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Bike recommendations

J

Jordanaj

New member
Joined
Oct 18, 2012
Location
Oakland
Moto(s)
Suzuki GS500
Hey folks

I'm looking to trade up from my 500cc bike and am looking at 650's. Does anyone have a good recommendation? Maneuverability, comfort on long freeway commutes, good gas mileage, reliability and a frame that fits (or can be lowered) to fit my less than 30 inch inseam (I'm a girl, and cant fit tall sport bikes) are important factors.

Checking out a BMW f650 GS today but am also in the market for a Suzuki SV 650 but see it gets pretty low gas mileage (specs say 40mpg). I was told the BMW gets crap gas mileage but specs say its about 60mph which is comperable to my current bike. I'm also concerned that the BMW = More time in the shop than on the road.

Thoughts? Feedback? Much appreciated.

-JJ
 
2 very different bikes. The SV is much more tossable, and has a ton of aftermarket support. MPG specs are BS, 60mpg for the BMW? Probably never. And my 1st gen (carburated) SV averaged 45-50 highway.
 
As a brand new rider my '01 GS500 averaged better than 55 mpg for the first 7k miles I owned it. Then the bike developed a bad throttle hesitation (too lean?) I had the carburetor adjusted by a shop; felt better, but the mpg went down to only 45 mpg for the last 1k miles I owned it.

I had an '07 SV650N - my third bike and I rode it harder. It averaged over 49 mpg consistently over 11.4k mi. I thought that was pretty good gas mileage.
 
The Kawasaki Parallel Twins get the best mpg and yet are fun to ride.

You might want to check them out.

The Ninja 650 should easily do better than 55mpg on a freeway commute.
 
The BMW F650GS (which is rebadged as a 700 for this year) is an excellent bike. I've ridden it and really like it. I've owned a few other BMWs and maintenance has not been an issue for me. Also, the F650 and F800 are known for getting really good gas mileage out in the real world. I'd be willing to bet that the 650 would average in the mid-50's, and probably better out on the highway.
 
The only issue with the 650 is its non-adjustable suspension. If you are under 160lbs it probably will be the best 650 bike for you, but anything over and you may find your ride a little bumpy. Also, It vibrates like crazy (speaking from owning the '13 and reading reviews) so, just be ready for not being able to see clearly in mirrors. I still love my 650, I'm just giving as much helpful info as possible and make sure you are aware of the "issues".

If you weren't so short, I'd recommend the FZ6R... but other than that, I don't know what else to recommend but a Dual-sport (which are WAY too tall for you)
 
The new versys might be the best compromise between the two. Its a pretty swank bike.
 
Nightmonkey said:
Except the seat height is actually higher than the ninja 650...

I just looked up the FZ6R and the seat height is actually 1 inch lower than the Ninja 650. http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelspecs/619/0/specs.aspx

You should check it out.
Click to expand...

The FZ6r doesn't get much love on BARF for some unknown reason; its stock suspension has been rated as one of the best out there despite being relatively unadjustable and most reviews I've read say its a better street bike than the more peaky FZ6 and while the FZ6 has adjustable suspension it is not as well sorted as that on the FZ6R.

I've ridden the bike; it really is a fantastic bike and was the perfect bike for my new rider friend. Great in the twisties, rock steady on the freeway even at triple digits, with a two position seat and two position handlebar. Excellent brakes, sweet gearbox.

The only downside is that, compared to the Kawasakis, the MPG is in the mid 40's rather than in the mid 50's.
 
Nightmonkey said:
Except the seat height is actually higher than the ninja 650...
Click to expand...
Indeed. It's a tall bike. But it's fine for someone with a 30' inseam (e.g. me), and it can be lowered for someone shorter. Lowering the seat might be the best place to start.

Other than height it meets OPs criteria better than the Ninja 650R. Versys is my current bike, 1st gen Ninja 650R was my last one. I'm sure either would work.
 
SLOspeed said:
The BMW F650GS (which is rebadged as a 700 for this year) is an excellent bike. I've ridden it and really like it.
Click to expand...

I didn't. There may have been a specific problem with the demo bike I rode, but that would be a negative too. Maybe other units were better than the one I tried. Maybe the 700 is nicer. I know I enjoy my Versys a lot more than I enjoyed that bike. And I expected to really like it.
 
davidji said:
I didn't. There may have been a specific problem with the demo bike I rode, but that would be a negative too. Maybe other units were better than the one I tried. Maybe the 700 is nicer. I know I enjoy my Versys a lot more than I enjoyed that bike. And I expected to really like it.
Click to expand...

I really like the Versys, too... But I think seat height is a consideration for the OP. The ER6n is another great bike that I'd really recommend... But there's not much for wind protection.
 
SLOspeed said:
But I think seat height is a consideration for the OP.
Click to expand...
Yup. She said less than 30" inseam, but that's a big range. It works great for 30" inseam, and can be lowered (I'd guess 1" in the seat, and 3/4"-1" in the suspension). I re-read her post and see where she said she can't fit tall sport bikes. I think the Versys is taller. Maybe it is out.
 
davidji said:
Indeed. It's a tall bike. But it's fine for someone with a 30' inseam (e.g. me), and it can be lowered for someone shorter.
Click to expand...

Stock seat height is 33.3 inches, right? Are you flat-footing it?

The new V-Strom 650 is a bit lower (32.9 inches) and is getting good reports.

Inseam is difficult to measure. In any case OP should sit on some bikes and see what works height-wise. Except for a very experienced rider, I think flat-footing is important.
 
rodr said:
Stock seat height is 33.3 inches, right? Are you flat-footing it?
Click to expand...
No. I barely get acceptable sag in back though--and less in front. Respringing so I could get more sag still wouldn't have me flat footing it, but I'd be closer.

I guess if I had smaller feet--like every woman I know does--I'd probably want it lowered.
 
rodr said:
Except for a very experienced rider, I think flat-footing is important.
Click to expand...
I think of it more as something that I'd highly recommend to someone just starting out. After that stage, it's whatever the rider feels comfortable with.
 
I strongly recommend a SV650, not just because I am selling mine.

Maybe I am starting a flame war, but I'm not sure the value of a GS bike if you never plan on riding it on dirt.

It is cool to ride a specialty bike in an unintended way. I use a single-speed mountain bike to commute on, but I also have many bicycles to choose from.

But if the goal is to do lots of highway commuting, then a true street bike is a better choice, especially if you have only one motorcycle.
 
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