Option Needed on Which Bike to Get

[Goat_Herder]

Here's the back story.   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

[DesmoDiva]

I'd probably stay with the 250.

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

[Goat_Herder]

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)

[zooom]

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

[Speeddog]

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.

[Goat_Herder]

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"  .  It's the ONLY BWM that I can ride.

[1KDS]

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

[J5]

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

[1KDS]

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.

[Adamm0621]

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.

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

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

[somegirl]

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"  .  It's the ONLY BWM that I can ride.

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.

[somegirl]

Oh, and this is impressive:

BMW R 1200 GS short rider

[Goat_Herder]

Oh, and this is impressive:

BMW R 1200 GS short rider

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 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...

[brad black]

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

cool.

[jrswanson1]

http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/