Please help me choose my next bike

[BlackNinja8]

I'm completely lost here. I need a bike that does a bunch of different things and I'm not sure such a bike exists in my limited budget. Parameters:

1) $3500 Price limit - means I'm in the used market
2) Must be able to handle the freeway comfortably at 65-70mph.
3) Seat height manageable at 5'7"
4) Must be able to handle occasional 2-up weekend runs. Nothing lengthy, but maybe a 30 mile run for breakfast, or a 60 mile cruise mixing highway and backroads.
5) Super sports are out. Sportbike CC limit would be a 650 twin or 600cc I4.

Other than that I'm open to anything from a 250cc dual sport to a cruiser. A couple things about what I'm looking for:

1) I'm very intrigued by dual sports and would love to add a very mild off-road dimension to my riding. Nothing technical, just some fire roads, trails, etch.
2) I'm 80% commute, 10% errands, 10% pleasure runs ( two-up half the time).
3) I really love the feel of a small bike. Loved both my 250r and SV650. I think I'd like to try something new this time around, otherwise I'd have no problem hoping on either one again.

I just got back from my Yami/Suzi dealer and sat on nearly every non-super sport they had. I liked the XT250 with its low seat height and dual sport capability, but it felt a little narrow for me. Felt like I should put a rack on the back and deliver pizza in the city. Also liked the V-star 650 custom. Felt really comfortable but it made me realize that I'm not sure if I want to lug around a heavy bike.

FZ-09 was dreamy, out of my price range though. Honda 500s were nice but I don't want a midsize bike that is uninspiring to ride. I'd rather have a smaller displacement light bike that I can ride harder and flick more easily.

I sat on some beautiful bikes but kept gravitating towards the smaller bikes. My biggest worry about the smaller displacement would be the ability to go 2-up comfortably. Anyone have any experience?

My shortlist:
KLX250SF
DZR400SM
CBR250
600-800CC Cruiser
FZ6

I'm open to suggestions, thanks...

[ForceofWill]

Why did you get rid of your other two bikes? There are a ton of bikes that will do what you want but probably not a lot in your price range.

Why don't you want another 250 or SV if you liked them both?

[BlackNinja8]

I would be happy with an SV or 250 but just would like to try something different. I initially sold the 250 because my commute at the time was a wide open windy interstate and I wanted a better highway bike. I sold the SV to buy a house.

[ForceofWill]

Alright, I hear ya. Thing is $3500 is really not a lot of cash if you want to try out something else unless you go pretty old. If you liked the SV and you seem to do 2 up a lot I'd look at used SV/Ninja 650/FZ6's.

[BlackNinja8]

I may end up on a naked SV or a naked FZ6 because they are both good value for the money. To be honest I really do like older bikes. 90's bikes are not out of the question. I still want to see if I can ride a DRZ400 or KLX250 super moto. I think I'll end up liking both.

As far as 2-up riding goes, I really don't do it that often but it has to be capable of doing it. I'd say twice per month - whenever my wife complains about the bike I hand her her helmet and take her out. Keeps her quit for a little while...

[alex.s]

check out the new yamaha 400. classic styling

[rasta]

From what I hear (haven't experienced) dual sports are far from ideal for commuting. Since that's the overwhelming majority of your riding, I would stay away from them. But one of the more experienced riders should confirm/poopoo that.

Ninja 650?

[BlackNinja8]

Originally Posted by alex.s

check out the new yamaha 400. classic styling

Are they sold in the US? Nice styling but I only see them for sale in EU

[alex.s]

http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/03/06...tions-pricing/

[BlackNinja8]

Originally Posted by rasta

From what I hear (haven't experienced) dual sports are far from ideal for commuting. Since that's the overwhelming majority of your riding, I would stay away from them. But one of the more experienced riders should confirm/poopoo that.

Ninja 650?

The seats aren't great for long distance riding but I'm thinking of a Sumo/DS set up with either 50/50 tires or two separate street/trail setups on a 17" platform.

[scorch]

id consider the

klr650 for dual sport riding , very cheap used

cx500 cheap vtwin and reliable

honda vfr - any year

yamaha fz1

yamaha fz6

honda 599

[InvisiBill]

If you liked the EX250 and are looking at used anyway, check out the EX500. It's got almost twice the power (for highway and two-up) and isn't too much bigger (it's still an agile little bike). To give you some estimation of the power difference, you can get up to 60 in second, and 80 in third. The Gen1 is similar in style to the PreGen, while the Gen2 was updated for '94 - it's slightly more modern looking, but not like the NewGen's supersport style. I got my '09 nearly-new (44 miles, traded back in to the original dealer) for about $3600 in July '12.

[BlackNinja8]

@scorch - That's an excellent list. I really love the styling of the hornets. I'd forgotten about that bike - going to check it out again. Also, the VFR reminded me to consider the Magnas. I'd love to ride one of those.

@InvisiBill - What I'd heard about the 500 does sound great, but the styling is really not my taste. Too much for me to overlook.

I'm searching for bikes up to $4500, though I really want to only spend 3500.

[Han Solo 1]

Originally Posted by alex.s

check out the new yamaha 400. classic styling

Looks kind of decent, but also looks like something he can get off of Craigslist for $900. A kick-start-only bike for 2014 prices?

[allanoue]

get a 300

I still need to tag the trailer

(I am lazy)

[BlackNinja8]

Originally Posted by allanoue

get a 300

I still need to tag the trailer

(I am lazy)

Lol, you getting much use out of it?

[BlackNinja8]

Found an '04 Honda 599 for $2000. Love the look of the bike and it looks like a blast to ride. Anyone have any experience with this bike?

[scorch]

a 599 for 2000$ sounds like a great price.

If you are looking to try dual sports try looking at

xr650l (not the r, the r is a monster)

dr650

xt600 (older bike)

drz400

[Donniejoe]

Consider a Honda 750 Aero or Spirit. They are extremely reliable, there's tons of inventory and very capable of two up riding at interstate speeds. They can be had all day long at $3500. It wouldn't work off-road but it has a very low seat height and handles very well for a cruiser. My wife owns one and I love to borrow it and ride around town on it.

[dcj13]

Originally Posted by Donniejoe

Consider a Honda 750 Aero or Spirit. They are extremely reliable, there's tons of inventory and very capable of two up riding at interstate speeds. They can be had all day long at $3500. It wouldn't work off-road but it has a very low seat height and handles very well for a cruiser. My wife owns one and I love to borrow it and ride around town on it.

This guy is spot-on for seat height, freeway speeds, and 2-up trips.

[Han Solo 1]

Originally Posted by Donniejoe

Consider a Honda 750 Aero or Spirit. They are extremely reliable, there's tons of inventory and very capable of two up riding at interstate speeds. They can be had all day long at $3500. It wouldn't work off-road but it has a very low seat height and handles very well for a cruiser. My wife owns one and I love to borrow it and ride around town on it.

Are there alot of options to customize it, like there is for a Harley? Specifically:

Headlight, drag bars, pipes, rear short fenders? Sideways license plate holder?

[BlackNinja8]

Originally Posted by Donniejoe

Consider a Honda 750 Aero or Spirit. They are extremely reliable, there's tons of inventory and very capable of two up riding at interstate speeds. They can be had all day long at $3500. It wouldn't work off-road but it has a very low seat height and handles very well for a cruiser. My wife owns one and I love to borrow it and ride around town on it.

Any reason why you don't recommend the ACE model of the shadow? I happened across one that fits my budget. REally nice looking bike but id have to do some research on the specs.

[rasta]

Have you ridden a Shadow 750 yet? You might find them to be underwhelming in the power department. Here are the power-weight ratios for a bunch of different bikes, the Shadow is less than both Honda & Kawi's 250s

Shadow Phantom- .065
CBR 250- .066
Ninja 250- .070
Ninja 300- .092
Vulcan 500- .097
CBR500r- .113
Ninja 650- .141
SV650- .167
GSXR 600- .243
Honda F4i- .253

[Whiskey]

VFR 800 may be a little tall for you (I'm 5'7 29" inseam) but should do what you want very well. It even has luggage to carry your work gear/errands run shopping & was the make a point bike in the Twist 2 DVD...

Fazer 6 or a Bandit 600 would be in the same category as the Hornet 600 Kawi are the only one of the big 4 not to do a 600 I4 naked/standard.

[dcj13]

If you're looking to be able to flat-foot the bike, aren't the KLX250SF and DZR400SM a bit on the tall side? Or are you long-legged and short-torsoed? Or are you comfortable with tippy-toeing? (I know I am not comfortable with that).

[Donniejoe]

Originally Posted by BlackNinja8

Any reason why you don't recommend the ACE model of the shadow? I happened across one that fits my budget. REally nice looking bike but id have to do some research on the specs.

The ACE is also a great bike. They are actually a bit more powerful. They stopped making them in 2004.

[Donniejoe]

Originally Posted by Han Solo 1

Are there alot of options to customize it, like there is for a Harley? Specifically:

Headlight, drag bars, pipes, rear short fenders? Sideways license plate holder?

There are lots of custom parts available. V&H short shots sound really good with the single pin crank.

[Donniejoe]

Originally Posted by rasta

Have you ridden a Shadow 750 yet? You might find them to be underwhelming in the power department. Here are the power-weight ratios for a bunch of different bikes, the Shadow is less than both Honda & Kawi's 250s

As you'd expect, the V Twin has generous low end torque where the Ninja lives in the high RPM range.

Both will run 100 mph, they just get there differently. The Honda weighs a lot more than a Ninjette, but it has much more torque and horsepower.

[ninjamunky85]

IMO you've already owned two of the best bikes for what you want in your price range.

5'7" with a comfortable seat height eliminates every DS except for the KLX250SF, but it can't do highway speeds or 2-up comfortably.

[BlackNinja8]

Thanks everyone for the great feedback. Some great ideas, but mostly just confirmed what I initially thought - my budget/height requirements limit the options for me to just a few options. Since I can get any taller, I've decided to make my budget bigger!

The more I thought about a cruiser, I feel like once the novelty wore off I would just be underwhelmed with the performance and lack of versatility. Many to be had at great prices but not a good option for me in the end.

I think I've found the bike that I want - BMW G650 XCountry! Beautiful looking bike that I think will do everything I need it to do pretty well. Capable on the streets and for mild trail runs. It has some limitations, but if it didn't, I wouldn't be able to afford one. From what I've read, they are very good on the street but just barely adequate off road - requiring suspension/tire mods to make them really capable. Since I'm 90% road I think I should be okay with that for now.

Problem is, there are so few of them available from '07-'09. Let me know if anyone has any experience with this bike or has a lead on one for sale. Thanks guys

[Sirref]

That could definitely work for you, adventure styled bikes are fairly comfortable and are great for commuting largely due to this. They are also good 2-up and can go off road which is basically everything you're asking for.

My suggestion to put into your mind though is the triumph speed four. It's a bit of an older bike, a 599cc naked bike similar to the street triple except with an I4 instead of an I3.

[BlackNinja8]

Originally Posted by Sirref

That could definitely work for you, adventure styled bikes are fairly comfortable and are great for commuting largely due to this. They are also good 2-up and can go off road which is basically everything you're asking for.

My suggestion to put into your mind though is the triumph speed four. It's a bit of an older bike, a 599cc naked bike similar to the street triple except with an I4 instead of an I3.

I dig the speed four but would favor the G650 XCountry because of its versatility. Speed four would be a more thrilling ride, but I'd sacrifice in the ride category for a 320lb lightweight single that can aptly handly road duty.

[Whiskey]

Originally Posted by BlackNinja8

Thanks everyone for the great feedback. Some great ideas, but mostly just confirmed what I initially thought - my budget/height requirements limit the options for me to just a few options. Since I can get any taller, I've decided to make my budget bigger!

The more I thought about a cruiser, I feel like once the novelty wore off I would just be underwhelmed with the performance and lack of versatility. Many to be had at great prices but not a good option for me in the end.

I think I've found the bike that I want - BMW G650 XCountry! Beautiful looking bike that I think will do everything I need it to do pretty well. Capable on the streets and for mild trail runs. It has some limitations, but if it didn't, I wouldn't be able to afford one. From what I've read, they are very good on the street but just barely adequate off road - requiring suspension/tire mods to make them really capable. Since I'm 90% road I think I should be okay with that for now.

Problem is, there are so few of them available from '07-'09. Let me know if anyone has any experience with this bike or has a lead on one for sale. Thanks guys

Height is only an issue when you stop, if you get into the habit of sliding your arse over on the seat before you fully stop you can gain a couple of inches of useable height.

[BlackNinja8]

Originally Posted by Whiskey

Height is only an issue when you stop, if you get into the habit of sliding your arse over on the seat before you fully stop you can gain a couple of inches of useable height.

Yep you are correct. It only really concerns me for two-up riding. I don't have a lot of experience two-up but I took my wife on my SV a handful of times. Being able to flat foot makes two-up much less painful.

Plus the ass slide maneuver only works when you know you are stopping. I've had a couple of situations where I would have definately dropped a taller bike. For example when I stalled going over a speed bump on my SV. You may only run into a situation like this once ever couple of years but an inch of seat height could mean the difference in keeping your bike off the ground.

[Ducati999]

The BMW seems like a great fit for your needs. The only caution I would give to you is #1 ride it on the highway before you buy. Many of the dual purpose bikes are geared really low so they have good power for off road duty. This translates into relatively high RPMs on the highway. I don't know how much you venture onto the interstate but tis could be a factor. #2 BMWs like Ducati are more expensive to fix and service. A bike like the one you are looking at will need Tires often if you run off road tread on the street quite a bit and they come with a lot of top shelf gear if you do take a spill it could cost a bit to get it back on the road. Other than that I think it fits what you are looking for quite well.

Best of luck with your bike hunt and post pics if you find one

[nickjpass]

Dual sports and Supermotos are great commuters... they have loads of torque, they're light, and pretty efficient.

[ninjamunky85]

Originally Posted by nickjpass

Dual sports and Supermotos are great commuters... they have loads of torque, they're light, and pretty efficient.

Coming from someone who owned a KLX250SF and now a 450 enduro, I'm gonna have to disagree with you there. Unless your commute is almost all city streets and back country roads they don't make good commuters. Can it be done? Yes, but people go off roading with their street bikes too.

Dual sports and Sm's light weight and upright seating position means you get blown all over the place on the highway. The skinny seats aren't great for long rides either. They are great in the city though, especially for jumping curbs, going up and down stairs, and general hooliganism. Super fun, but as a daily commuter I pick my 300. Lot smoother on the highway, and just feels more refined.

As for the BMW 650, you can't go wrong with a BMW. However not very many of them came to the U.S. If you do find one jump on it, if not look for a DRZ 400. DRZ's are heavy for a DS, but they are pretty much bulletproof.

[BlackNinja8]

Originally Posted by ninjamunky85

Coming from someone who owned a KLX250SF and now a 450 enduro...

How did you find the KLXSF? I've been keeping that bike in my mind as a 2nd or 3rd option. I realize it will suffer in 2-up and freeway, but it seems to fit everything else that I'm looking for - especially the price. I just love a light bike. If its anything like my old 250R then I think I would like it. Though I can't imagine 2-up on that bike. Could it be done with reasonable comfort on the KLX? It would be maybe a 30 mile run a couple times per month.

I love the DRZsM but prices for those are so high. If I'm going to spend that kind of money then I would rather go with BMWs 650. Cost of ownership would be much cheaper on the DR though...

Honda 599 is my 3rd or 4th option but I'm falling in love again with the idea of a single again...

[Dano]

DRZs are awesome and have good power. I wouldn't want to drone on a freeway with one but for commuting and play its great..2 up I am not so sure how a DS would fare, seats are usually not so comfortable especially for passenger

[astricklin]

You may also look into a vstrom 650. Basically the same engine as the sv, but more geared toward commuting/touring with some offroad.