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I'm losing my 2-wheeled mojo. Race bike is gone, dirt bike is on the way out, and then I'll be bikeless for the first time in my adult life. Track and dirt riding just take too much time and money. I miss being able to throw a leg over something and ride straight out of the garage. I'll also be proper commuting for the first time in 6 years when I start the new job in SC, and I'm thinking this is the time to get back on the street.
So, help me out. What's the ticket for street riding bliss? I'll be living in a suburban area with mostly 45 mph two- and three-lane roads. Not much "fun" riding to be done in the immediate area, and with a baby on the way, I probably won't be doing many 4-hour treks out to the mountains. The commute is 11 miles of congested roads, will take 20-30 mins. The nearest dirt riding is a little over an hour away, I can get there without going on the highway, and it is mostly fast, sandy double-track. Here are my initial thoughts:
Yamaha triple, either XSR900 or FJ-09
HD Sportster or Indian Scout
Bonneville/Thruxton/Scrambler
Grom
Something adventure-y (risky option, I might never go adventuring)
I don’t know anything about most of those bikes, but I’ve ridden the sportster and the grom, and there is NO WAY I’d want either as my only bike. Sportsters blow in every way, and with the grom I was bored in about 45 seconds. I know some people on here like them, maybe it was because I couldn’t find any loading docks nearby to wheelie off of or whatever kinda silly hooliganism they market them for. Felt like a $3,000 z-50 to me...and I admire their marketing to make them seem appealing because while I was riding it, I felt like the dudes on the moped riding to Aspen on Dumb and Dumber.
If I had to pick from your list I’d lean towards the FJ-09 but if I wasn’t sticking to your list and had to settle for one bike, I’d consider my road king, or a street triple, or a dual sport.
I would really dig a Scout for steeet duty, particularly if I could get a set of mid controls.
I went to MMI I know what Im doing here chief
I agree with Beek on the Grom as an only bike. I had a blast putting 4000+ miles on my Z125 this year, but there are things it just isn't sufficient at, like riding on the highway or two-up, and it's slow. I love it for commuting, city riding(it's like a street legal 2-wheeled go-kart), and playing around in parking lots.
I think dual-sport is the way to go, depending on your wants and needs. If you want to lean way over on the road or paved track, get a set of sumo wheels and tires for it. Even if you never go on an adventure, they are still good all around motorcycles, albeit a bit slow in the acceleration department on most of them.
I had/have 4 of the bikes or bike types on your list. At one point i had 7 perfectly rideable bikes in my garage and the one i was most likely to take when i just wanted to ride, have some fun, and not worry about potentially killing myself or blowing the bike up was my lowly cb919. It was just such an awesome bike to ride. I really regret selling it when i moved and not putting it storage like the others.
I think a proper nakedbike is something to consider.
I can't say anything on the bikes listed. But on your criteria if how you'll be riding I would also recommend a street triple R. Don't cheap out and the get base model if you can. The R model is well worth the extra $$. And there pretty avalibul.
I live my street triple. It's awesome to be able to just jump on and go bop around town for an Hour at the end of the day. It will also do good on longer trips. I rode down to RevZilla in Pennsylvania one day on a Saturday cuz I was bored and did really well.
Last edited by Johnpewpew; 12-10-17 at 03:10 PM.
2016 triumph street triple R
"A Journey must begin with one step"
SV650?
What's the difference between a bolt and a screw?
First you screw, then you bolt.
My vote would be scout.
-Christian LRRS/CCS HasBeen ECK Racing
2011 Pit Bike Race CHAMPION!
I have no time on any of the bikes you've got listed, but when I get another bike, hard, lockable bags will be a must. I find myself always taking the truck because I'm bringing this or that with me.
Grom is out, Street Triple and ZRX are in. I love me a nice naked bike. Also I hear the hard boxes comment. I'm thinking the FJ-09 probably would not look goofy with cases, but the rest of them might.
No SV650s! I'm done with that shit. I want something thats stupid functional, stupid comfy, or stupid fun.
Strom. Cheap, will take you across the occasional 2 track, and cheap.
Cliff's Cycles KTM
NETRA enduro B-vet
Close your eyes, look deep in your soul, step outside yourself and let your mind go.
How about the tried-and-true principle of buying the right tool for the job?
If the vast majority of your riding is going to be relatively slow commuting, then why not a bike that excels at it? More fun to ride a slow bike fast, and all that.
Smaller/cheaper... the new XSR700 is really nice in person, is getting great press and would be on my short list. Also leaves more money for the new family member.
One of the KTM Dukes might also do nicely.
I bought an 03 sportster 1200 this summer as a "I kinda want to slow down and just ride" bike if that makes sense. Turns out I couldn't stand the thing. After riding sport and track bikes the suspension is so dismal it's going to leave your disappointed. Drags hard parts at the slightest possible lean angle. I'm dying to sell it for an older triumph. I honestly hate the bike.
I dont believe you but
If the mission is commuting the answer is a Burgman 650, amazing storage and protection as fast as most 600 sport bikes
If you want a true Universal Japanese Motorcycle it is a VSTROM 1000, bulletproof fun does it all
The calculus of hate
It is not that I should win it is that you should lose
It is not that I succeed it is that you fail
It is not that I should live it is that you should die
OK, Sportster is out, Strom 1000 is in.
As for the Yamaha twins, I worry that they will be too similar to the SV I just parted with. Pretty much everything I have read about the triples says they are overpowered, but then if you watch the onboard reviews you realize they are saying these things while hopping the front wheel up and down and giggling uncontrollably. That shit looks fun.
People are talking up the new street triple 765 for a great daily ripper. I hear it's the perfect balance of power, comfort/ergos, maneuverability etc... If you can get past that headlight.
'19 Husqvarna FS450 Race
You could grab my FZ6 that's for sale on your way from RI to SC. With the full hard luggage and custom seat, it falls more on the "stupid functional and stupid comfy" end of the scale.
I like the dual-sport idea, something in the 400-650 range. You don't need 17's, just put a set of 80/20 street/dirt tires on it and you've got a bike that'll do <60mph backroad twisties, 50+ mpg commuting, curb-hopping hooliganism, and that fast doubletrack.
I’d second the Rex.
It’s just a great cheap bike.
2021 KTM Duke 890 R
2016 BMW S1000XR
1982 Honda CB750F Super Sport
Last edited by csmutty; 12-10-17 at 10:13 PM.
-Christian LRRS/CCS HasBeen ECK Racing
2011 Pit Bike Race CHAMPION!
Dizzer? Klr650?
What's the difference between a bolt and a screw?
First you screw, then you bolt.
africa twin
jk jk
it sounds like soul that you seek...I have read the multi has quite a bit of it
FREE $10 UBER CREDIT W' PROMO CODE --> PON41
1994 Yamaha YZ250 CA Street Legal 2-smoke :smoke: