newbie commuter bike suggestions

[Paul_E_D]

Motorcycles are only "not cheap" when you go buy a Supersport on a ridiculous loan that gets horrible gas mileage, burns tires in 2500 miles, and has way too much power to run efficiently at street speeds, and you have to pay someone else to do all your maintenance.

Actual intelligent commuter bikes are cheap, low maintenance, easy on tires, etc...

AMEN!

[ChikkenNoodul]

I loved my DRZ SM as a commuter. It's not great on the highway, but it's tolerable for short jaunts. On the back roads and in Boston,though, it couldn't be beat. It's light and easy to maneuver, easy to see over/past traffic and small enough to split in the city to get through the congestion. Put a rear rack with a tailbag and you've got luggage. Easy to bounce over curbs, stairs, etc for "ahem" improvised parking if necessary. And used ones are going for decent prices if you look around

oh yeah...and because it's light, it's easy to learn to ride, it's really easy on tires, maintenance is basic, and it doesn't cost much to fix if you happen to drop it

Sometimes, I really wish I had bought that instead of the 'strom. Until I have a long highway ride that is.

[viffer57]

Just saw something on the new kawasaki versys. retuned ninga. This might fit the bill. Any thoughts?

[naked-daytrader]

A new ZX-14 would cut his 15 minute or so commute down to under 5 minutes..

[breakdirt916]

You guys are all way off.

I haven't sat in my truck in nearly 2 weeks. KLR650 every day. Milk crate strapped to the back.

I paid $1100 for mine. It's a '93. Ugly as sin.

So far, total investments into the bike: rear tire, jet kit ($25), two rear tubes (my fault and nail), 1 clutch cable, 1 turn signal.

60+mpg with me driving like a Richard.

220+ miles per fillup without waiting for it to hit reserve. I've seen 250 with just hitting reserve.

Tires? $110 for the pair.

Does 85mph stock forever on the highway. Get a better front fender and it's fine as a high speed highway bike. I used it as such for a 70 mile each way commute for nearly 5 months.

I pay $54 a year insurance.

Pennzoil 10w40 for $7 per change plus $4 for the filter. I go 2500 miles. It doesn't complain.

Alternator has enough juice to run a Gerbings at 3/4 thermostat indefinitely. That should be worth around 30 degrees normal, 40-45 degrees highway.

Ego? Come on a spirited group ride with me some time. I'll show you what 36 hp and DOT knobbies can do in the "fast group" on Rt.100, 8A, 17, etc

wow...probably your best post ever...I want a klr now too

[TheIglu]

Just saw something on the new kawasaki versys. retuned ninga. This might fit the bill. Any thoughts?

If he's looking for a commuter bike as a toy, sure.

That would be like buying a car for $110k because it gets 50mpg. Just doesn't make sense if saving money is a concern.

[Dangerz0ne]

the aprilia moped is pretty sweet. I am sure for commuting it would be awesome if there is no highway travel.

[viffer57]

Money is not a problem. I believe it's early onset "empty nest syndrome".(sorry Cliff). He used to bicycle 8 miles to work way back when. So, needless to say, he's comfortable on two wheels and familiar to some of the dangers and joys it represents. Beemer, work truck, ?bike?

[keet]

my wife just picked up a buel blast as an entry level bike, she also just completed the msf bike course, the bike is a 2003 with about 2700 miles on it, the plastic on it is a little scratched from the previous owner(s)....but its a pretty good little bike that gets about 60 + - for gas mileage..she wants to get a slightly bigger bike now...so..if u want to consider the buel blast....i think she wants $2000.00 or BRO.......u can email me at paintbrush49@yahoo.com if interested

[Doc]

Honda 500

[Royb]

Used Suzuki DL650 V Strom...............Can't be beat for commuting or long range touring.............A zero maintenance issues motorcycle.

[dankatz]

I got my Ninja 500 for commuting into Boston from Newton and also for weekend fun. I think it serves both purposes well and gets terrific mileage. It is a smaller bike and fits my less than average stature better. I would highly recommend it. Also, for a first bike, I would not buy anything expensive because I see so many people change their minds and end up loosing a lot of money on these fairly new bikes.
Dani

[akira700]

Honda 500

or how about the 12.5 HP riding Lawnmower "Turf Power by Agway" !

[DucDave]

I have a Suzuki Burgman 650 the giant scooter

I love it for commuting
easy and convenience
locking storage
road grime and spray protection
real 47 to 54 mpg automatic systematic
drag sport 600 only 5 lengths behind up to 80
little safer because keg and foot not between bike and impact
will do 120

must be a secure person to get over dork factor however garners for interest then the gixer does so ehh on balance

If I were looking for a comuter bike, good on gas, easy storage, simple to ride and maintain, one of the new generation of scootercycles would be my choice. Aprilla has some that are really cool too! I took one for a 1/2 day demo and it did everything I wanted!

...and forget that old saw about scooters and fat chicks...

at my age I could give a rats ass what you think of my ride!!!