Recommend me a commuter

[seanie]

Here are a few 650 Nighthawks:
http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/mcy/3454739236.html
http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/mcy/3488844554.html

I'm in Chicago Ridge, and I'll keep an eye out for anything that pops up.

[Hondaguy]

Originally Posted by gat803

My vote would go to the Strom or the Versys, with a slight lean towards the Zook. While I have seen VStroms go fairly cheap, I doubt you'll find a decent one for less than $3500.

I would not want to battle heavy traffic on an under powered cruiser. You need the ability to out manuever and out accelerate/out brake any problems you may run across. A ponderous cruiser is not the right tool for that job.

Waaay agree....I would not want to battle ANY traffic on an under powered bike. I have learned acceleration can be far more effective than braking in pucker moments...which is why I will likely get a commuter at some point.

Before the NCX700 I would have chosen the V Strom..... But now I am not so sure. Honda sure makes a nice bike and yet the Zook is a proven ride.

[vito]

Ninja 300 w/ anti lock brakes.

[PA SHADOW 750]

Any votes for a Bandit from Suzuki ?

[ZackDaniels]

I was looking hard at the Bandit but I think they're 1200 with 40mpg <200 mile range tank only. Also on the list but not mentioned is Honda's 599 but they're rare finds and usually pricey when they pop up.

Originally Posted by Hondaguy

Before the NCX700 I would have chosen the V Strom..... But now I am not so sure. Honda sure makes a nice bike and yet the Zook is a proven ride.

I have to admit the biggest draw of the NC700X is how similar it is to the max and would make for a great kid brother. It has wannabe fake scoops, a gas tank under the seat, and the full size helmet storage for a gas tank is even a step up from the max which just has an airbox in its faux tank. Pound for pound on the specs the strom is still ahead of it IMO, but if I were looking new and not a rat bike the price tag would probably tip the scales in the NC700X's favor. Hard to beat ABS and all it's other bells and whistles for $7k. Hell the Ninja 300 that was mentioned will be pushing $5k when loaded with ABS.

[vzshadow]

I don't think you get ABS unless you spring for the NC700X DCT for $9000.

[Hondaguy]

Originally Posted by ZackDaniels

I was looking hard at the Bandit but I think they're 1200 with 40mpg <200 mile range tank only. Also on the list but not mentioned is Honda's 599 but they're rare finds and usually pricey when they pop up.



I have to admit the biggest draw of the NC700X is how similar it is to the max and would make for a great kid brother. It has wannabe fake scoops, a gas tank under the seat, and the full size helmet storage for a gas tank is even a step up from the max which just has an airbox in its faux tank. Pound for pound on the specs the strom is still ahead of it IMO, but if I were looking new and not a rat bike the price tag would probably tip the scales in the NC700X's favor. Hard to beat ABS and all it's other bells and whistles for $7k. Hell the Ninja 300 that was mentioned will be pushing $5k when loaded with ABS.

The scoops don't bother me. I see them on Tacomas....kind of like those "pec implants" for guys LOL One reason I like the Honda is the storage without bags. my biggest hesitation would be the height, I have ridden the Strom and its a tad high but a great ride otherwise. I just have an affinity for Honda especially when priced right. That said the ABS version is higher than $7k although I don't think ABS would be of supreme value in this area. Doesn't rain a whole lot and no sandy spring, or leafy Fall roads to deal with. I would pay $500 more for ABS. Not $1000.