Flying under the radar: These used bikes were never a hit in their day, but I think they're awesome
Not every bike can capture the headlines. Maybe they were launched in the same year as a more appealing model or possibly they just flew under the radar undetected due to their subtle nature.
Whatever the reason, there are often bikes that when you mention them, fellow riders go ‘oh, I’d forgotten about those.’ And if they are overlooked, that often means used prices are lower than they should be.
Related: How to buy a used motorbike
This week we are giving five great unsung heroes a bit of well-deserved limelight…
MCN Recommended: 2014 – 216 Ducati Monster 1200S – £7000 – £9000
The overlooked Monster deserves a second chance
Spec:
- Power: 143bhp
- Engine capacity: 1198.4cc
- Seat height: 785/810mm
- Kerb weight: 209kg
The Monster 1200 range failed to capture the public’s imagination, which is a shame because if you are after a naked roadster with bags of spirit and character, they are a brilliant option. Powered by an 1198-derived Testastretta engine, they have plenty of easy-going performance that is backed up by an impressively sporty chassis and a decent level of tech. Not to mention the timeless Monster silhouette. Try one for size, you may well find it to your liking.
Ducati Monster 1200S used buying advice
- Check the service history. The Monster needs new cambelts every five years and the ‘desmo’ valve-clearance check at 18,000 miles, which is a big bill of approaching £800 even though it is a naked bike.
- The Monster range was updated in 2017 with a tweaked engine, TFT dash and new styling. Its chassis is sportier, making it less easy-going than the first generation.
- Check the eccentric chain adjuster moves freely (they seize in place). Owners often over-tighten the pinch bolts, leading to damage.
- Check for corrosion around the starter’s cables.
2009 – 2016 Yamaha XJ6 Diversion F – £2000 – £4000
Yamaha’s easy-going and practical middleweight
Spec:
- Power: 76.9bhp
- Engine capacity: 599cc
- Seat height: 785mm
- Kerb weight: 216kg
The XJ6 Diversion F uses a re-tuned R6 motor to great effect. Easy-going and cheap to run, the Divvy has a lovely light clutch action (it is redesigned compared to the FZ6 models) and a sensible amount of sporting potential. It’s a touch budget in areas such as the suspension but overall, if you want a hassle-free do-it-all, it’s ideal and less demanding than an FZ6 Fazer.
Yamaha XJ6 Diversion F used buying advice
- There are three XJ6 models – the naked XJ6, half-faired Diversion and fully faired Diversion F. All share the same chassis and engine but Diversions have ABS as standard where it was an option on the XJ6.
- The Diversions were tweaked in 2013 with a slight styling update, new dash and pillion grab rail. There was also (oddly…) an XJ6 SP.
- The exhaust’s collector box is prone to rust, especially along its welds. Check for leaks and note that it is a one-piece system.
2015 – current Kawasaki Vulcan 650 S – £3500 – £6999
Big-selling parallel twin cruiser packs a distinct appeal
Spec:
- Power: 60bhp
- Engine capacity: 649cc
- Seat height: 705mm
- Kerb weight: 225kg
One of Europe’s best-selling cruisers (no, really…) the Kawasaki Vulcan S is a much-loved model and yet still somehow manages to escape most riders’ notice! Powered by the ER-6 parallel-twin, the Vulcan is a stylish and light modern cruiser with little attitude and lots of charm. Thanks to a light clutch action, peppy motor, low seat height and slick gearbox, it is at home in an urban environment.
Kawasaki Vulcan 650 S used buying advice
- ABS was an optional extra on early bikes, so check the spec. It’s worth having on a machine that tends to live in unpredictable city traffic.
- In 2018 a Café version of the Vulcan was introduced. It is essentially the same as the standard model but gains a small nose fairing. There is also a Touring model with panniers, a tall screen and sissy bar and an SE (Special Edition) which features two-tone paint.
- If you want, the Vulcan can easily be made A2-legal.
2013 – 2021 Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport – £3500 – £9000
The British big supermoto-tourer packs a punch
Spec:
- Power: 123bhp
- Engine capacity: 1050cc
- Seat height: 830mm
- Kerb weight: 235kg
Featuring a single-sided swingarm and high-level exhaust, the Tiger 1050 Sport is a fantastic ‘big supermoto’ that is practical, sporty, and heaps of fun. By the time it took over from the Tiger 1050 (which is more relaxed and softly-sprung), rivals were more appealing but if you buy an updated 2016-onwards model, the Sport is a wonderful sports-tourer with lots of character.
Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport used buying advice
- Only 2016-onwards models have traction control, variable power modes and cruise control; the early bikes just have switchable ABS.
- Check on a test ride for any false neutrals or gears that hop out under hard acceleration.
- The Tiger’s valve-clearance check is every 12,000 miles, which is quite low and often ignored. Valves do close up, so check it’s been done.
- Ensure suspension linkages are greased and the eccentric hub moves freely, as both can seize.
2005 Yamaha YZF-R6 – £3000 – £4000
Old-school supersport cool that really satisfies
Spec:
- Power: 118.3bhp
- Engine capacity: 599cc
- Seat height: 830mm
- Kerb weight: 180kg
Only sold for a single year before the all-new generation arrived, the 2005 Yamaha R6 is the best of the old-school R6s. With uprated suspension featuring radial brakes as well as chassis tweaks and larger throttle bodies, this year of R6 also has a ‘normal’ 120/70 front tyre. Great to ride with a surprisingly gutsy motor, it is a near perfect blend of road and trackday ability.
Yamaha YZF-R6 used buying advice
- If the gearchange action is sloppy, the detent spring is probably worn and needs replacing. A new spring is £8 and is fairly easy to replace.
- Ensure the red ‘master’ immobiliser key is included in the sale as you can’t easily reprogram black ‘blank’ keys without it.
- Watch out for Fi code errors, the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) can fail with age.
- The R46 ‘Rossi Rep’ features a sun and moon paint job and Termi pipe. Only 2500 were made for Europe.
