Looking for a CHEAP commuter bike
#1
Looking for a CHEAP commuter bike
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!
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!
#4
Registered User
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.
#5
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.
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.
#6
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.
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.
#7
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
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
Trending Topics
#8
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Thousand Oaks, CA.
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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
Mike
#9
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.
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.
#10
EX500 >> Blast!