I having been riding for many years and have a large touring bike.
I have been thinking of a second used bike for utility use. It muse be:
1. Easy to just get on and go (kick start a must)
2. Utility extra's (add on baskets or cases for low $$$)
3. High gas mileage
4. Friendly to work on (not made like a disposal lighter)
5. Able to run on gravel or dirt but just for riding.
Does such a bike or scooter exist? Even if no longer in produciton but still many still in use would be fine.
Please resond with your make and model suggestion along with why you think/know its a great utility bike.
Thanks
Thinking of 2nd bike for utility
- flw
- Site Supporter - Silver
- Posts: 899
- Joined: Fri Jul 07, 2006 4:16 pm
- Sex: Male
- Years Riding: 8
- My Motorcycle: '98 Honda Goldwing GL1500se
- Location: Rockford, Illinois U.S.
Thinking of 2nd bike for utility
Goldwing 1500se '98
VN500 LTD '07 Sold
VN500 LTD '07 Sold
- flw
- Site Supporter - Silver
- Posts: 899
- Joined: Fri Jul 07, 2006 4:16 pm
- Sex: Male
- Years Riding: 8
- My Motorcycle: '98 Honda Goldwing GL1500se
- Location: Rockford, Illinois U.S.
Re: Thinking of 2nd bike for utility
Is the lack of a kick start true with all older models as well?
This bike would be covered but kept outside so the kick start is a must in my mind.
Also what I'm thinking of is in some movies that are filmed in 3rd world countries you see single piston bikes with plenty of cargo or storage room and run off a kick start rather than a straight battery. I don't want a bike made and serviced only in India but something in that spirit that can be used in the US.
This bike would be covered but kept outside so the kick start is a must in my mind.
Also what I'm thinking of is in some movies that are filmed in 3rd world countries you see single piston bikes with plenty of cargo or storage room and run off a kick start rather than a straight battery. I don't want a bike made and serviced only in India but something in that spirit that can be used in the US.
Goldwing 1500se '98
VN500 LTD '07 Sold
VN500 LTD '07 Sold
- Grey Thumper
- Legendary 1000
- Posts: 1434
- Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2007 11:21 pm
- Real Name: Dino
- Sex: Male
- Years Riding: 9
- My Motorcycle: 2004 BMW R1150Rockster, 2015 BMW R1200GS
- Location: Manila, Philippines
Re: Thinking of 2nd bike for utility
Suzuki DR650?
"If you ride like there's no tomorrow, there won't be."
- Johnj
- Site Supporter - Platinum
- Posts: 3806
- Joined: Fri Nov 17, 2006 7:34 am
- Real Name: Johnny Strabler
- Sex: Male
- Years Riding: 34
- My Motorcycle: A Bolt of Lightning
- Location: Kansas City KS
Re: Thinking of 2nd bike for utility
Yamaha TW200 is the bike for you.
People say I'm stupid and apathetic. I don't know what that means, and I don't care.

Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
-
- Site Supporter - Gold
- Posts: 5285
- Joined: Wed Aug 16, 2006 1:46 pm
- Real Name: Ryan
- Sex: Male
- Years Riding: 4
- My Motorcycle: 2005 Kawasaki Z750S
- Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Re: Thinking of 2nd bike for utility
None of those have kickstarts unfortunately but are great suggestions.
Personally I prefer to the DR650 to the KLR650 after riding both on the street and in some light dirt.
You also might want to look at the WR450F.
Do you want it to be Interstate capable? Or just city streets?
Personally I prefer to the DR650 to the KLR650 after riding both on the street and in some light dirt.
You also might want to look at the WR450F.
Do you want it to be Interstate capable? Or just city streets?
Have owned - 2001 Suzuki Volusia
Current bike - 2005 Kawasaki Z750S
MMI Graduation date January 9th, 2009. Factory Certifications in Suzuki and Yamaha
Current bike - 2005 Kawasaki Z750S
MMI Graduation date January 9th, 2009. Factory Certifications in Suzuki and Yamaha
-
- Elite
- Posts: 173
- Joined: Fri Apr 16, 2010 10:54 pm
- Real Name: Bart
- Sex: Male
- Years Riding: 8
- My Motorcycle: 2009 Yamaha TMAX, 2005 Yamaha FZ6
Re: Thinking of 2nd bike for utility
I also agree with Wrider, the kawasaki KLR650 has a serious oil use problem using 1 qt of oil in 500 miles, plus its heavy and more of a street bike instead of a dirt bike. The Yamaha TW200 is really S-----L-----O-----W, but it has good suspension that can handle someone over 200 lbs, I like the Suzuki DR200 better.
I would suggest the Honda Ruckus, it has a kick start, the tires can handle off road, very simple, but reliable engine, e-a-s-y to work on, yea, its 50 cc but it has a top speed of 45-50 mph, almost as fast at the TW200
I would suggest the Honda Ruckus, it has a kick start, the tires can handle off road, very simple, but reliable engine, e-a-s-y to work on, yea, its 50 cc but it has a top speed of 45-50 mph, almost as fast at the TW200
2009 Yamaha TMAX
2008 Suzuki King Quad 750AXI
2011 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 DC Trd Sport, 6 sp manual
2008 Suzuki King Quad 750AXI
2011 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 DC Trd Sport, 6 sp manual