Thanks everyone for your input, all noted! Got my DAS booked now for next month so not long hopefully till I can start test riding! The top contenders now are (in no particular order) : - Transalp 650 (still my first choice going by everyone's input, haven't been able to find out if the 2007 is comp...

What about a xl700 fuel injection and cat so compliant hopefully, holds value and are great as a real first bike. Forget crash bars and honda panniers are crap...leak and distort..a rear pannier rack is good .. Yeah the 700 ta is what I'm thinking. Just keeping options open as I've not ridden any y...

With £4k widen your search. And remember you'll knock some money off the advertised price at this time of year so search up to £4500 Single cylinder Tenere isn't the right bike if it's road only use IMO http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201612230812714?atmobcid=soc3 http://www.autotrade...

just had a quick look at my log book and can't see what you need, if you can give me a hint I'll look again (thumbs) cheers Spud ;) From the tfl website: Euro emission standards For newer vehicles, the Euro emission standard may be listed on the V5C in section D.2. If your vehicle meets the require...

just had a quick look at my log book and can't see what you need, if you can give me a hint I'll look again (thumbs) cheers Spud ;) From the tfl website: Euro emission standards For newer vehicles, the Euro emission standard may be listed on the V5C in section D.2. If your vehicle meets the require...

So to continue, I've been thinking about the new ultra low emissions thing in London, and as I commute most days into zone 1, I suppose I best pay attention. From what I've read, if my bike is first registered on or after 1 July 2007, I'll be fine. I had been looking at bikes 2005-2007 so I'm now lo...

I bumped into a Guy on a 700 in Mongolia, made me wish Id taken mine as I was on my CRF250. Boatman and Ted are bang on about the understated ability's of the 650 and 700. Iv taken my 650 Alp from Nordkapp to Morocco on various trips. Its a great bike, easy to ride. Ideal 1st Bike toy :cheer: Its n...

If you dont want to go down the headset route, you can get a bluetooth remote for your phone which you could mount on your handlebars or wherever, will allow you to answer your phone with your current set up. Quick google search brought these up: https://motorbikewriter.com/bluetooth-smartphone-remo...

*Touring Ted* wrote:Don't get too worried about what you buy. It's not like you can't sell it after 6-12 months and try something different.

I've had about 60 bikes... The only way to know what you like is to own a few.

Very true, I'm quickly realising how often some people swap their bikes!

Thanks everyone for all your replies, really interesting and super useful to hear your opinions and thoughts. Ralph - definitely not taking a pillion, not till I've got a bit of experience under my belt, and by that time I hop to upgrade to a 1000cc+. Had a look at the V-Strom, heard mixed reports, ...