Thinking about a bike

[spacemanspif]

Interesting, I didn't know that the batteries are removable on some of the E-bikes. I'll have to look into that more.

For the rest, I am not pedaling a bike 4 miles to work on roads with small shoulders and speed limits of 45-65mph. Sorry, but I don't think a suburban commute on highways is a safe place for a bicycle. As I showed on the map of my area, the 4 mile commute is the most direct with other routes at least doubling the mileage traveled.

[user removed]

Some of the responses seemed to ignore your criterion. Preferred standard type, must be capable of short 70 mph section of the commute, 100 mpg hopefully.

I still think the TU250 x is the best choice, but not in your price range requirements. You have time to look (months). I picked one up in Silver Springs MD, just above the DC beltway for $2300 two years ago.

regards
mech

[jkv357]

The TU 250 might not be too bad for you. Here's a small test with some real-world observations - 2015 Suzuki TU250X Comparison - Motorcycle USA. It is just barely capable of the speeds you require.

The big (650) enduro is a different animal. Some like the tall height and dirt bike riding position, others not so much.

From what you have said, I think something more along the lines of the TU might be right for you.

[sendler]

TU250 small naked bike shoot out.
.
2014 Lightweight Naked Shootout - Motorcycle.com
.

[mrbigh]

Originally Posted by fearlessjoe

a 250 sports bike will do 85 ... 250 crusers in my experiance are slow..... might do 70..... but it will be absolute full wack...... yamaha did a vstar 400...... dunno if it was sold in the states though... my 650 vstar ill only do maybe 95.... unless you hit a hill.... then it wont but it will cruse at 65 all day and gets alright mpg

or honda shadow 600ish....

if you can live with the slowness the 250 will get better millage obviously....

is it there any yamaha 250 and above with fuel injected on the V start series?

[roosterk0031]

Was at a high school athletic banquet last night a had a guy ask me what I was riding, told him a sold everything a couple years ago but was looking for a XR250 for a putt around bike (remembering he showed me his 87 or so about 8 years ago). Little more small talk for about 5 minutes and the XR came up again and that he had one(didn't remember showing it to me).

When we looked at it about 8 years ago (daughters same age so was dropping mine off for a b'day party or something) he told me the he just put $1200 into the engine at a dealer and put it in the shed afterwards. I said I don't think I can afford a toy for what it's probably worth to you, he said throw out a number, $300, his response was sold. I'll wait till Thanksgiving to pick it up.

Now I just have to figure out how to license it. I have another friend with a xl250 that I doubt has been on the road in years if it still runs, thinking if I "buy" that it's close enough, just need to add a brake light.

[Grant-53]

Check the state DMV website. Usually a bill of sale is needed to register a bike.

The Yamaha V star 250 spec. is a Mikuni 26 mm carb.

[Doc Joe]

The more I thought about your only living 4 miles from work, why don't you make your car more efficient and use the money from the motorcycle to make the upgrades to your car??
The cost of the bike ($1500.00 to $5000.00), insurance and tags ETC would more than pay for some great upgrade to your car easily paying for itself in a short amount of time.
I ride 22 to 25 miles (depending on route I take) from school and my bike get 47 to 50 mpg, I am always looking to upgrade my bike for better mileage and comfort.
Just an afterthought...

Doc.

[fearlessjoe]

Originally Posted by mrbigh

is it there any yamaha 250 and above with fuel injected on the V start series?

the newer bigger ones yes... but the smaller engined ones... no not as far as i know

[spacemanspif]

That Royal Enfield in the article is a very nice bike but the price tag isn't very attractive. I'm going to keep an eye out for a used one while looking for a TU. I think you guys have convinced me to stay away from vintage standards for the reliability factor alone.

Doc Joe: It's more an emotional decision than an objective one. I simply want a bike and have wanted one for a long time. Using one for a warm weather commuter is a great opportunity to do this and get it out of my system before a mortgage and children muddy up the finances.