Moving back to the UK

[DSAA]

GS Hive Mind,

After a few years in the deserts of the UAE, I'm returning to the UK this summer.

I'm looking for a bike to commute to work (roughly 30 mile round-trip that is mostly dual-carriageway and motorway work) and some summer touring. The wife has sanctioned a moderate-ish budget for a new-to-me bike, and a massive budget for her to get a new wardrobe.

I'm a bit at a loss as to where to start looking. Naturally, my eye is drawn to the top end of the ranges and a relatively new bike. Anybody who has visited Dubai will understand why It's been a few years since I've ridden a bike, so I don't really want to jump on to a 1250 when I'll be filtering through tight traffic from day 1.

I've been thinking about an 850, but, once you start looking for models with bells and whistles, you end up with a price between £8 and £10k; that figure is just about manageable but I'm not sure that I'll want to stick with an 850 after a year or so and will want to upgrade to the bigger brother.

In a perfect world, I'll end up with a bike that will tick the commuter box, and ideally manage light touring duties as well. Price, as always, as low as practicable. I don't mind taking an older bike, but I've been bitten by older purchases in the past, and I'm always cautious when it comes to mileage above 25k or so. If I decide not to upgrade after a year or so, a bike that will last me a while would also be spot on.

What would people suggest as a decent, reliable bike to get me going again? Ideally a GS, but I'm open to other suggestions...as long as the model has a decent track history that will mitigate the risk of me having to give it open heart surgery after 6 months. Some direction and reassurances would be welcome so that I don't get an "I told you so" down the line.

 

[JJH]

Before you start looking at bikes may I suggest you enquire about insurance. You might not have any ncb. I’d check it out first. JJH

 

[Mzokk]

If it was predominantly for commuting I’d have a go at a Honda NC750 DCT couple of years old (well within budget) and see how you get on. If you wanted more in a year or two or decided you didn’t like commuting on a bike, you wouldn’t lose much trading it for something else.

 

[Posh Pete]

There's an 1150 RT being sold here currently which would be ideal. It could also be insured under a classic policy.

 

[wessie]

Definitely get some insurance quotes as the prices might surprise you if you have been away a long time. Your postcode, job and parking arrangements are big factors.
What about contacting a local training company that does full A licence training? They might have some mid range bikes you can try and get a bit of a refresher after years away.
Bikes are probably a lot more durable than you remember. 24,000 miles is nothing nowadays. £8k will get you a very tidy BMW R1200RS or Yamaha Tracer 900/MT09 Tracer.

 

[JJH]

I give a vote for the Honda 750. There’s 2 in our family both manual. My brothers is 2 years old and his sons is six. He’s giving his to his son and trading in the older bike for a new one. Very economical and much better than the sum of their parts. The nt 1100 is also a fine bike. I have one in manual. 250 mile tank range ideal for commute. JJH

 

[DSAA]

Thanks all for the suggestions so far...it's given me something to start thinking about.

I've run a few mock insurance quotes through and I'm not too distressed by the figures that they're returning...especially as typically we're a one car family and I'll use the bike for commuting year round except on the most miserable of days.

 

[Flintlock]

A last of the line F 800GS Trophy?

 

[stever1]

Another vote for the NC750, mine is the X model, with the DCT transmission. For that budget you’ll get a new one.

 

[Arsey]

Having never ridden one until December but then rode one in both Gran Canaria and then in Chile for a good few days, I’d hunt out a low mileage as new Vstrom 650.
Never on my radar but utterly fabulous bikes

Honda NC 750 DCT , as suggested above is also a great choice , but having ridden one for a few days in Gran Canaria followed immediately by the Vstrom for a few days, the Vstrom was much more exciting and also more comfortable , especially two up.
Only real plus point of the NC is the frunk thingy (tank storage)


Sent from my N65

 

[JJH]

My son has a vstrom 650. I’d give a vote to that as well. A somewhat bigger bike. Very comfortable good for long distances. JJH

 

[Poncherello]

Buy the bike you want off the bat.. 1250/850….Yammie…scooter whatever… I know you haven’t ridden in a while but you’ll “get used to it” in short order… and in the meantime accept your commute is 10 or 20 minutes longer. Or buy a compromise choice and trade it in 4 weeks later ..

 

[adventuredon]

1200r. LC so 2015 on. Easy commute and tourer. Similar specs to the GS range but cheaper

 

[The Other PaulG]

CB500X, VStrom, R1150GS, Versys... all will do a great job and cost little.

Then sell it after a year for pretty much the same money and buy whatever has grabbed your attention in the meantime.

There's something very liberating about buying older bikes... you can chop and change for no, or minimal, cost.

 

[EVskiy]

Having never ridden one until December but then rode one in both Gran Canaria and then in Chile for a good few days, I’d hunt out a low mileage as new Vstrom 650.
Never on my radar but utterly fabulous bikes

Honda NC 750 DCT , as suggested above is also a great choice , but having ridden one for a few days in Gran Canaria followed immediately by the Vstrom for a few days, the Vstrom was much more exciting and also more comfortable , especially two up.
Only real plus point of the NC is the frunk thingy (tank storage)


Sent from my N65

I was about to suggest it…

 

[MartinK]

You're going to get all sorts of recommendations

I would also say V85TT! Shaft drive, and a delight to ride....

Or have a look at a Triumph Tiger 850/900 maybe?

 

[DSAA]

Thanks for all of the responses. I've been reassured about the longevity of more modern bikes and have quite a few models to work on.

As always, you've been a font of knowledge.

 

[Wapping]

In a perfect world, I'll end up with a bike that will tick the commuter box, and ideally manage light touring duties as well. Price, as always, as low as practicable.

A good friend of mine (south west London) is putting his Yamaha MT 09 Tracer 900 up for sale.

Price £4,500.

Condition etc excellent.

2015 (65 plate) 10,410 miles
Yamaha MT09 Tracer
847cc 115bhp
Akrapovic exhaust (Yamaha option) Still have the unused original
Oxford Heated Grips
Adjustable footrests
Carriers for SW Motech Top box and 37L panniers
Tank Bag
Touring screen (original available)
Fully adjustable Maxton rear shock
K Tech front shocks fully adjustable
Mounting for Garmin Zumo 550
LED Indicators

If I were to be looking for a bike that would suit your needs, it should be perfect.

 

[MartinK]

I'm tempted by this one actually!!!

https://www.ukgser.com/community/threads/triumph-tiger-850-sport-23-reg.387687/

Looks very nice