Smaller Bike

[minutiesabotage]

So heres the deal: I spend a lot of time commuting on my 929, and its just plain frustrating riding in traffic. I probably use 1/8 throttle most of the time. Even passing I rarely even hit 1/2, there's just no room.

Any bigger (215 lbs) guys try riding/commuting on a 500/250?. If so, what are your thoughts?

[Rick Lee]

I ride my wifes Hyosung GV250 to work everyday and i don't mind it at all and i weigh 290. Obviously there is not a lot of power but when commuting it really isn't needed and i get a little over 80 MPG. The bike is pretty comfortable all things considered.

[Paul_E_D]

I just bought the ultimate Commuter assault weapon. KTM 690 SMC. 57MPG, upright seating, 2nd and maybe 3rd gear power wheelies even geared tall for the freeway, cruises at 75 very comfortably, quiet as can be, awesome cornering clearance and traction, 11 inches of travel!!!

I think it's nearly perfect for the commute.

[Doc]

I have my Motarded CRF250x that does good around town. Get it up around 60mph and I think it is gonna blow up! I would think a 450 would be better as I am 200lbs and the 250 could use a lil more umpfh.

[Just_Jeff]

kawi 650R
power to cruise 120 on the highway
Fun on the track
55+ mpg on reg gas
cheap to insure
upright seating position so commutes and long rides are a breeze
good power in the low end, lots of torque

[minutiesabotage]

More cc = More $$

[a13x]

Get it up around 60mph and I think it is gonna blow up! I would think a 450 would be better as I am 200lbs and the 250 could use a lil more umpfh.

NO WAY!!

YOU'RE KIDDING!!

WHO'D HAVE THOUGHT!!

[evile]

+1 on the 650R, awesome commuter, great in traffic, fun as hell to ride, 50-60mpg or better.

[Manny]

Is your commute city or highway? If its mostly city and a little highway I say Motard all the way, mostly highway is a diff story. Most motards are fine at 75 but it does get old qucik.

[Doc]

NO WAY!!

YOU'RE KIDDING!!

WHO'D HAVE THOUGHT!!

Hey I didn't buy it to race it... just use it as a moped and a dirt bike.

[ThisBitch]

+1 on the 650R, awesome commuter, great in traffic, fun as hell to ride, 50-60mpg or better.

I ride a 650R now and I love it. Average about 50 - 55MPG and can hold my own with the bigger bikes when actually riding.

As far as commuting on a 250, I'm about 165 and the 250 bogged at about 70 on the highway. Any faster than that and it felt REALLY unstable. Not to mention the fact that those farings don't let any air through, so you blow around like a rag doll. You might be ok on a 500 if you're looking for something cheap.

[minutiesabotage]

Too bad the EX500 is the ugliest thing I've ever seen.

Case of beer for a test ride anybody? 250 - 650cc's and/or motards would be acceptable.

[ThisBitch]

Too bad the EX500 is the ugliest thing I've ever seen.

Case of beer for a test ride anybody? 250 - 650cc's and/or motards would be acceptable.

I don't need a case of beer... Are you coming to bike night tonight? If so, you can try out the 650r

[minutiesabotage]

I don't need a case of beer... Are you coming to bike night tonight? If so, you can try out the 650r

I may be, but since I live right near there I generally just stop by when I go running down the river.

[ThisBitch]

I may be, but since I live right near there I generally just stop by when I go running down the river.

Well, I'll be around. If you want to stop by, let me know. I'll park the bike on the street so you don't have to fuss with getting it in and out.

[Honclfibr]

I ride a 650R now and I love it. Average about 50 - 55MPG and can hold my own with the bigger bikes when actually riding.

As far as commuting on a 250, I'm about 165 and the 250 bogged at about 70 on the highway. Any faster than that and it felt REALLY unstable. Not to mention the fact that those farings don't let any air through, so you blow around like a rag doll. You might be ok on a 500 if you're looking for something cheap.

The EX250 is no good on the highway with a reasonable sized person. Unsufficient dampenation.

[minutiesabotage]

Speaking of which, where does most of NESR hang out, I haven't been down as an "official" member yet.

[ThisBitch]

Speaking of which, where does most of NESR hang out, I haven't been down as an "official" member yet.

We hang out at the flagpole and up against the railing. Look for the NESR banner hung on the railing.


I also have a 250 if you really want to try it... all you have to do is clean the carbs LOL. Kidding... but it should be running again in a few days (I hope).

[MattyC]

I, on occasion, ride a Yamaha WR250R dual sport to work. Doesn't generate a lot of heat and goes damn near 100MPH. Is fun as hell. With me beating the crap out of it, I get 70-80MPG. I have a 60 mile round trip on a congested highway. When its very hot out, the R1 can be a pain in the ass in stop and go, especially with the engine/undertail exhaust heat.

Pictures here:

2008 Yamaha WR250R Home, information, info

-Matt

[Ryno]

get yourself a 1st gen SV 650

[minutiesabotage]

The EX250 is no good on the highway with a reasonable sized person. Unsufficient dampenation.

Would a 250 be ok with some suspension work? I assume by dampenation you mean suspension damping. My commute is mostly backroads with a few stretches of 55 mph highway (Rte 3 = cops).

We hang out at the flagpole and up against the railing. Look for the NESR banner hung on the railing.

I also have a 250 if you really want to try it... all you have to do is clean the carbs LOL. Kidding... but it should be running again in a few days (I hope).

Yea by the time I got done with my run/shower everyone was already heading off, thanks for the offer though, maybe another time.

It looks like everyone has an opinion and I'm just going to have to try some different bikes out.

[butcher bergs]

Throw a pizza cutter on the rear and call it a day...

[minutiesabotage]

Hahaha, maybe?

BTW Bergs, hit 20K today, not that you particularly want to hear about it anymore.

[tom5796]

I've read about a lot of big guys have had success with the FZ6 as well. I'm prob 185 fully geared but it'll take a bunch of luggage without issue. Yeah it's an I4 that likes high rpms but I still have fun when in the city. And it is really comfortable. 04-07 can be had pretty cheap.

[butcher bergs]

Hahaha, maybe?

BTW Bergs, hit 20K today, not that you particularly want to hear about it anymore.

Good to see you've been riding it.