Low Maintenance Bike.

blondy

blondy

Forum Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2008
Messages
48
Location
Tanunda, SA
Hiya Guys,

Just after some knowledge along the lines of motorbikes, did have an old 74/75 Honda CB 250cc. But only held onto that one as a learner bike, since i really would prefer a bike that doesn't go backwards up a hill with me on it. Now it's gone i'm starting to miss the rides and my bro's bike is dead so i can't flog that one to ride.

Just wondering if you guys are able to help me in my knowledge quest on bikes that are easy to maintain and are low cost bikes to keep running. Would love a Ducati Monster, but i've been warned they cost a lot to keep running and really need a lot of work done on them at every services. Would be good to have one i could learn to maintain, but would be good to have one that wouldn't cost an arm and a leg to get done by a pro.

It would mainly be a sunday rider, just for when the weathers good, no point riding in the rain/crappy weather when i have a car...

Dream bike would probably be a Harley, but then rego/insurance would be a big hit in the pocket. But i do like that style, and i also like the naked bikes too...not a real big fan of the bikes with all the ferrings, i like to see some frame and engine.

Engine size i'm aiming for a 600cc, but depending on costs i'm willing to go bigger, and will ultimately come down to rego/insurance i'm willing to part with.

Any suggestions will be taken on board...hopefully i haven't been to picky and expect something which doesn't exist...

Thanks
 
Poor mans/low maintenance Ducati=Suzuki SV 650:) What I would buy if I was in the market for a street bike.
 
[FONT=verdana, arial, helvetica]Yea i've definitely added that bike to my need to have a gander/test ride on...[/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, helvetica]the boulevards are nice too. i also like the bandit, but they are quite a big bike engine wise, and if i were to go that big, i'd rather go a cruiser.[/FONT]
[FONT=verdana, arial, helvetica]
Definitely want a bike that doesn't have me hunched over and gives you a bad back, needs to be 6foot friendly.

Also like the honda nighthawk...but there seem to be a lot of hornets around too...and honda make a nice looking shawdow.

But i still find myself looking through all of the ducati monsters online... if only they were easy and cheap or cheaper to maintain...[/FONT]
 
blondy stay with the Japanese bikes the sv650 is a top bike.my son had one an he is six foot no prob at all.
 
I'm into vintage bikes but if I "went modern" I'd buy a Suzuki DR-Z400, it's a low maintenance, proven design, low compression (therefore not "stressed" engine-wise), street legal but still off-road capable and has a HUGE aftermarket/knowledge base and it's $7,799.00 new.

Unclviny
 
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Thanks again for the awsum info.

The adventure/super motard bikes...all though they are nice, i don't think they are what i'm after at the moment...i more leaning towards a cafe cruiser style i suppose...one just for a joy ride on a good day and one that is not only comfy for me...but also a passenger...

The two different styles so far that i like are the following;
Naked = SUZUKI GS500 and SV650, HONDA CB900 HORNET
Cruiser = SUZUKI BOULEVARD and HONDA VT750C

All will still come down to the info i dig up about them and the cost of being able to keep them and maintain them. My only worry with the crusiers, is if i get one that is below 1000cc, i'm sure it will go good with just me, but when i add the second person, will it become gutless???

i've never really had a powerful/big bike, so depending on how i feel sitting on one, will probably depend on if i will go for one...don't want to leap onto a bike i don't feel comfortable on with the riding level i'm at...if you know what i mean...?


Cheers,
 
Hi Blondy,

I have an Honda Bros NT650 Grey import LAMS approved, it was the first of Honda single sided swing arm not to be confused with the NTV 650. I have made a few mods, sports exhaust, K&N air filter, CBR 900 rear shock and upgraded front forks. I love the bike especially in the hills.
 
I think its going to come down to a cost shoot out more than a sportbike or cruiser shootout...being more of a solid guy, i see myself on a cruiser if i can afford it, but just not sure if a below 1000cc cruiser style bike will have the power to take me and a passenger. The last thing i want to do is get another bike that goes backwards when i go up hills out my way... since they are a bit of a bigger bike than the nakeds.

Fabes...the honda bros NT looks quite nice...was only able to find the the 400 version on bikepoint/bikesales though...Being a grey import and not purposely made for over here in AUS, does that make it harder to get parts and make it more expensive running cost wise??? never new that model was available till you mentioned it...?

Cheers
 
Blondy
I have not had any issues with my bike to date, Honda has been able to do the basic servicing, I have however sourced parts direct from the UK and the States as some parts work out cheaper that way delivered to the door. The Bros has a large cult following over there so parts can be sourced reasonably easily. A lot of couriers in the UK used these bikes, and all accounts are pretty bullet proof. The only draw back for me is the tank size, only 10 litres with a range of 150 to 180 k's dependent on type on riding. The Bros is the size of a 250 with a 650 shoe horned in there. So if you are around 6 foot you may find it a little tight, and I am not sure on economy two up as I rarely ride two up.

import motorcycle centre in Brisbane were importing these and have a couple bikes that they are dismantleing.
 
YAY...finally have my bike and rode it all the way back from the city and luved it.

Good grunt too...had to remember to hold on...

Here's some pics.

MyDucati003.jpg


MyDucati004.jpg


MyDucati005.jpg


MyDucati006.jpg


MyDucati007.jpg


Thankyou everyone for your help...even though i went in a totally different direction...hehe
 
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