Adventure Bike Rider Forum

Tom94 wrote:Suzuki rg500 good on fuel and reasonably priced

I was thinking more along the lines of a Spondon TZ750, any idea where I can find one within my price range?

Rhys wrote:

Tom94 wrote:Suzuki rg500 good on fuel and reasonably priced

I was thinking more along the lines of a Spondon TZ750, any idea where I can find one within my price range?

I don't i'm afraid, have you thought about a works 500? would make a brilliant commuter bike.

Rhys wrote:Fazer 1000 Owners: What realistic MPG are you getting from mixed riding?

I reckon about 40mpg but I'm guessing. The tank takes approximately 5 gallons and you can just about get it to 200 miles between refills.

If you are into very mild tuning you can improve the performance up to nearly R1 levels. A replacement rear can and airbox mod can release a few bhp, plus there is a well-established carb mod, called the Ivan Mod, that improves the low end response enormously and releases a few more bhp as well.

My previous '05 1050 Speed Triple was definitely quicker off the mark but once the Fazer gets into it's stride it really starts to build speed at about 6,500 rpm and then there is an awesome top end all the way through to the redline at about 12,000rpm, whereas with the Triple it had started to tail off by then. And of course the half-fairing helps higher speed cruising no end.

It's a genuine 150mph machine and perfectly stable and comfortable at speed B)

i was talking to a guy today who has just bought an pre reg/ex demo NC700,£3800 B)
bit bland but serious value for money,and good fuel economy (thumbs)

Rhys wrote:Fazer 1000 Owners: What realistic MPG are you getting from mixed riding?

My wife owns one of the later injected models and it averages around 45mpg when used for commuting with that going up to 50mpg on longer runs unless you start to abuse it.

The suspension is truly horrible and they won't stand any messing about mid corner but the engine's a belter even if you change nothing at all to improve it. She'd probably sell hers for the right offer but it's immaculate with low mileage and full service history so outside your budget which is a shame.

I've been trying to persuade her that a 690 Duke would be a much better commuter because she'd be that bit higher and could see over cars a lot better but she seems to think I've got some kind of ulterior motive.

Suzuki DL 650 (thumbs) 60 mpg , very relible , will do 100k easily , etc etc

i'f you are used to the common engine the Transalp would be the obvious choice,
or if you want a shaft how about a Deauville with the inbuilt luggage, comfy seat and great weather protection. either Doh model gets around 55-60mpg.

I have a Dl650 V-strom (old single plug per cylinder 2006 model) and notch up over 15k miles a year. she's currently 49k miles and hasn't missed a beat. We tour 2up and with all the camping gear, and it's so comfy for long days in the saddle. Good fuel economy, 54mpg over 35k miles tracked on Fuelly, but newer models get 70mpg.

Quite a few new owners on the V-strom forum came from sports bikes and were trying various adventure type bikes like the Versys 650, 1000, transalp, Honda Cross-Dresser and test rode the v-Strom and bought the Strom after comparison.

Or the CB500x
as for commuting and touring its comfy. I've spent a few hours over a few test rides on one but i can't validate the £5,000 price tag for a commuting/fun bike when the Strom is so capable. It will put a grin on your face, light and your get 75+ mpg.
Only down sides for me is the rear seat is fairly small and thin for herladyship and I think the 50bhp engine will be a little strained on 2up touring.

But I highly recommend a test ride on the V-Strom and the CB500-X

Looking into the Fazer 1000 at the moment, Iv not heard anything bad about them apart from various people have said about the suspension being a bit :whistle: :whistle: .

The CB500X is well above what I want to spend at the moment but they do look like the ideal everyday bike, a bit down on power but they make up for that with the fuel economy. Maybe when some decent used ones show up in a year or so it will be worth a prod.

Iv already ruled out the transalp as I dont want another one and I have a NTV so the NTV mk2 aka dullville would probably drive me insane with boredom but thanks for the advice!

Rhys wrote:Looking into the Fazer 1000 at the moment, Iv not heard anything bad about them apart from various people have said about the suspension being a bit :whistle: :whistle: .

The suspension is probably the only weak point. It's not as soft or squidgy as something like a Bandit 1200 but it's nowhere near as good as something like a GSXR.