Ducati Monster Forum

Here's the back story (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=59591.0).   The short version is my CBR250, parked in the garage at work, was ran over by a careless driver.  It's been a great bike for commuting with consistent +80 MPG.

I just heard back from the shop that the repair will be $5,300 (parts + labor).  The insurance adjuster is now reviewing the assessment.  Likely I will get a settlement to replace the little CBR.

So the question is - should I get the same bike since it had been a great bike for me for commuting?  It's agile, fun to ride.  Practically maintenance free (8000 miles oil change and 16K valve maintenance interval).  It should be almost $0 out of pocket for me to get it. 

But then again, this might be a good opportunity to upgrade to something just as fuel efficient and relatively inexpensive with some more added amenities, such as long distance comfort, storage/capacity, heated grips, and perhaps some offroad capability for ADV riding.  I have narrowed down to a couple possibilities.  Let me know what you think. 

P.S Being 5'7, I have to rule out bike with seat height of 32"+  :(

- Same Honda CBR250R
- Honda NC700X (manual model)
- 2011+ BMW G650GS (used if I can find one)
- Other suggestions and why

Cheers

I'd probably stay with the 250.

The NC700X is interesting, just not sure i could deal with an automatic moto. 

Automatic / clutchless is just wrong in a motorcycle.  I would opt for the manual model if I go that route.  (poll and OP updated)

drz400s....put on an "E" carb and a yosh pipe and GO GO GO!!!

How many miles do you commute, weekly?

Freeway (I'm guessing not...) ?

I don't think either the GS or the NC will do much better than half the mpg you're getting out of that CBR.

For ADV riding in addition to commuting, zooom's suggestion sounds really good.

Have you swung a leg over a G650GS?
Usually the BMW's are pretty tall.

I commute about 40 miles per day and 36 miles of that is on the HOV on I-405 to Bellevue, WA.  I tried to commute in rain (light Seattle rain) or shine.  The DRZ and even the CRF230M are good choices but they are both pretty tall. Surprisingly though for the G650GS, the seat height is only 31"  :o.  It's the ONLY BWM that I can ride.

I don't commute (work vehicle) but if I did I would definitely rock a supermoto, good mileage and lots of fun.

one i would consider would be Vstrom 650

dirt cheap to buy new
understressed motor
plenty of high mileage examples
been around for ages so 2nd hand bling is plentiful
can ADV if needed

I honestly didn't know what the NC700X was when I first posted, I've since read a decent amount on it, that looks like a great bike especially for commuting.  Great mileage, some built in storage, additional storage available, pretty cheap, Honda reliability.

I don't have any experience with the bikes you listed, but I would say the determining factors would be the same as any other bike purchase.  Which bike will fit what you need the best?  Comfort, cost, MPG, style, etc... pick what works for you and go from there.


I agree... there's something wrong with an automatic motorcycle.  I just wouldn't feel like I have any control over the machine.

If you can ride that one, you can also ride the G650 XCountry which is what I have.  Comparable height but lighter.  I get about 65 mpg, 75 mpg if it's mostly freeway.

BTW I know someone about my height (5'4") who rides a lowered DRZ.

Oh, and this is impressive:

BMW R 1200 GS short rider (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRFyw57o_Ic&list=UUjS1VHiiUlHfxV6IQLa9GeA&index=4&feature=plcp#)

:o


I had pretty much the same criteria as you.  Based on that, I've narrowed down to the 3 options.  Obviously, the NC700X and the G650 are more expensive but they offer more as well.  Just looking for some FHE from people here.

I did consider the V-Strom and even the GS500F.  but for some reason they just don't do it for me.  Technology and aesthetics are lacking.  they are the, well, Suzuki of the car world...

http://www.laro.com.au/motorcycles/v-retro (http://www.laro.com.au/motorcycles/v-retro)

cool.

http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/ (http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/)

Yamaha BW250 license?

If you're looking at the BMW, I see plenty of low-mileage loaded Dakar's in your price range. They would have all the features you're looking for, plus would be great for ADV riding. Around 65+ mpg.

what does he do at a red light?

I read that he can get a toe down on one side as needed.  He probably does like I do and shuffles his butt off to one side to reach.

more suzuki van van i think.  and given it's chinese more of the fuk yew kind of licence agreement no doubt.

i'm really hot for one.  under 3k ride away apparantly.  and varying from not bad to complete crap reading the reviews.

i remember doing a bolt check on a sachs mad ass (we sold a couple for a little while) and stripping the shock bolt due to the "half a thread" on each sort of thing.

but i'd never ride it anyway.  never get to ride minnie.

SuperMoto!!!!
and boobies of course.

Do you usually get off of exit 2 to connect to 167 in the afternoon? I think I've seen you a few times. I tend to go the opposite way.

That would be me.  The exits on and off 167 are the highlights of my commute.  [Dolph]

I am surprised the voting has gone to another CBR (well, besides the obvious boobies).  it really is a great little fun bike.  I can't say I am not disappointed that there aren't more BMW fanboys singing the praises of the GS.  Maybe the G-series doesn't measure up?

I am planning on going to see a NC700X in person.  There is only one dealer near me (kinda near) that has one.  With the added storage and optional heated grip, it would be a great commuter.  but it might be an on-road only...  It's the CUV of the car world.

I've been keeping an eye for a used BMW around.  there are good used ones to be had.  the G-series would be a good-arounder.  But does it do any one thing well?

I've ridden a 650 and 800 bimmer.. don't like either motors.

the f650gs (which they dropped for the g650 series that no one wanted, then had to reintroduce as the g650gs because they'd been typically mind knumbling bmw and nonsensically launched another f650gs that was actually an 800) used to blur my vision.  the gs motor is a bmw variation of the funduro rotax motor, which was always much nicer, but not quite as powerful in aprilia pegaso 5 valve mode.  the yamaha 660 motor they used in the later pegaso was quite nice.  i tend to not like singles, but am quite happy to ride a guzzi.  go figure.

honda is the sensible option.  the japanese variations of the g650gs theme might be a better bet.  i worked on bmw far too long to want to own (another) one.  altho in isolation the f800 series is nice, but i never got to ride any of the japanese opposition.

we got the cagiva raptor which was an overpriced italian sv650.  loved the motor, seat was crap.  it's become something of a cliche, but the sv650 is hard to go past.

see what's on sale, might find something a bit odd ball that tickles your fancy.

I went  and looked at the NC700X at my local dealer, they just got two silver manual trans models.  I have to say it is a very interesting bike, I'm going to take one of them for a spin once they are fully assembled and on the floor.  The bike looks great in person, ADV bike ergos but definitely not an ADV bike.  The built in storage is so clever, would be great for commuting.  The motor gets pretty good reviews some a lot of the people that actually ride one, the torque curve is almost completely flat and people say it feels like a diesel.

Cool!  If you see a red 796 with Termi slip ons and bar end mirrors waving frantically at you like a raging lunatic, that would be me.  With that said, have you considered a VFR?  I don't know if they are fuel efficient enough for your intended use, but I test rode one in the past and they are amazing.

My SIL just picked up a manual transmission NC700X a month or so ago.

SHE IS VERY happy with it.

I'm pretty impressed with the versatility and ease of maintenence. The motor is tilted something like 60 degrees to the front to give easy access to the valves (SOHC, I believe) for maintenance.

The storage space is awesome.

And I'm hearing reports of 70-80 mpg from the thing.

There's a couple over on Wildguzzi that has about 30 bikes, among their collection is both versions of the NC - and the husband tours on the manual trans model all the time - is seeing 250 miles out of a tankful (and it's only a hair over 3 gallons).

There's a lot to like about this bike for utilitarian use.

SIL:

(http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/224682_3890047803256_1545149317_n.jpg)


(http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/539147_3890049243292_1310544017_n.jpg)

I see a relocate of the license & signals, along with a shorty exhaust...that would be / is a good looking bike !!

LOL I will look for you!


It seems like every user review I've read is very positive on the NC.  Honda might have another winner on his hand.  I will definitely go see one in person.  BTW, how tall is your SIL?  She looks to be able to flat foot on the NC

That particular SIL is the 6' Marine.  [thumbsup]

That makes sense.  I actually found a NC700X at a local dealer and give it the butt-on-seat test.  Being 5'7, the seat doesn't feel terribly tall.  The narrowness of the bike and shape of the seat actually allow my legs to go down more vertically.  I can comfortably reach the ground.  All in all, I am quite impressed with the bike.

A quick update - after some more back and forth with the insurance adjuster, they've caved in and offered a fair settlement.  I am taking a small hit.  But after an year of ownership and 8000 miles, I think it's totally fair.  So off to shopping I go.

YEE HAW....love to go shopping!!! [Dolph] [Dolph] [Dolph] [thumbsup]