Hi gels and guys,

I'm in the market for a bike with a budget of about £4000, but I've got a concern and would be grateful for some advice. Basically, I haven't ridden a bike for getting on for 10 years. I passed my bike test back in 1992 on a Honda NS125R and then got a Kawasaki KR1-S followed by a Suzuki RGV250, riding everday for 2 years. Now, my heart says 'sod it, buy a 600cc sports bike', but my head says I'll be dead before the first roundabout! The other bikes I'm considering are an Aprilia RS250 or a Bandit 600. So the question is, should I be patient, get a Bandit (or similar) to get some experience for 6 months or so, or do you think it would be OK to go straight to a 600cc sports bike? Cheers for any views.

If you've ridden RGVs etc, like wot I used to, I reckon you'll be fine with a sports 600. Just take a little time to get back into it and you'll be reet IMHO.

Alternatives, Hornet/Fazer, the Bandits left behind by those now and you'll get a practically new one for your budget.

I feel safer on my ZX6 than the old Bandit as its got better suspension, brakes, handling etc.

You'll only go as fast as your right hand twists the grip m8...........feck it chap go for the sports 600 ;)
:D

Depends on what you want to use it for - I am very happy with my VFR800 which does everything well and didnt scare me. But a sports 600 should be fine if you are just a bit careful to get used to it at first. CBR600 may be the tamest of the bunch, to get you back into things. Dont get a Bandit - they are too slow.

bike's only as fast as your right hand...aprillia has high mtce costs...i should know....and is all or nothing...look at zx6r

I had a bike until I was 26, but then had a break from them for 17 years.

I then bought a Yamaha Fazer 600 (on a whim!) and had a couple of wobbly days before feeling more confident and safer than I had done all that time ago. Handling, tyres and brakes are so much better these days.

A 600 would be ideal - not too big, but enough to keep you happy for years without you feeling that you need to upgrade.

Go for it - enjoy!

Thanks for all your comments, its much appreciated. A 600 it is then. Right, where's that Bike Trader!?!