Test Rides

[davethemonkey]

can vouch for honda in blackpool they are nice guys too, very helpful. can you not test ride a private sale bike to get a general feeling for it then see a dealer for buying one? ok it wont be exactly the bike you buy but it will give you a good idea of what they are like?

[Catcher]

Bill
Funnily enough it was at Lancaster Honda where I was looking at the 600CBF. The salesman was very helpful and apologetic but for insurance purposes they don't allow test rides in the first year of a full licence.

Good suggestion about test riding a private sale first.
Thanks
Catcher

[Spinaltapper]

Don't know about the CBF600 having not riden one myself but MCN think it's dull.

Check it out-

Honda CBF600 (2004-2007) - MOTORCYCLE REVIEWS Honda Motorcycle Reviews - MCN

Still, test it yourself but try some others too would be my suggestion mate.

[Bill CBF1000]

Funny enough MCN said taht about the CBF1000 but I find it more than enough for me - the top speed, acceleration and how far down it goes round corners is limited by me, not the bike, so i sometimes wonder who writes these reports? track racing experts (using expert in the military definition ....)

[Bill CBF1000]

Not sure where you are Catcher but Hunts in Manchester gave Maccy a test ride a week after she passed her test (just be careful about buying from them ) bit further to travel but might be worth it

Hunts Motorcycles : New Honda and used bikes for sale in Manchester

[MaccyMoo]

Originally Posted by Spinaltapper

Don't know about the CBF600 having not riden one myself but MCN think it's dull.

Check it out-

Honda CBF600 (2004-2007) - MOTORCYCLE REVIEWS Honda Motorcycle Reviews - MCN

Still, test it yourself but try some others too would be my suggestion mate.

Funnily enough, nearly every review I've read about the CBF600 has said that!

When I test rode it I found it to be absolutely what I was looking for (except the grips) - just because it doesn't look as sporty as other 600's doesn't make it dull. It gets you from A to B in perfect comfort and with a top speed I couldn't ride at legally it doesn't make a jot of difference how quickly it gets there!

Like Bill said, it might be a bit of a trek, but Hunts are worth a try. I'm guessing if they let me test ride a brand new (as in zero miles on the clock) CBF600 just one week after passing my test, they'll let you test ride other similar powered bikes as well.

Good luck and have fun trying them out!

[Catcher]

Many thanks for all the replies - will have a look at Hunts. Looking around there does seem to be a few pre-reg models around at varying prices - perhaps some of them are old models.

Regarding the report claiming the 600CBF to be dull. I have seen the reviews and can't help feeling that, as I'm a new rider, and a little 'mature' age-wise I think any 600 bike will be exciting enough for me. I was looking at a Suzuki Bandit 650 S which is a very nice bike and has a good reputation but...it just wasn't me. One thing that put me off, which I know is a fairly minor thing, was the size of the exhaust - to me it just looks too big. The 600CBF looks a neater bike to me and more to my taste.
I'll know for sure once I've had a go!
Regards
Catcher