Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: Motorcycle Selection, commute, dual

Question
Hi,

I am looking for a recommendation as to which motorcycle and tire combination to purchase.  I rode motorcycles from 15 to 22 years of age and now I'm 41 and considering getting back into it.  I live on an island in the Puget Sound and my primary reason for getting back on a bike is the "no waiting in line to load" approach the ferry system uses for motorcycles.  Since I live in the NW, my wife is very concerned about motorcycle safety in the rain.  My commute would include a .2 mile ride up a somewhat steep dirt driveway, and then paved streets, a boat ride, and either paved streets or freeway driving to work depending on the day (my work location varies depending on client appointments).  My shortest commute is less than 10 miles on streets and my longest commute would include approximately 20 miles on freeways.  In your opinion, what would be the safest motorcycle and tire combination for such a commute?

Kind Regards,

Carey

Answer
Sounds like your best bet is a dual-sport with dual-purpose (street and off-road) tires.

The Suzuki DR dual-sport lineup makes some great commuter bikes (200, 400, 650). Yamaha also offers the TT series which are great bikes, as well.

Best of all, gas, insurance, and maintenance on these bikes is cheap.

If you're looking for something a little fancier, dual sports like the BMW F650GS or Suzuki V-Strom are great commuters. Kawasaki is now making the Versus (Versys?), which I believe is a 650, and is supposed to be comparable to the V-Strom. For what it's worth, I know two V-Strom owners and they are absolutely rabidly happy with their bikes.

These bikes tend to be on the tall side, so if you're a shorter person, they may not suit you, or you'll have to stick to a smaller one. If these do not appeal to you, consider a scooter in the 250-650 range.

Good luck and happy shopping!

Pat