Need a Non-Ducati Commuter Bike - Which One Should I Get?

[desmoquattro]

So the new job will likely have me in San Mateo 3 days a week. I generally hate the idea of commuting, and I'll definitely be trying to weasel my way into having more days at the SF office. But for now, I need to figure out a way to keep the miles off the Ducs so I'm considering a commuter. That's why I'm turning to the wisdom of the crowd. Please cast your vote above, post any comments, etc. My basic requirements:

• Bulletproof, low-maintenance motor, low cost/long interval to maintain
• Sportbike ergos are perfecly OK by me...25 miles ain't bad, and other than maintenance the Supersport is a superb commuter. I'm not afraid of clip-ons and rearsets.
• Bike will be kept on the street, so it can't be an exotic brand/theft target.
• V-twins get preferential treatment over V-4's. V-4's get prefferential treatment over I-4's. But these aren't hard-and-fast rules.
• I need to be able to put high-mileage (e.g. sport-touring or touring) tires on it. Burning through a rear every 3k miles ain't gonna cut it.
• Compact size is preferred...might have to stash it in the garage, and lane-splitting is a daily affair.
• Fairly low acquisition cost.
• Capable of converting to GP Shift

I'm really leaning towards the SV1000s, but I'm interested in your opinions.

[Michael Moore]

This one: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/1389284006.html

I think you forgot one criterion - it should have a top box or hard bags. You want to be able to throw your briefcase in the box and not have it on your back. You also want to be able to toss your helmet in the box when you go to work.

[desmoquattro]

This one: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/1389284006.html

I think you forgot one criterion - it should have a top box or hard bags. You want to be able to throw your briefcase in the box and not have it on your back. You also want to be able to toss your helmet in the box when you go to work.

Hmm...I thought of that, but you can mount a top case on virtually anything these days. Thanks for the CL post as well. Them VFRs are a bit front-heavy though

[desmoquattro]

This one: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/1389284006.html

I think you forgot one criterion - it should have a top box or hard bags. You want to be able to throw your briefcase in the box and not have it on your back. You also want to be able to toss your helmet in the box when you go to work.

Actually, I think I need this one:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/1389289061.html

[desmoquattro]

Hmm...or maybe an FZ1:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/1388797599.html

[Spidey]

If you're commuting get something with a fairing and a buncha power (which will get worse gas mileage).  A premium will be something that has cargo space or comes with a Givi bag and has electrics.

Any of those bikes listed are a theft target, particularly if its a supersport with intact fairings.  Just like Honda Civics are theft targets.

I'd prolly get a VFR.  I might go with an SV if I wanted it to double as an occasional twisties bike.  I'd also think about a Busa or a Zx-14 except that I don't know what they're like for splitting or in stop-n-go and if their gas mileage is really dumb.  Everyone reports that they're really comfy.  What about an FZ?  People seem to rave about those (I don't get it) as commuters.  Edit:  oh, you just said that. 

[Michael Moore]

Fz-1 isn't a bad idea.

The reason I like VFRs is, like many Hondas, they are bulletproof and go forever. You can still find many late 80s models used as daily drivers. Plus they hardly depreciate at all, are generally owned by adults with more than two brain cells to rub together, and have lots of options for luggage. And the ergos aren't too bad. I know you're down with commuting with clipons, but I tell ya, it'll get old. Plus it's nice to be able to see over the cars. (Plus column for the 'Strom, even though they're fugly.)  

Oh, and don't let the VTEC thing put you off - you'll not be hitting 6 grand on the cloverleafs.

[desmoquattro]

I'm wondering what the service intervals are on VFRs and FZ1s? I hear great things about the FZ1...the VFR is pretty much a known quantity to me, except for the service intervals.

[desmoquattro]

Added a GP Shift requirement...I know some bikes are painful that way.

[jimboecv]

FZ1 or even a FZ6.  Reliable, power, range.  Neked.  Avoid V-tec VFR's. You can get a SV/Strom with ABS and people rave about 'storoms, too (don't get it).  Vespa GT250ie or other maxi-ish scooter but it's not on your list.
Consider insurance.

[sugarcrook]

I'm not familiar with the FZ's, but I think a Wee-Strom with ABS is a nice bike for the money.  Luggage options are plentiful and the tank capacity is decent at 5.8g.  Weighs 485 pounds.  Lots of V-Strom info here http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=5 and http://www.stromtrooper.com/

[mostrobelle]

'Busa fer sure. 

The VStrom seems to get high marks on everything but looks.  If you can resist gouging your eyes out while looking at it, get it. 

[jimboecv]

I'm not familiar with the FZ's, but I think a Wee-Strom with ABS is a nice bike for the money.  Luggage options are plentiful and the tank capacity is decent at 5.8g.  Weighs 485 pounds.  Lots of V-Strom info here http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=5 and http://www.stromtrooper.com/

My MotoNation rep rides one and he's doing crazy miles, 30k/yr. or something.

[Spidey]

If you can resist gouging your eyes out while looking at it, get it. 

You know anyone who can?  Speaking of ugly bikes, what about that Versys thingy?  It's a twin.  I think they're too new to get one really cheap though.  

[johnc]

my vote for Boobies/Turbo 'Busa should only be counted as a vote for Boobies ... and NOT include the 'busa.