I reckon these big-bore bruisers won't break the bank or let you down. They're do-it-all heroes

Can you imagine hammering a Panigale V4 through driving rain? No, neither can we! How about a good old‑fashioned big-bore workhorse of a bike, such as the five we have picked to feature in this week’s used guide?

Related: How to buy a used motorcycle

There is nothing wrong at all in having a workhorse bike: a machine that you aren’t precious about and will happily soak up those challenging miles with little or no fuss. And one needn’t cost the earth – as these five prove. Setting a budget of £3000, we have unearthed a great selection.

Read on for our expert guide to do-it-all workhorses for £3k!

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MCN Recommended: 2007-2016 Suzuki GSF1250S Bandit – £2000-£4500

It might be scruffy but it will still be an absolute blast

Spec:

• Power 97bhp
• Engine capacity 1255cc
• Seat height 805mm
• Kerb weight 238kg (wet)

Powered by a muscular inline four with bags of midrange, the Bandit 1250 is incredibly reliable – and while it may (quite quickly…) look a bit tatty, it won’t let you down. Comfortable for a rider and a pillion, you get sensible features such as ABS, an adjustable seat height, decent underseat storage, a half-fairing and ABS, all of which make it a brilliant workhorse. While £3000 may get you one with over 20,000 miles on its clocks, this is no issue as the engine is indestructible.

Suzuki GSF1250S Bandit used buying advice

● The starter motor unit often fails. A new unit is £688 from Suzuki, but there are plenty of aftermarket alternatives for considerably less money. Check the starter turns the engine over nice and briskly.
● The neutral switch can become sticky or fail to indicate the bike is in neutral. A replacement switch is £130 from Suzuki.
● The finish is poor on the Bandit and areas such as the fork legs and engine are very prone to corrosion
and flaking paint. Inspect this area well and treat the bike to some protection if you are riding in winter. ACF-50 is a good place to start.

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2001-2005 Yamaha FZS1000 Fazer – £1800-£3500

Practical and fun with a cracking motor

Spec:

• Power 143bhp
• Engine capacity 998cc
• Seat height 820mm
• Kerb weight 230kg (wet)

The Fazer 1000 is very comfortable with good weather protection and a brilliant engine. It has enough zip to make it engaging to ride while remaining easy-going thanks to a strong midrange. Sure, the chassis is a bit soft and the suspension soggy (easily remedied), but the Fazer is still hard to fault and makes for a brilliant mile-muncher that is also great fun for weekend blasts.

Yamaha FZS1000 Fazer used buying advice

● Second gear is a weak point, so check on a test ride. If it hops out under hard acceleration, there are false neutrals or the action is excessively clunky, walk away.
● The shock is notoriously poor quality. Bounce the rear of the bike and check there is some resistance. If not, assume it needs a new shock.
● Ensure the engine doesn’t run hot – if it does the radiator is probably blocked. If left this way Fazers often overheat, especially if you are caught in traffic.

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2001-2004 Kawasaki ZRX1200S – £3000-£4000

Stepping out of its cooler sibling’s shadow

Spec:

• Power 122bhp
• Engine capacity 1165cc
• Seat height 790mm
• Kerb weight 246kg (wet)

Powered by a ZZR-derived inline four, the Kawasaki ZRX1200S has effortless drive and although heavy, its chassis is more than up for a spirted blast along a B-road. But the S’s main selling point is the fact it has a huge seat, which is incredibly comfortable, as well as good weather protection. Affordable, reliable and quick, the ZRX1200S isn’t that common but it is worth searching out.

Kawasaki ZRX1200S used buying advice

● The ZRX has a nasty habit of holing radiators. Most bikes have a diamond-shaped rubber pad in the centre of the radiator, which traps grit and if left unchecked can wear a hole. Remove it to avoid this issue.
● Older bikes suffer from generators packing in and the cam chain tensioner needing replacing. Listen for a noisy tensioner on start-up and ensure the gearbox isn’t faulty.
● Check for warped discs as the six-piston calipers like to seize.

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2006-2009 Honda CBF1000 – £2000-£4000

It ain’t pretty but the CBF gets the job done

Spec:

• Power 96bhp
• Engine capacity 998cc
• Seat height 795mm
• Kerb weight 242kg (wet)

The early Honda CBF1000 is an effective and wellconsidered bike – just not very thrilling. Powered by a (heavily!) re-tuned Fireblade engine, the CBF makes an unassuming 96bhp that is delivered in a smooth and nonintimidating fashion with its focus on low to midrange drive. Add to this a fairly basic chassis, effective fairing and 19-litre fuel tank and it all equals a solid commuter.

Honda CBF1000 used buying advice

● Watch out for a bike that has been overloaded with electrical accessories as the reg/rec and stator aren’t the strongest units.
● Check the spec and if it has C-ABS, ensure none of the pistons in the caliper are seized as they can get sticky on their sliders.
● A few bikes have aftermarket fairing lowers. If the one you are looking at does, check behind it to see the condition of the motor and its finish. Fairings are helpful but can trap water, leading to corrosion.

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2005-2008 BMW K1200R – £2500-£4400

BMW’s naked hyperbike is monster of torque

Spec:

• Power 160bhp
• Engine capacity 1157cc
• Seat height 820mm
• Kerb weight 240kg (wet)

BMW offered the K1200R with a huge array of extras such as ESA, ABS, luggage, heated grips and more, making it a remarkably practical option. With a storming motor that pulls like a train thanks to 96lb.ft of torque, the K1200R is big and roomy, and while it lacks a decent screen, there are lots of aftermarket options (or even the K1200R Sport variant).

BMW K1200R used buying advice

● The K1200’s switchgear is notorious for water ingress, leading to corrosion and failure. Replacing switchgear is costly so check all the switches work.
● The R’s radiator has a habit of trapping water and dirt, leading to it rotting through. As well as visually
inspecting it, on a test ride see if the bike gets overly hot in traffic.
● Check the clarity of the brake fluid – it should be changed every two years. Failing to do so can lead to costly ABS modulator issues.