Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: choose the wright bike, suzuki dl650 v strom, honda nighthawk 700s

Question
Hi, I have a honda cb 700s nighthawk  year 1985.
It' s a good bike and very low maintenance( i love that).
Because  it's start to lick oil from inside the engine and is not
relly confortable for freeway trips,i'm looking to by a new one
maybe 2 years old for save some moneys.
I'm 6 feet tal and i have long legs ,i'm not a big guy i'm waight
170lb.
There are so many bikes i like it but  i never have to deal with
chain(my is drive shaft).
Can you help me with  advices for a good bike  low
maintenance?
I' m  between street bike(fast and agile) and cruise (heavy and
not so fast)
I don't know if is good for me to go with bike like bandit1200 or
stay in the 600 range.
I know i need a lite bike because with my bike i have problem on
turns(to lean correctly).
For make it easy.....what bike can be good for me.....low
maintenance,lite and confortable.
what you think of the new Suzuki dl650 v-strom?
I think my big problem is the Chain (never have one0 is that a
big maintanance thing?
Thanl you.
Sorry english is not my first language(italian).

Answer
Andrea,

Grazie for the questions. The 1985 Honda Nighthawk 700S is a great motorcycle for city and short rides. The shaft drive and automatic valves are really great. There really isn't a bike like it anymore, and that is too bad. But new bikes offer a lot of value, performance and improvements as well.

Except for cruisers and a few touring bikes (and most all BMW's), no one really makes a sporty street bike with shaft drive anymore. There are lots of reasons for this, but the main thing to know is that taking care of a chain is not very difficult, and a chain has a lot of advantages. The power transfer of a chain drive is much more efficient than a shaft drive system, and they don't upset the handling like a shaft can. Also, they are less complex and easier to service. Lastly, a chain drive allows you to change your gearing for better acceleration or better touring, depending on what you want to do.

Any bike you buy is going to require a certain amount of care. You will need to check the oil, get the brake fluid changed every two years, get it tuned up, and fix any other problems that may come up. But for the most part, all major motorcycle brands make highly reliable bikes that require very little care overall. There is not one bike or brand that is vastly better than another.

If you are having problems turning, a “lighter” bike is not going to make any difference. Your problem is in your technique. You do not “lean” a bike to make it turn. A bike leans over as it turns, it is a natural function of the physics involved. Most likely, you are “fighting” the bike to make it lean over, rather than letting it lean naturally as it turns. If you can attend a riding school, I strongly suggest it. If you are in the United States, you can get more information at www.msf-usa.org. They will have times, places and costs listed. I suggest you take the Advanced class since you already know the basics.

As for choosing between the 1200 Bandit and the V-Strom 650, I'd choose the V-Strom. It is going to have the same weight (maybe a little less) than your old Honda 700S, but more power and much better handling and brakes. It's very easy to ride and has a great engine. It will still be very comfortable and you should have no problem riding it since you are six feet tall. I think a 1200 Bandit is too big, too heavy and too powerful for you since you are having trouble turning. It's a good bike (I ride one), but I think you'd be much happier with the 650 V-Strom. It's also a better highway bike than the 1200 Bandit.

Don't worry about switching to chain drive. Yes, there is more maintenance. You need to keep it lubricated with chain oil and make sure it is not loose (a shop mechanic can check it for you). But it has many advantages over a shaft drive system, which is why it's used on most motorcycles. Modern chains are easy to care of, I'm sure you can handle it.

Your old Honda CB700S is a great bike, but it is an old bike. Once you ride a V-Strom 650, you'll see the difference 20 years of improvement can make. Better handling, a better engine, better brakes, a better seat and more comfort on the highway make it a great choice.

Good luck, ride smart, and have fun.

Ciao!

Bill Roberson