Better commuter option for highway use

[Rumbo Sur]

Weird, only this one showed up when i searched

What's your idea for budget? How much you want to spend?

What sort of riding do you want to do when you're NOT commuting?
Getting a few test rides will tell you a lot. But follow your heart ... buy the bike that speaks to you.

How TALL are you? To me, 5'11" is tall ... to others, 6' 8" is tall. Many of the bikes listed here will not have enough leg room if you're over about 6'2".

The Vstrom has good leg room, probably BEST all round commuter and DO IT ALL bike. Super cheap to buy (used) and maintain. Also fun and very capable. (I owned TWO Vstroms ... put 90K on one ... not one problem)

The KLR is a great long distance, low budget Adventure travel bike. OK as a commuter but not sexy at all unless you're headed to Patagonia.
Also cheap to buy and to run.
I owned two KLR's ... not a big fan but many are. HUGE following/support.

KTM's can be expensive and maintenance intensive with typically less reliability than some Japanese bikes. Many KTM's are race based so not always practical for racking up 10K miles annually commuting. That said, super fun and fast, quite TALL.

 

[Junkie]

I disagree somewhat regarding V Stroms, at least if they're anything like my SV1000 (which uses the same basic engine). Flywheel magnets coming loose is a somewhat common problem, and the clutch basket has some problems (judder). The internet tells me that both of those happen on the DL1000 as well. I had an electrical problem on mine that required replacing the entire wiring harness too, although that's unusual.

 

[berth]

Hon CB500x or NC700 - Had a CB500f and the engine is ehh on the highway, NC700 is also definitely an option

I guess it must be me. Now, I haven't ridden any of the CB500* bikes. But I was pretty content my Radian 600 (58 HP? I think) and my Hawk GT (37 HP rear wheel).

I never thought either were lacking.

The 500's are, what, 48HP? Are they that much different from the Hawk? Perhaps the torque delivery is a bit different (V-Twin v Parallel Twin). And I honestly don't think I ever redlined my Radian.

But the 500s are "renowned" for being underpowered. Just trying to reconcile that in my little Pooh(tm) brain.

 

[Junkie]

the Honda 500 twins are set up to be fairly torquey, and therefore don't make a whole lot of power.

 

[jwb]

I guess it must be me. Now, I haven't ridden any of the CB500* bikes. But I was pretty content my Radian 600 (58 HP? I think) and my Hawk GT (37 HP rear wheel).

Was it broken? Dead-stock Transalps dyno out with more power than that.

 

[Junkie]

Was it broken? Dead-stock Transalps dyno out with more power than that.

maybe he meant 47hp? that's about what I'm seeing:

 

[strictlyJDM]

Older RT or vstrom

 

[Idioteque]

The KTM 990 Adv does well in freeway traffic and you'll feel better after a longer commute than you would riding a KLR, but mileage isn't very good and service will cost you more. I've never seen over 35 mpg on my KTM and more often it's closer to 30 mpg. My XR650L will get 45 for the same type of riding. I fill the KTM up at about 120 miles. You'll also want some sort of aftermarket windscreen because the one KTM put on there generates a huge amount of wind buffeting. It's bad enough that I noticed it on the test ride that otherwise sold me on getting a KTM 990. I just wear good earplugs and try to ignore it. Legroom and seating position is very good on the KTM.

If I were going to do a lot of commuter riding, I would also be looking at the NC700X. Fortunately, 100% of my riding is for my own enjoyment.

Good to know, thanks for the insight.

What's your idea for budget? How much you want to spend?

What sort of riding do you want to do when you're NOT commuting?
Getting a few test rides will tell you a lot. But follow your heart ... buy the bike that speaks to you.

How TALL are you? To me, 5'11" is tall ... to others, 6' 8" is tall. Many of the bikes listed here will not have enough leg room if you're over about 6'2".

The Vstrom has good leg room, probably BEST all round commuter and DO IT ALL bike. Super cheap to buy (used) and maintain. Also fun and very capable. (I owned TWO Vstroms ... put 90K on one ... not one problem)

The KLR is a great long distance, low budget Adventure travel bike. OK as a commuter but not sexy at all unless you're headed to Patagonia.
Also cheap to buy and to run.
I owned two KLR's ... not a big fan but many are. HUGE following/support.

KTM's can be expensive and maintenance intensive with typically less reliability than some Japanese bikes. Many KTM's are race based so not always practical for racking up 10K miles annually commuting. That said, super fun and fast, quite TALL.

I was hoping for sub 6k, ideally <5k. It'll be a 95% commuter, 5% random other shit (groceries or whatever). I'm not into weekend canyon riding anymore. I plan on getting a new trackbike at some point and making that my fun bike.

I'm just south of 6'5 with boots on, i think. So although i rode a small ass CB500f for a few years, i'd like to avoid feeling scrunched on whatever i end up with next.

I guess it must be me. Now, I haven't ridden any of the CB500* bikes. But I was pretty content my Radian 600 (58 HP? I think) and my Hawk GT (37 HP rear wheel).

I never thought either were lacking.

The 500's are, what, 48HP? Are they that much different from the Hawk? Perhaps the torque delivery is a bit different (V-Twin v Parallel Twin). And I honestly don't think I ever redlined my Radian.

But the 500s are "renowned" for being underpowered. Just trying to reconcile that in my little Pooh(tm) brain.

the 500 was fun for tooling around town and getting my groceries, its low height made it easy to toss around even though it weighed a decent amount for a low cc bike. i hated doing anything over 20 minutes on the highway on it though

 

[Rumbo Sur]

I disagree somewhat regarding V Stroms, at least if they're anything like my SV1000 (which uses the same basic engine). Flywheel magnets coming loose is a somewhat common problem, and the clutch basket has some problems (judder). The internet tells me that both of those happen on the DL1000 as well. I had an electrical problem on mine that required replacing the entire wiring harness too, although that's unusual.

The famous "Judder" was common on early DL1000's, never on the DL650.
After about '05, Suzuki fixed Judder, I fixed my '02 with SV1000 parts! But yes ... all early DL1000's had the Judder issue.

Never heard of flywheel magnet issues. But I haven't been on Vstrom forums in years. But followed from '02 to about '07 on StromTropper and other forums. I put 90K on one Vstrom, 15K on another.

High mile DL650's benefit from fitting all new swing arm, head and link bearings. Restores that "like new" feeling on older bikes that have been abused off road!

The newest DL650's are really not bad. Bit more HP, better brakes too. Handling is actually pretty good I thought, they ride very light.

Guy I was riding with (new DL650) kept up with new R12GS's, KTM 1190's and my Ducati in the twisties. Impressive I thought, as he was down about 40 HP to most bikes in our group.

 

[Junkie]

Judder is a problem on SV1000s as well. Some of the newer ones are better than the older ones, but mine's an 06 and has it. There are ways to fix it, but they aren't cheap.

 

[rodr]

I wouldn't rule out a DL 650 Suzuki Vstrom.

+1 for that. Way more suitable for the superslab than a KLR.

I've got one in the For Sale section.

They are great for commuting, 50-55 MPG on regular gas and a good seating position to see over traffic.

 

[Rumbo Sur]

I was hoping for sub 6k, ideally <5k. It'll be a 95% commuter, 5% random other shit (groceries or whatever). I'm not into weekend canyon riding anymore. I plan on getting a new trackbike at some point and making that my fun bike.

Some good deals on DL650. I liked this on based on maintenance done. All the right stuff. Perfect commuter, IMO. Not all that exciting but gets the job done, cheap and cheerful, very low maintenance costs. At the price offered, you can't lose.

https://sacramento.craigslist.org/mcy/d/2011-suzuki-dl650-strom-abs/6448107751.html

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/d/2006-suzuki-vstrom-1000/6446886472.html

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/mcd/d/2007-suzuki-vstrom-1000/6425754211.html

 

[Smash Allen]

i am tall and because of that i can sit on my s1000rr like many people sit on adv bikes

 

[berth]

Was it broken? Dead-stock Transalps dyno out with more power than that.

As I recall magazines at the time reported about 37. Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_NT650 ) claims 37.5.

http://www.canyonchasers.net/reviews/bikes/honda/hawk/index.php

Titled: "39BHP NEVER FELT SO GOOD"

From the article:

The motor was robbed from the Honda XRV650 Africa Twin, which was a lighter, higher-spec version of the 750cc dual-sport motor developed by Honda Racing Corporation to be used for the Paris-Dakar rally. It was missing the heavy, power-robbing shaft drive on the 750cc version. Honda claimed it put out 56hp (most dyno’s showed it was actually closer to 39hp), conservative even by the standards of the late 80s. For comparison, the CBR600F Hurricane claimed to put out 85hp.

https://www.motorcycleclassics.com/...-motorcycles/honda-nt650-hawk-gt-zmmz14jazbea

But producing just 37.5 horsepower and 31ft/lb of torque at the rear wheel on Cycle magazine’s dyno, was the Hawk’s hi-tech spec wasted on a weedy power plant?

Anyway...

 

[OnFire]

I commute daily on 101 from Salinas to South San Jose, 6'4" / 240 lbs. What I found out matters most to me is:

- Ability to effortlessly go between 80 and 100 mph
- Wind protection
- Range, at least 2 days worth of commuting
- Reliability

Lots of bikes that fit the above criteria, but I'm pretty sure I would not want to do that commute on a 6xx cc single cylinder bike.

 

[HadesOmega]

The KLR650 is better than a DR650 on the highway but not by much. Mines got the touring screen helps a lot. It's smoother than my DR650 too. I don't know why only being able to go 80mph is a big deal I never ride over 70mph, no speeding tickets for me. I have heated grips on mine also that'd be nice for commuting.

But yeah if you can get a twin at least would be smoother. I was looking into replacing the KLR with a Super Tenere, but decided I'm just going to keep the KLR. It can do some dirt and is a blast in the twisties and it can carry a buncha stuff. Only thing I that bugs me is mines an oil burner.

Maybe try a CB500X or Versys

 

[Idioteque]

The KLR650 is better than a DR650 on the highway but not by much. Mines got the touring screen helps a lot. It's smoother than my DR650 too. I don't know why only being able to go 80mph is a big deal I never ride over 70mph, no speeding tickets for me. I have heated grips on mine also that'd be nice for commuting.

But yeah if you can get a twin at least would be smoother. I was looking into replacing the KLR with a Super Tenere, but decided I'm just going to keep the KLR. It can do some dirt and is a blast in the twisties and it can carry a buncha stuff. Only thing I that bugs me is mines an oil burner.

Maybe try a CB500X or Versys

Man, that looks bitchin' though

 

[FreeRyde]

I have a little NC700X (probably the one you've seen on Craigslist)
At 45K it doesn't burn a drop of oil, 8,000 mile valve and oil change intervals, super easy on chains and tires.

It is, hands down, the best commuter bike being produced. It also scoots along pretty quickly

 

[Rumbo Sur]

The KLR650 is better than a DR650 on the highway but not by much. Mines got the touring screen helps a lot. It's smoother than my DR650 too. I don't know why only being able to go 80mph is a big deal I never ride over 70mph, no speeding tickets for me. I have heated grips on mine also that'd be nice for commuting.

Not that it matters now, the OP Steven has apparently moved on from KLR's, DR's and such. Sorry for going Off Topic!

Feed back from dozens of DR650 (former KLR owners) riders from big DR thread and many former KLR now DR owners confirms the DR is the smoother engine. Pretty unanimous. The KLR feels strained at 70 mph, the DR is in heaven and really OK at 80 indicated.

My guess is your $1500 DR650 may have a bunk drive line, something not right or worn out?

I've had 3 DR650's, all pretty smooth at 70 (indicated) Pretty much common knowledge in KLR/DR communities. If set up right, DR is pretty smooth at speed.

Windshields can help if they don't cause buffeting. Many DR guys run them, I prefer NO shield for quiet, buffet free riding. Plus .. how can you ride off road with a shield on there? Can't see with shield on there.

I rode a BRAND NEW KLR from Bay area to La Paz, Baja, then another 4K miles all round coastal Mexico including Copper Canyon, then home. 6500 miles in all.

Hated that bike at 70 mph, ended up going 60 the whole trip cause going faster was irritating. Even brand new ... that KLR used OIL ...
TIP: they all use oil.

As for road speed, trust me, riding highway 5 you won't get a speeding ticket going 80 MPH. If fact, you pretty much have to average around that speed just to stay out of the way of the many MUCH faster moving cars.

I've ridden it on my DR650 from Bay Area to Mexican border straight though several times. Usually middle of the night to avoid traffic through L.A. Nothing like morning coffee in Tijuana.

But yeah if you can get a twin at least would be smoother. I was looking into replacing the KLR with a Super Tenere, but decided I'm just going to keep the KLR. It can do some dirt and is a blast in the twisties and it can carry a buncha stuff. Only thing I that bugs me is mines an oil burner.

Ha! Oil Burner? NO! You don't say!

I remember when Kawi used those funky colors! LOVE It! Sure, keep it. It's a good back up to your DR. It's not worth anything so selling would not bring much when talking about a $14,000 1200 Tenere'.

 

[Whammy]

Aprilia Dorsoduro.???
I have the 750 but there is a 1200.
Upright sumo with lots to torque.
750 in sport mode wants to wheelie if you get too aggressive in three gears just by rolling on a little hard.
For commuting touring mode is just fine.
Only short coming I don't like .. Tank could be a gallon bigger.