Yeah you heard it. I'm moving into the heart of nothing, and the roads that are shortest to get to work make a drunken sailors stagger look straight. These are *not* liter bike friendly roads.
I do not need to get on any highways.
What I need is something terribly light and flickable if I'm going to make any speed. Rev happy would be alright with me.
I'm okay with a thumper, but it needs to be vaguely smooth-no paint shakers.
I'm considering the ninja 250. What else should I be looking at?
Please keep in mind I want something small.
Assume there is no price limitation.
I've ridden 250s before-they are plenty fast for my purposes, and I already have any number of larger bikes, so....anyone who wants to go that route, is invited to race me ;)
Oh and, here's a map of the route ;D
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Loma-Mar-to-Palo-Alto-commute (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Loma-Mar-to-Palo-Alto-commute)
Kawasaki KLX 250 with supermoto tires would fit the bill. Reliable, lots of aftermarket parts, and very cheap used.
aprilia sxv 4.5...expensive but a great bike for your needs. I rode one for a week in Italy and loved it...it's a two wheeled smile factory. [moto]
cheaper would be a Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM. Haven't riden one of those but people typically say very nice things about them and you can certainly hustle them around with the right tires.
If cost is no object...maybe a Aprilia Dorsoduro. It's a 750 and maybe a little big but it is light, supermoto style and makes 90bhp (so if you did have to get on the highway)...and it seems pretty reasonably priced at under $9k
my 2 cents.
I've got a 197 TS185 that needs the lights sorted. It only weighs 215lbs. Problem is, I'm on the wrong coast ~
JM
Quote from: the_Journeyman on February 04, 2009, 06:52:48 PM
I've got a 197 TS185 that needs the lights sorted. It only weighs 215lbs. Problem is, I'm on the wrong coast ~
JM
Us DMFers have the moving bikes from coast to coast thing down pat. [thumbsup]
True dat, you & your Monster have proved that... Unless it's hauled, they'll be crossing the country at 45-50MPH!
JM
get a 'tard.
KTM makes some sweet SM thumpers. The Aprilia SXV is supposed to be fun, but check the Aprilia boards for reliability issues, which I believe have been a problem.
KTM 525 or 530...or the smaller variety depending on your stature.
SM would be the best bet for what you are describing.
I have a Husky SMR450 that is perfect for what you need. I will never sell mine so you are out of luck there but you are welcome to come try it.
(http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n4/SHADOWCHASER_S4RS/HuskyHooliganonPalomar.jpg)
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=873.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=873.0)
It will hit 120 mph on the straights. Loves to wheelie, stoppie, and back into turns. Cruises comfortably at 60-80 mph. Handles bumps, curbs, sidewalks, dirt, and car mirrors with ease. I run it off road with racing slicks and get some pretty good air on the jumps. It is my primary commuter bike right now. I have owned it for three years. It has never been washed (except for riding in the rain), and has never had a valve adjusted. It is everything a BMW claims or wants to be.
The guys who buy DRZ's drool over this bike and then kick themselves when they find out they paid just as much with all the Japanese dealer markup.
The Aprilia SXV's were a nightmare the first couple of years, but supposedly they have sorted out all the kinks and they are 50 state legal now.
sooo the trail your showing on the map is that a road or a trail?? and do you live beside that Park? Intresting; nice; you live in amongst all the sequoias (redwods?!).
Trail / Road - KTM 250 would be my #1 enduro choice if dollors were no object; (maybe a BMW 500 trail, heaver, more power, doesnt meet your criteria); Huskvarna make good off road bikes too as attested to above, Kowi KLR 250 as the lower cost option. All with slicks, all converted to crush drives. Might be ablt to get these bike into the 220 lb range with the KTM .... flickable!
Thats a road. It's essentially one lane, no guardrails, lights, signals, stop signs, traffic, but plenty of 100 foot drops near it.
I live next to a number of parks, and there's around 200 redwoods on my property. Trippy.
Quote from: NWapex on February 04, 2009, 07:26:14 PM
KTM makes some sweet SM thumpers. The Aprilia SXV is supposed to be fun, but check the Aprilia boards for reliability issues, which I believe have been a problem.
They're fine with the new 2nd gen motors, first gen was problematic to say the least
Quote from: MrIncredible on February 04, 2009, 08:08:53 PM
I live next to a number of parks, and there's around 200 redwoods on my property. Trippy.
ha ha ha ha ... you got it all! Ya I heard about the wedding .... the new house .... and 200 f-en redwoods ...good on ya laddie.
200 Sequoia sempervirens!; cool; and the largets / oldest? These are like national monuments.
what kind of tires are on that Husky?
Ktm Supermoto ftw.
I would stay away from the aprilia supermotos. I've heard they basically need an engine rebuild after every 5000 miles.
I'd go with a Supermoto.... you'll need big fenders to keep you dry ;D
Well at least you'll be close to LDD 2009 ;) I'm sure everyone will be sleeping on your floor [thumbsup]
Quote from: Gus Duc on February 04, 2009, 10:13:08 PM
I'd go with a Supermoto.... you'll need big fenders to keep you dry ;D
Well at least you'll be close to LDD 2009 ;) I'm sure everyone will be sleeping on your floor [thumbsup]
Nah-ah-I've seen you people up close. Bring a tent and sleep in the yard. [cheeky]
Quote from: raulduke on February 04, 2009, 08:54:19 PM
what kind of tires are on that Husky?
Those are racing rain tires. They are incredibly sticky and work great in the dirt. The front wears fine in wet or dry. The rear wears out quickly on dry pavement. I am now running a cut slick on the rear and the rain tire on the front.
Thx for the tire info. Good to know. Definite SuperMoto in my future.
In the early spring and late fall I commute on my DRZ400SM Suzuki. Think Supermoto, dead reliable, at 60 mpg. Not real powerful < 35 hp, will cruise easily at 65 mph and go over ninety. Extremely easy and fun to ride. When a little warmer though I do always commute on my Monster unless it looks like I'm in for a soaking. Have to do a fair ammount of dirt roads on my way to work and the Monster doesn't look so good covered in mud! bill
I know it's a little far, but how about this? - http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/1018027079.html
I'm sure your wife would approve!
;D
Just to remind people-I already have a fast bike-there are several here.
On this ride I doubt I'll see 60. Really.
Think 200 lb 20 hp bikes.
Quote from: MrIncredible on February 05, 2009, 09:10:26 AM
Just to remind people-I already have a fast bike-there are several here.
On this ride I doubt I'll see 60. Really.
Think 200 lb 20 hp bikes.
Then I still recommend the Husky SMR450, only don't gear it up like mine. Keep the 14 tooth front sprocket for even more fun.
Quote from: silentbob on February 05, 2009, 09:17:30 AM
Then I still recommend the Husky SMR450, only don't gear it up like mine. Keep the 14 tooth front sprocket for even more fun.
It's sounding pretty good. I need to go see what they'll let me test ride.
Honda Z50 riders get all the chicks
(http://www.z50power.com/images/z50intro.jpg)
Quote from: JEFF_H on February 05, 2009, 10:25:01 AM
Honda Z50 riders get all the chicks
(http://www.z50power.com/images/z50intro.jpg)
Those tread marks on her right thigh?
get a honda rukus and then get the engine upgrade kit.
though i would highly reccomend a 400-500C sumo.
or just get a dual sport and put diff tires on it. that way you can go play in the dirt too.
The KLX250 is also a good bike, well proven off-road and commuted on by A LOT of people locally. Like Treebeard mentioned, just pick up an extra set if rims & street tires so you can have super-moto fun when you want to ~
For something cheap just to knock around on the CRF230 dual-sport model is stone reliable, not a lot of power though and 60 might be a struggle if that's important. I was kicking around the idea of picking up a 230 just to beat on in the winter & give my fiancée a light, easy to ride, non-intimidating bike for learning the basics ~
JM
http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/ (http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/)
and sign petition for tax credit while you're at it - http://action.pluginamerica.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=516
"Do you want to receive a 10% tax credit on your next electric motorcycle purchase?
Read on.
The stimulus package being put together right now in Washington DC includes major tax credits for plug-in cars, but none for electric motorcycles. Detroit doesn't want any of this money going to electric motorcycles and are lobbying for cars only.
However, there are motorcycle enthusiasts in the Congress who support the motorcycle industry. We have a good chance to get a credit for electric motorcycles, but we need your help.
We will do most of the work. Please just take a quick moment to help the environment and yourself by clicking the link below. Send a strong message to your representatives in Congress and the President by telling them why you think electric motorcycles are as important as electric cars.
http://www.pluginamerica.org/stimulus-2-3wheel (http://www.pluginamerica.org/stimulus-2-3wheel)
Thanks for your help,
Gene
Gene Banman
CEO, Zero Motorcycles, Inc"
Take a look at a DR650.
08 husky 610, and the guys is willing to trade for a monster. Probably Not as kick ass as the 510 or the 450, but you won't have to rebuild as often. And it FI.
Once my bike is gone i'm getting one.
http://www.supermotojunkie.com/showthread.php?t=74095&highlight=husqvarna (http://www.supermotojunkie.com/showthread.php?t=74095&highlight=husqvarna)
Quote from: Jaman on February 05, 2009, 09:00:39 AM
I know it's a little far, but how about this? - http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/1018027079.html
I'm sure your wife would approve!
;D
Something like that would be my ride of choice. [thumbsup] ;D
a KTM or a husky FTW!
and if money is a concern check these chinese bikes out, great price and warranty. a bonus is the suzuki powerplant, bought all bolt on upgrades from the suzuki DR200. CA street legal and fun to ride for a cheapo that looks good.
http://www.qlinkmotor.com/product.php?id=46 (http://www.qlinkmotor.com/product.php?id=46)
bought one for my dad to learn on, we both love it so far [moto]
(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll72/silvy1200/0726081616.jpg)
(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll72/silvy1200/0726082000.jpg)
I'm seriously considering the WR250 ;D
(http://www.yamaha-motor.com/assets/content/images/600/09MS_WR250X_blk_S1_e553506d.jpg)
Quote from: MrIncredible on February 11, 2009, 04:23:35 PM
I'm seriously considering the WR250 ;D
(http://www.yamaha-motor.com/assets/content/images/600/09MS_WR250X_blk_S1_e553506d.jpg)
nice!
i heard kawasaski put out a SUMO as well.
Quote from: MrIncredible on February 04, 2009, 08:08:53 PM
I live next to a number of parks, and there's around 200 redwoods on my property. Hippy.
Fixed.
[laugh]
You sir, are blessed... Sounds like you have the perfect supermoto playground as a daily commute.
I say a 450 KTM or *cough* Husky ;D Maybe a 560 or 510 if you have the room to open it up. The Aprilla's mentioned would be nice if you don't mind another high maintenance Italian. My humbile opinion would be to stay away from the wr250 you pictured unless you are a beginning rider (doesn't sound like it) or want a lower performance ride that you can ride hard, and put away wet. Look for a plated SM, lots of them around. Or a plated enduro or mx bike and convert it with wheels and brakes, two fun bikes in one for all season riding.
I guess it all depends on what type of "commute" you want to have.
Oh, and if I had a few extra bucks for a play bike I've been wanting a Yamaha TW200
Quote from: MrIncredible on February 11, 2009, 04:23:35 PM
I'm seriously considering the WR250 ;D
(http://www.yamaha-motor.com/assets/content/images/600/09MS_WR250X_blk_S1_e553506d.jpg)
You're probably tall enough to ride it. I can barely get up one the WR. Gonna get one and have a extra set of the opposite type of wheels so suit your riding desires for the day?
Do look at the Kawasaki, the KLX250 is what they made their SM out of ~
JM
Quote from: Roscoe on February 11, 2009, 10:18:33 PM
You sir, are blessed... Sounds like you have the perfect supermoto playground as a daily commute.
I say a 450 KTM or *cough* Husky ;D Maybe a 560 or 510 if you have the room to open it up. The Aprilla's mentioned would be nice if you don't mind another high maintenance Italian. My humbile opinion would be to stay away from the wr250 you pictured unless you are a beginning rider (doesn't sound like it) or want a lower performance ride that you can ride hard, and put away wet. Look for a plated SM, lots of them around. Or a plated enduro or mx bike and convert it with wheels and brakes, two fun bikes in one for all season riding.
I guess it all depends on what type of "commute" you want to have.
Oh, and if I had a few extra bucks for a play bike I've been wanting a Yamaha TW200
Quote from: the_Journeyman on February 12, 2009, 05:01:03 AM
You're probably tall enough to ride it. I can barely get up one the WR. Gonna get one and have a extra set of the opposite type of wheels so suit your riding desires for the day?
Do look at the Kawasaki, the KLX250 is what they made their SM out of ~
JM
Nah-none of the bigger bikes-I do not have the room to open these up-as I said, I'm more concerned with carrying corner speed than having a lot of power. These are seriously windy roads-AKA, I might hit third gear. In the car I don't get out of second/above 30. I'm avoiding anything high maintenance-I'd rather have something I can thrash and not worry about. As far as any conversions/other wheels, I have enough projects-last thing I need is something that needs work for me to ride it. This I can take, drop a bunch of crap off it in a day, get it down to 260 or so and up to 30 HP, and have an absolute blast.
Good enough for me ;D
KTM 450 EXC Comes with a title: and with an extra set of wheels in a little under an hour you can choose dirt or street. Good 2005's go for around $3500
Quote from: MrIncredible on February 12, 2009, 10:22:00 AM
Nah-none of the bigger bikes-I do not have the room to open these up-as I said, I'm more concerned with carrying corner speed than having a lot of power. These are seriously windy roads-AKA, I might hit third gear. In the car I don't get out of second/above 30. I'm avoiding anything high maintenance-I'd rather have something I can thrash and not worry about. As far as any conversions/other wheels, I have enough projects-last thing I need is something that needs work for me to ride it. This I can take, drop a bunch of crap off it in a day, get it down to 260 or so and up to 30 HP, and have an absolute blast.
Good enough for me ;D
if i were in your sicheeation i would probably go for the Yamaha WR250 or a DRZ-400s / sm
i can attest that the DRZ is perfect for tight-windy roads; not so great on highway but it will do it if it has to.
Oh god. A turbo kit is offered. 53 HP in a < 300lb bike.
Drool!
Quote from: MrIncredible on February 13, 2009, 01:49:11 PM
Oh god. A turbo kit is offered. 53 HP in a < 300lb bike.
Drool!
You can get that in a stock Husky.
Quote from: silentbob on February 13, 2009, 02:28:36 PM
You can get that in a stock Husky.
Yeah, but the maintenance would kill me. The first yammie valve adjustment is at 26k.
Quote from: MrIncredible on February 13, 2009, 02:42:47 PM
Yeah, but the maintenance would kill me. The first yammie valve adjustment is at 26k.
There is only one bolt to take of the seat, gas tank, fairing, etc. The valve train is the same as the Yami. Shim under bucket design with titanium valves. Mine has gone three years with only clearance checks and no adjustments needed.
Quote from: silentbob on February 13, 2009, 03:00:26 PM
There is only one bolt to take of the seat, gas tank, fairing, etc. The valve train is the same as the Yami. Shim under bucket design with titanium valves. Mine has gone three years with only clearance checks and no adjustments needed.
I don't want to do the checks. I hate maintenance. Hate it. I'll change the oil and *maybe* lube the chain. From what I've seen, the KTM 450 has a service interval specified in hours, not miles. If I wanted to deal with that I'd snag a husaberg.
I had a Yammie WR400 6-7 years ago that I slapped a Baja kit on - you could be 96 and in a wheel chair and that bike would turn you into a hooligan. Essentially maintenance free fun. I imagine the WR250 with the happy button (my WR400 only needed one kick) and a turbo kit would be awesome. Good luck keeping the front wheel down!
god damn you all. im selling my ducati.
no need to go crazy........
deep breaths....until the world stops spinning.
there you go.
feel better?
besides, where would you ride in NYC - wouldn't those knobby tires get caught in the trolley tracks?? [laugh]
Quote from: lauramonster on February 14, 2009, 11:50:18 AM
no need to go crazy........
deep breaths....until the world stops spinning.
there you go.
feel better?
besides, where would you ride in NYC - wouldn't those knobby tires get caught in the trolley tracks?? [laugh]
Trolley tracks? Those dont exist anymore. we live in the future. :) I actually wanna get the SM versions, like that Husky on page 1 of this thread. It looks like a much better commuter toy than my monster.
redwood are very tall
(http://www.acpsem.org.au/epsm/2002/images/R10redWoods.jpg)
sequoia are very big around
(http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/assets/resources/2006/10/Sequoia-Big.jpg)
just sayin...
Quote from: silentbob on February 13, 2009, 03:00:26 PM
There is only one bolt to take of the seat, gas tank, fairing, etc. The valve train is the same as the Yami. Shim under bucket design with titanium valves. Mine has gone three years with only clearance checks and no adjustments needed.
sb
That looks to be about a 50 mile round trip, will the husky do that on one tank of gas? Tank looks pretty small
DRZ400?
I love mine.
Quote from: dbran1949 on February 15, 2009, 03:40:47 PM
sb
That looks to be about a 50 mile round trip, will the husky do that on one tank of gas? Tank looks pretty small
Yeah, I usually fill up around 100 miles.
I don't understand the redwoods reference.
Is it that if they fall, they want Dave to ride the fallen trunk to work?? would make on helluve bridge!
bmw dakar! with touratech zega panniers!
Quote from: hamsandwich on April 07, 2009, 09:31:20 PM
bmw dakar! with touratech zega panniers!
Read the first requirement.
QuoteWhat I need is something terribly light and flickable
BMW missed that mark by a couple of hundred pounds.
I think I'm voting for the WR250.
Light, flickable (read, punishable) decent mileage.
Go get it.
Post pics.
I used to have an SV650. Real good little around town bike. Reliable as all get out. Standard style bars, lots of leverage made it a good flickable, reliable bike. I'd buy another if I could find the right deal.
I'm thinking an SV650 isn't the best bike for banging around on trails with.
I still say DRZ-400 or KLX250 ~
jm
I'd definitely go with the Husqy, they are stupendously loud with the right pipe, are cool looking to boot, oh, and scandinavian, it'll go well with your IKEA living room ensemble.
Quote from: gregrnel on April 09, 2009, 07:06:59 AM
and scandinavian
My first choice too, but not Swedish anymore. Italian made since 1980's. Now under German management.
Quote from: corndog67 on April 08, 2009, 09:36:41 PM
I used to have an SV650. Real good little around town bike. Reliable as all get out. Standard style bars, lots of leverage made it a good flickable, reliable bike. I'd buy another if I could find the right deal.
Far too large and heavy.
Quote from: the_Journeyman on April 09, 2009, 06:29:01 AM
I'm thinking an SV650 isn't the best bike for banging around on trails with.
Yup, this road is better suited for a bicycle than anything else, more like a paved fire road. Think single narrow lane for both directions in many parts, mostly blind corners, many off-camber and/or decreasing radius, with cliffs to go off of if you miss. Plus branches and/or tree trunks and/or rocks all over the road during the rainy season.
2010.5 KTM slated to release electric dirt bike ;D
I just picked up a 08 KTM Duke. 63 Hp single (with a counter balancer), 327 pounds dry, put a Leo Vince titanium exhaust on it and you drop another 30 pounds, wp suspension front and rear and there are very few of them in the US so lots of folks stop and stare. The only problem is they are not giving them away (read pricey).
some friends of ours have (had?) a Husky 250 with plate for sale.
that would be fun.
can you still plate offroad bikes in CA?
it might be a bit bigger than you are looking for, but the xr450r seems pretty decent.
i was riding with a lot of plated 250 cc ktms in an enduro over the weekend. they seemed pretty much perfect for what you are describing.
Price no object!!!! The ultimate thumper!!
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/06april09_supermono.htm (http://www.motorcycledaily.com/06april09_supermono.htm)
AFAIK you can only 'plate' CA bikes that have a street-legal VIN
makes it much harder than it used to be...cant do 4 strokes like the DR400 or TTR anymore.
that's why i moved to ID...i can get a plate to drive a Rhino to work ;D
A used DRZ400SM sounds about right, I love mine.
Glenn
Wow still havent picked one ?
I cant be that responsible, i would have probably bought one by now and traded it back in for a bigger one [laugh]
I was under the impression that your road was a paved little pig trail type road. You are right, SV650 wouldn't be good on dirt. Buy real dirt bike. I've got a YZ450F that is a total blast to ride, anywhere from the dunes to the trails to fireroads. Reliable as all hell, fast, fun. That and my streetbike, and I'm good to go. Most dual sports generally don't work real well on the road or in the dirt, they just kind of do both acceptably.
KTM SM 690 ,one good all around bike!!