I'm baaaack
Unexpected possible on a sale for the CB500F - good candidate and there is nothing else on the market at the moment that fits his wants.
Does light mechanic work so knowledgeable, wants a commuter to run between Mareeba and Cairns 70 km most highway with lovely twists down the range. He's short like me and the CB500 has good fuel economy for doing that daily. I just replaced the chain, tires and brakes will pass the roadworthy.....only issue is the steering bearings which don't bother me but they won't pass RW. Said I'd built it into the price and would only get them done with a deposit to cover which he understood.
Given a maybe deal......what would I buy
One bike of interest is a 2012 Ducati 689 Monster for 5k asking
Seller says LAMs approved to restricted to the same horse power I have now.
Pretty small bike which sort of appeals but used to the Hondas being bullet proof.
Figure a detuned Monster likely okay for engine wear.
Negatives
Reliability Factors & Common Issues
- Maintenance Dependent: These bikes require strict adherence to service schedules, especially valve clearance checks (Desmo service) every 7,500–15,000 miles. If neglected, they can become unreliable.
- Known Weaknesses: Common, minor issues can include electrical gremlins and, in some cases, corrosion.
- Factory Setup: Some 696 models from that era had valves set too tight from the factory, so checking service history for proper valve adjustments is crucial.
- "Used" Concerns: Because this is a 2012 model, it is now over a decade old. If it has very low mileage, be wary of degraded rubber parts (hoses, seals) due to age, not mileage.
Any thoughts?
There is this at $5k
Driven 300 km
1 owner ..wonder what the story is
2025 Himalayan. That's $9150 out the door retail here.
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is purpose-built, tough, and our most durable motorcycle ever. Escape to new horizons with the Himalayan 450.
royalenfield.com.au
Seller says
"he doesn't use it"
I would buy this baby Versys 2018
asking $4k with 30,000 km.
Like high revving bike but reports indicate tends to run hot ....not a good feature here in the tropics.
Editor's note: This Quick Read is part of our Mini-ADV Comparison Test Review of the Kawasaki Versys-X 300, BMW G 310 GS and Royal Enfield Himalayan. For
ridermagazine.com
Could live with this but no windscreen and not sure it would climb the range roads very well. Very convenient for my city errands and stylish looks....no I'm not scooter adverse.
This is what I would like in an EV version with 200 km range.
The new batteries coming this year should provide that as well as fast charging.
2020 Peugeot Django 150cc Scooter, only 2,776 kms, Perfect Condition, Like New, ABS Brakes, Leather Seats, will do just over 110 km/hr, digital display that shows outside temperature, odometer, trip meter, and fuel gauge, 3 X separate storage compartments, charging port, 2 x keys, hard copy and digital service manual, service records, 1st service completed at 1,938 kms, currently registered until April 10th, 2026, genuine reason for sale. Priced below Redbook value — like new — low kms — no offers.
Don't think there is an EV scooter ready for me yet so if no sale will keep the bullet proof CB500F.
If it sells will buy the Versus or the Himalayan with a lean towards the Himalayan tho I doubt it will stick around.
Would have the bulk of the 3 year warranty remaining.
