Suggested Used Motorcycles and Reviews
Triumph Speed Four
‘A brilliant handling naked’
Why: everyone needs a bike with rocket launchers! The massively overlooked Speed Four is cheap, has a fantastic chassis, quirky looks and a strong inline motor.
The history: the Speed Four was launched two years after the ill-fated (and poorly-fuelled) TT600 in 2002. Essentially it is a stripped down TT with Speed Triple inspired looks.
What to check: the magnets in the speedo drive can get damaged during wheel changes, so ensure the speedo works. There are reports of oil leaks form the gear shift shaft and occasional water leaks from the inlet and outlet of the radiator.
How it rides: ignore the controversial styling and instead enjoy the excellent chassis. The inline four engine is lacking a bit of low-down grunt, but if you like to scream a motor and don’t mind everyone staring at you this is an absolutely brilliant handling naked.
Facts and figures: 97bhp, 155mph, 32mpg
Availability: the Speed Four is still tarnished by the TT600’s reputation and often hangs around unsold on dealers’ floors. They are both plentiful and cheap.
Insurance: £110.32 fully comprehensive (46, self-employed, 3pts, zero NCB, garaged, mcncompare.com)
Prices: higher mileage (over 20,000) Speed Fours are around £2000 while £3000 will secure you a beauty with less than 10,000 miles on the clock. Haggle hard and you should be able to cut this down.
Kawasaki VN800
‘The star of the show is the V-twin’
Why: if you want a value for money cruiser then stay away from America and instead look towards Japan. The VN is well built, good looking, reliable and physically bigger than the competition.
The history: launched as a replacement for the VN750 Vulcan in 1995, the VN800 comes in standard bobber guise. Classic with 1950s styling or relaxed Drifter variations. Replaced by the VN900 in 2006.
What to check: finish quality is high but fork legs can pit and fasteners corrode. A poor running bike, or one that refuses to start easily, almost certainly needs its carbs balanced. Be wary of electrical add-ons as they can upset the bike’s system.
How it rides: the VN800 is a heavy bike, however like most cruisers it hides its weight well. The handling is solid but the real star of the show is the sohc V-twin engine, which makes its peak torque at just 3300rpm and is perfect for lazy Sundays.
Facts and figures: 54bhp, 101mph, 42mpg
Availability: the VN sold well but was never massive, buyers preferring instead to go with Harley-Davidson. Used models are relatively easy to locate and are generally in very good condition.
Insurance: £68.10 fully comprehensive (46, self-employed, 3pts, zero NCB, garaged, mcncompare.com)
Prices: £3000 will buy you a VN800 built in 2002, with around 10,000 miles on the clock and a few sensible extras like a sissy bar. Panniers area bonus.
Honda CB1100 X-11
‘Stunning engine, bargain price tag’
Why: the X-11 is a forgotten about supernaked with Honda practicality, a stunning engine, solid handling, high quality finish and bargain price tag. Basically a naked Blackbird.
The history: launched in 2000 the X-11 missed the mark and was withdrawn two years later. With dubious looks and a re-tuned Blackbird motor making 133bhp, riders viewed it as ugly with too much power and it bombed in the showrooms. The £6500 price tag didn’t help.
What to check: the X-11 suffers from cam chain tensioner issues, so listen out for a rattle from the engine. A replacement unit is £45 and takes (literally) only a few minutes to fit. Reg/recs can fail and the suspension tends to get tired after 25,000 miles.
How it rides: the Honda is a fast, practical, well built naked. With a 170-mile tank range, comfortable riding position and fantastic engine this is an excellent used buy.
Facts and figures: 133bhp, 160mph, 41mpg
Availability: considering their short lifespan, used X-11s are relatively easy to trackdown. And don’t be put off by high mileages, they are very well built.
Insurance: £208.52 fully comprehensive (46, self-employed, 3pys, zero NCB, garaged mcncompare.com)
Prices: X-11s fall into two different camps: used or polished. For £3000 you are looking at a well used model with over 25,000 miles on the clock. Just £1000 more will secure you a cherished sub-10,000 mile example.
When riding, don’t forget yo wear a carbon fiber helmet or a matching custom helmet.