Honestly can't see how you could go wrong with a Burgman.
I probably should have titled the thread something like, "I'm about to buy a Burgman! Quick, find me a real motorcycle that'll do the same job for the same money to save me from myself!"
The 300's are nimble and easy to throw around and while yes, they are not high powered, they are much faster off the line than all commuter cars out there; I mean, if you are in stop and go traffic, most cars are not coming off the line accelerating as fast as you would if you wanted to. Also keep in mind, they are much cheaper on general maintenance years down the line. The MT-03 and 07 would be my suggestion.
Don't get me wrong, those are all great bikes for the money. But for similar power and only a touch less acceleration, a maxi-scooter offers a lot more practicality and ease of use on the commuting end. I've already got my Tuono for any sporty riding I want to do, so the handling isn't much of a selling point except as it relates to dodging in and out of traffic ..
Also, just think, it's kinda nice to look back at the bike after you park it and think that it looks really nice. If you are not feeling the "cool" factor, maybe you should consider that more.
I'm a firm believer in this idea, as a bike you think is pretty is also a bike you want to ride. The problem is the bike I really think is cool is the Sprint ST 1050 that GP Bikes has for sale, but it simply doesn't make a lot of sense on the practical side.
maybe a versys 300?
not sure how much they go for
Haven't looked too closely, but a quick search says it's too close to the CB500X, which makes about 30% more power (30 odd vs 40 odd HP) and seems to be better built.
Hard to beat a V-Strom 650 for simple, dependable, and somewhat fun transportation. Most are high mileage, but it isn't anything to worry about. Nice thing is most are already setup for touring with luggage, windscreen, heated grips, etc. For the price, it's hard to find a better all around bike.
I know the market is different now, but 3-4 years ago I sold my '06 V-strom 650, 80k km, full touring setup, and decent shape for $2600. Had a hard time selling it too.
There's a few out there, but almost all are over 70,000 kms (many over 100,000) which is a bigger risk than I want for a reliable commuter. Pricing matches the mileage, mostly. I'd really like something closer to 40k on the odometer if possible.
The V motor actually appeals quite a lot, and the SV is another option that could be a good fit, though there's not many around. Maybe they got snapped up by track day riders...
Sounds like a Honda Civic with working A/C is perfect. Why would anyone want to sit in traffic on the Gardner on a motorcycle? Why would anyone want to go on the Gardner on a motorcycle?
It's a fair question, but one I can only answer when I see how much time it'll actually save me in the HOV lane. If it knocks 15 minutes each way off the commute, I'll happily give up the A/C, as that half hour per day is gold. I have noticed that the HOV benefits are transient, though, as so many solo drivers jump in there when things slow down that it eventually gets as slow as the regular traffic. The key seems to be getting into it early, while the regular traffic has recently slowed. They're really aggressive about enforcing HOV abuse in BC, with huge fines for improper use, which means the lanes flow for a lot longer. But as seems to be the standard in Ontario, speeding is the only ticket they're interested in pursuing.
I don't expect I'll be out there every day, but it's always nice to have the option. I actually really enjoy commuting on a bike as long as things are moving. It's the bumper to bumper creep that sucks.
Air/oil cooled, Suzuki would have you know! Not sure that's a benefit in stop-and-go, especially if you get a good 40C Toronto summer afternoon. Still, between that and carbs, maintenance is a lot easier.
wow - the Jesse cases worth more than he is asking .....
Visit Kijiji Classifieds to buy, sell, or trade almost anything! New and used items, cars, real estate, jobs, services, vacation rentals and more virtually anywhere.
www.kijiji.ca
this is very nice
Visit Kijiji Classifieds to buy, sell, or trade almost anything! New and used items, cars, real estate, jobs, services, vacation rentals and more virtually anywhere.
www.kijiji.ca
this too
2011 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS Adventure Ready! | Sport Touring | Kitchener / Waterloo | Kijiji
and you could sell those farkles for a chunk of change too.
Selling my 2011 V-Strom 650/DL650 ABS that’s adventure ready. She has 52,000 kms but I’ll be riding her until she’s sold. Very reliable bike with a ton of aftermarket parts including: -Givi Airflow windscreen $250 -MadStad windscreen brackets $250 -Oxford heated grips $130 -BarkBusters hand guards $150 -Headlight Gaurd $100 -Radiator guard $100 -SW Motech skid plate $395 -SW Motech crash bars $325 -Pannier Racks $$225 -Jesse hard case luggage (lockable) $1399 Bike had new chain and sprocket done in 2021 along with Fork Seals. Shinko 705 tires are in good shape. Has a pelican top case and tool tube so this bike is ready to take you coast to coast or explore your local backroads. Not looking to make money on it. Has close to $3k in aftermarket parts, asking $4500 ready to ride.
Thanks for these! Have mostly been looking on AutoTrader because Kijiji's interface gives me a headache, but I should expand my search.
I’ve got @MacDoc’s 500X and in all honesty your requirement is what it’s built for.
Dependable, economical, and effective commuter. As that…I think it’s hard to beat.
Highly recommend looking into them. Very good for that duty. Hell if I knew what I really wanted that it can’t do…I’d replace it….but the mofo is just that good. And with hard luggage!
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Yep, it's definitely close to the top of the list, but as
@MacDoc says above, deals are thin on the ground. There are a couple in Quebec that seem fairly priced, but it'd have to be a screaming deal to justify the drive. One of the Burgman's I have my eye on is in New Liskeard, which is just too far to kick tires...
