Recommendation for a commuter

[Velocity]

Hi all,

I'm new here and looking for a dual-purpose bike for commuting duties. The search facility is down at the mo, so I'll have to start a new thread.

Ok, a little background:

I'm have been riding for 5 years, but that has been on road\sports bike. I'm a regular mt. biker, but havent gone off road on a m\c yet. So, I'm keen to do some trail riding as well.

Anyways, my commute is in suburban\CBD of Sydney, AUST., so there's not many freeways involved. But lots of potting around and splitting lanes in traffic. Each trip is around 30kms [~20miles].

For my budget, I'm looking at late 90's to early 00's models of the following:

- Honda NX650, XL650V, XR650L

- Suzuki DR650R\SE

[would love the new DRZ400SM Supermotard, but 3X budget limit] Click

- Kawasaki KLR650, KLX650

- Yamaha XT600E/Z

What are your thoughts ?

I dont know much about these bikes, but I'm 5"8 and would like features such as Electric start, Tacho, reliability, and decent fuel tank. 95% would be commuting, and 5% firetrail when I have time

Also, what's your opinion on air cooled vs liquid cooled engines ? I've had liquid cooled twins and IL4's, so servicing isnt a problem. And since I'm mostly road riding, I wont be dropping the bike as I may do offroad [minimise damage].

Thank you for your time. Any input is much appreciated.

[cjracer]

Just to add one more to think about. What about a KTM LC4 640? I don't know how available they are over there, but if you can find a good deal on one I wouldn't pass it up even if it may be alittle more than the others. Good Luck.

[tntmo]

The KLR650 is probably the best 95% on-road enduro out of that list, that's what I bought mine for and it's a pretty good commuter. It's also probably the least powerful one on the list, very weak motor in my opinion. Comes with everything on your list, E-start, tach, BIG tank, reliable.

You may have to lower most of the bikes on your list to feel comfortable at 5'8".

[Velocity]

Thanx for the replies.

The Honda and the Kawasaki are the top runners at the moment.

But I'll have to sit on a few to see how they are for my height.

I'll keep an eye for KTM's, but they're a bit rarer to find in comparison.

Cheers.

[yater]

I'm 5'7" and the dr650 is the ONLY bike for me from that list. Of course, the seat has to go and a bigger tank is nice but probably not necessary for commuting

[DarinBell]

Go for the DR650. It's a really good 50/50 bike. Comfortable enough to commute with and a pretty decent trail bike. I've had two of them and my last was a '96 that I put 10K mile on it when I sold it and it ran fantastic.

[smokey28723]

If your planning on taking the bike off road and riding the trails, the DR650 would be a great choice. I ride with some guys that have Honda 650's. They are a little bit heavier in the woods. If you're looking for the comfort ride, and something to haul gear, the KLR 650 is a good choice. This bike will be a lot heavier for riding the thighter trails.

[OldThumperLover]

Here's an alternative. Very roadworthy.

Scrambler

[Velocity]

Thanx all

On paper, the KLR is the preferred bike, and is the only one in production [as well as the Yammy, but it's not as road-friendly as the others.]

I'll have to check them all out and see how they fit me.

Cheers.

[Shakeyhands]

If your planning on off roading at all.. the only choice here is the XR650L, none of the others can hold a candle to it off road and on road it has impeccable manners, i'm really surprised no one has really suggested it thus far. Without a doubt, its the best all round of all the bikes you've mentioned. Only the DR would come close but come on, do you really want to ride a Suzuki?????

[cheff]

I commute every day on the 650L. It is an excellent bike in stop and go traffic. But now I am getting a TE610. It think it will be much better than the L in stop and go traffic since it has almost double the hp and same slim design.

[tigerowner_ut]

A used (old style) Husky 610 would be a good option for you. Solid bike that won best dual sport in 2002 here in the States.

[MBD Afflicted]

Based on your stated riding, 95% on and 5% fire roads, I would strongly suggest the Kawasaki KLR650.

Great bike, lots of support - klr650.net - and I'm sure you will be quite happy.

[irlsanders]

Yup, KLR is a great 50-50 bike. For 90% on road, also look into a 650 VStrom

[Velocity]

Thank you for your replies. ?

On paper, the KLR is still the clear favourite.

- Still in production [getting parts from dealers]

- Liquid Cooled [good for commuting]

- Large tank

- Good aftermarket support [lots of parts from wreakers too]

- Good forum [KLR650.Net]

The bikes in my budget range will have over 50,000kms on them, so there's bound to be repairs\replacments in the near future.

Cheers.

[Shakeyhands]

bah... can't tell these noobs anything.... lol