What Bike Next? (Ep9) - can Graham upgrade his Versys 650?

What Bike Next? our KZbin series, is back for season 2! BikeSocial’s resident used bike enthusiasts Simon Hargreaves and Michael Mann are on the hunt for three used #motorcycle options to fit a #bikesocial member's criteria that they can then test ride.
This is the first of six episodes in this series and we'll have a new one for you each week.
With thanks to:
- Metzeler: bit.ly/WBNmet
- Zerofit: bit.ly/WBNzf
- Superbike Factory: bit.ly/WBNsbkf
See all the other episodes in our What Bike Next playlist: bit.ly/WBNplay, and if you'd like to apply to be in the next series then send an email to [e-mail]
CHAPTERS
00:00 - Introduction and sponsor thanks
00:50 - Meeting our candidate
03:15 - Shopping and test route details
06:10 - Bike number 1 unveil and test
09:40 - Bike number 2 unveil and test
13:36 - Mystery Bike unveil and test
17:51 - Verdict and decision
28:40 - Conclusion, outtakes and outro
Bike insurance due this month? We search our panel of insurers to find you our best price for the cover you need. Get a quote today at www.bennetts.co.uk/ or call us on 03444122171.
For exclusive offers on a massive range of bike kit and events, visit www.bikesocial.co.uk/join
We really hope you enjoyed this video, and all the others we do. Now why chat to us about it at our friendly Facebook group: groups/bikesocial
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[@bennettsbikesocial]

Our friends at Zerofit are offering viewers of this video a FREE Heatrub Ultimate Neckwarmer worth £25 when they buy any Zerofit Baselayer or Leggings using discount code WBN100 - visit www.zerofit.co.uk to make your purchase, and remember to enter the code! This promotion includes the new Cold Skin Baselayer, designed to keep you cool through the hot summer months.

[@Geshmaal]

Totally relate to this fellow - has fun on any bike, wants one that's comfortable to maximise that fun. Says a lot that he's put over 70k miles on his Versys and kept hold of it for 12 years, a true rider.

[@johnlaw5762]

Graham is just a real biker at heart. Really enjoyed his feedback

[@bennettsbikesocial]

He’s a gem, a really lovely chap and will really enjoy that Royal Enfield 😜 Cheers, Michael

[@gmc677]

His attitude is so good, he just loves riding bikes.

[@RodiGKaya]

What’s a bit funny is the store they are at don’t allow you to test ride bikes, in fact they won’t even let you touch or sit on them without member of sales there 😅

[@LordKietsu]

The signs say that but i was there a week ago and i had the wife sitting on loads of stuff, noone said anything. The only time i can see it being a problem is in the middle section where the bikes are HEAVILY packed in. Probably worried about someone dropping dominos or kicking other bikes when getting their leg over

[@robbikebob]

I went about 6 months ago and got a proper telling off for sitting on a bike!

[@neilrichardson3986]

SUZUKI Sv650

[@PokerMuppet]

Oh come on... What is the point of having a budget when you then offer options that are 30% more expensive?

[@903lew]

I love the man’s attitude. He just likes bikes and riding them. We could all learn a lot from him I think.

[@Rocketboy-qg6ts]

5:48 “LOOK, BUT PLEASE DON’T TOUCH” it says! 🤣🤣🤣

[@KHender]

Love the show, glad it’s back with new episodes!

[@OM-sb2bd]

“Look but please don’t touch” on every single bike. 😂

[@ronwhite8503]

Doesn't surprise me. They won't give test rides either.......they wouldn't get my money.

[@OM-sb2bd]

@@ronwhite8503 no test rides on USED bikes ?? For real ?

[@robbikebob]

Yeah, I went and tried sitting on a bike to see how it felt and got a telling off for it. How are you supposed to buy a bike when you don't even know how it feels to sit on it! Nice place but with the wrong attitude. I'll never spend money there...

[@OM-sb2bd]

@@robbikebob could be they’re not selling much, so all of them are lined up like dominos …. ready to fall should someone bump one wrong …. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@christopherreed442]

...with his hands all over it. They're hardly pristine examples, a few paw prints won't make any difference to their stock

[@AdiRaj12B]

I have really waited for this series to come back.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks! Sorry it's taken a while but we've filmed six episodes so you'll only have to wait until next Friday for Ep10! Cheers, Michael

[@RICHDAVIES-o5y]

Best news ever that there are more on the way.

[@johnnyblue4799]

Me too. I thought it was cancelled. I would have chosen the Tiger though! :)

[@nickrider5220]

I'm another person very happy to see this series back 👍🏻🙂

[@bennettsbikesocial]

We’re glad to have it back too, and so chuffed to see the comment love too 😊 Makes it easier to persuade those in charge that we should make season 3! Cheers, Michael

[@anxiousappliance]

That's a man who has SV650 written all over him. LOL

[@senaman]

My thoughts exactly!

[@morri03]

I don’t know anyone who has ridden an interceptor and wasn’t charmed by it. I was and bought one. Not sure of the Triumph too expensive but the ‘expert’ let’s just try and shift the bike we’ve had on the floor the longest was priceless. 😅

[@chadridsdale9970]

Welcome back! Thank you for Graham! Excellent episode. I can't wait until next

[@Dan-56]

Within his price range I was really expecting to see a Triumph Tiger 800, around the 2016 vintage 🤔.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Great shout. Would have been interesting to hear Graham’s thoughts on that.

[@x75hurricane]

Its a good shout. They're great bikes and really popular. Would I prefer it over the Tiger Sport? Im not sure, it was brilliant fun to ride!

[@starseeddeluxe]

Not to mention, the new Triumph cross plane triple engines are rougher, more viby, more coarse and just not as good. They ruined a perfectly good engine through some form of jealousy over the rough sound of the Tenere 700 and Africa Twin 1100.

[@PhilGildea]

4.500 too spend, let's show the guy a bike for 5850 😅

[@csr7080]

Yeah that just destroys the concept for me. If I say I have a budget, that's the budget I have, don't cheat it. Look for what could actually work.

[@bobklee2397]

£4,500 wasn’t the hard limit - depends on the wife … music to a salesman’s ears especially with finance so not altogether unreasonable. Give the guys a re break

[@paulmurray5525]

Sales people never listen, all about money 🤑

[@writestuffmedia]

Yeah, I apologise for that, it wasn't the optimal choice 😅 - there were a few 'production issues' behind the scenes that sort of lead me down the over-budget path. A few hundred quid is ok, but over a grand is a bit rich. I'll try harder in future!

[@jecsah]

That's half the fun of this thing, they're the trading spaces of motorcycle sales. "Don't like feathers? We stapled geese to the walls!" Seriously though, spikey hair guy is a bit off-putting. His style is odd and he almost comes across as harassing the buyers.

[@teneretraveller8980]

Super professional production and above all a very entertaining watch. Love this series. Ride safe 👍

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Glad you enjoy it! We really appreciate the positivity, it’s a real reward for the effort that goes into making these. Thanks, Michael.

[@NtGism]

This series is just the best! The different perspectives and the thought process are very valuable

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks very much, these comments mean a lot. They also means it's easier to justify another series 🙂

[@tinniswood2577]

This is a really enjoyable series, essentially about people (and bikes) which for me makes it interesting. Graham a true biker!

[@diegocella6791]

Simon just show us a perfect lesson on how to apply manmath!

[@simondavies9315]

So pleased this brilliant series is back. They showed you can get a lot of bike for less than five grand.

[@Marc-zf3xv]

I'd love to see this become a three part show. Part one we hear about the riders expeirence, wants and needs and we see 6 bike options. Then part two a poll is posted where we vote for which bike we think is best out of the options and part three is the reveal, test rides and selection and comparong that to the poll results. Could be engaging and fun.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Brilliant idea! We’ll definitely include that in Season 3 discussions.

[@somatyk]

Second this.

[@TheDervMan]

Absolutely loves these episodes 💚 Thank you Bennett’s Social 👍🏻

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Great to hear, you’ve got five more episodes to soak up over the next five weeks!

[@TheDervMan]

@@bennettsbikesocial 👌🏻🎉👍🏻😎

[@TammyCooke-m3m]

Great to see you back with another season of 'What bike next', love watching them and seeing what bikes people go for. Great started to the new season. Thanks guys

[@anandprabhupathanjali8339]

As a fellow Burgman 650 rider, the moment Graham mentioned it, i knew comfort and feel were the no 1 on his list.

[@Geshmaal]

Shows he's a practical and open minded fellow!

[@ArmadilloGodzilla]

And then he said it's a stupid scooter. 😮

[@anandprabhupathanjali8339]

@@ArmadilloGodzilla 😶 missed that part

[@x75hurricane]

I was devastated when my Burgman's CVT imploded. So comfy and heated seats in winter was amazing! Servicing was a pain in the bum though

[@davem3059]

Love this, " What bike next " format 😉 It's great to have such a variety of machines, with different price tags, all in the same place. Whilst watching, I also like to think of potential purchases for them. Please keep the episodes coming, with all manner of bikes 👍

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Feel free to share your ideas on potential purchases here! We’ve got a new episode coming each week for the next five weeks, with a variety of budgets and criteria.

[@lomate1963]

It’s the new Smashie and Nicey of the motorcycle world 👍🏻👍🏻☺

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Yes! I did a proper belly laugh at that comment 😂 Cheers. Michael

[@ronwhite8503]

Not 'arf.

[@cabovermike]

Graham , the only bloke ever to get a test ride at the superbike factory,....

[@trevorphillips3055]

Ah......how about the riders from the previous 8 episodes?

[@mrbrutal6614]

@@trevorphillips3055he means because they only do it on the show. The superbike factory is a proper dodgy company and just wants quick turnover on shady bikes so they don’t want people finding out before signing.

[@reinmansmith]

Great to see you back doing these, it’s a great series 👍 It really shows how lucky we are currently to have such a wide variety of bikes available at sensible prices..

[@CarlosMartinsPT]

NIce episode. I’m happy for that guy who found a completely different bike to carry on his bike life.

[@martinhughes9769]

Glad your back with the Bike reviews for customers 😊

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks Martin, sorry it took us a while. Blame the weather!

[@mikeycouser9126]

Stumbled across this series last week and watched all the episodes in quick succession. I was gutted when I realised there was only 8 so I’m chuffed that there are new episodes. I’m enjoying the new format of only debriefing the bikes at the end and not after each ride 👍🏼

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks for that. Yes we've got four more episodes in this series due over the next few weeks, it's a different format to last year when they more like monthly, or with no set schedule. The tweaks to this season seem to have worked but we're always happy to hear any feedback to improve it if you or anyone else has any. Thanks again, Michael

[@theodavies8754]

If it makes you happy it's right for you. Decide what you want and go and get the best example you can find/afford. Never let salespeople decide for you.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Nicely put. Graham was a fine example of that mantra.

[@snakeman9902]

Love this series..Brilliant... Signs saying, "Don't touch the bike, then proceed to touch the bike, isn't it correct, that SBF don't allow test drives usually???

[@dynamotightstar3472]

Yep, no test rides and you have to ask to sit on any of them. And they aren't what you'd call clean either.

[@snakeman9902]

@dynamotightstar3472 Thanks for confirming that, I personally wouldn't buy from them. They must have cleaned the bikes up for the show.

[@MikeTheBike58]

No test rides I'd definitely go elsewhere.

[@snakeman9902]

@@MikeTheBike58 absolutely 💯

[@XSR_9001]

Love this series. Glad it's back. Keep up the great work.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks, will do! There’s more to come. Cheers, Michael

[@grol094]

Great that the series is back. Love it (from the west coast of Oz)

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Hello from the east coast of England, glad you're happy to have it back. So are we, sorry it took a while! Cheers, Michael

[@somatyk]

Been waiting for this. Great content with knowledgeable bikers. Been on my CB125R for two and a half years now. Finance runs out in two months. Soooo many bikes.

[@juliemcgillivray3394]

I love this show 😍 Never miss an episode. You guys are quite entertaining.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks very much. The next episode will be live before the end of the week. Stand by! Cheers, Michael

[@seaninness334]

I always love this show. Graham is riding his ride. Good for him.

[@cmii9966]

Fun to watch guys! Thanks from Houston TX

[@Suzuki_Ste]

Glad it's back let's keep it real biking is becoming really hard with high cost's so to see this series again give us some good ideas keep them coming 👍 😊

[@fivespeed3026]

I love how he touches all over the bikes with the signs saying don’t touch. 😂

[@gingerelvis]

A real biker who actually rides with a modest budget. Great to see. Fair play gettibg that kind of mileage on a Versys 650, my NTV is at 95k and starting to really show it.

[@cbrider726]

Great stream lads . Love this format . Thanks 👍👍👍

[@sunday9492]

This guy really knows his bikes

[@diegocella6791]

Oh look what youtube brought me... i just finished my shift and there is a beer... time to decompress!

[@bennettsbikesocial]

It was just meant to be!

[@jlucmartino99]

Great show. Glad it is back

[@paulfowler7618]

Enjoyed this as always and as the owner of an interceptor was pleased he went for this as his favourite despite having little intention of buying a new bike I don't reckon. I am lucky to have several bikes so just use the Interceptor for relaxed Sunday afternoon rides mainly but it can still push on a bit as well if you want it too. I bought mine last year for under £5000 with only 500miles on the clock and about a grands worth of extras and really love it despite a few annoying niggles. Like the footpegs bash you in the ankles when you put your feet down. You really need to look after the Chrome engine casings, the clocks mist up, tubed tyres and the standard seat is like a plank of wood. 🙄

[@IanSixbikes-by6ei]

Good to see " What Bike Next" has returned to our screens , Mr Hargreaves is in fine form (always entertaining) , as for this episode , if it was my money I'd find the extra cash down the back of the sofa and buy the Triumph .

[@TheStranger52]

YESSSS!!! FINALLY ANOTHER EPISODE LETS GOOOO

[@bikerjock2654]

I agree with Graham about electronics - traction control is my right wrist. I’ve always liked the art/challenge of riding a bike well, without lots of electronics to hide my mistakes.

[@mikleman996]

3 very different bike, but i think Graham had an absolute blast on all of them.

[@Wadders]

Love the series guys keep up the great work

[@cpuuk]

Definitely not about the bells & whistles (looks at all the GS riders) 😆

[@davidclark2208]

This is great to watch to see what they pick 😊

[@colinlindley1320]

Great work guys and a great watch.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks Colin!

[@Maggieismydog]

Great to see you guys back. Really enjoyed this episode gents! Would love to be on your show, shame I live in Australia 🇦🇺😕

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Maybe one day we can come to you! 😂

[@Maggieismydog]

@@bennettsbikesocial that would be AMAZING! An international What Bike Next! Awesome ☺️

[@inspectorclouseau3880]

Bit of a suprise there those Enfields are becoming popular

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Very. Ever since the 650 twins, and now with the Himalayan, Scram and Meteor models. Guess they're priced right.

[@barrydaly2292]

I looked at the Triumph sport 1050. Looked at some KZbin owner videos and they all love them except the 12000 mile valve service £800+ that put me off as I wanted it for my commute. Do about that every year.

[@beborodner930]

Love this series. We're always wondering about our next bike.. and it makes me ask myself whatkind of rider am i really, , what and I looking for out of my machine! .

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Great to hear, glad you're enjoying it!

[@ragerider6283]

Nice vid, very enjoyable. Mystery bike for me, Moto Guzzi V7.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Good call. Along the same lines as the RE but Graham might well have liked the Guzzi styling. Thanks, Michael

[@BuffaloweRider]

I just love how much you two guys love motorcycling. ❤ Personally I think you would have sold a 2021 motto guzzi v7 special in blue to that guy in budget. But that's my opinion. Regardless, just enjoy the ride.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

And an excellent opinion it is too. Thanks for adding to Graham’s never-ending shopping list! Cheers, Michael

[@BuffaloweRider]

@@bennettsbikesocial but moto Guzzi could end the never endless...;)

[@roballen6351]

hiya guys, great to see this series still going. Had a great time with you on mine. I had a Sport 1050 (2018) it's an awesome fun bike to ride on the b roads but equally happy touring or commuting, he should get one

[@CordrP01]

What a great series!

[@manylch7964]

Should have looked at a MG V7 ..he probably would have liked it

[@05gt99]

Need to put Simon on some basic sales training about building the customer need, the puppy dog technique didn’t work on the out of budget Triumph ( give the person the puppy and they won’t want to give it back). SPIN training is a great book - Situation, Problem, Implication, Need . Anyway I enjoyed the video and , looking forward to the next one. Great to hear about the royal Enfield and how it good the experience was😊

[@smackbikeNZ]

Wow, never seen "look but don't touch" at any of my local dealers. This would put me off right away.

[@ProWhitaker]

Thanks for the video

[@craigosborne7174]

Great series !

[@KnightRider1157]

Not sure on present stock but I'd have found him a Ducati monster or V7 Guzzi

[@x75hurricane]

I did nearly buy a V7 years ago, my brother loves Guzzis. But bought a TDM850 instead...work that one out 🤣

[@aps-pictures9335]

Ah yes! Long last, what biker doesn’t like watching about bikes they’ll probably never buy 😂. Honestly enjoy these, never know what’ll tempt me.

[@kaykay8686]

MORE VIDEOS PLEASE!! Well done!!

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Coming soon! five more episodes over consecutive weeks in fact.

[@garysramblings8584]

Nice to see a real life biker that can't be pressure sold on camra, good on you mate. The budget was the budget and that was obvious, the other thing in my mind was the cost of the valve clearance check/set up, over a grand at a dealer last time I checked. Come on guys stick to the brief.

[@jmileshc]

When I approached SBF about a bike of interest they stated that they did NOT do test rides. Any comments on that?

[@x75hurricane]

Personally I would never buy a bike I haven't ridden, but SBF say its to stop people using it as going for a jolly or in some cases crashing.

[@wjlroe]

Judge Dredd can stop looking for his helmet, we've found it!

[@MrMandown46]

The feedback was good at the end, but I'll never understand why they are given a budget and almost always immediately go for bikes way over that given the brief was so open you must have had a massive range of bikes to pick from. Was also a little surprised given a pillion was on the reasons to choose a bike, that they didn't come along, especially as they apparantly control the finances.

[@x75hurricane]

She was at work!

[@MrMandown46]

@@x75hurricane Fair enough :)

[@cypresscycle8326]

FYI, not sure what your viewership stats tell you, but "what Bike Next" is my favorite Bennetts Bike video series. Unfortunately, you don't make enough of them, as I'd like to see one of these episodes very regularly, say every week or 2 weeks.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

We’ve made 6 episodes for this series and we’ll publish each 1 week apart. We’d love to make a third season especially given the popularity of those we’ve made so far but that’ll depend on many variables, most notably the quality, variety and availability of candidates, plus the continued appetite of our lovely sponsors! Thanks for your comment. Cheers, Michael

[@MH-xd2nd]

Superbike Factory obviously desperate to flog the Vulcan 😂 Can’t imagine many punters beating their door down. Maybe the fact that he has a bike quite similar to the Tiger made him more interested in something else? The £1.5K price difference might be a reason too! The RE looks nice but not for me as an only bike.

[@ianhamilton1227]

I've literally just bought a Tiger 1050 Sport, pick it up on Friday, - 2015 plate for £4800

[@malcolmpatton9314]

Love this feature sad I don’t live in the uk.what great place buy a bike.

[@brianhill2515]

The Royal Enfield comes standard with traction control- a 47 horse power engine!!!😂

[@thehowlingterror]

Great series.

[@stevep9739]

We all know happy wife happy life,Rock up on an st1100(it's that time in life) with tickets to somewhere in the Balearics and everyone's happy!

[@danielhasahondaandtriumph]

You could see it in his smile and eyes the Enfield was his favourite 🤩

[@bennettsbikesocial]

He's since told us that once a couple of outgoings on is house are sorted then he's going to buy an Interceptor 650. A win for me, sort of! Cheers, Michael

[@robynmolle5842]

I Want the Triumph 1050 how much US? Glad the series is back.

[@Ayresy_83]

Men and motors, used bike heaven eat your heart out. This just needs Francesca 👍🏻

[@bennettsbikesocial]

What if we ask Simon put a wig on?

[@Ayresy_83]

@@bennettsbikesocial 😂😂

[@yahoodlums]

Good series, but we need punters that are actually ready to part with cash.

[@Raptorace225]

I can relate to what Grahm was saying about putting a smile on his face when talking about the Enfield. Believe it or not, the bike that did that for me was the 2014 Victory Vision I still own but sadly will be parting ways with soon. And the only reason I am moving on from it is the fact that I am 63 now and can no longer comfortably deal with the bike's 900-pound weight. It makes me very sad, but that is life, eh? Honestly, I can't figure out why more people don't get on with the cruiser/heavy tourer configuration. The Vision is an absolute starship of a machine. Anyway, I respect Grahm's tendency to go for the Enfield, the bike that makes him smile. Another great installment, men! I think I have binge watched all of the episodes, now. So you know what that means? We need more! 😁 Keep 'em coming, lads!

[@Nick-Emery]

Hi I’m Graham from Stafford and I live just up the road in Stafford 😂

[@docproc8508]

If it were to be my only bike the Triumph would be my choice. But if it were a second bike then the Enfield would be tempting.

[@sanatandharma4435]

What a great episode, nice man just wanting to enjoy life without 100 + bhp. Lesson to js all

[@joek81981]

I wish this was a regular, serial show I could watch. Like they'll do a 9th season of "Make My Wife into a Cake" or whatever; they should do this.

[@joek81981]

The beats-everything reason for choosing the one you choose: "it put a smile on my face, when the other ones didn't." What can you even say to that?

[@thomasneedham1512]

The Enfield was too expensive for the age of the bike. If that includes VAT if required, it makes more sense. I don't know if VAT is charged on used cycles since I live in the United States.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

There'd be nothing to pay on top of that price other than the retailer's admin charges which varies depending if you've bought from them before.

[@slakk5093]

best show this channel does

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thank you! There's five more episodes to come too, with another due before the end of this week. Cheers, Michael

[@hommuside]

8:28 awesome camera work guys

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Cheers, we know it as bike-to-bike tracking, and Dom (the videographer/editor) is a master!

[@rob-fb5xs]

I feel like I just watched ‘escape to the countryside on a motorbike’. 😊🤙

[@bennettsbikesocial]

That was certainly an influence for the show!

[@nickneek80]

Tracer900 or Tiger800 would have been ideal I reckon

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Might have been able to get a 2014/15 Tiger 800 XRx for that budget, you're right.

[@Ky0l]

Don't matter your requirements, the answer is Rocket 3...

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Oh yes, have you seen my Rocket 3 Storm review? Mind you, they’re a little out of Graham’s budget. Cheers, Michael

[@ogofog9120]

Funny - what is the question that ends in the answer I need a 2.5ltr 350kg motorcycle

[@Pops-007]

Tiger good choice, he likes adventure bikes Multistrada or MT9 would be better options in my opinion 😢

[@Malcolm99-l9q]

Been to Donnington branch. Scabby examples