The $5k Bike/Helmet/Jacket/Gloves Challenge

Hello All!

I've decided to get back into motorcycling after 3.5 years and thought
I'd throw this question down to the gang at aus.motorcycles - I've got
a budget of about $5,000 (I can stretch it a little if there is
something REALLY decent) and would like to get a sports-tourer, helmet,
gloves and jacket. Here is a bit more information on my situation...

I've owned a TRX850 & a YZF600RG and liked the Yamahas quite a lot but
are by no means completely attached to the brand. I'll probably be
heading overseas in about 12-15 months so it will just be for fun until
then. I'll be getting rid of my car (can borrow the girlfriend's) and
riding the bike to work and back (20km each way) every day. I'm living
in Canberra so I'm pretty much restricted to bikes in the ACT or
Sydney/NSW as I'll need to ride the thing back here (unless I can find
cheap transport for it).

I want something that is comfortable two-up as I want to take my
girlfriend for fun rides with me and also on longer trips down the
coast for camping/staying at B&Bs. Something with at least a bikini
fairing would be great to reduce wind buffeting too. I'd like something
no smaller than a 600 as our combined weight will be about 160kg +
luggage. I would also love to be able to go on some more spirited rides
with a mate of mine and not hold them up too much!

Obviously this pretty much rules out the out-and-out sports bikes but I
was thinking about things like mid 90's RF900's, VFR750's, CBR600's,
YZF600's, FZR1000's, GSF1200's (?) but aren't really sure how they
would have lasted or if they'll really cope.

If anyone can suggest some options or places where I might be able to
find out more information that would be tops Also, are the trading
post, bikepoint.com.au and ebay the best places to scout bikes online?

Looking forward to rejoining the motorcycling world

Cheers,

Stuart.

 

I think you'll find it very difficult to get a [reliable and suitable]
sports tourer AND helmets/jackets/gloves/boots for $5k. I think you'll
be lucky to find just the bike with a budget that limited.

Nev..
'04 CBR1100XX

 

If he does the right thing and repays the use of the gf car by buying
her gear too: Helmet $350, Jacket $400, Summer Gloves $65, Winter Gloves
$80, Boots $200, Wet Weather Overpants $25 = $1120 all up x 2 = $2240.
At a $2760 pricepoint remaining for the bike (give or take) he's buying
something without reg or insurance; budget $1200 for the both (3rd party
property) and he's got $1500 left for the bike. Ugh!

 

Ok, how about just the $5k on a bike then? My girlfriend already has
all her own gear btw

 

You should find something for $5K. From a quick look though
bikesales.com.au $5k seems to be the starting price for the kind of bike
you'd be looking for. Shop around. You might need to be prepared to
travel to Sydney or Melb to pick up something decent for that money.

Nev..
'04 CBR1100XX