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

[P-51]

I found a 1993 Yamaha TDM850 in the Trader in Toronto that I'm eyeing. That's a nice bike, but it's about 40k on it and they want $3500 which I think is a bit much for a bike that might not have much life left in it?

I also found a 99 Yamaha XT350 for sale for $1800 locally which is really cheap if it's in good condition. That would make a decent non-freeway commuter too.

I'm think I'll have to get a bike with gas prices headed up, the Discovery is just way too thirsty. 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.

[Ollie18]

Great thread. Thanks for all the input. I have been debating now for a while to get a bike, but never followed thru on it. These are some great options. Currently a buddy of mine is selling his Ducati 748, which I have always been a fan of. So not sure where this will take me in the end....but maybe I will pull the trigger on something this season.

On the other hand, the 650R is very tempting as well...I have to check that thing out this weekend.

[ZX3ST]

How 'bout an FZ6? I picked up a leftover for 4995. It's not even broken in yet, and I'm consistently getting about 53mpg. And I have a little bit of a twitchy wrist...

[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!

[Euro Ford Fan]

I'm starting to look again as well. Going back and forth to my office 86KM per day in my MKX is just stupid it cost me $92 to fill it with regular on Sunday. Any suggestions for a bike I'm 6ft 4" about 250. I want a more upright sport bike nothing crazy budget is about 8K. Also any ideas on how I can convince my wife to let me get a bike? She is dead set against it.

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.

[hotrodkris]

Just lease a Yaris then at least you can auto-x the heck out of it on the weekends

[P-51]

Simon, you probably need to look at adventure type bikes because of your size. I can't see you riding a sport bike.

Do you use a 400 series highway to commute? If so, I agree with your wife, just get a small car. I would never commute in the GTA on a 400 series on a bike.

[Ducman69]

Only problem is some adventure bikes lean way too far to the side of dirtbikes IMO, which = permanent wedgie seat + confidence sapping top heaviness, at least for those not used to it. Thats what attracted me to the Versys, was great fuel economy and an adventure style that leaned heavy to street.

My dad is 6'4" 200lbs, and he had to try a bunch out too. The tiniest ones are all the 'beginner' bikes, and the biggest are all the GT/sport-tourer road bikes, the k1200s, hayabusas, ZX14s, Concours, FJR and stuff like that. Those are all expensive though, and expect 40mpg.

Nice thing about being 5'11" is everything is literally made with YOU in mind. Yay for averageness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[polarisman14]

Heck yes, 6 feet even here

[whiteboyslo]

Originally Posted by Euro Ford Fan

I'm starting to look again as well. Going back and forth to my office 86KM per day in my MKX is just stupid it cost me $92 to fill it with regular on Sunday. Any suggestions for a bike I'm 6ft 4" about 250. I want a more upright sport bike nothing crazy budget is about 8K. Also any ideas on how I can convince my wife to let me get a bike? She is dead set against it.

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.

before you even talk about which bike....

1) Take the MSC

2) buy a used bike and save yourself the heartache of dropping it

if you want 'upright sport bike', look at something along these lines (but please note that i am NOT advocating ANY of these as a first bike):

1) Yamaha FZ1/FZ6
2) Honda Interceptor (what i ride. super comfy even for me)
3) Triumph Sprint ST
4) Suzuki Bandit

with a little bit of luck, you should be able to pick one of these up new or gently used for your budget.

HOWEVER, for a first bike, i'd stick to those that Duc has listed or something similar. these are all awesome beginner bikes that any rider can enjoy for years.

Mike

[GrabberGreen]

Originally Posted by polizei

Check out www.joerocket.com too for gear.

-Cody

WRONG! www.newenough.com

best deals in town.

[GrabberGreen]

Originally Posted by Euro Ford Fan

I'm starting to look again as well. Going back and forth to my office 86KM per day in my MKX is just stupid it cost me $92 to fill it with regular on Sunday. Any suggestions for a bike I'm 6ft 4" about 250. I want a more upright sport bike nothing crazy budget is about 8K. Also any ideas on how I can convince my wife to let me get a bike? She is dead set against it.

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.

I'd like to throw out the Triumph Street Triple as well. damn sexy set of wheels.

Oh, and deffintely take an MSF course and wear your gear. Road rash is NOT your friend.

[Ducman69]

BTW, before I take the plunge, I don't mind scanning for bikes to check out tomorrow, but what are the good sites?

ebaymotors, cycletrader, craigslist.... missing any big hitters?

I won't buy used from a dealer if I can help it, I'll just go new at that point.

[FocusOnPunk]

I'm going to look at an 03 SV650 on Thursday. He's asking too much for it, so if he's willing to come down, I will be the proud new owner. Yay!

Then I can unload my 1980 GS250 on the next beginner.

[hotrodkris]

Originally Posted by GrabberGreen

WRONG! www.newenough.com

best deals in town.

wow, they have the helmet I want for like $40 cheaper than anyone else, and the visors for $10 cheaper...

thanks for the link!

[Ducman69]

HA! Check this **** out!
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motor...met/givi/x-01/
(video at the bottom)


Its hot here most of the year, so this sounds sweet. Only other color is black though.

Its worth checking out the attention to detail, even down to the "robocop" internally-rotating sunvisor thats behind the regular clear visor! **** yeah!

[whiteboyslo]

Originally Posted by Ducman69

BTW, before I take the plunge, I don't mind scanning for bikes to check out tomorrow, but what are the good sites?

ebaymotors, cycletrader, craigslist.... missing any big hitters?

I won't buy used from a dealer if I can help it, I'll just go new at that point.

i usually just hunt craigslist for all the areas i would be willing to travel to. never bothered with anything else. you could also check out the SV forums.

Mike

[whiteboyslo]

Originally Posted by hotrodkris

wow, they have the helmet I want for like $40 cheaper than anyone else, and the visors for $10 cheaper...

thanks for the link!

what am i, chopped liver? post #17!

Mike

[03ZX3drew]

I'm looking at getting a Yamaha V Star for my commute to work. May not be as good on gas as the bikes listen in here, but I'm more of a cruiser man myself, and insurance is cheaper

[Ducman69]

Originally Posted by whiteboyslo

what am i, chopped liver? post #17!

Mike

What, do you want us to set aside a month to recognize your contributions whiteboy? *snicker*

[whiteboyslo]

Originally Posted by Ducman69

What, do you want us to set aside a month to recognize your contributions whiteboy? *snicker*

as long as it ain't February. don't screw me out of 3 days! lol

oh, and in case you haven't heard me say it in every other motorcycle/sv650 thread, be sure to respect that thing. 'beginner' bike or no, it's got enough low end to get you in trouble real fast.

Mike

[smedly1]

Originally Posted by Ducman69

My dad is 6'4" 200lbs, and he had to try a bunch out too. The tiniest ones are all the 'beginner' bikes, and the biggest are all the GT/sport-tourer road bikes, the k1200s, hayabusas, ZX14s, Concours, FJR and stuff like that. Those are all expensive though, and expect 40mpg.

I'm getting 43.6 mpg on my Hayabusa,and that's with riding the snot out of it.When I lay off the throttle I actually get 50mpg(it might be more than that but thats as far as the trip comp will read).It's also the most comfortable bike I've ever been on.Inexpensive insurance can be found if you shop around.As long as they're maintained,100k is not unheard of on the motors.

[hotrodkris]

In one of my bike mags a few months ago, they had a short blurb w/ an interview of a motorcycle courier. He rides an RC51 *drool*. Bike had close to 90k-100k miles on it at the time, or something ridiculously high like that. Ran like a champ.

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