Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: Choosing a bike, motor cross bikes, kawasaki kz650

Question
William,

I have not ridden a bike in 14 years. I have never owned a bike (except for small motor cross bikes when I was a kid). I have some experience with an 81 Kawasaki KZ650. Recently, I decided that I would like to start riding again. I enrolled in a safety course.

Now I'm trying to figure out which used bike to buy. I would like to spend about $3,500. I am looking for the fall/winter bargain. I have been considering naked bikes and some entry level cruisers. I have been doing a lot of reading. Based purely on paper, I like the SV650.

My criteria has been:
1. Versatility (i.e. Styling, comfort-I'm 6'1", acceleration, highway speed capabilities)
2. Low maintenance
3. The KZ650 had decent speed/power. Will I get bored with my new bike?
4. Price (My wife went back to college for 3 more years.)
5. I will probably buy a Sport/Tourer in a few years. I'd like to buy a bike that I intend to keep around as a local fun bike too.

Can you suggest a few bikes and their "pros & cons". Also, is their a good Consumer reports style buyers guide for used bikes? (I've seen Motor Cyclist's Oct. issue)

Thank you.


Answer
Jeremy,

Thanks for the question. Sorry for the long delay in getting you an answer, but I only got an email today (Oct. 11) that your query was pending. AllExperts can be that way sometimes.

Anyway, you are on the right track with the SV650. It's an excellent all-around bike that would be good for all of your criteria except perhaps long-distance touring. It is a fast, agile, easy-to-own bike that is well-made and hard to get tired of. In contrast to your 81 KZ650, it's MUCH faster (trust me), handles about 1000% better and is easier to ride in every regard. I have ridden one and agree, seeing as I also own a 1978 KZ1000. It will take a very long time to outgrow, if you ever do.  A friend of mine who bought one of the first SV650's when they came out still has it and rides it, even though he also has a Ducati high-performance bike. "Nothing better for riding in town" is what he says. It's a gem. If you are looking to do any distance on it, add a small aftermarket fairing for better highway comfort.

I have not seen a "consumer reports" type of publication that compares bikes. Not that I would trust it anyway- bike comparisons are highly subjective. It's not like you are comparing vacuum cleaners. The recent "Motorcyclist" used bike comparison story was dead on- I agreed with pretty much every choice. I'd keep reading comparison stories if more pop up, but I still think the SV is a good bet for you. However, you did ask for other ideas, so look at these bikes if you get a chance.

Kawasaki ZR7 and ZR7S (any year): this is another good beginner bike. It's an inline-4 700 so it has a bit more juice than the SV. Good brakes, simple motor (highly reliable) and easy to find used on the cheap. The S model has a nice sport fairing, which is great for sport touring. Just add some soft bags.

Honda VFR (1990 or later): I'm sure you've read and heard much about Honda's "do everything" sportbike. All the stories are true- it's a hugely capable bike. Not a naked bike, obviously, but if want a bike that can really do everything, including your future sport touring, this is it. Despite appearances, it's quite comfortable, even for two people. Early 1990's models will probably be right in your price range.

Honda Nighthawk 750 (any year): It's the Plain Vanilla motorcycle to be sure, but it's the closest thing to your 81 KZ650, if you liked that bike. It has more power, better brakes and superior handling than the old KZ, and more room for gear. Also, Honda makes a ton of accessories for it, so you can tour on it no problem ("sport" touring, I dunno, depends on how much "sport" you want). Also big and powerful enough to keep a passenger happy, if you know what I mean.

Triumph Bonneville: the new one, not the old ones. Probably out of your price range, but if you like vintage rides that don't have vintage problems, this is a great bike that's very easy to ride, has great power (it's an 800), looks super cool and sounds great.

Then of course, there's always the 81 KZ650. If you liked it before, it's certainly a capable bike. The SV is superior in every way, but that's not to say you couldn't cross the country on an old KZ (the engine in the ZR7 is a direct descendant). Now that you are a bit older and wiser, maybe a vintage KZ750 or 1000 would be a great way to get back into the sport. When I'm not out on my GSXR, I love to take my 78 KZ1000 for a spin. But if you want something more up to date, I don't think you could do much better than the SV650.

Ride safe, have fun.

William Roberson
www.greatoldbikes.com