morrobaybum

So I have just decided to head back to school and now my commute has now tripled what it used to be and I am bleeding out money from having to fill up all the time. So since the S2K doesn't get the best mileage out there I am looking to get a bike as my commuter to save on the gas costs. I used to ride a number of years ago but haven't really since I got the S. I was hoping some people here could give me some good ideas about a used bike under 2K. I know that I want more of a cruiser style just for sake of being comfortable and then the wife might actually ride on the back. Any of you own something that might fit or know of a bike that would.

Saki GT

Do you have any preference for engine size?

I'd start with nakeds like the SV650, Honda 599/919 that can be had for around $3k - neutral riding position but still fun. Maybe a 90s Triumph Speed Triple. Otherwise an older Honda Nighthawk...

Cruisers - you could get a Honda Shadow, Suzuki Boulevard.

Penforhire

You would be quite unusual if you found a "cruiser" more comfortable for long rides than a "standard" (like the SV650 mentioned). Typical cruiser ergonomics include feet forward, all your weight on your @ss (and hard to stand on the pegs for rough pavement or crossing tracks), and overly tall/wide handle bars. I'd look for a deal on that SV650 (not the S model unless it really fits you better), between $2K and $3K.

You won't save quite as much $$ as you seem to hope for. Insurance, tires, and maintenance all add up on a bike.

morrobaybum

I actually owned a SV650 and a FZ6 both were nice a fairly comfortable but I was looking more into the Honda Shadow or a maybe a Rebel. Since this is going to be a second toy for me I am probably going to be having to buy something older so I can afford to keep the S2K as well.

vividracing.com

Just about anything Japanese is an option. If you're going to want to customize it, go for a Yamaha XS650. They're old, but you can usually find one in great shape for around $1500. Not really a cruiser, but not a sports bike either.

Spent a few minutes on CL for ya

http://slo.craigslist.org/mcy/2711170779.html
http://slo.craigslist.org/mcy/2748055921.html
http://slo.craigslist.org/mcy/2787829957.html
http://slo.craigslist.org/mcy/2786160946.html
http://slo.craigslist.org/mcy/2797421212.html

I'd take the Virago out of that list, but the Sabre might be worth a look. That thing will pull the front end off the ground if you want it to.

NerminDrinic

2008+ ninja 250r hah

Duke Togo

lets say you are an aggressive driver and you average 20mpg in the s2000 and you buy 4 dollar per gallon 91 octane - for just the 2000 dollar cost for the bike you could buy 10,000 miles worth of gas instead.

Then you have to factor in the other costs insurance and gear which for me was about 1500 per year basic coverage only - another 7500 miles worth of gas in the first year.


Maintenance on the two was similar because motorcycle oil costs more and you have to buy tires and brakes much more often but over say 3 years it averages out.

So basically in the first year your going to be in the hole 3-4000 dollars instead of just buying gas for the s2000.

And then you have to factor the cost of gas for the bike in which lets say is half for the same miles. so lets say another 1000 dollars per year same miles.

In the first year alone you are dishing out straight away for 25-30000 miles worth of gas in your s2000.

That's not really a savings.

vividracing.com

A motorcycle is a lot more fun than an S2000, though. Totally worth it if you enjoy motorcycles. Also, if he drives a lot then it won't take long to see savings. My girlfriend drives almost 1000 miles a week. If OP drives that much, then it won't take long to see savings.

STEVEOINGLACIOUS

NINJA 250.

vividracing.com

Not a cruiser, at all. That's a sportbike. Great beginners bike, though.