/r/SuggestAMotorcycle

Photograph via //r/SuggestAMotorcycle

A place for prospective motorcycle buyers to get suggestions from people with more experience.

This is not a place for special deals on bikes, or a marketplace to sell your motorcycle. Gear and repair posts should be directed per the sidebar links.

Additional associated subreddits & links:

In your post, please:

  • Post your budget
  • Post your level of experience
  • Post the style(s) and model year(s) of bike you're considering
  • Post the type(s) of riding you plan to do
  • Post your general location
  • If you are asking about a specific model, post links!
  • For riders in the UK and EU, a list of A2 bikes: http://a2bikes.co.uk/
  • When you go to look at a bike, print off this checklist: http://www.clarity.net/adam/buying-bike.html

/r/SuggestAMotorcycle

85,193 Subscribers

1

V-Twin/ Parallel Twin with power & reliability of MT09

Looking to get a bike after not riding for 8 months (bad accident but recovered). I want something that sounds like a V-Twin, is sporty (can have ergo like ZX4RR/ R7) and has decent reliability. The snag... I want something with ~100 hp. So R7 is out (would otherwise be great!)

  • Budget: $12k with taxes
  • Experience: 2yrs (owned '19 Z400, '22 MT07, '24 MT09)
  • Considering: '21+ 790/ 890 Duke, 24 Vitpilen 801, GSX8-R (with tune), '23+ Aprilia RS660/ Tuono 660, '21+ Monster.
  • I WFH so spirited riding, occasional commuting, weekend warrior/ canyon-carving.
  • Colorado

If I knew whatever I got was reliable, I think the dukes would be perfect! I love the 285º crank, they're light, sporty, and fit the bill. Supposedly reliability is a lot better with CFMoto making the bikes now. Other option is Ape's 660 engine, after '21 they stopped grenading themselves but still... ain't a Yamaha. I don't have a truck or any way to transport a bike if shit happens, so I steer towards like a GSX8-R. Problem is, they're on the lower side of power, ergos look sporty but handlebars are pretty high, and have read lots of weird issues with quickshifter not working well. Other consideration is F900R but I know nothing about it and wonder if the ergo is too upright.

Honorable mentions that would be perfect other than engine configuration: ZX4RR, ZX6R, XSR900, Striple RS.

2 Comments
2025/02/01
01:09 UTC

7

Sport Tourer or....

I've been riding a Honda Rebel 500 around London for the last couple of years and after a long trip around the Pyrenees on a BMW 1250rt last year I want to upgrade.

I want to go on more tours, but I also want to try track.

Like a lot of us I fantasied about the Kawazaki Ninja when I was younger (although anything with a full fairing was a Ninja in my young eyes) but am 6ft3 and enjoy a bit of comfort for the long distances. My inner child is egging me on for the ninja, but that's not a well thought out plan.

I find myself spoiled for choice. I loved the rt but don't want to spend my riding life looking like the police while searching for the micro-penis of a gear shifter under the boxer, but the way that thing put power to ground was a whole lot of fun.

Then I saw the Kawazaki ninja 1000SX, which looks like a whole lot more fun.

Now the question is - do I get a sports tourer, or do I get a sports bike and something a bit more cruisery like an Indian? Do the sports tourers deliver the best of both worlds, or is it like 50/50 bread? Full of promise but a bit dull.

It's my second bike, so need a little guidence on which way to go, and any suggestions would be appreciated!

27 Comments
2025/01/31
13:15 UTC

3

What's the 400cc equivalent of the TU250X?

Looking for a starter bike for my partner. She likes them looking vintage, so no Ninjas, and she needs something easy to handle and quick to maneuvre in urban environments so no cruisers. We live in Madrid, Spain.

The Mash/Shineray 400cc would be perfect (and indeed I inquired earlier on), but it seems I overestimated local availability. The bike is unobtainium second-hand - every ad I saw for it said they sold it the day they posted it - and we're not willing to pay new prices for it.

Basically what we're looking for is a TU250 with 25-30hp instead of the fifteen-ish the TU250 engine has, as the bike is to be used for some traveling and we have lots of uphills to deal with.

Non-negotiable requirements: EFI, ABS

I'd prefer it be a thumper because a) torque in the low range is preferable for intended use and b) I expect to do most maintenance myself and singles are easier to wrench on.

33 Comments
2025/01/31
11:50 UTC

1

In the US I have a Grom, Ninja 250. Would love a Fantic Caballero 500 Rally.

...but North America doesn't get any Fantics. I love light weight, I love scramblers. The KLX300 is too utilitarian, Husqvarna 501 not reliable enough. the Ducati Desert Sled would also be perfect but it's too heavy. A Scrambler version of a Honda CB300R would be fantastic. Something like that. Unless suspension mods like that are possible for a scrambler?

6 Comments
2025/01/31
03:21 UTC

4

2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ vs 2023. BMW 750GS

2023 BMW F 750 GS for $10,000 (used 2k miles)
2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ for $17,000 (new)

The Tracer 9 is a little stronger, and if I understand this right is cheaper to maintain than the BMW.
Tracer has more features than the GS too, and might be comfier for touring.

I'm hoping to get a versatile bike that isn't a pain to maintain. Daily commute + fun rides in the mountains + some longer trips in the summer. Would love a bike that lasts me for 5-10 years if possible!

Previous bike is a Yamaha MT03

17 Comments
2025/01/31
02:44 UTC

0

Activa 6g 110 or jupiter 110 what should I buy?

1 Comment
2025/01/30
15:53 UTC

1

Yamaha MT-125 2016. Still worth nowadays?

Hi! I'm looking to buy my first bike to begin with and I'm clueless about this type of things.

I found a local deal which is a Yamaha MT-125 2016 with 22k KM, it looks to be in a good condition and has the price of 2750€. Is it worth it or it's better to look for the newer generation of bikes?

I want the bike to go to work in a daily basis (approx 50km everyday).

Every kind of help it's appreciated. Thanks!

1 Comment
2025/01/30
15:51 UTC

3

New rider here

Im looking around for a first Bike and I don't know what to get. I hear good things about the rebel 500 but I also hear that it is a shorter bike and that taller riders have a hard time riding. Im 6'2" for context. Anybody have any suggestions. Im not quite sure what I'm looking for. I've got a budget of 6-7 grand

29 Comments
2025/01/30
15:38 UTC

2

Yamaha Xsr 900 or Kawi Z900rs

So I sold my 02 Yamaha V max and I really want one or the other. My other bikes are a Husqvarna woods bike and a HDXr1200. After buying the Harley the Yamaha just kinda sat so that's gone . I love riding the HD on twisty back roads for a few hours but it being a Harley I think I can do better . Still love that bike thought. I test drove the Kawi in a urban setting . I'm by no means a good rider either just wondering if anyone has experience with both before I pull the trigger down the road. Thanks for your time.

4 Comments
2025/01/30
15:29 UTC

33

Adv bike for new rider

Mid 30's male, 6' 2" 160 lb. Some experience with a 100cc two stroke as a teen. Looking for a first bike to learn on and commute with on country roads (55mph speed limits). Want to maximize fun and enjoy the 40 mile commute to work. Looking at used vstrom 650 and f640gs, etc. Any recommendations? Limited motorcycle dealers/independent shops in my area so ease of maintenance and reliability is important.

32 Comments
2025/01/30
14:51 UTC

4

Second bike (preferably naked) recommendations

Hello all,

I’m looking to upgrade from my Kawasaki Z500 this year. I would like to stick with the naked styling, but could be convinced otherwise. Power wise, I’d love a good boost in USEABLE power. I don’t plan on making top speed highway runs. I just want something quick and fun to ride in a city and in the mountains. Would like to stay under $11k USD, but prefer under $10k. New or used doesn’t matter much to me.

35 Comments
2025/01/30
14:42 UTC

2

Suitable ADV Bike for Aussie Female

Hi all. For context I live in SEQLD in Australia, am around 171cm tall and don’t have that much experience with dirt asides from trail riding on a Suzuki DRZ400E. Lots of experience with road bikes. I am not the strongest either so keep that in mind.

I am looking for a nice adventure bike that I can travel around Australia. Cost is max out at $28’000 AUS. The bike would have to be light enough for me to lift it solo but also be able to have the fuel for travel around Australia. I want to be able to do camping so capability for all that extra stuff would be awesome.

I’ve been looking into the BMW F900GS Enduro due to its capabilities on road and off road and its shorter seat height. I have ridden the BMW 1250 ADV on a trail and it was way too bulky and heavy for me to be comfortable on.

Any suggestions would be awesome!

10 Comments
2025/01/30
09:49 UTC

5

New buyer here, is $1000 in dealer fees normal?

The bike is selling for $7800, the dealer wants $8800+tax, is this a reasonable price? I live in Georgia. Thank you all in advance!

28 Comments
2025/01/30
01:41 UTC

1

Kawasaki Z125 o Honda CB125R

Good evening, I need to know which motorcycle would be the best option, I am between these two but I am not sure, I need that click to help me choose, thank you very much

2 Comments
2025/01/29
20:54 UTC

1

XSR155 as a cheaper scrambler alternative

My dream bike is Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE but I cant afford one as of the moment. Not even the Triumph Scrambler 400X.

Is the XSR155 a good scrambler alternative if you put knobby tires, high mounted exhaust and a bash plate?

Would it be reasonably capable in tackling rough terrains?

6 Comments
2025/01/29
17:25 UTC

7

Own naked bike AND sport bike

I’m debating buying a 2025 R9 as my second bike to my 2023 MT07. The thought is that the R9 would be more appropriate for highway riding, while the MT07 would be primary transportation around town. My concern is that I’m doing something stupid by buying two bikes that are so similar. I can comfortably manage the financials of two bikes.

Thoughts?

86 Comments
2025/01/29
14:40 UTC

1

2015 ninja 1000 at dealer what to look for.

Dealer has a used 2015 ninja 1000 for $5000. I am debating trading in my 2022 SV650 for it as I have a 23 z400 i do not want to get rid of, but I want something that can handle the highway better as well as sportier aesthetics so I can venture further on trips.

KBB retail is like 8k$, not sure why this is so cheap. fairings a lil scuffed, probably dropped. 15k miles. Anything I should look for or ask or anything to think about as far as reliability, or age of the bike?

thx

0 Comments
2025/01/29
14:36 UTC

2

Need help to chose a first motorcycle

Hello everyone.

l am a new rider and I need some internet wisdom to help me choose my first motorcycle.

It will be my only motorises véhicule.

I live in north of France so it is a wet climate during winter.

I want something which serve as a daily commuter with capabilities to do some Little road trip with my significant other.

I am a short rider (170cm)

That Said, I am limited by my licence to 35kw/47.5hp

So far I got three used motorcycles I can get :

A 2001 Honda Deauville NTV 650 with 27 693km

A 2011 BMW F650 GS with 46 250km

And a 2018 BMW G310 GS with 23 000km. What do you guys think about these? Is there any other model you recommand to me?

Thanks :)

27 Comments
2025/01/29
12:03 UTC

12

First Fast bike 600?650? 1000???

Well i have been riding a 350 maxiscooter with 32 HP around, it serves its purpouse of being comfortable and carrying things around, and the first months i rode it , the feeling was incredible, i only used 49cc rent cycles around the city and this new 32 hp felt incredible and i thought¿How the hell am i going to need more power than this?.

Well , now it doesn't feel the same i want more power and i have been looking for a while 600cc bikes , such as the R6,R7 the aprilia rs660 Or considering older models such as the 2007 r6 or 2004 cbr and giving them a paint.

Im lost, since im spending good money for my age in this new bike i want to like the aesthetics of it as much as posible but without sacrifying HP , so no doubt the bike i like the most is the rs660 and the r6 , but r6 since it went up is unafordable, so the other really fast options are a zxr 6 , or a older r6 .

So some things come to my mind, how big is the Speed gap between the rs660 (prettiest) to older r6(fastest) and the zxr6(middle ground in both things for me) .

Are there any options im not considering? Any older bikes? Jumping straight to 1000cc ?

The thing is that i dont want to be buying a new bike in 2 years because the new one doens´t feel that fast anymore

71 Comments
2025/01/29
08:55 UTC

1

2007 Daytona 675

I have currently a Yamaha WR426 Supermoto and I am looking for a bike that I could daily better but has enough power and capability on track, and I really like how the Daytona 675 look, what are common problems with them?

2 Comments
2025/01/29
06:06 UTC

1

RE Guerilla 450 vs Honda CL 500

Hey guys, looking for a first bike. Looking for commuting, manuevarable, fun and decent on highway.
Are these 2 bikes comparable? I like em both for first bike options? Give me your thoughts!

2 Comments
2025/01/29
04:44 UTC

3

Talk me out of buying a RE INT 650?

Been looking at what new bike to get for the last 6 months or so, and think I have settled on this.

Despite what many are saying about the INT 650s build quality I just want to run over some of the advantages it has over the other things within my budget (£3500) and then what else I have been looking at

Pros:
Has ABS
Easy to maintain
Relatively new, and easy to find within budget and without high miles
General consensus from owners is that, yes it is a budget bike, but is that it is reliable
Relevant Fortnine video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GAUo8eUXeU&t=2s&pp=ygUWZm9ydG5pbmUgYnVpbGQgcXVhbGl0eQ%3D%3D
I like how it looks
Cheap to insure
EFI

The only main disadvantage I can find is they have some mixed reviews on the build quality from some owners, but largely praised by traditional media, once you factor in it is a budget bike.

The other bikes I've been looking at are old pre 2009 Bonneville T100s or Kawasaki W650s.

Whilst, when these bikes were new, the build quality is undoubtedly better than any RE, adding 20 years into the mix and upwards of 45,000mi and it is less clear cut, even when they still have most of the same advantages as the RE. Something I noted with these bikes that was steering me away are:

Lack of ABS (and a rear disc brake in the case of the W650)
20 years of corrosion & often very high, or very low miles and been garaged for years on end
Carbs (which isn't a huge negative, or a negative at all, but it is something else to check if the bike has not been ridden or serviced in many years)

The only main advantage I can see to these are, you potentially get a better bike if you buy the right one, and they won't depreciate as much in the long run. And with ABS, whilst if you're braking well you can out brake ABS, in the 1 second you really need it as a last line of defence, it is nice to have, especially as an all weather rider.

Thoughts?

24 Comments
2025/01/29
03:00 UTC

3

883

Thoughts on a roughly 10-15 year old Harley 883 for my wife for her first bike? She really wants one, and she likes the 883 because it feels like the right fit for her (reach is good and she can actually reach the ground, which is not usually the case for her 5'0" self). There's a few around here for $4,000ish, anywhere from 6k to 12k miles. Getting her every piece of gear I can think of and an MSF course in the next couple months but wanted to see what everyone's thoughts were

34 Comments
2025/01/29
01:05 UTC

1

Suggestions, details inside post

New rider, 32M, 6'5 and 230lbs (195cm and 104kg)
I have my MSF course first weekend in April and am killing time in these winter months researching gear and bikes and learning as much as possible. I have rode quads before but no experience on a bike yet (hence the MSF course).
Id prefer something in the line of a sport bike or naked but i am well aware my height may be a detriment to finding a bike i can fit on and handle as a new rider.
I have sat on a few bikes last year, Aprillia rs 660 (was surprisingly comfortable) mt07, ninja 500 and the naked variant?
Have been scrolling thru this reddit for a bit today and i am aware of the sv650 and honestly think it looks decent haha.
Open to any and all suggestions especially from fellow taller riders.

P.S
No busas ;)

1 Comment
2025/01/29
00:36 UTC

9

Sport Bike Handling Regarding Street Riding?

Hello everyone, I’m getting very close to purchasing my first personal bike. I’ve ridden before here and there, taken the MSF course. And for months I was set on a ‘25 Ninja 500. Once I was nearing pulling the trigger, I had heard from a mutual friend that sport bikes on city streets aren’t the best idea, with one major point being the handling; citing that a sport bike is more reliant on leaning than a standard.

I’m now looking into a ‘22 trident 660 (taking my height into account, at 6’3” with a 34” inseam), but I’m not getting that same kind of excitement that I did with something like the Ninja. So I’m wondering if sport bikes really are that much different on the street? Bonus points if anyone has any advice on what to look into because of my height, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all!

42 Comments
2025/01/28
23:29 UTC

4

Looking for used motorcycles

Looking for used motorcycles and I found a 2004 honda shadow750 aero for 3,200. Is that a good deal for a bike like that? I'm look for something on the chill side that is cheap and gets me from a to b basically.

4 Comments
2025/01/28
22:56 UTC

1

Retro Motorcycle that I use mainly for city riding (Bonneville, W800 or Royal Enfield)

I’m looking for recommendations for a new motorcycle and wanted to get some advice. I’ve got a decent amount of experience with smaller bikes: I started with a Piaggio Ciao moped, then moved on to a 50cc Supermoto, followed by a 125cc Vespa, and eventually a Yamaha XV 250. Unfortunately, my Yamaha broke down three years ago. At the time, I was on a tight budget and couldn’t afford a replacement.

Now that I’ve got a better-paying job, I’m ready to get back on two wheels. My budget is around €6,000 this spring, but if I wait until mid-to-late summer, I could stretch it to around €9,000.

I used my Yamaha mainly for commuting to work and university, as well as getting around the city, where it was perfect. But whenever I took it on longer trips—like a 2,000 km, two-week road trip I did on vacation—I really felt it was underpowered. This time, I’m looking for something with a bit more punch for longer rides, while still being practical for city use.

I know a Vespa or similar scooter would probably be the most practical choice for city commuting, but since I’ve got my license for bigger bikes and some experience, I want something that feels a bit cooler.

I’m really drawn to retro-style bikes, especially ones like the Kawasaki W800 (or W650), Triumph Bonneville, Yamaha XV 950 (Bolt), or some of the similar models from Royal Enfield. One concern I have, though, is how practical a bigger bike like these would be for city commuting.

Does anyone have experience using these bikes in urban environments? Or do you have other recommendations for retro-style bikes that might fit what I’m looking for?

TL:DR:
I'm looking for a retro style bike for my city commute that is also fun to drive for longer distances occasionally.

7 Comments
2025/01/28
22:00 UTC

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