfor and safety than anything else though I guess thats more bout the rider than the bike. I was wondering if you guys could reccomend me a few bikes to look at and try out. I'm 6ft3 15 stone (muscle i May add!!) so would be after something that would suit my frame.

I have about £2500 to spend on my first bike, also can you reccomend any decent places to find used bikes?

All help would be amazing!

thank you!

One of the later ZZR600's would fit the bill - under-rated but quick and all day comfy, they're also a bit larger so you won't feel too much like a sumo wrestler with a skate board stuck up his a**e.

Also Thundercat worth a look (similar to above).

I had a Thundercat, 'twas brilliant first bike.  More than quick enough and comfy (6'2" and 17 stone - not all muscle  ).

An SV650, 650 V-strom, Bandit or Fazer 6 all great first bikes.  A CBR600F would work too.  My advice is to get into some dealer and sit on some.  Once you've passed get some test rides too.

Take it easy.

Thanks guys I will look aroud and sit on a few. Will £2500 get a recent bike, I feel a bit out of my depth when buying cars let alone bikes! I guess high mileage for a bike is completely different to that of a car?

Is there anything I should look out for when getting a second hand bike? Would I be better off from a dealer than private? Probably higher pirced atr a dealers but warranty etc 

My advice woud be find a mate or acquaintance who knows bikes and take them with you for advice.  And you guess right about the mileage - bike mileages are usually much lower than cars.  They age worse if not looked after, as many of the components are made of lighter, more fragile components (or are simply badly made) and materials.

Mileage isn't the be all and end all.  Look for service history, signs of being crashed (scuffs, replacement panels etc).  A lot of people do their own maintenance, to varying standards.  If modified, are the original bits available?

I could go on, but a mate would be the best bet.