bulldogs2k

Hey all,

I'm looking for a cheap commuter bike that will last me 2 years or more. Used Buell Blast sell around $2000, which is a great deal IMO. Is the bike worth it, and how are they in terms of reliability? I like the idea of having a beater bike, specialy when I get a Ducati. Lets hear it!

Anrosphynx

sv650 used. probably get one for about 2500-3000 and those things are bullit proof!

bulldogs2k

I want to keep it under $2000 but i have thought about the SV650. I'm a HUGE fan of twins.

Penforhire

I'd stretch a little to get a twin like that SV650 before settling on the Blast. Even the older Kawi EX500 or 'Zuki GS500E sound like better commuters to me. I don't like singles on the street (not even BMW's recent 650's) because of the vibes.

ZDan

Chrissakes, don't get a "Blast!".

Bikes mentioned above are great, you also might consider a Ninja 250. $3000 brand fricking new, so used under $2k oughta be findable. They also get about 1000 miles per gallon or some such...

BTW, I have a 2000 SV650 naked. GREAT bike. A real landmark bike IMHO.

TheDonEffect

I too am sorta on the same boat in regards to looking for a cheap commuter bike. I love the SV, but people have been pushing to go with the 03+ because of the fuel injection, but that pushes it out of my budget.
I guess this question is more for ZDan being that he owns a carb sv, how is it in terms of upkeep and such? I don't mind getting my hands dirty and learning new stuff, but I'm no mechanic.

ZDan

Over 13k miles, required upkeep on the carbed SV has been limited to oil changes, tires, and keeping the chain lubed. The bike has been very reliable and a helluva lot of fun (incl. one track day in which I passed about a million Ducatis).

Carbs are no problemo. In fact, if you wanna mod, changing the A/F mixture is way cheaper than having to get a chip for a fuel-injected bike. I opened up the intake and installed a slip-on dual exhaust for ~10% greater power/torque (+20% in the midrange!), and rejetting only cost about $10 in parts.

Check out SVRider.com

Rdrcr

The Buell Blast is an awsome beginer/commuter bike. I owned one for a little over a year and never had one problem. It handles very well and runs great on both, the street and highway. However, it could use a little more power, but it will do 85-90mph without too much trouble. The SV650 is another great bike if you can find one in your price range.

Mike

bulldogs2k

Thanks mike,
I needed a opinion from someone that has owned or ridden one. I narrowed it down to a ex500 or the blast. SV650 are hard to come by with a 2000 dollar cap.

ZDan

EX500 >> Blast!