Best cheap street-use motorcycle and easiest maintained?
I am looking for a used motorcycle that is reliable on maintenance.
I am a solo full-time parent with 2 teens, the older one a senior this fall who wants to use my car for school. Although I haven’t ridden for years (Sold off my old cycle after best friend’s younger brother was killed; now I won’t drive one on the freeway unless there’s some kind of emergency.) - I have once again thought about purchasing a motorcycle for regular street use - maybe 7 miles to work and back each day. I figure that with rising gas and insurance rates, this is one way to cut costs and free up the car.
My old bike was a 250cc - so I guess anything around that is fine. I am curious as to which motorcycle would be recommended? Can anyone recommend a motorcycle based on my needs?
A Honda Rebel or Yamaha Virago 250 seem to be the most plentiful and Bullett proof bikes around. People buy them as starters and soon Outgrow them and move up to larger bikes. As a Daily commuter either One should get mileage in the 60 to 70 mpg range. I would not advise their use on interstates though.
You need a motorcycle that has less frills and is more reliable. A Honda CBF 250cc comes to mind and should fit the bill nicely. Try and stick to a single cylinder configuration. That way, when it is due for service, the charges will be more reasonable.
I too am a single parent of a teenager, I have a Kymco Venox and it is a 250 is very reliable, even new they are priced reasonable, insurance is good. More comfortable than a rebel. The only thing I have done outside of regular maintenance is putting a 43 tooth sprocket on rear as the fifth gear is a true over drive. It also runs well two up. and always gets 62mpg or better.