Ninja 250R, Ninja 650R, Versys, or SV650SF

[richmedium]

This isn't exactly a cheap bike but it's damn sexy. It needs to be mentioned since used it can be had under 8K.

Yamaha V-max

[rpvitiello]

Originally Posted by P-51

I'm just not sure about commuting on a bike if I have to wear proper business attire (shirt and pants) at work. It'll mean I have to wear over pants and jacket, no matter how hot I get. Then deal with helmet head at work, etc... I've just never done it so I don't know what it's like to commute with a bike.

buzz cutt, and bring work clothing in a backpack and change at work.

Originally Posted by STANG302

I've been keeping my eye open for a good deal on a bike also. And the other day I found an 02' ninja 250 w/10K miles. And the guy still wanted $2900. What a jip!

dunno around here at least before the 08 came out, the ninja 250 always seam to go for $2500-$2,900 used, and $3500 new (after dealer "fees" and assembally charges)

They were often considered THE starter bike, so EVERYONE gets one, lears on it, and then upgrades. The only time i ever saw them for less was if the bike was dropped, and not fully fixed.

Originally Posted by Euro Ford Fan

I don't want to spend any more than that I might as well just lease a SmartCar and take the write off for my company.

if you can write off a smart car, why not a bike?

Originally Posted by mievil

There's no way you should be spending 10k on a VStrom. You can find slightly used for $5k in both the 1000 and the 650.

I am guessing that is canadian, So vehicles tend to cost more to start with, and fewer people ride bikes up there.

[richmedium]

Just stumbled on this, a Vetrix electric scooter. The range sucks but it hits 65 mph.



Source: Vetrix.com

[Ducman69]

^ Those are ungodly expensive.

If I were spending that much on a scooter, I'd get the MP3 500 Trike, available from Piaggio:

It'll do 95mph, 60mpg. Can lock it upright when coming to a stop at a light, so you never have to put your feet down, and it auto-unlocks when you apply the throttle and start moving. Super stable too, and just tends to understeer when you overwhelm the tires. I think the underseat storage can hold two helmets, which is something a bike doesn't do... well, and the CVT transmission.

The problem with commuting on the motorcycle is that peeps can get aggressive in heavy traffic, and its a fair-weather type transport. Riding in the rain sucks.

When it rains, I'll take the Vette, and I work 3rd shift where I only see a dozen cars on the highway on my commute, so its no biggie for me.

[mievil]

Originally Posted by rpvitiello

I am guessing that is canadian, So vehicles tend to cost more to start with, and fewer people ride bikes up there.

D'oh. Didn't look at location. My bad.

About the Vetrix, you should read ALL the reviews before even thinking about it. Yes it's awesome that it goes sortof fast for an electric. Yes the range is terrible. I've read that anything uphill will do nothing but beat the living hell out of it and drain the battery super quick. So unless you live in Kansas, you may want something different. And as Duc said, pretty damn expensive.

[Ducman69]

Originally Posted by hotrodkris

Most bikes are like cars - take care of them and they'll run forever.

My bikes are like women - moody and high maintenance, but fun to ride.

[Ducman69]

OK, last bump from me, I went to the bank, pulled out $7000, and was ready to get SOMETHING.

Well, first I kinda cheated and went out to look at a supposedly "premo" silver Honda Interceptor (2005) for $6700 OTD, and it turned out to be a damaged POS. An hours drive for nothin'.

Next up went to a couple Suzuki dealerships, and didn't have any of the new 08 dark-gray SV650SFs. Asked around and ABS is REALLY hard to find, but I can live w/o that. Seems harder to wheel and deal so far, but will try again tomorrow.

Went back to the Kawasaki dealership, and man oh man are they pushing the Versys HARRRDD!!! Ninja 650s fly out the door, but it seems you can really negotiate on price w/ Versys. The thing sure is tall, but I do like that it has an adjustable suspension, where the Ninja does not, and it has factory mounts for hardbags and would be easier to mount driving lights (since I'm a nocturnal ninja).

Went to Zuki, and no Wee-stromeez, but did some reading online. It seems people think the Wee is better in the dirt but the Versys better the street, and this is a street commuter.

I hate to pull a Ron w/ delays and wishy-washiness in a new vehicle purchase (hehehe), but anyone find any good articles directly comparing the Wee to the Versys? The dealer was useless.

Do you guys really think the Versys is that ugly/weird lookin'? I think its fine... am I too vain or too sexy?


I promise I'll do my best to have something tomorrow or early next week latest, w/ pics and youtube videos!

[rpvitiello]

i really want to like the Versys, but it just looks odd to me from the front. To me the Wee-Strome looks better

If only my money was not tied up in other things i would want to find a 07 blue wee-strome

[Ducman69]

Perhaps there is a sexy Princess Leia underneath that mask, yearning to win over my incestuous Jedi heart...

vs

I don't like what he did w/ the shield, all squarish looking, but perhaps on a black Versys, a little zoro mask might do the trick, ya think?

[rpvitiello]

i guess that is a bit better, still dont like that light in the front though.

[S. on Da 5]

Tough choice.

If you want all out value and simple everyday motorcycle commuting the 250R looks like the best choice.

The others offer more power and features specific to a riders needs.

What do you want?

Get what you want.

[Ducman69]

What do you want?

Get what you want.

As the rolling stones once said, "you can't always get what you wa-a-a-ant!" At least, not at the deal you want.

I already decided on the SV650. SV650SFs are just now rolling in though is what I've found out these last few days calling/driving around. I found ONE in Houston. 250Rs sold out quick, and I think thats the US allotment for a while. You can get either, but when there are few around, getting an awesome deal on one, which measures heavily in my satisfaction scale, aint easy.

Anyways, you guys are going to laugh... I think I'm getting a Wee-Strom, provided I can close the deal at $6700 OTD or less. *crossing fingers*

Its funny cuz I'm really more a sportbike guy, but the more vids I watch and read about this thing and see the potential there where theres really nothing it can't do (well at least, do so-so) while getting 50mpg highway.... ya, me likey. Plus, its one of the few bikes out there that doesn't look retarded with a top-hardbag, as it mounts it low and doesn't hang off the back of the bike.

Wanna do something like this (on a black one, and 650cc version of course). Already read some threads about HID conversion kits, which along w/ the extra lamps to go on with highbeam should turn the day into night! Muuuahahahahah!!!

I was almost afraid to make this post, cuz if for some reason I don't get one of these this week, I think the whole forum is gunna make fun of me (more than usual)!

[whiteboyslo]

honestly, if it's gonna be used for commuting, i think you're MUCH better off with a Versys or Wee-Strom over the SV anyway.

too bad about that Interceptor. they are nice bikes and super comfy, but they are a bit heavy and don't net you quite as good of fuel mileage.

Mike

[mievil]

I was thoroughly surprised at how many touring setup V-Stroms I saw on the road going to and from Mesquite this weekend. They were everywhere. Second only to Harleys. I just don't like those damn handlebars.

[Rather Ride]

I'd skip the little 250. You can pick up a used reliable SV650 on the cheap and spend the savings on gas.

The most important investment for you is going to be an MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) course. Don't let your ego fool you.

[FocusOnPunk]

Originally Posted by Ducman69

Well, first I kinda cheated and went out to look at a supposedly "premo" silver Honda Interceptor (2005) for $6700 OTD, and it turned out to be a damaged POS. An hours drive for nothin'.

Ugh, same thing happened to me when I went to look at a SV650. It had been laid down and had a giant dent in the tank as well as a loose shift lever.

[rpvitiello]

Originally Posted by Ducman69

Already read some threads about HID conversion kits, which along w/ the extra lamps to go on with highbeam should turn the day into night! Muuuahahahahah!!!

those must be the all new, super powerful black hole head de-lights if they turn day into night!

[Ducman69]

Originally Posted by rpvitiello

those must be the all new, super powerful black hole head de-lights if they turn day into night!

Yup they really suck... literally.

That would be a cool option to go with the new for 08 flat-black color scheme though!

[rpvitiello]

see i love how black bikes look, i just dont think i would buy one due to the visability. After driving a dark car and seeing how people don't see me i would be a little worried to drive a black bike. It got to the point i just turn my cars headlights on when i get in the car, day or night, rain or shine. All of a sudden people are not completely blind again!

[P-51]

Personally, I've always thought the Vee was a little weird looking. The Versys is weird too, but in a super-weird-it's-cool kinda way.

[biscuitninja]

KLR/KLX? I grew up with dirt and dual purpose, so that's a go for me as well as having a 300 mile range. Dirt cheap and built like an anvil!
good luck
-bix

[benfxtx]

I read most of the first and 3rd pages but not the second. If someone said this already, sorry, but, have you looked at the Yamaha F6? It has the same engine as the r6 with better ride quality and it's lighter.

Just thought I'd throw that out there. All the reviews I saw of the bike were awesome.

[Ducman69]

Yeah, I sure did. The styling is awesome, great handling, and 5+ gallon tank and 50mpg on the highway with good ergos and the underseat exhaust in theory should mean lean saddle-bags.

Only downside was that everywhere I read, every review was always bitching about buzziness. Perhaps its exagerated or easily fixable.

I'm just afraid to change my mind again, as I've finally decided on something that I can actually find in stock and deal on!