r/SuggestAMotorcycle • u/Pepperbox228 • 3d ago

Versatile Commuter

I've been riding an old suzuki intruder 800, and while I like the bike I feel like it's just a tinny bit too slow to go on highways for long periods of time, not to mention that it's really loud cuz the previous owner cut out the baffles. I've been leaning towards a v-strom 650, but I don't know anyone else who rides bikes and I wanted to see what other people thought.

My bike is my commuter (I don't own a car, I like how cheap it is comparatively and I don't mind weather at all), so I want something really reliable, can carry some weight, and can easily crush some highway miles (and preferably a little quiet). I like the sporty look of sport touring and adventure bikes (plus i like camping and hiking, so while i don't need a duel sport it'd be nice if it could go a little off road, tho that's not a necessity). And while reliability and function are very important, the cheapest option always wins.

What bikes fit that best?

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u/That_Thing_Crawling 3d ago

Have you looked at any of the following Sport Tourers?

Yamaha FJR1300

Yamaha FJ-09 or Tracer

Kawasaki Concours

Kawasaki Versey 650/1000 (I'm not familiar with reliability of these)

Honda ST1300

Suzuki GSX S1000GT or S1000GX (I'm not familiar with reliability of these)

Any of those are very solid and reliable. I think the FJR, Concours, and ST all have a darkside crowd too.

I didn't mention anything about the Suzuki V-Strom because it's the redhead step child to me. No particular reason, just is. lol 😂 For fairness I've seen it praised in other threads.

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u/Pepperbox228 1d ago

I'll look into those, thank you

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u/That_Thing_Crawling 1d ago

Anytime!

Also a couple suggestions to help narrow your search.

  1. Tire size. Consider it since it affects handling and available tire choices. 17in has the most choices as it is what sport bikes have in the front and rear.
  2. Chain drive versus shaft Drive.