Nothing wrong with that as long as you make sure you get it dirty. Why buy one only to have it sparkly clean with low mileage, summer use only, never seen rain, etc, etc, a bit like this 5 year old example. What's the point in owning one?

Autotrader - BMW R1150 GS 1150cc

Look for the "all the gear, no idea" crowd at any bike meet across the UK. You'll pick them out easily from the real bike travellers, probably parked up next to the Rossi k**b jockey's with FIAT liveried R1's and matching leathers which is even more amusing. What's that all about??? :confused1:

OK, so we're talking about a £2k to 2.5k budget which I think is sensible for a first bike. T'Cats are a cracking bike even if they're getting on a bit. Slow steering but more stable than an R6. Also look at the Suzuki GSXR600 up to K3. They're dead comfy, not quite as racey as the reputation suggests, will take a pillion, magnetic tankbag, soft luggage, etc. My pick in that category and budget would still be the ZX6-R (J1, J2, A1P) as it's got the power of the GSXR or R6 but the practicality of the CBR-F and YZF. You'll have to check with your insurer though.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bi...02/?&R=EPI-292

Auto Trader UK - KAWASAKI ZX ZX600-A1P ZX636R NINJA 636cc

Or if you're still keen on a GS...
Auto Trader UK - BMW R1100 GS ( THE LONG WAY DOWN BIKE AT <zprice>£2489</zprice> WOW ) 1100cc

The Suzuki SV650 (same engine as the V-Strom) is also worth a look if insurance is a problem. I really wouldn't buy a first bike on finance anyway.

Again, no-one has got anything against E&C or the GS. My uncle's mate has a GS with 150,000 miles on it. That's what they're made for, not pub car park posing. If E&C bring more people to spend more money on the UK bike scene, then thats great for the motorcycle trade and customers alike.

Careful!