I just sold two motorcycles, a KLR650 and a CR250 as I'm moving into a leased condo tomorrow. It has a deep single car garage in it, and it doesn't have space for 3 bikes (My wife has to keep her car in there too.) I still have my trusty 2002 ST1100 with 63k on it, but I'm thinking about selling it as well. Despite Denver's traffic, I'd prefer a 2 or 4 cylinder middleweight - something between 400 and 600ccs. Age and make are irrelevant, but I would prefer an upright to slightly forward riding posture. Any suggestions? Thanks
Ninja 500R/650R, SV650, Versys, WeeStrom, FZ6. I know you said 600 tops but you're really limiting yourself by not adding those extra 50ccs, at least here in the US. You could also take a look at Honda's new NC700X.
I have a few suggestions that don't fall exactly in your criteria: Triumph street triple Kawasaki versys Suzuki 400sm All fun city bikes
650 would be fine. I don't think I can afford a new motorcycle like the NC. So it's going to be Craigslist shopping mainly. Thanks
That Street Triple sounds good. I just googled it. 675, and that's cool. Edit: Might be too expensive though. I probably only have $2000 - $2500 to spend on this, so I'm likely looking at something 10 years old or more.
Make it ugly so it won't get stolen! LOL Upright for the city, I would go with a dual sport personally, but I am biased towards the KLR you sold, because I have one.
And you're likely wondering why I want to get rid of a great bike like my ST1100? Well, I like the ST, I mean it handles great, but it really lacks the fun factor. It's also getting to that point where I feel maintenance is going to start costing me more money than I'd like to put into it. There's a guy at work that wants it, so I may have it sold by Friday.
If you saw the KLR I sold, you wouldn't wonder why I sold it. Also, I want something that corners better. The KLR is a great bike, but a little high for hard leaning.
Kawasaki imported the ER-6N for two, maybe three years. It is the Ninja 650R (parallel twin) without a fairing, and they are cheap as hell since they never really sold well here. Mechanically identical, so parts availability for a 'rare' bike isn't hard, and that is the best street / city motor I've used (put 25k miles on the faired version). The Versys would be ok but they yanked 10hp out of the motor in that application and put it on big soft forks , so is a little sloppy around town IMO. Case in point: '09 with 1200 miles, asking four grand. http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/3017477565.html
For 2-2.5 grand you're best off looking at the SV650 and Ninja 650R. While there are some ER6ns out there, they weren't imported until 09 - you can find an '06 650R for way cheaper (I got mine for $2300 a year ago). SV650s go back even farther and there will be plenty of examples there.
http://kawasakiversys.com/forums Good reading for your Versys research. Sounds like a perfect fit for your requirements.
Well, just laid out the first and last month's rent + a healthy deposit - jeez. :huh Still thinking about all the suggestions. Thanks.
Look around for a GSX 650 F, from Suzuki. They are still available as leftovers, 'tho they haven't been sold here for years. They can be had for very good prices with new bike warrantees. Fully faired, honest 5 gal. tank, 85 HP claimed at the crank. It's the Bandit. dressed up like a Gsx, 'tho Suzuki hates to say it.
An old Katana 750. You can buy one cheap, put some cash in the suspension, and not sweat whether or not it crashes and mauls the body work. The engine is peppy. The carbs can suck ass, so be prepared to buy a new rack. Overally, a pretty decent commuter. Has a fuel gauge, a big comfy one piece seat, fair brakes, and good seating.
