[-BB-]

Figured that many of the monkeys on RM have some bike/moto experience so this was a good place to ask.

I've been driving my current truck since 2004. I get 12-13 mpg and my commute is about 40 miles per day. So figure about 3g per day at $4 per gallon and that is costing me nearly $12 a day in gas!!

Plus we have Moto-ok carpool lanes, so I could also avoid a ton of traffic this way. (it can take up to an hour to go those 18 miles, most of which is on the freeway.)

So this is what I know for sure. I don't want a rice rocket (I'd be all crunched up and other aholes will try to race me) and I dont want some sort of Hog (not my image so to speak). Was thinking that a cheap used dual-sport might be the way to go. Something street legal that can do about 75-80mph without too much effort. I'd also maybe like to take it on some fire roads. Overall this is a utilitarian purchase though. I don't want to spend a ton of $$ so I can have a shorter pay-back period (quick ROI) and bc I'll probably end up "laying it down" in the beginning.

What should I be looking at? I've never ridden a moto. Rode a scooter around some greek isles on my honeymoon... That is the extent of my moto assisted 2 wheel adventures though.

So what size? What brands? What to look for, and what to look out for? help appreciated.

 

[jasride]

I have a Honda cb600. Not a crotch rocket. 48 mpg. Great bike on size and power. Great for a beginner. And it's for sale.

Dual sport would be a great option for you too!

 

[IH8Rice]

new? used? budget?

 

[-BB-]

new? used? budget?

Used... Low... I dunno... maybe $2500?

That is the feedback I'm looking for. Like if a newbie MTN biker came on here and said:
I want to start mountainbiking Nothing super serious like downhill. Just something that will get me up the hill and down at a moderate (not slow, not fast) pace. Where is a good place to start and how much do I need to spend to not get something that is gonna break down on me in a few months or be a joke Walmart bike.

To that I'd say about $700-$800 on a used bike, and look for the following....
Focus more on the frame, parts are easier to swap when they wear out, at that price and for what you are looking for, get a HT etc.

 

[wreckedrex]

I was looking for pretty much the same thing ages ago, I wanted a KLR or a DRZ at the time. Maybe there's a better fit these days... here's what I learned:

Take MSF
all the gear all the time
Start small
Everyone else is trying to kill you
There was no way in hell I was going to get it by my (now ex) wife

Also, check out BARF There was a crap ton of info there and the attitude was a lot like it is here. I've been thinking about a KLR or a DRZ again, but I haven't convinced myself that I have the bandwidth for another time/money pit.

 

[-BB-]

what about a 2009 Yamaha XT250 for $3500? Seems like a decent deal.
Will that be enough of an engine to do highway speeds?

 

[-BB-]

There was no way in hell I was going to get it by my (now ex) wife

LOL... I'm in much the same boat. Unfortunately. More of a "soon to be" though.

 

[sanjuro]

Suzuki SV650 or SV650S. Considered to be "standard" bikes, which means less HP that a sport bike but you will still have plenty to scare yourself. I prefer the SV650S (which I own) which you have the option for a full fairing. Your gas mileage will improve over a "naked" bike like the SV650 (I was getting around 45mpg riding like a madman) and it will be more comfortable without the buffering. The Ninja 650r or the FZ6 are similar.

I wouldn't get a dual sport for a 40 mile commute. While you can deal with the lack of top end speed, no fairing, and too soft suspension, I do notice on my almost entirely highway commute, I never see any duallies. BTW, you could get a BMW 650 GS or a V-Strom for the road, but I wouldn't get KLR650.

And there is a whole class of commuters who use the Ninja 250. While it is considered a beginner bike, it has decent suspension and you can get 60mpg.

Finally, I would take MSF and take your time getting onto the road. But if you have a lot of bicycling miles, a lot of it carries over. I don't feel any different being a foot off a car on a bike or a moto. The hardest transition for me was curving off ramps, how I could accelerate through turns vs a gradual deceleration on bikes. I still lay off the throttle on ramps.

 

[-BB-]

I wouldn't get a dual sport for a 40 mile commute. While you can deal with the lack of top end speed, no fairing, and too soft suspension, I do notice on my almost entirely highway commute, I never see any duallies. BTW, you could get a BMW 650 GS or a V-Strom for the road, but I wouldn't get KLR650.

20 mile commute... 40 total. 20 up and 20 back (or more precisely about 19 up and 18 back I believe).

Finally, I would take MSF and take your time getting onto the road. But if you have a lot of bicycling miles, a lot of it carries over.

I was a courier in Boston for a while and a roadie (NOT a spandex roadie though).

 

[-BB-]

So looking at some "definitions" maybe it isn't even a Dual Sport that I want. Supermoto?

like I said, I'm not going to be taking this to the track or anything. No jumps, no going over maybe 85 on the highway.

 

[Toshi]

My advice, having picked up riding myself in 2008 and racked up more two- than four-wheeled miles since then:

Buy a proper Snell M2010 full-face, and then take the MSF BRC. Here's the Cali page: http://www.ca-msp.org/Start.aspx . The helmet is all the extra gear you'll need for the class, as hiking boots, jeans, downhill gloves, and a long sleeve jersey will suffice for their purposes. I don't recommend wearing that outfit on the street, but don't jump in full hog, as it were, until you know it's for you.

If you still want to ride after that, then find yourself some riding gear and a bike. I'd recommend doing so in that order so as to not be tempted to futz around the neighborhood on a new-to-you bike without gear on.

What I recommend for the street is a full face helmet (do you like your face the way it is?), a high-viz yellow textile riding jacket, riding boots (note the lack of laces, which are a Bad Thing if caught), and gauntlet gloves. I personally nearly always also wear armored textile riding overpants (as in they go over my street outfit). Don't buy a used helmet, btw, both for stankiness and structural reasons.

As for a bike, it sounds like a mid-sized standard would fit your needs. I haven't ridden them myself, but I feel that the 250cc dual sports will be a bit out of breath on the freeway. Used is totally the way to go, without a question. Suzuki's naked SV650, Kawasaki's ER-6n or Versys, or Yamaha's Gladius would all work fine, as would any older UJM (universal Japanese motorcycle) if you're not scared of working on carbs. Honda doesn't really make a good offering at this time in this category, although their older CB750 would work fine, too.

ADVrider.com classifieds, SV-specific sites, and Craigslist are all good places to check. I found my bike as an eBay classified that didn't sell initially--I contacted him directly, lowballed him, and then accepted his counter offer.

Finally, get out there and ride! Being able to legally go solo in the HOV lanes is a huge perk for commuting, the bikes are a bit easier on gas (if harder on tires), and once you get a few miles/months under your belt then you can lane split legally to your heart's content since you're in California.



My Versys along with part of my riding gear (helmet is white now, tires are replaced, extra lighting and a top case added):

 

[Gunner]

Suzuki SV650 or SV650S. Considered to be "standard" bikes, which means less HP that a sport bike but you will still have plenty to scare yourself. I prefer the SV650S (which I own) which you have the option for a full fairing. Your gas mileage will improve over a "naked" bike like the SV650 (I was getting around 45mpg riding like a madman) and it will be more comfortable without the buffering. The Ninja 650r or the FZ6 are similar.

I wouldn't get a dual sport for a 40 mile commute. While you can deal with the lack of top end speed, no fairing, and too soft suspension, I do notice on my almost entirely highway commute, I never see any duallies. BTW, you could get a BMW 650 GS or a V-Strom for the road, but I wouldn't get KLR650.

And there is a whole class of commuters who use the Ninja 250. While it is considered a beginner bike, it has decent suspension and you can get 60mpg.

Finally, I would take MSF and take your time getting onto the road. But if you have a lot of bicycling miles, a lot of it carries over. I don't feel any different being a foot off a car on a bike or a moto. The hardest transition for me was curving off ramps, how I could accelerate through turns vs a gradual deceleration on bikes. I still lay off the throttle on ramps.

This. ^^^

I bought an SV650 (naked) last year and have put a few thousand on her since and loved every minute. Mine is an '02 with 31K+ on the clock and still runs GREAT. Parts are cheap and there are many mods you can do for SUPER cheap.

Take the MSF class - can't stress that enough. I learned a lot from that class, worth the $$$

and don't worry, you can still pick up beer on the way home on a moto!

 

[mandown]

Three more pages until this thread has Freddie Mercury references.

 

[stevew]

Three more pages until this thread has Freddie Mercury references.

does he want a bike with a king and queen seat?

 

[-BB-]

My advice, having picked up riding myself in 2008 and racked up more two- than four-wheeled miles since then:

Buy a proper Snell M2010 full-face, and then take the MSF BRC. Here's the Cali page: http://www.ca-msp.org/Start.aspx . The helmet is all the extra gear you'll need for the class, as hiking boots, jeans, downhill gloves, and a long sleeve jersey will suffice for their purposes.

What I recommend for the street is a full face helmet (do you like your face the way it is?), a high-viz yellow textile riding jacket, riding boots (note the lack of laces, which are a Bad Thing if caught), and gauntlet gloves. I personally nearly always also wear armored textile riding overpants (as in they go over my street outfit). Don't buy a used helmet, btw, both for stankiness and structural reasons.

As for a bike, it sounds like a mid-sized standard would fit your needs. I haven't ridden them myself, but I feel that the 250cc dual sports will be a bit out of breath on the freeway. Used is totally the way to go, without a question. Suzuki's naked SV650, Kawasaki's ER-6n or Versys, or Yamaha's Gladius would all work fine, as would any older UJM (universal Japanese motorcycle) if you're not scared of working on carbs. Honda doesn't really make a good offering at this time in this category, although their older CB750 would work fine, too.

ADVrider.com classifieds, SV-specific sites, and Craigslist are all good places to check. I found my bike as an eBay classified that didn't sell initially--I contacted him directly, lowballed him, and then accepted his counter offer.

Finally, get out there and ride! Being able to legally go solo in the HOV lanes is a huge perk for commuting, the bikes are a bit easier on gas (if harder on tires), and once you get a few miles/months under your belt then you can lane split legally to your heart's content since you're in California.



My Versys along with part of my riding gear (helmet is white now, tires are replaced, extra lighting and a top case added):

Well, I may have the helmet already. I use a DOT approved HJC full face for DH. thanks for the advice, i'll try to digest it all.

 

[sanjuro]

So looking at some "definitions" maybe it isn't even a Dual Sport that I want. Supermoto?

like I said, I'm not going to be taking this to the track or anything. No jumps, no going over maybe 85 on the highway.

I had to think about the dual sport definitions myself.

A plated 250cc dirt bike
The 650 V-Strom which uses the same engine as the SV650
A KLR 650
BMW GS1200

are all considered dual sports.

I like to get a Supermoto too, but for mostly highway, you are in the same boat as dual sports. Plus supermotos are typically overpriced compared to their dirt bike brethren.

I think of it this way: I ride 99% of my miles on smooth highway. Maybe .5 of miles are on crappy city streets and another .5 on the twisties. A faired street bike seems like the obvious choice.

 

[johnbryanpeters]

This. ^^^

I bought an SV650 (naked) last year and have put a few thousand on her since and loved every minute. Mine is an '02 with 31K+ on the clock and still runs GREAT. Parts are cheap and there are many mods you can do for SUPER cheap.

Take the MSF class - can't stress that enough. I learned a lot from that class, worth the $$$

and don't worry, you can still pick up beer on the way home on a moto!

I thought you said beer. My mistake.

 

[Gunner]

I thought you said beer. My mistake.

We all like to go slummin' once in a while.

 

[jimmydean]

The SV650 is my "go to" first bike as well unless you have a larger frame. I don't fit on the SV650 and the SV1000 is a turd.

TN has a sweet first ride. For sub 6' dudes, any number of old jap bikes would work. Honda CB's are everywhere and are cheap, reliable, and a blast.

Supermoto while fun is not too budget friendly unless you got lucky on CL (GFF has scored a number of plated dirt motos).

 

[-BB-]

The SV650 looks pretty nice. Good amount on CL too Saw at least three of them in a quick search. All in the 2004 range and about $3500. Could it handle some moderate dirt roads though?

i'm about 5'11" and 175 lbs. so it should fit nice.

Step #1 though, take that course.

 

[OGRipper]

Lots of good advice here. I am a relatively new moto rider and can say I wish I had done it earlier. I did not take the class but there is really no good reason not to. Given the cost of getting a moto, the gear, ongoing maintenance, etc., I don't really see it as cost savings, but use whatever justification you need for the people in your life!

One way to figure out if it's for you is to get your permit and rent or borrow bikes for a short while before you commit.

A supermoto is basically a dirt bike that has the smaller diameter/wider wheels and tires of a street bike. The main difference between supermoto and dual sport is that supermotos usually have smaller diameter front wheels and wider, smoother rubber. For that reason supermotos are not as good off road, but better on the pavement and they are fine for the occasional fire road.

I am still riding my first bike, a Suzuki DRZ 400 SM (supermoto), like this one:

With the upright position and long travel suspension it basically feels like a DH bike on steroids, and for that reason it was immediately comfortable to me. I use it primarily for commuting between SF and Oakland (lots of lane sharing and general hooliganism to get through traffic), getting around in SF, as well as fairly frequent rides in the twisties of the east bay and marin. It is relatively light and easy to toss around, which makes it very fun. It is not very comfortable on the freeway at speeds above 75 or so, but I don't do a lot of highway miles that are not loaded with traffic, so it works for me. (I live in SF now but also lived in Boston for 4 years back in the 90's, and have been comfortable riding bikes in traffic forever.)

It is true that supermotos are generally a little more expensive, in part because some are built by starting with a dirt bike and adding lots of expensive parts, but you can find good deals. SV650 is a good call for a basic first rig. A lot of people also like Honda Hawks if you can find one cheap.

Whatever you do, don't forget to budget for some decent gear. You should know that from bike riding, but it must be said. Don't be a squid with a sweet bike rocking vans and shorts. Spend a few hundred less on the bike if you have to, but get some decent kit. If you have it, ride with your DH gear at first if you're not sure you want to spend the coin.

Also, as mentioned earlier, the BARF forum has all kinds of good stuff.

 

[DirtMcGirk]

If its not a Ducati, its sh!t!

 

[stoney]

Moto to commute in OC? Biven that people think that crossing the double yellow into the carpool lane is okay, I'd be hesitant to think what the rest of 'normal' driving consists of.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/2518096793.html
Probably can tag it for $7k and it's salvage title, so it's not like you need to care about it. Plus, it gets 35+ mpg. On a pure cost/mile basis, this is one of the best vehicles you can get currently.

 

[stoney]

Step #1 though, take that course.

Just a note, they really don't like it when you do wheelies and stoppies. Thought you should know.

 

[Pesqueeb]

We all like to go slummin' once in a while.

No. No we don't.




Lots of good advice here. My personal commuter is a BMW f650gs. I love my bike but you need to keep in mind that any "dual sport" is basically a compromise. Sure you can ride street and dirt, but it does neither particularly effectively. Dual sport tires are all "meh" IMHO for the same reason, you get one thats good for the road its going to suck balls in the dirt and vice versa. The SV650 and the versys are both great bikes and parts and pieces are certianly going to be a lot cheaper than at BMW (break my wallet). I would doubt if you can find a BMW thats in respectable shape for less than 4 grand. If you do let me know. That being said I picked up mine for 4500 with the luggage. Gets around 65mpg, what I'm saving in gas is more than making my payment. All the work I've had to do to it has been self-induced.

Like others have said:
1. MSF class is an absolute must.
2. Ride as if EVERYONE on the road is trying to kill you, because they are.
3. All the gear all the time, even if all your doing is going around the corner to the store. I got nailed going to a starbucks less than a mile from my house, a helmet saved my life.

4. Visibility is your friend. Wear neon, get extra lights, if your visually obnoxious at least your being noticed.
5. Start small-ish. While a 650 used to be a big bike thats simply not the case any more. If this is your first I wouldn't go any bigger. The 1200GS sanjuro mentions is a great dual sport, but its ginormous, and $$$$$$$.

Also, though I know probably most of the other riders here will scoff and say something along the lines of "if you train and practice you don't need it blah blah blah", but IMHO, consider a bike with ABS. This might put most bikes out of your price range however, but after my accident another bike without ABS was a non starter. When the 19 year old bimbo in daddies car makes a left in front of you your body just kind of tales over.

 

[-BB-]

Just a note, they really don't like it when you do wheelies and stoppies. Thought you should know.

I can't really do them even on a MTB, so shouldn't be an issue.

 

[-BB-]

Moto to commute in OC? Biven that people think that crossing the double yellow into the carpool lane is okay, I'd be hesitant to think what the rest of 'normal' driving consists of.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/2518096793.html
Probably can tag it for $7k and it's salvage title, so it's not like you need to care about it. Plus, it gets 35+ mpg. On a pure cost/mile basis, this is one of the best vehicles you can get currently.

What about carpool access though. That is another big consideration.

Speaking of the lane change into carpool thing, my buddy did it last Fri on the 57 north as we were headed up to Mammoth. Sure enough there was a cop two cars back and one lane over. Ticket quickly ensued... OUCH.

 

[sanjuro]

I am still riding my first bike, a Suzuki DRZ 400 SM (supermoto), like this one:

Hey you want to ride in the fall? Invite Ohio, the prick, some of the SC guys? And Wayno's son got himself a Ninja, so we could go to Downieville.

 

[stoney]

What about carpool access though. That is another big consideration.

Look at Pesqueeb's accident. He is in an area that is sparse compared to you, and he still got hit by an idiot. There are 1000x more idiots between your house and office. Hell, in one day riding my bike on the street in Laguna - in the bike lane I might add - I almost got hit 3x by people on their phones wandering.

If you insist on getting a bike, I'd throw out a BMW touring bike or some type of Motard. Super upright position which means more visibility and generally better control at moderate speeds.

Also, if you think you're going to lay it down, then you will...

 

[sanjuro]

P.S. I noticed my current bike lacks a place for grocercies.

 

[sanjuro]

Look at Pesqueeb's accident. He is in an area that is sparse compared to you, and he still got hit by an idiot. There are 1000x more idiots between your house and office. Hell, in one day riding my bike on the street in Laguna - in the bike lane I might add - I almost got hit 3x by people on their phones wandering.

If you insist on getting a bike, I'd throw out a BMW touring bike or some type of Motard. Super upright position which means more visibility and generally better control at moderate speeds.

Also, if you think you're going to lay it down, then you will...

I cannot tell anyone how safe motorcycles are. Frankly, since I ride about 200 miles a week, I don't like to even think about it.

But suffice to say, my skill level, experience, and maturity separates me from, let's say, this 15 year old trying to get insurance for his R6.

I didn't care for the advice I received from non-riders. "Ride safe" or "I know someone who crashed". Yes, my ego was mildly insulted, and the advice I received from other riders actually taught me something about riding.

There are serious questions to be asked if you are going to start riding, like your risk profile and health insurance coverage. Of course, you have to evaluate your own skills and maturity.

 

[stoney]

I cannot tell anyone how safe motorcycles are. Frankly, since I ride about 200 miles a week, I don't like to even think about it.

But suffice to say, my skill level, experience, and maturity separates me from, let's say, this 15 year old trying to get insurance for his R6.

I didn't care for the advice I received from non-riders. "Ride safe" or "I know someone who crashed". Yes, my ego was mildly insulted, and the advice I received from other riders actually taught me something about riding.

There are serious questions to be asked if you are going to start riding, like your risk profile and health insurance coverage. Of course, you have to evaluate your own skills and maturity.

With Sanjuro on this. I rode regularly for about a month and had enough scary incidents during commuting that I had enough. Even then I was riding cautiously, but didn't have the experience he does...

 

[TN]

I got a '77 KZ400 earlier this season right after I got done with ride school....that is my only suggestion is ride school. It has already saved my ass a few times cuz you get develop muscle memory for what it takes to stop quick, swerve quick etc...all on a closed course. PLUS you usually dont have to do the skills test at the DMV.

Be prepared to get hooked. I LOVE riding. I love the noise my bike makes (no mufflers ), I love the way it feels when I get on it outta a corner. I love setting off the yuppie down the street's Audi TT car alarm every morning.

You may not save gas, cuz if you are like me you will take the long way where ever you go. I almost always drive down the lake front whether it is on the way or not.

You get to lane split in Cali. I bet that would be a thrill.

mine....

I was going to pull the saddle bags off but I use them WAY more than i though i was going to.

 

[Pesqueeb]

First beg, borrow, buy, or steal a copy of Proficient Motorcycling. I'd been riding for a while before I picked it up and still gleaned all kinds of useful info out of it.

 

[sanjuro]

First beg, borrow, buy, or steal a copy of Proficient Motorcycling. I'd been riding for a while before I picked it up and still gleaned all kinds of useful info out of it.

I liked Twist Of The Wrist by Keith Code.

 

[Pesqueeb]

this 15 year old trying to get insurance for his R6.

That has got to be a troll. Who the fvck would let their 15 year old get, never mind ride, an r6? I give that kid less than 6 months to live.

 

[jimmydean]

Toshi will agree:

http://www.totalcontroltraining.net

His book is awesome. I have not taken his course, but met him at Leguna Seca and he is a very cool and interesting dude.

Take the class, get Parks (or the others mentioned) book/video, read, study, ride.

I took the class, got Parks book, and within about 2 months was riding circles around my buddies. I put 10k miles on my FZ1 the first year, 12k miles on my R1 in 9 months, 4k miles on the Buell in 6 months, and I have a little over 8k miles on the Triumph in less than a year.

I put on miles. I also put on gear (Gloves, jacket, full face lid), even for Bike Night at the strip club.

Harley riders are jackasses

<edit> I am not wearing my boots, but I do when I am going to reach speed.

 

[jimmydean]

That has got to be a troll. Who the fvck would let their 15 year old get, never mind ride, an r6? I give that kid less than a month to live.

Standing wheelies FTW!

 

[sanjuro]

That has got to be a troll. Who the fvck would let their 15 year old get, never mind ride, an r6? I give that kid less than 6 months to live.

That is the other possibility. But the guy has like 10 threads started, including his first, looking for a job, and he claims another barfer sold him his R6.

Seems like a lot of effort for a joke.

 

[OGRipper]

Hey you want to ride in the fall? Invite Ohio, the prick, some of the SC guys? And Wayno's son got himself a Ninja, so we could go to Downieville.

I don't enjoy highway miles much on my moto so in all honesty, I'm probably not gonna ride to downieville any time soon. And I'm pretty sure the prick sold his moto.

Do I know Ohio? Maybe send me a PM.

Anyway, motorcycles, fvck yeah!!