Pick a commuter bike..250R, YZF600r, GS500...

[101lifts2]

I have to get a new commuter bike coming off of an 06 EX500 with 34k miles. I have narrowed down the choices to a few bikes from what I've found..

2009 New Suzuki GS500F - 2999 plus whatever the fuck they are gonna add on.

2007 YZF600r - 535 miles 3799.00

2007 EX500 $2999.00 with 7200 miles

2010 Kawi 250r New or Used 2999.00. There are alot of these here.

I'm leaning towards the GS500f. I've had the YZF and actually I really like that bike, so this is a top contender too.

Anyone own a 2010 250R? Will it do 90mph on the freeway?

What about a GS500? Is the motor an unrefined droaing pig? What about the fuel economy? Lists 59mpg on the zuk website.

thx
lifts

[Evadd]

my fiance has an 08 250. i rode it back about 60 miles from where we bought it - it will happily do 80-90 on the freeway, although i don't know about much above that.

my vote is for the 600R, but i'm also biased, having owned one for the past 8 years. don't know anything about the 500F.

[pauldun170]

YZF600r

[101lifts2]

my fiance has an 08 250. i rode it back about 60 miles from where we bought it - it will happily do 80-90 on the freeway, although i don't know about much above that.

my vote is for the 600R, but i'm also biased, having owned one for the past 8 years. don't know anything about the 500F.

Dude do you remember how the brakes were? One thing on the EX500 is the brakes suck badly.

Another thing, I lanespiit almost the whole way to and from work 46 miles total, so the bike has to be one of these narrow ass bikes.

[derf]

2009 New Suzuki GS500F - Awesome price for a bike that is more refined than the ex500

2007 YZF600r - My top pick, more expensive, but long run it will probably be the best bike for you, best looking, best riding, more power, more comfort, totally worth the extra $$$

2007 EX500 $2999.00 - A good bike with no major flaws (front brakes could use some work), it will never leave you on the side of the road, 20 year old design, my money would go with the suzuki GS500, but it would be a hard desicion

2010 Kawi 250r - A bike that will last forever, but in the 65+ range it has no balls, for the same price and the same gas mileage you are better off with one of the larger bikes, you might pay more for insurance than you save on gas for a bigger cc engine but its worth it

[Particle Man]

I liked the feel of the GS500F but that's just me. I'd upgrade the brakes and suspension a bit but other than that I liked it.

[Smittie61984]

Scooter FTW!!!
http://www.paramorescooter.com/

Would you look into the Hyosung or UM 250?

[Dave]

i pick 1991 F2 for $1800

[TYEster]

I vote WRX and not the Subaru version.

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/596/0/home.aspx

[fnfalman]

I don't care for the wooden brakes on the Zuke.

Out of all of those, I'd choose the EX500 again.

[Cutty72]

I'd say the Yami.

The 250 will do 90. Prob hit 100-105 with a average size person on it, but it's SCREAMING at those speeds. If a lot of freeway/higher speed highway driving is in your commute, I suggest something a touch bigger.

[pauldun170]

I have to get a new commuter bike coming off of an 06 EX500 with 34k miles. I have narrowed down the choices to a few bikes from what I've found..

2009 New Suzuki GS500F - 2999 plus whatever the fuck they are gonna add on.

2007 YZF600r - 535 miles 3799.00

2007 EX500 $2999.00 with 7200 miles

2010 Kawi 250r New or Used 2999.00. There are alot of these here.

I'm leaning towards the GS500f. I've had the YZF and actually I really like that bike, so this is a top contender too.

Anyone own a 2010 250R? Will it do 90mph on the freeway?

What about a GS500? Is the motor an unrefined droaing pig? What about the fuel economy? Lists 59mpg on the zuk website.

thx
lifts

For commuter duty, I would rather a liquid cooled bike for those days stuck in traffic but our weather is more "diverse" than yours.

EX500 - Little long in the tooth and like the 250r, I feel its one of those bikes that you should always buy used.
EX500 > 250r for commuter duty in mixed traffic (grunt)
250r > 500r for light traffic and a lot of backroads (Its nice only having to fill up the gas tank once a year)

GS500 -No wind protection. Commuter fail

Like I said, I'd go with the YZF600r but it does lose out to the GS500f on the park it anywhere test. I prefer commuter bikes to be on the undesirable side so I don't have to worry about people eyeballing it.

I'd do a comparison of luggage options for each.
However the GS500F is definitely a contender.

[jtemple]

Drz400!

[shmike]

What's wrong with the current bike?

[Smittie61984]

Drz400!

Trial bike FTW! Just drive over the fuckers...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HE0bjxDI-_c

[Sean]

A buddy of mine is selling a VFR for around that...it's got some miles but is in great shape.

Is it all highway or urban? If there was any urban in there I'd go DRZ400...of that group the GS. Aidan rode his (prev gen) 250 to Monterey and he said he was just pinned the entire way on the 5.

[Homeslice]

2009 New Suzuki GS500F -
garbage
2007 YZF600r
passable


2007 EX500

COMPLETE garbage, and a 20 year old design


2010 Kawi 250r

halfway decent, but not for someone your size.

What about a GS500?

garbage

An SV650 is so much better than any of those, it's not even funny.

[Smittie61984]

Talk to Digifox. I hear he can get some great deals.

By the way I'm with Jtemple on the DRZ400

[Sean]

Yeah, the SV650.

[Kaneman]

If you're lane-splitting for most of your commute I'd go with the 250.

[Particle Man]

Talk to Digifox. I hear he can get some great deals.

By the way I'm with Jtemple on the DRZ400

Thread-tie win :lol:

[smileyman]

I gotta weigh in. I have put Thousands of miles on the 600R, I have owned 3, and the SV650.
The Yammie wins hands down. Better brakes, better adjustable suspension, better ergos and seat, better wind protection. Its faster and more refined. The yammie is also a passable sport tourer as well...

[101lifts2]

Scooter FTW!!!
http://www.paramorescooter.com/

Would you look into the Hyosung or UM 250?

Don't want a Hyosung...I need this to be reliable. lol

Don't really want a scooter because they are too cramped.

2009 New Suzuki GS500F - Awesome price for a bike that is more refined than the ex500

2007 YZF600r - My top pick, more expensive, but long run it will probably be the best bike for you, best looking, best riding, more power, more comfort, totally worth the extra $$$

2007 EX500 $2999.00 - A good bike with no major flaws (front brakes could use some work), it will never leave you on the side of the road, 20 year old design, my money would go with the suzuki GS500, but it would be a hard desicion

2010 Kawi 250r - A bike that will last forever, but in the 65+ range it has no balls, for the same price and the same gas mileage you are better off with one of the larger bikes, you might pay more for insurance than you save on gas for a bigger cc engine but its worth it


Fuckin dealer wants 1760 bucks added onto the 2999 price for the GS500. This is only for "setup". Then add in TTL. Not getting that.

[101lifts2]

I vote WRX and not the Subaru version.

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/596/0/home.aspx

Tank is too small....no wind protection sucks ass in the winter. I ride year round remember.

[101lifts2]

What's wrong with the current bike?

I can fix it, but currently...

1. Need chain and sprockets. Chain has like 5 inches of slack and it is adjusted to the max. I think whoever replaced the chain last put an extra link in. Not sure, but its due.

2. Carb issue where I cannot get it off of choke until about 20 min. Bike will stall and has stalled several times while splitting to the front at a light unless the choke is full on or the engine is real hot. Could just be the carb sync (item 4).

3. Valve adjustment is way overdue.

4. Carb sync.

5. Rear tire.

6. Some minor squeaking noise coming from the front chain area. Not sure if its rectifier or the chain.

7. There is exhaust leaking at the front header (I think).

8. When I spray carb cleaner near the carbs, engine speeds increase. Possible vacuum leak. Might need carb gaskets.

I use this bike 46 miles a day...I need it reliable. I only paid 2650 for this thing and I rode it 18 months almost everyday. I think I got my money's worth. It's been a damn good little bike and a killer splitting bike.

I cleaned the carbs and replaced the plugs about a month ago (plug were like 2.64 each..cheap) and it helped a little, but they need work. Once off idle or if its hot it runs good.

At 34k, I'm starting to worry about charging, wheel bearings and piston rings.

[101lifts2]

A buddy of mine is selling a VFR for around that...it's got some miles but is in great shape.

Is it all highway or urban? If there was any urban in there I'd go DRZ400...of that group the GS. Aidan rode his (prev gen) 250 to Monterey and he said he was just pinned the entire way on the 5.

It's all freeway on the 91...BUT you have to split the whole way there and back. I can do 90mph, but your cutting at that speed.

The DRZ bars are too wide to split easy.

[101lifts2]

....An SV650 is so much better than any of those, it's not even funny.

Yeah SV650 is another contender...I found an 07 with like 135 miles for 4400..but I wanted to spend 3k and trade this thing in.

[101lifts2]

If you're lane-splitting for most of your commute I'd go with the 250.


Actually this is why I'm leaning against the 250. When the cars are going 70 and your splitting at 90mph around a curve you need to do it like today. :lol I don't want to begin splitting and then have to back down because the cars next to me are trying to do 100.

[TYEster]

Tank is too small....no wind protection sucks ass in the winter. I ride year round remember.

So do I :lol:

[smileyman]

The stock fork and shock on the SV will leave you crying. The YZF600R is a couch. Just sayin'

[Sean]

It's all freeway on the 91...BUT you have to split the whole way there and back. I can do 90mph, but your cutting at that speed.

The DRZ bars are too wide to split easy.

On my supermoto the wide bars aren't a problem because they're above most mirrors, whereas sportbikes tend to be right at mirror height. I split like nobody's business on the Husky.

[Porkchop]

My vote is the yammie. Although I've never tried to lane split through traffic so I don't know whether it would be too big. I'm just not sure if the 250 has enough oomph at high speed....

[Homeslice]

The stock fork and shock on the SV will leave you crying.

Its suspension is still better than any of the 500's, 250's, or dual-sports mentioned.

[smileyman]

Its suspension is still better than any of the 500's, 250's, or dual-sports mentioned.

Agreed. Brakes are better than those as well, but it would take a premium shock and some cartridge emulators to bring it up to the YZF600R suspension. Thats a good 1600 dollars extra work.

[JoJoYZF]

My vote is for the yzf. Obviously Im a little bias just like some others on here but it seems like it would meet your needs pretty well. Its a pretty well rounded bike and easily enough power to pass with no issues.

[Full Throttle]

Don't want a Hyosung...I need this to be reliable. lol

Don't really want a scooter because they are too cramped.


I would like to inform you that i had a Hyosung 250R. I had minor problems with it but nothing that made it be considered unreliable. The bike ran 15k in 3 years and i rode it like a 600cc. thats why i had some minor problems with it lol. I rode the shit out of it. Also i wrecked it twice and dropped it once and That bike can handle a wreck really well. The plastics are more durable than any other bike.

But my vote goes to the YZF600R. But im also Biased since i have the R6 lol.

[101lifts2]

I would like to inform you that i had a Hyosung 250R. I had minor problems with it but nothing that made it be considered unreliable. The bike ran 15k in 3 years and i rode it like a 600cc. thats why i had some minor problems with it lol. I rode the shit out of it. Also i wrecked it twice and dropped it once and That bike can handle a wreck really well. The plastics are more durable than any other bike.

But my vote goes to the YZF600R. But im also Biased since i have the R6 lol.

Sounds like a great stunt bike. lol

I thought about the 250R because I *thought* it had fuel injection for 2010, but it doesn't.....The thing new is 3799 with a 2 year warranty...hmmmm. What gas mileage did you guy? How was the bike overall? Issues? What were your "minor issues"?

[Rangerscott]

I'm sure they didnt efi the 250 for cost reasons. There is a bigger carb kit for it.

I believe the Hyo's are now EFI in the US now.

[Avatard]

My 250 has been as reliable as a rock, and I treated it like utter shit for 6500 miles before I parked it. Never gave it a service. Not even once. Fucking criminal. It's been off the road forever, and it still started and ran after leaving shit gas in it to rot for over 5 years.

It does 110, 115 if you lay on the tank. It redlines at fourteen grand. Durable as shit.

[101lifts2]

I fixed the EX500....450 bucks total:
1. New rear Michelin tire.
2. New 530 chain and rear sprocket (the front didn't need to be replaced).
3. Valve Adjustment.
4. Carb Sync. and adjust idle speed.
5. Fixed the stalling issue...apparently two carb ports were not supposed to be plugged.
6. Motul 5100 oil and Fram filter.
7. Changed engine coolant.
8. Changed fork oil.
9. Flushed brakes, but I told the dude I just did this.
10. Only exhaust leak was from the pencil hole in each can for water drainage. Headers nuts are tight and not actually leaking.

Didn't charge any tax....

[Particle Man]

I usually change sprockets in pairs but that's just me. Cool that it's fixed dude

[LeeNetworX]

It's all freeway on the 91...BUT you have to split the whole way there and back. I can do 90mph, but your cutting at that speed.

The DRZ bars are too wide to split easy.

You sure you don't want a DRZ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYu7DQn5vAI&feature=player_embedded

[101lifts2]

You sure you don't want a DRZ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYu7DQn5vAI&feature=player_embedded


Video looks fake. His speed wasn't all that fast for how far the guy went. I'm callin bs.

[OTB]

A much-forgotten bike...the ZX650R...slim, (relatively) quick, good mileage, comfy, decent handling, full fairing: I picked up an 07 with 1900 miles on it this spring for $3200..much more bike than either the ex500 or the gs500..
http://kawasakininjazx6r.com/gallery2/d/24-1/black+red+silver+ninja+650r.jpg

[101lifts2]

The 650Rs are nice, but the bars are too wide. I rode one about three years ago. Great motor.

[OTB]

The 650Rs are nice, but the bars are too wide. I rode one about three years ago. Great motor.

I trimmed mine with a Dremel 2" on a side...........

[Sean]

I hated that thing in the canyons, though I guess it'd be a good commuter. Very heavy and not much power.

[TYEster]

Video looks fake. His speed wasn't all that fast for how far the guy went. I'm callin bs.

LOL not fake.

That's the power of the supermoto.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KEXI5GHoUI

[101lifts2]

^^^OIC...lol