Motorcycles.

[Nate@Scarab]

Let's say you have a daft plan to go on a two-week distance-intensive adventure, and need a motorcycle to do it - one that you'd promptly sell afterwards. There's a kicker though, and that's that initial cost of entry needs to land under $2500.

What would you buy, and why?

Bonus points for vSalon chic. You know what I mean.

[maunahaole]

How much experience do you have riding a moto? Discuss. This will help guide you to the right ride. And what are you...5'8" 140lb or something?

[quickag]

SV650. You'll probably keep it.

[agrabau]

I was thinking the exact same thing. Not ideal for touring but one such bike wouldn't fit the price limit thus the compromise. The SV is a reliable bike that will do anything well. (and it sounds good!)

[jitahs]

I like the sv ok, but it's an UJM.

[maunahaole]

Nothing really wrong with a UJM, though. I feel that way because I have a UJM.

[Bob loblaw]

BMW R80. Abundant spare parts, VW-like serviceability, long distance comfort and vintage style. I rode one for six or so years, they are excellent.

BL

[maunahaole]

This is a self serving plug, but look at things like the Yamaha fz1 or Kawasaki ZRX (I have a ZRX). Somewhat UJM in riding position. The ZRX looks like a GPZ, but has more modern suspension, tires and motor. Both the Yamaha and Kaw are super reliable and as fast as you will need. The ZRX has a big fat power and and is easy to ride. The price son used ones in nice shape is near your target. It is big...so being over six feet helps with the ergos on it.

[monadnocky]

1980's BMW R bike; as mentioned, you can't go wrong with the R80. Or any K bike from the same era, although these are kinda considered collectables now. Indestructible and stylish- oozes class. Cost might be an issue, though.
If you're into constantly fixing cheap, noisy, ugly crap, go Harley (sorry. had to say it).

[christian]

Ninja 250, pre-2007, with a +1 countersprocket.

They're cheap, reliable, happy to run 70 on the highway, ubiquitous, comfortable, cheap, and cheap. You can also get SW-Motech racks for a Givi case for them.

In this case, it really is about the ride, not the bike. A Ninja 250 will tour just fine and will be a good commuter and run-about thereafter. And if you don't like it, it has 100% resale value.

I have three bikes and 165,000 miles of motorcycling experience, and I can still have a lot of fun on a Ninja.

Btw, I have some Alpinestars MX-1 leathers and an Aerostich Roadcrafter jacket that I could sell you. I'm 6', 163 lbs. More than happy to trade for bicycle parts!!

[monadnocky]

Ninja 250, pre-2007, with a +1 countersprocket.
They're cheap, reliable, happy to run 70 on the highway, ubiquitous, comfortable, cheap, and cheap. You can also get SW-Motech racks for a Givi case for them.
In this case, it really is about the ride, not the bike. A Ninja 250 will tour just fine and will be a good commuter and run-about thereafter. And if you don't like it, it has 100% resale value.
I have three bikes and 165,000 miles of motorcycling experience, and I can still have a lot of fun on a Ninja.

Admittedly, I'm a European motorcycle snob, but I could get on board with this. Sound advice at a good price point, and there's a Honda shop in every small city across the country.

[jscottyk]

Ninja 250, pre-2007, with a +1 countersprocket.

They're cheap, reliable, happy to run 70 on the highway, ubiquitous, comfortable, cheap, and cheap. You can also get SW-Motech racks for a Givi case for them.

In this case, it really is about the ride, not the bike. A Ninja 250 will tour just fine and will be a good commuter and run-about thereafter. And if you don't like it, it has 100% resale value.

I have three bikes and 165,000 miles of motorcycling experience, and I can still have a lot of fun on a Ninja.

Btw, I have some Alpinestars MX-1 leathers and an Aerostich Roadcrafter jacket that I could sell you. I'm 6', 163 lbs. More than happy to trade for bicycle parts!!

+1

The Ninja 250 is an excellent bike. Great for beginners. Great for budget racers. Just plain great.

Do it.

[Nate@Scarab]

Oh, herro.

[Ride-Fly]

An early 2000 Honda VFR800a will be about $2500 and is a great motorcycle. Can put hard cases on it. It's got ABS brakes for added safety. I love mine, and would only sell it to get a Ducati 848 or 1098.

[Mabouya]

Earlier today a buddy of mine who has a Beemer was telling me about the Kawasaki Triple. He said they had a bit of a fearsome reputation because the power came on so quickly at the higher rpms. Sounds like fun, if they didn't kill you.

[rwsaunders]

Spotted on the street the other day...I respect a bike in this condition as it's being brought back to life while being ridden as it should.

[Gummee]

Time for a PMS support group to form.

Its been a mere week* since I've ridden my Duc, but its still tough.

M

*rode to work on my birfday. The high was in the mid-30s. I miss my BMWs and their heated grips, plugs for heated gear, etc.

[rwsaunders]

Spotted this Bimmer today on Union Street near 4th in downtown Seattle.

[SlowPokePete]

Outside of Moto Coffee Machine, Hudson, NY.

April 4, 2022 by SPP™ SlowPokePete, on Flickr

SPP

[rwsaunders]

You don’t see these every day…1990 Honda Hawk GT NT650.

https://www.canyonchasers.net/2013/0...hawk-gt-nt650/