Are there any decent 500-600cc non-sport bikes left?

[zzbruno]

Moving to Hawaii in June and would like to step down a bit. I just sold my BMW R1100R and for the past 18 years have ridden a VMAX, or a BMW. I have a fairly short commute in Honolulu, obviously won't need a serious road bike and am to old (and would look too goofy) on a sport bike. My wife sez get a Vespa...

I like the Triumph T100, but would like to investigate alternatives in the 500-600cc range, for a variety of reasons. I haven't shopped for a bike this size in 20+years and I hear there's been some changes.
Thanks
Bruno

[gitarjunky]

I of course am going to tell you to check out the Suzuki SV650. Upright seating, fuel injected, great MPG, low low maintence and insurance... vtwin so its quick for getting out of cagers way and there is plenty of get up and go to keep you interested. You can get a new one for about 5800 bucks too.

[JC Viper]

If your into scooters you can get a Suzuki Burgman 400 or 650 and both are comfortable, have good power and storage space.

Now motorcycle-wise I guess a Suzuki V-Strom has the best ergos and great fuel mileage. If looking for cruisers they have the Vulcan 500, Honda 750 Spirit or 600cc VLX, Yamaha V-Star 650. Maybe a Yamaha's naked 600cc bike I think YZF are pretty good standards. Then there's the option of maybe importing a Japanese Kawasaki ZRX 400.

[CORSCO]

Dang, you are coming off a VMAX and want to step down. I myself found this very difficult.
I hate to say it but three years ago, I had to tear into my VMX...completely. And, since I wrench everyday, my bike is still in pieces. Although I am taking the first steps and getting the crank polished to be put back in. Anyway, I am rambling, forgive me.
I just got my VT500FT Ascot back on the road and let me tell you...it is hard to ride that bike and enjoy it like I used to after stepping off ol' Maxine.
I am not sure what to tell you as far as smaller cc bikes go. I work at a Honda/Yamaha dealership and don't really think there is any thing in their line-up for you. Although, and I can't believe I am writing this, the Reflex and Majesty scooters (ugh) do haul the mail, for what they are.
Good luck in your findings...and enjoy Hawaii!

[zzbruno]

You're right....my VMAX was the original "point and shoot" motorcycle.
I broke in H3 (I've lived in Hawaii twice before) when it first opened by shooting the east/west run at just over 130 mph. I stupidly stuck lifted my head up to gauge the distance to the tunnel (it was 3 am) and almost snapped my head off.

I'm retiring to Hawaii and need a reliable, navigable and thrifty bike, but a scooter just doesn't cut it. I love the Triumph Scrambler, and may choose it in the end. I the Kawasaki 800 Drifter has some appeal too.

Thanks

[ZooTech]

Have a look at Royal Enfield. They have an affordable 500cc thumper that is just as British as a Triumph.

[zarakand]

Sounds great to be retiring to Hawaii. There are a quite a few nice 500-650 range out there. As mentioned above the SV-650, but I'm not sure if that's too sporty for you?

Then there's the Honda Shadow VLX, Suzuki Savage (L40 or something like that now), and of course V-Star 650's.

[TheImp]

I love my vulcan 500 and its also quicker and/or faster than any of the bikes zarakand mentioned with a smaller engine than all of the three. To top it off, its also relatively inexpensive and very reliable. But in the end what matters most is you physically sitting on a selection of bikes you're interested in and getting a good feel for them.

[jmillheiser]

hes coming off a BMW R1100R, but had a VMax in the past. have you checked out the BMW F650 series.

[zzbruno]

I had a Royal Enfield in 2001 for about 9 months; I bought it because it was cheap, looked kinda cool and had some neat features (remember the pub light?). I sold it with 156 miles on it. My general rule was that I could not ride it farther than I could push it back home. Interior of the gas tank was rusted, bad electrics and the front brakes only worked intermittently. The dealer I bought it from abandoned the brand, refused to honor the weak-"O Ring" 6 month warranty. Then guy I sold it to sued me. I hope they're better now.

And BTW, it's just barely British. They're all made in India from sand-cast molds. Let's just say the tolerance levels are not measured in decimal places. The old (and true) saying "Why is there an Enfield repair centre on every corner in Mumbai? Because there needs to be..."

That was my experience.

I wish I had the skills and time to rehab and keep up a vintage BSA, Triumph, Norton or even an older BMW. But being in Hawaii makes it tough to get parts and such. Basically, all I want to do is ride a clean, roarty bike that doesn't break the bank.

Thanks