Looking for an urban/sports/standard

[catneck]

Hi all.

I am looking for an unfaired/mini faired commuter for my 25 mile a day ritual. New or used, just something smaller. May even see a gravel or dirt road from time to time. Coming off the commuter DL650 V-Strom, and want something shorter/less bulky. The RT is for cold days or tours.

 

Wants:

Shaft/belt drive

Twin

EFI

 

Looking at the:(missing the mark remarks in ()

Triumph Scrambler-(chain/carbs)

BMW X Country-(chain/single)

BMW R1100S-Maybe?

Moto Guzzi Breva 1200 Sport-(Moto Guzzi?)

 

Any other options?

 

[Bullett]

An R-bike?

[catneck]

Yes, thanks, forgot to add the R850-1200R to the list.

[russell_bynum]

IMO, if your DL650 is too bulky, then an R-bike will be as well.

 

How about a smaller (~200cc) dualsport? Or a scooter?

 

 

[Bheckel169]

I found the 1200 R to be extremely light and nimble. I had an 06 1200 rt and the R bike is not at all top heavy like my RT and the wind is a pleasant alternative when riding. Riding the twisties is like riding on a rail and the bike is much punchier with the lower weight. Take a test drive on it. I think you'll be quite amazed.

Bruce

[ShovelStrokeEd]

Kawasaki makes two 650's that might do the job, I forget the models.

 

FZ6 Yamaha

 

Honda 599

 

I know all the above have chains but really, chain maintenance is so minor these days as to be a non issue. A squirt of lube every 500 miles and maybe, an adjustment once every couple of months. On any of these bikes, a chain should last 15-20K miles.

 

[Selden]

Buell, XB9S or XB12S. They are an absolute hoot to ride. I always preferred the smaller 984 cc engine, but my opinion seems to be the minority. The "little" Buell revs more quickly, shakes less, and overall, seems like a more balanced package, but for Americans, "bigger is better."

[Paul Mihalka]

If you are thinking gravel/dirt road it will be chain drive or a big bike. Belt drive does not like gravel. If dirt road is not a must, a F800ST or a nice used R1150R fills the bill.

[pjamesb80]

I have an '06 Triumph Scrambler sharing the garage with an '02 R1150RT. I use the Scrambler as a commuter and the RT for longer rides and 2-up rides. I am delighted with both bikes. The Scrambler is a "go anywhere" type of bike and is my first choice (huge "fun factor") for typical rides. But, it's tough to beat the RT for those longer rides and tours.

I would highly recommend the Scrambler for short commutes and for some minor off road jaunts. It's a frigg'n blast.

[jjg3]

I think the seat height on a Scrambler is higher than the DL, but in its favor the 09 twins are fuel injected. I've had a Hinkley Triumph for many years and use a ScottOiler to keep the chain lubed.

[catneck]

Thanks all, I am sifting through your great thoughts. Tuesday will be bike shop tour day.....

[Mister Tee]

How about an SV650? That has to be more nimble than the V-Strom. And I agree chain maintenance isn't that big of a deal. I use Dupont Teflon multi-use lube on my chains, and just shoot some on the chain about every 500 miles. It dries and doesn't fling.

[hANNAbONE]

wHY you gotta have a shaft..? That limits your picks down to just a few. Go for the chain and get the Street Triple Trumpy. The Scrambler is cool but waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay under powered. They messed that one up badly.

[catneck]

I know the shaftie limits me, but I like the ease of maintenance and the clean look, trying to get over the chain thing.

A small DS won't work, I cross the highest pass on I-5 everyday, the very occasional trip on my wife's EX250 reminds me of the relatively thin air.

Added the Street Triple to the list, Keep 'em coming all, thanks.

[GregB]

I use my X-Moto for running back and forth to work. It is 4 miles, but sometimes I do the round trip 3-4 times a day. It gets 65-70mpg in that use. I assume the X-Country would be similar and either would do a gravel road easily. Compared to an RT, they ride like a bicycle. If your commute is high speed freeway, they become less attractive. More curves and back roads they are a blast.

[bakerzdosen]

You should at least look at the two new Monsters. I couldn't fault anyone for going with the Street Triple. They're both beautiful bikes.

[SAAB93driver]

If it didn't have to be a new bike a Suzuki VX800 would fit your bill. V-twin, standard styling and seating with shaft drive. Shares many drivetrain components with the 800 Intruder but it is a much different bike than an Intruder.

[motoguy128]

I'd agree that a larger displacement dual sport might fit the bill. X-Country, KLR650.

 

The freeway requirment will limit your off-road capabilities.

 

Chekc out a Triumph Tiger. It might be a little smaller feeling that a R1200GS and more streetable with some off-road capability and the great performance from the triple.

[dhanson]

I am selling my Versys (lots of fun in the twisties) and getting a Tiger 1050, softer suspension, more HP, longer wheelbase, maybe 10 lbs heavier.

[catneck]

I rode my father-in-law's Versys a little last month. A lot like the V-Strom except less buffeting-because the windshield is minimal. And the 17" front turns quicker. The new green/black model looks great too. My commute is 20 miles of 55 mph limit, relatively sweeper/twisty Interstate and 5 miles of country roads/small town streets. I could work with the X Country I think.

The list is X-Country, Tiger, Versys, Scrambler, Monster, naked Boxer, Street Triple, and??? ....

[RTme2]

The list is X-Country, Tiger, Versys, Scrambler, Monster, naked Boxer, Street Triple, and??? ....

 

...Buell Ulyses from what I've read, it gets great mileage, handles well, comfortable saddle, good ergos.

 

Dave

[Elhoff]

F650CS? Certainly meets the small fairing, light weight, fun ride criteria. 65MPG. I thought it was a great commuter, but with a bad shoulder, could just never get quite comfortable. So I have one I'm interested in selling

[Matts_12GS]

The 800GS would be great for that, if you can find them.

I agree the Versys is a lot like the wee strom, which has been my conundrum as well, but I sure do like those two bikes.

 

I would give serious thought to the X country or even xmoto. Daytona BMW is selling them for like $5999 brand new, it's a steal.

[bikebits]

Here's another vote for the Scrambler. It's a blast to ride, comfortable riding position, and as of '09 they have EFI.

 

The chain is almost a non-issue. I have over 4000mi on mine and the new x-ring chain has needed adjustment only once.

 

Plus every time you park you'll be turning around as you walk away just so you can look at it.

[catneck]

Here's another vote for the Scrambler. It's a blast to ride, comfortable riding position, and as of '09 they have EFI.

 

The chain is almost a non-issue. I have over 4000mi on mine and the new x-ring chain has needed adjustment only once.

 

Plus every time you park you'll be turning around as you walk away just so you can look at it.

 

Yeah, sounds like the one so far. Dealer will not have 1 until spring. He is also a BMW dealer, so the side by sides are easy. I just can't get past the Buell's looks(and I ride a Strom ).

An F650 might fill the need, enough power, and great mileage.

Sure would like to have ABS, though the lighter(than my RT) bike should be easier to modulate.

Tough decision, I know.

[Jake]

Go for the chain and get the Street Triple Trumpy.

 

When I read your requirements I was thinking "Man, he'd love a Striple like mine" - then I saw the shaft requirement and thought "Ooohh, that's a shame. He'll never know what he's missing."

 

If it helps, I looooooove my black Street Triple, and can't imagine a bike offering more darned fun for the money. Look somewhere else though if the gravel/dirt is really part of the plan.

 

So, +3.

[MikeB60]

You might also want to look at the Yamaha FZ1. I bought a '04 model a few months back and the bike is a hoot. The GEN 1 models like mine have carbs but this is not really an issue the bike runs great. Defiantly in the standard category as far a riding position, very comfortable for short commute like what you have. The GEN II bikes have fuel injection and more of a sport bike look and feel but I like the GEN I riding position better. I paid $5000 for mine and the bike only had 5000 miles.

[catneck]

Go for the chain and get the Street Triple Trumpy.

 

When I read your requirements I was thinking "Man, he'd love a Striple like mine" - then I saw the shaft requirement and thought "Ooohh, that's a shame. He'll never know what he's missing."

 

If it helps, I looooooove my black Street Triple, and can't imagine a bike offering more darned fun for the money. Look somewhere else though if the gravel/dirt is really part of the plan.

 

So, +3.

Well, dirt/gravel is my nemesis now, looking to stay upright on these roads with a more balance ride. But, the Street Triple is sure one sexy bike. I have not seen 1 in person. Kinda the opposite end of the Scrambler look. I would probably want ABS(not available I think) on this 1. I would also like to see how this compares to the other standards re: insurance-do the insurance companies consider it a sport bike?

And the FZ1 is also interesting, but I think I want to stay with twins.

Moto Guzzi dealer tomorrow

[CraCol]

Get an R1200R... Great urban assualt bike, and makes a decent long distance scoot when needed..

TinMan.

[catneck]

Went to the Aprilia/Moto Guzzi dealer yesterday. Looked at the Shiver 750(Like the Monster/Street Triple, I would get too many tickets on this one),

Mana 850 (automatic or 7 speed!-Front trunk, remove the seat to fill up-Rain/Tour/Sport mapping modes!),

Breva 1200 Sport,

Stelvio 1200 Dual Sport-GS beware on this one.

Well all interesting, but for me, and in the interest of my highly patrolled 55 mph Interstate travel, it is still Scrambler vs G650 X Country, and maybe a naked R.

 

[John Bentall]

Went to the Aprilia/Moto Guzzi dealer yesterday. Looked at the Shiver 750(Like the Monster/Street Triple, I would get too many tickets on this one),

Mana 850 (automatic or 7 speed!-Front trunk, remove the seat to fill up-Rain/Tour/Sport mapping modes!),

Breva 1200 Sport,

Stelvio 1200 Dual Sport-GS beware on this one.

Well all interesting, but for me, and in the interest of my highly patrolled 55 mph Interstate travel, it is still Scrambler vs G650 X Country, and maybe a naked R.

Well, I am waiting with bated breath while you decide how much time you are going to spend off-road with this 25-mile commuter bike.

F650GX = lots of time off-road

Scrambler = not a lot of time

R bike = not really suitable off-road at all

 

?????????????

 

P.S. The Aprilia Mana has had a lot of great reviews - I liked the one I rode on the Aprila open day. The Shiver is a lot more sporty and dynamic though.

[catneck]

Found 1.

A Ducati Multistrada 620 appeared in my garage yesterday.

Not what I set out for-it has a chain, and no ABS.

But it is relatively light and low. And sexy. Kinda a slimmer, Euro version of the Strom. Even less off road worthy. Similar love-it-or-hate-it looks too.

Go figure.

[Selden]

I decided to rent an Aprilia Mana today. I had intended to take it out for an hour, but at the 50 minute mark I was 20 minutes from where I rented it, so I extended my ride to 2 hours. If I was still working, with a steady income, my 1988 Hawk GT might be history. The Mana was the most fun I have ever had on two wheels.

 

I spent most of my time in "sport" mode, which turns the automatic into a 7-speed, with a shift paddles on the left handlebart. I never touched the foot shifter during an 85 mile ride; the paddles felt so natural that I soon found myself thinking, "Why, after 100 years, are we still using these stupid foot shifts?" On tight mountain roads, I found myself shifting probably twice as frequently, merely because it was so easy and so much fun, and it's impossible to blow a shift. Riding position and handling felt almost like a motard -- it was difficult to believe this was a 500 pound motorcycle with an 850 cc engine, and the bike's weight just disappeared at speed.

 

The Mana may be the world's best commuter bike. It's got a huge compartment capable of swallowing a helmet a gas tank would normally be (the gas tank filler is under the passenger seat, just ahead of the tail light).