What we found £2000-£4000

Triumph Tiger 955i 2001, 29k miles. Standard, nice condition, all-day comfy and easier to work on than a GS. Perfect alternative to the BMW for half the money. £2199

Kawasaki ER-6F

2008, 41k miles. Providing they’re serviced, ER-6S lap up the miles, with valve clearances only needed every 21k miles. This one has been looked after, possibly having a lengthy commute, with heated grips, topbox, new chain and sprockets, Michelin PR4 tyres and Scottoiler fitted. £2299

Honda Deauville 650

2005, 33k miles. Tall screen, large topbox and heated grips. Paintwork original, but corrosion on engine cases and stainless exhaust downpipes. £2499

Yamaha R125

2009, 21k miles. Not the cheapest 125 but it looks good. Check servicing at that mileage and age, plus chain, sprockets and tyres – 17-year-olds are not known for mechanical sympathy. Scratches show it’s gone down, so check frame and fairing stays for damage. £2499

Yamaha R6

2004, 57k miles. That’s a fair few miles and yet the bodywork looks really clean. So look further – some corrosion on calipers and forks, aftermarket exhaust fitted with missing clamp and disc holes filled with crud suggest it’s probably been ridden through winter. Possibly new bodywork? Still OK if engine and service history stack up with Mots. £2499

BMW R1100RT

2000, 37k miles. This one’s been looked after, comes with both panniers and large topbox and once the bodywork’s removed is easy to work on, too. Tyres could do with replacing. £2499

Honda VTR1000F Firestorm

2001, 19k miles. Renntec rack and tacky aftermarket indicators but needs for nothing. £2499

Honda CBR400RR

1998, 20k miles. A future classic in the best colours. Needs a little tidying and could do with new tyres shortly. Seems pricey initially, but try to find another... £3290

Royal Enfield Continental GT 2013, 4k miles. Like new, but saving over £2000. Also easy to work on yourself. £3490

Honda VTX1300

2004, 30k miles. A lot of bike for your money but obviously spent some time laid up outside. Some of the chrome is going, and with time could do with lower exhaust and some fasteners replaced. Still cheaper than a Harley. £3999

BMW R1150GS

2003, 67k miles. Final year of the 1150. Popular blue and white paint, already a classic and a better choice for those who like to work on their bikes than the later 1200. Comes with panniers, large topbox and Baglux tank cover. £3499

Suzuki Hayabusa 2003, 19k miles. Good overall condition. Obligatory taller iridium screen and aftermarket cans but otherwise standard. £3699