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

[Salamanga7]

  DQ -

My Hawk is sitting patiently at Desmoto for a little rubber glove treatment.
It does need a new home....

[desmoquattro]

  DQ -

My Hawk is sitting patiently at Desmoto for a little rubber glove treatment.
It does need a new home....

I know...I had thought about that. Still an option in the mix, though Hawks are getting a bit long in the tooth compared to the FZ and SV platforms.

[MendoDave]

I know...I had thought about that. Still an option in the mix, though Hawks are getting a bit long in the tooth compared to the FZ and SV platforms.

Yea but nobody wants to rip off a Hawk. I was going to suggest a CB400 or V65. An old RD400 would be cool but those are "wanted" bikes. If your looking for a newer platform how about a thrashed 919? your just slabbing it down there aren't you?

[desmoquattro]

Yea but nobody wants to rip off a Hawk. I was going to suggest a CB400 or V65. An old RD400 would be cool but those are "wanted" bikes. If your looking for a newer platform how about a thrashed 919? your just slabbing it down there aren't you?

Mostly slabbing it...either 101 or 280 depending on time of day.

The 919 came under consideration, but I'd much rather have an FZ1 if I go the I4 route. I think this is coming down to FZ1 vs. VFR.

[MendoDave]

Well then, go with the V4.

[desmoquattro]

Well then, go with the V4.

It's a toss-up. The FZ1 looks like a lot of fun, and a better long-distance mount.

[MendoDave]

You should ride both and then decide.  [moto]

[cyrus buelton]

I vote the VStrom

sure, it is ugly as hell, but you can throw a top bag on there for your laptop, groceries, etc.


They appear to be rather bullet proof too.

[desmoquattro]

I vote the VStrom

sure, it is ugly as hell, but you can throw a top bag on there for your laptop, groceries, etc.


They appear to be rather bullet proof too.

You can throw a top case on the SV, the VFR, and the FZ1 too.

Also, just read this:

1. FZ1 valve adjust at 26,600mi vs. VFR at 16,000mi

2. FZ1 mpg is in the 46-48mpg zone while a 99 VFR bud gets 44mpg... another on a 02 VFR gets 38mpg for the same corners/straights.

3. Even though a more relaxed riding position, I can ride it faster and harder than if on one of my buds bikes.

4. Fully adjustable suspension on the FZ1.

5. FZ1 is cheaper.

6. The FZ1 is more powerful but has a smoother power delivery.

Fully adjustable suspension...that's pretty compelling.

[ROBsS4R]

I dunno why every is being sarcastic about the 'busa (or the ZX-14).  They supposed to be comfy and decent commuter bikes.  Hell, Kawi even made a sport touring rocket version of the Zx14.  

[moto]

The Stock Hayabusa is comfy as hell and an amazing sports touring bike. I dont understand either why they get so much hate.

Much more comfortable than the S4R that I commute on a daily basis.

[desmoquattro]

I dont understand either why they get so much hate.

Ahem...



But seriously...too big to keep in the garage, too valuable to keep on the street.

[sally101]

You sure the FZ1 is fully adjustable? I remember reading an article complaining that it wasn't.. Could be wrong.

On the MTS 620 thought.. I got a nice one for ya!

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/1389985336.html

[desmoquattro]

You sure the FZ1 is fully adjustable? I remember reading an article complaining that it wasn't.. Could be wrong.

I'll double check.

On the MTS 620 thought.. I got a nice one for ya!

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/1389985336.html

Would love a Ducati commuter, but I'm not considering them. Valve adjusts + Replacing sportbike tires add up to a lot of cost.

[cyrus buelton]

You can throw a top case on the SV, the VFR, and the FZ1 too.

I didn't know you could throw one on the SV, that's pretty cool.


Those are functional bikes.

[Spidey]

Honestly, DQ, doing valves on a 2v isn't bad at all.  And if it's broken in, you'll likely only have to check clearances rather than replace shims.  Belts are $60-110 every 12/15k.  That's really not bad at all.  Still, I don't know that I'd get a Duc as a commuter.