Looking for suggestions on a reliable daily driven motorcycle for around $1000. I will be moving to LA in the fall and want to pick up a bike to help make my dailly commute a little bit cheaper on the wallet as far as insurance and gas expenses are concerned. Any ideas on what to look for? Makes....models....etc. I'm partial to the classic cafe style bikes, but I'd be willing to check anything out.

Thanks!!

 

Older Ninja 500, Yamaha FZR 600, F2 CBR. Something along those lines.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by theSYNDICATE &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Older Ninja 500, Yamaha FZR 600, F2 CBR. Something along those lines.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah, those are good, but don't know if you'll be able to find a Honda 600 F2 for a grand. It's possible you could find a '87 Honda Hurricane (600F) that might be that low. Or possibly a VF500. Stay away from 1983 and older VF700s. I've owned one and found that they have a design flaw in their cam chains. That's why they went to gear-driven cams for the VFR.

For about $1,000, though, realistically, bikes from the 70s and early 80s will be in that price range. Bikes like a Honda CB750, CB550 or something along those "CB-" lines could be good. There classic UJMs and if you find a good one, could be very reliable.

 

yamaha maxim 400, 550, 650, 700... etc

suzuki gs 500

honda CB....

doubt u will find a clean cbr ANY YEAR for that price... let me know if you do though

 

You might be able to find like an 86 750 gixxer for a grand. More likely a kanatuna. Maybe even in good shape if you're lucky. Like that bastard home skillet.

 

I'd say +1 to the EX500 or GS500. I wouldn't buy a super old sportsbike because I'd be scared of reliability. Whatever you choose tell us how you like it. I am thinking about buying a commuter bike in the near future.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions guys!!

 

If you're not doing much freeway riding, a Ninja 250 a good choice. Their only a little over 2500 or so brand new so maybe you could pick up a fairly new one or one with a little road rash for 1 grand. The best part is I'm getting ~ 55 mpg when doing spirited driving.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Snaps &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'd say +1 to the EX500 or GS500. </TD></TR></TABLE>

For what you want to do, and what you want to pay, you cant beat an ex500.