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Best enduro bike to buy?

Experienced Motorcyclists: Which bike should I buy???

  • I currently commute 120 highway miles round trip to work each day. I drive a lifted SUV that gets 17 mpg and currently paying $500/month in gas. I usually drive 70-80 mph and hit a couple rabbits on the way to work (not much traffic). If I can buy a motorcycle to save on gas and to have a little fun, all the while paying as much as I currently do, I am totally going for it. I have a little experience on my dad's honda xr450. What bike do you recommend for a beginner? I currently drive 2200-2500 miles a month, is it really dangerous to be logging that many miles on a bike as a beginner? What do you think about the on/offroad(enduro) bikes? I am 6'5" tall and weigh 230lb, and I am solid. I don't want a small bike that I will be uncomfortable on. I am debating whether getting a perhaps a Honda Rebel 250 or on the other extreme a CBR1000RR. Do you know the MPGs/safety/any other information that I can use? Any other bikes you might suggest? Are those cool looking bowl-shaped chinstrap biker helmets safe? FYI: I work at a base, so I WOULD be required to wear pants, and a bright DOT approved vest, helmet, etc. ANY QUESTIONS/COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS are VERY welcome!! :D

  • Answer:

    I would get a KLR650. It's a dual purpose, street legal bike made by Kawasaki. A Rebel isn't enough for those kinds of miles and a CBR is too much for a beginner, not all that comfortable for distance, doesn't get the best mileage and is more expensive than many alternatives. They are reliable, easy to ride and comfortable for that kind of haul. they can get 50mpg and are under $7000.00 new. Plenty of them on the used market for 3 to 5000.00. They are a tall bike, but at 6'5", it should fit you nicely, powerful enough to be fun and work well on the highway, capable of off-road excursions and simple mechanically. The bowl shaped biker helmets are safe, for the top of your head, if that's what contacts the ground. I'm not sure, but the base might make you have a higher coverage helmet and it will have to be DOT approved.

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Get a hayabusa.

Luke

with the miles you drive and speeds, I would suggest either a gold wing or dressed harley.. reason being saddle bags for rain gear, leathers, etc..

ridingorracing

The Rebel is a good bike but too small for Your needs. The CBR is a race replica and probably wouldn't be comfortable for the miles You are logging. Approximate fuel mileage will range from to 45 to 55 mpg on a 650-1000 cc bike. Get a good full face helmet, I don't know anyone who crashed and skidded on the top of his head, the Jello bowl helmets are useless in a real world crash. Look at the Suzuki V Strom 650 and 1000 as options or maybe used sport tourer like the Yamaha FJR or Honda ST would be options. Also the Suzuki Bandit is a good bike that can be had for reasonable $$.

Scott M

I would recommend a cruiser or standard motorcycle, and the best way to find the one that will fit you best, is to go to the dealer and try sitting on them, some dealers have demos you can take for a spin. It looks like you will be on the highway most of the time so I would stick with a 250 or 500cc if you worry about gas mileage. Also insurance is a lot cheaper then a sport bike. As for enduro bikes, you should be at home if you have been riding your dad’s xr450. But before you do all of this, a motorcycle safety class is always a good start. Riding gear is also important, so a helmet with no face shield will only protect your head, but what about your face…

Paul

Something like a CBF1000 would probably suit your needs. Or a "dresser' like the last guy suggested. An 1400GTR or something like that.

Hruth

Im not all that experrienced but I can agree a Rebel wouldnt cut it and I dont personally like riding sport bikes. My butt goes numb after about 20 miles on my magna so Id have to agree with the guys telling you go for the big dressed out touring bike. I ride mine to work too but I only have a 30 mile round trip run. I do ride mine farther but if I was gonna do it every day Id get a bigger cushier bike.

opinionatedmedic

this is a question of taste as well as necessity i would probably recommend a moderately dressed honda shadow (gas mileage, good cruise speed, ease of repair, cost) size would have to be your choice but nothing smaller than 750 would suit your needs.

newandwizer

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