Hi Tab, I have a Hayabusa, and had my 1200 bandit, but have traded the bandit for A VStom 1000, a very nice twin, luggage, and stuff, very different as engine breaking is higher, but loads of fun, different seat height options, however at the end of the day, everyone who rides a bike has preferences, and dont be swayed from what you would like, I did that and it wasnt a good experience, never got on well with it until it was gone. Very personal choice!
My SV thou is very thirsty, doesn't seem to make a difference how I ride. Dont know if its a thing with revvy v-twins but if you care about fuel consumption dont get one. Handles nice tho, very flickable and a nice power delivery with good engine braking. Maybe a 650 would suit you
And to add to the chain versus shaft debate- a chain and sprocket kit for a big bike is gonna be £120+ and need regular maintanance but a shaft drive is the work of the devil and fit only for things with too many wheels
Chain £120 ever 30,000 miles plus £20 ever 1000 for lube
Shaft falure maybe every 200,000 miles at about £150 to replace and a bevel box might fail after that at about £700 ( new price not used) oil change every 50,000 £10.
Modern shafts dont effect the handling, unless your as good as Rossie you will never know.
Been riding shafts for 20 years now and to be honnest there less hassle and handle just as well. The only advantage a chain can give on a road bike as far as i can see is it might give you less unsprung weight. But even that gap is close as the shaft drive weight also includes the swing arm. With the weight argument people often forget the weight of the swing arm and the chain as one unit.
I love the character of V twins...... but, Japanese 4's are amazing and reliable work horses at very good prices. I ride a CBF1000 and am kind of glad I do when I'm belting up country on a motorway. The CBF is a bit soulless but it's not overly big for a bike that genuinely carries a pillion in comfort and has 3 seat heights to suit all riders; very important to get a good foot down on bigger bikes.
Have owned plenty of jap 4's and they do what they say on the tin. It's kind of down to preference, but reliability and running costs are important if you intend to use the thing and put some miles in.
most modern bikes are fairly reliable these days.as for chain or shaft i have to say the only thing that says shaft is good to me is it means i can be lazy about maintenance BUT its all down to personal choice. go round the shops chick and get some test rides in.you will never know if you will like it and get on with it unless you do some serious testing.case in point a girl on one of the facebook forums bought a new ducati think it was the 899 or summat and she only did one short test ride and then bought it cos she thought it looked the dogs!!! so £13,000 later and she hates it.she cant ride it and its uncomfortable!! always do ride everything and do a few miles before deciding.vtwin/triple more engine braking and loads more fun.inline four less engine braking and not as much fun but depends on what you get take your time and dont but the first thing you like
Thanks all, I've seen a bandit I like, so may pop along and see how it few. I think first bike is going to be cheap and cheerful until I'm more confident, but I've still got to pass test yet, but I can't wait. Thanks everyone x
Just found out the Ariel Ace is shaft drive so I retract all comments I have made. Mr Stu is absolutely correct- shaft is best. Specially when connecting a 1200 V4 to a single sided swingarm mounted rear wheel, all housed in an exquisite frame that's carved out of a single piece of billet.
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