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What's the most reliable bike available?

TheRiddler

TheRiddler

Helmet Tap
Joined
Apr 9, 2007
Location
California
Moto(s)
Any of the two-wheeled kind.
Name
Matt
BARF perks
AMA #: 1099639
Both my good riding buddy and I own 2nd gen SV650 S models. My friend now wants the naked model. He's on his 6th bike and I'm on my 5th. And I found it funny that after trying so many bikes, we've been content with an under-powered, bad suspension, budget bike. But they're so darn reliable. There is one known problem on the +03 models: the headlight connector might eventually go out. Mine took 35k miles, and my friend's bike is at 45k with no issues.

That got me wondering: what's the most reliable bike out there? Either no known issues, or no known issues that seriously affect the operation of the bike. I think the SV is probably a serious contender.
 
1982 bmw r100.

But if you think an SV650 is under powered and bad handling, you'd be very disappointed if you bought one.
 
Easily resolvable rectifier issues aside, VFR is going to be hard to beat as far as stout engine and carved out of granite chassis is concerned. If you're talking more on the sport touring side, then perhaps an ST1100 or something along those lines. Honda overbuilt the living piss out of their old V4s - they're hard to beat for longevity... maybe even better than a typical BMW R motor, but that's a lofty claim to make. The ST for sure - they're solid 150-200k mile bikes, and keep running like a damned car engine.
 
Both of my bikes are extreamly reliable.

My Kawasaki Versys, much like the sv is very reliable but a budget bike.

My Harley Davidson xr1200x is also very reliable. Naked standard, nice power, state of the art suspension and brakes, not a budget bike. Low maint and easy to work on and beautifull.

I think just about any new bike these days should be very reliable. The thing to look at is maint cost. Valve checks and other expensive maint should be considered.
 
I would say honda 600 f4i and 600rr's are pretty darn reliable. I think the 2nd gen sv's would be pretty good but I know the first had some problems.
 
DRZ 400. Or Honda XR series.
 
Whne your bike hits 100k, you just have a regular old reliable bike. A CBR600F2 will do 100k. I only sold mine with 124k because I got a free F3. The F2 went to Alaska and back after I sold it. It's still out there 8 years later.

And an F2 is just regular reliable, not exceptional.
 
Kestrel said:
Easily resolvable rectifier issues aside, VFR is going to be hard to beat as far as stout engine and carved out of granite chassis is concerned. .......
Click to expand...

This. The VFR is one of the most solid bikes out there. Followed by anything else Honda really.
 
The V-Strom has long ago laid claim to the "most reliable bike ever made" title. This is understandable, since it has neither good looks nor huge power to boast of. :rofl
 
I bought both my bikes with reliability a strong consideration. So far I have not been disappointed, but ask again in five years.












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theAmazingKickstand said:
whats that clutch issue they have?
Click to expand...

The 1000 has a clutch "chudder" issue that makes an annoying racket but has never stranded anyone, and there's a mod that corrects it. Some people also report that the 1000 needs a PCIII or other fuel map to sort out the fueling.

The 650 has no such issues. It's pretty much perfect straight out of the box.
 
I have seen evidence of a couple Kawi Ninja 636s that crossed the million mile mark, I think that qualifies as reliable. Honestly I think most modern bikes will do that much if you maintain them. Things like belt drive, and hydraulic valves reduce the required regular maintenance...
 
Dollar/Reliability Ratio= Japanese bikes rule!

Therefore, a bike from the big 4 brands is a safe bet...
 
FJR FTW!
Not only is it most reliable, but damn near maintenance free! :party
I dun checked muh valves, changed plugs, vacuumed out my air cleaner and did a TB synch 'bout a year ago w/ just under 27K on the clock.
Now has just under 47K mi., and I ain't dun shit but gas, tires, & oil. And best a all no f'in chain & sprockets ta lube, adjust, and replace. :banana
 
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