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Used Review: Kawasaki ZX-6R 1997 - 2001
By Bertie Simmonds on 05/04/2008 13:29:51
The ZX-6R exploded onto the scene in 1995 and has been with us ever since. Bertie Simmonds explores the myriad of myths and litany of lies about the G and J models of the big K's popular middleweight blaster.
beam frame and Yamaha had upped the ante with the racier-still R6. These made the ZX-6RG and J the sensible option with a wild streak running through 'em, perfect for most of us bikers, then...Continue the Kawasaki ZX-6R Used Review - 2/2
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Used Review: Honda VTR1000 SP-1 & SP-2
By Bertie Simmonds on 05/08/2008 22:16:35
Designed to take on and beat the Ducatis in WSB, the SP-1 and SP-2 did just that. But how does it fare in the more cut-throat world of used sales? Bertie Simmonds finds out.
change from SP-1 to SP-2 (see 'Second-Hand Values') was the bigger throttle bodies and smoother low-down delivery. Servicing should take place generally every 4000 miles. The big one is the 16,000-miler which demands a good look at the valve clearances. 2
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Used Review: BMW R1150GS and R1200GS buyer's guide
By Bertie Simmonds on 12/10/2010 20:32:37
Once one of biking's best-kept secrets, BMW's capable-of-anything GS is now one of the biggest selling multi-purpose bikes in the UK.
the running-in period, but most go easy.RECALLS1994 R1100 GS: recall for loose suspension pivots and bolts 2003 R1150 GS: for rear brake hose after possibility of rupture and subsequent loss of braking power was found2005 R1200 GS: for possibility of water
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Used Review: Kawasaki ZX-9R (B1 - F2P)
By Bertie Simmonds on 05/04/2008 16:32:53
Kawasaki built a Blade beater for 1998, just in time for Yamaha's R1 to trump the pair of 'em. But all was not lost - the ZX-9R drew a dedicated following.
in the UK, it ably filled a gap between the ZXR750 sports tool and the ZZ-R1100 tourer.Things changed in 1998 as Kawasaki got serious. In came shark-like sleekness, less weight (183kg dry, down from 215) and more power - 143 claimed bhp, a whopping 18bhp
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Used Review: Suzuki Bandit 600
By Bertie Simmonds on 05/04/2008 17:25:36
In 1995 Suzuki built the naked middleweight Bandit. Compared to Yamaha's Diversion it was a revelation: sure it was cheap, cheerful and built to a price, but it was also a hell of a lot of fun to ride.
DAYLIGHT ROBBERY was not part of the deal when this Bandit stopped us in our tracks 10 years ago.Instead, you were the one on the take. For just £3999 new back in 1995 you'd get a smart-looking budget bike with well proven chassis parts and motor
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Used Review: 2002 Honda Transalp
By Chris Moss on 02/04/2008 22:07:47
Honda's Transalp combines true all-round ability with big mile comfort, so it may make sense if practicality is number one on your shopping list.
to the low screen's restricted protection. Alternatively, they could buy a 5.5" taller screen, which is available as a Honda accessory (www.honda.co.uk).Overall, the Transalp (like the 11,000-mile 2002 example we tested - on sale at Riverside Motorcycles
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Used Review: Suzuki GSX1400
By Bertie Simmonds on 10/04/2008 19:10:37
It looked like a pit-bull, even if it was more of a lap-dog to ride. Blessed with good looks and mucho torque, Susuki's GSX1400 has proved to be a popular retro bruiser bike in used circles.
and curiously near the end, suspension mods! See www.gsx1400.org for more info on the bike. SECOND-HAND VALUESSuzuki GSX1400 K1-K4 (01-04)Colours: blue/white, silver, black, blue, black/redPrice new: £6,500 (2001)Price now: £2,500-£4,800Comments: Big, comfy
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Used Review: Sports 600s
By Bertie Simmonds on 05/04/2008 17:38:51
Yesterday's supersports screamers are still duking it out on the used battlefield. Under cover of sunshine, Bertie advances on middle England with a bunch of war veterans to find out who still cuts the mustard gas.
and 2003-updated R6, it could cut it. But while the motor feels good on the road, it then fails to deliver at the strip, reading 186mph while providing only 155mph of go! Ah, that'll be the fiddled-with gearing, then. Added to this is the discomfort
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Used Review: Yamaha YZF-R1
By Bertie Simmonds on 05/04/2008 17:50:05
A quantum leap in performance over the mighty FireBlade, the Yamaha YZF-R1 set new standards for power and performance at its launch back in 1998. New and old models alike still sizzle today.
Yamaha knew it had a 150bhp, 177kg winner on its hands. It stuffed the 1998 FireBlade and newly-lithe ZX-9R in group tests around the world, at the same time becoming the best-looking sportsbike to ever come out of Japan. But, like the Blade before it
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Used Review: Yamaha TDM 850-900
By Bertie Simmonds on 05/04/2008 22:28:24
Always a massive seller in Europe but an underrated under-achiever in the UK. Nevertheless, the TDM in all its forms is a secret waiting to be discovered by the second-hand buyer.
leak on the Mk 2 850s, but not all suffer from it. Engine service intervals are generally every 4000 miles. In the meantime use a normal semi-synthetic oil for topping up and the like.TRX CRANKS Mk 1 TDM850s (pre-1996) had 180-degree cranks. Some owners
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