That retro Kawasaki on page 1 looks like a contender. For just low maintenance economy, hard to beat a midsized Japanese cycle.

I plan to get the CB-1100 out of storage today, high about 65. I think I’m in the mid 40’s with mpg, gentle driving.

I have a KTM 890 Duke R and it will fill the role you want plus be super fun to ride. There are less expensive variants like the 890 Duke (non R) and the 790 Duke. They are worth a test ride.

^^^

The Super Scalpel

Advice given from all are valid alternatives, you might not like the idea of a high end scooter or e-motorcycle, but they were not excluded as options in the OP and offer valid options.

Both meet the requirements of city based commuters, little to zero fuel costs. Which was one of the the stated objectives, Both are commonly used for transportation in low mileage commutes of 15 to 30 miles a day max.

Another plus may be the availability of no or low cost e-chargers on campus, since they are typically green based learning environments.

If having a ICE motorcycle is better, you need to get on a few and test ride, see what fits, what has the power to move you around on work and non work days, price, fit, style, power.

Scooters while still ICE offer lower cost alternatives to motorcycles, lower insurance rates, and in some cases better options for transporting things. Not talking about Vespa scooters either.. There area some pretty fast models out there, but I'd get it if you want to also weekend warrior the thing, for that a true motorcycle works.

Good luck, whatever you decide...

Oh and we coulda recommended the Kawasaki GOAT

quote:

Originally posted by sourdough44:
That retro Kawasaki on page 1 looks like a contender.

+1

Although, Kawasaki is making you pay a 12% retro look premium over the Z650 ABS (MSRP - $8049 vs $8999), but to me it'd be worth it. I knew about the Z900RS, but until this thread didn't know that for 2022 they released the Z650RS.

quote:

Originally posted by tatortodd:

quote:

Originally posted by sourdough44:
That retro Kawasaki on page 1 looks like a contender.

+1

Although, Kawasaki is making you pay a 12% retro look premium over the Z650 ABS (MSRP - $8049 vs $8999), but to me it'd be worth it. I knew about the Z900RS, but until this thread didn't know that for 2022 they released the Z650RS.

I didn’t know about it either. It caught my eye when I went back to the dealership to pick up parts and get a stupid high quote on a supermoto. At first glance I thought it was a classic moto they took in on trade or something as it wasn’t there the week or so before when I ordered some parts.

Kawasaki knocked it out of the park with that retro 650. The paint looks even better in person.

Too bad they didn't utilize a 4 cylinder 650cc engine it that retro.

Finding one of the choices I decided on has been difficult and late-model used are running almost as much as new.

I was hoping for a 2022 Yamaha XSR900 but there are very few available in the US.

The closest dealer showed two 2022 MT09 models in stock but when I got there Saturday morning, I was told both sold within 30 minutes of hitting the floor.

I put a deposit down on the next new MT09 to come in, hopefully in June.

I've been contemplating selling the Lotus & trying to get another bike.

Been tempted by the Triumph Street/Speed Twins, but no seat time on them.

Definitely missing the 50+ mpg the Vulcan S got on my commute.

On a longer ride with tatortodd I got 59.6mpg. Not bad for pushing it to 10k a few times.

quote:

Originally posted by SW_Sig:
There are not employer restrictions on vehicle type for reimbursement.

I am 6’1” and about 200 lbs.

Longest distance on highway is about 10 miles as I tend to stay on back roads and city streets driving between campuses now. My office is less than 1.5 miles from my house by I often drive to 3 or 4 campuses a day.

I carry a laptop as part of my job so luggage is not a requirement.

Those that I listed are in the price range I am looking to stay close to.

Given your listed options, you appear to be looking at more of a 'sport' oriented option. Here's my take on the options you noted as well as another option you may want to consider.

Suzuki SV650 - Iconic and bulletproof. As stickman noted, a truly terrific bike. And lots of pre-owned examples available on the used market if you want to save a bit more money.
Honda NC750 - One of the most boring motorcycles Honda has ever produced. It does nothing exceptionally well, and when I test rode one several years ago at Daytona Bike Week, it almost put me to sleep riding it. Will it run forever? Probably. After a while will you be praying it doesn't? Probably.
Triumph Trident - God I love that bike. The looks, the options, and a really torquey great sounding motor. Unfortunately, at 6'1"/6'2", I found it an incredibly tight and uncomfortable riding position. I have to believe longer rides would be really uncomfortable. Short of riding position its a really cool little bike.
Yamaha MT07 - A hooligan bike. Lots of HP and speed and Yamaha reliability. Likely a whole lotta fun to ride, but again, a bit tight on riding position for my height. You'd have to test ride one to see how it fit you. Also, Yamaha does command a bit of a premium for their products in each category.

And one more option...

Kawaski Versys - Been around for a very long time and is well sorted and bulletproof. Very comfortable riding position and enough fairing to be comfortable over longer hauls. Still has a bit of sport bike DNA, but in a package that's easy to daily. It also should slot nicely into your price range. There are also a lot of pre-owed examples available for even less coin.

Commenting again...my K1600GT economy now exceeds 45 mpg. I ride it to work weather permitting. The new windscreen reduces helmet noise. This big bike still amazes me for a commuter.

But, having recently ridden the Tail Of The Dragon north and south, some 25 miles, the big bike showed its limits for THIS rider -- me. I found myself lusting after a light, small, easy to maneuver machine. Most of the BMW MOA at the rally were R1250 adventure bikes, with very few K bikes.

I think it is vital that whatever you buy makes you truly smile. The MPG benefit may be small, but it is real. My maximum savings is $1969 if I were to commute every day.

Whatever you get, make sure that the accessories like side bags, tour pack are available, even though you could simply toss on a backpack and carry laptop, papers etc, putting them in a secure hard bag adds protection from thieves to the elements.

If those are easily detached then all the better if you want to take it for a run, or, if you want to take off for a weekend to hill country or Arkansas you have locked dry storage available.

Comment on luggage:

I have a 2015 Versys 650. Overall it is a great bike. However, the factory side luggage is an odd shape, as are many other brands. They look spiffy, and maybe are aerodynamic, but it is difficult to fit rectangular items like a briefcase in them.

Before you decide on a bike, if you think you will want luggage be sure to carefully evaluate factory offerings. I ended up putting on rectangular aluminum boxes, which required installing a rack too.

Factory luggage is usually really expensive, too. You can get top quality aftermarket for the same or less money.

The factory trunk is big and works great. For taking a briefcase/laptop along for work it is a good solution, though I personally still dislike the looks of a trunk.

My 2014 Ninja 1000 has the factory hard bags, I believe they are the same ones on newer Versys models. Yes, they are an odd shape, but you can fit a full face helmet in each and they are QD. I love them.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: nukeandpave,

I would take a look at the Ducati Scrambler line up as a commuter bike. I ride a Monster 1100 and have taken the Scrambler out for a test ride and it was fun. I think I’d get the smaller of the two as the 1100 has the same engine as my Monster. There are a few cool models that fit my taste and would be a fun bike for commuting.

quote:

Originally posted by dking271:
I would take a look at the Ducati Scrambler line up as a commuter bike. I ride a Monster 1100 and have taken the Scrambler out for a test ride and it was fun. I think I’d get the smaller of the two as the 1100 has the same engine as my Monster. There are a few cool models that fit my taste and would be a fun bike for commuting.

IIRC, they also have a smaller displacement thumper in the Scrambler lineup.

But, Desmo service
No personal knowledge, but have heard it's a painful bill to cover.

You didn't say if you're looking for new or used (or recent) bike. But if you're open to an older motorcycle I'd highly recommend the Honda Pacific Coast (don't laugh)

It was made to be a commuter bike. Yes, it looks less like a motorcycle and more like a scooter, but it's a very solid, reliable, effective and fun bike.

It's an 800cc bike with several more modern systems for a 90s bike (hydraulic lifters, etc.). It has a full fairing for weather and wind protection, runs great on regular fuel, gets 50+ mpg, has a 4.2 gal tank (200 miles per tankful), runs all day at highway speeds, has high ground clearance, neutral seating position, and best of all, hauls a TON of stuff in its TRUNK. Yes, a waterpoof trunk that hold way more than any saddlebag. Want more storage? Add a top case.

You can get one of these bulletproof bikes for easily less than $3k with reasonable miles. Your 800 miles per month would cost you about $70 a month in gas (assuming $4.50/gal). Its a perfect commuter bike yet you can take it cross country without worry.

If you're serious about a great commuter bike that will save you money, do everything you need, and not drop a ton of $ to get it, I think you should seriously consider the PC800.

Here's one that will do the job for you (I have no affiliation with the seller. Just found it online)

Pacific Coast

quote:

Originally posted by Fly-Sig:
Comment on luggage:

I have a 2015 Versys 650. Overall it is a great bike. However, the factory side luggage is an odd shape, as are many other brands. They look spiffy, and maybe are aerodynamic, but it is difficult to fit rectangular items like a briefcase in them.

Before you decide on a bike, if you think you will want luggage be sure to carefully evaluate factory offerings. I ended up putting on rectangular aluminum boxes, which required installing a rack too.... ....The factory trunk is big and works great. For taking a briefcase/laptop along for work it is a good solution, though I personally still dislike the looks of a trunk.

Good points and makes sense to me, but the OP said he doesn't need luggage to commute on his MT09. He's in Texas so I guess doesn't have need to wear (and pack away) a riding suit or separate rain or cool weather gear. All he requires is his laptop which he may plan on strapping to the rear rack or in a back pack.

quote:

Originally posted by SW_Sig:

....I carry a laptop as part of my job so luggage is not a requirement....

quote:

Originally posted by ridewv:

quote:

Originally posted by Fly-Sig:
Comment on luggage:

I have a 2015 Versys 650. Overall it is a great bike. However, the factory side luggage is an odd shape, as are many other brands. They look spiffy, and maybe are aerodynamic, but it is difficult to fit rectangular items like a briefcase in them.

Before you decide on a bike, if you think you will want luggage be sure to carefully evaluate factory offerings. I ended up putting on rectangular aluminum boxes, which required installing a rack too.... ....The factory trunk is big and works great. For taking a briefcase/laptop along for work it is a good solution, though I personally still dislike the looks of a trunk.

Good points and makes sense to me, but the OP said he doesn't need luggage to commute on his MT09. He's in Texas so I guess doesn't have need to wear (and pack away) a riding suit or separate rain or cool weather gear. All he requires is his laptop which he may plan on strapping to the rear rack or in a back pack.

quote:

Originally posted by SW_Sig:

....I carry a laptop as part of my job so luggage is not a requirement....

RE: The bolded bit, with the pop-up storms we get, at least in SE TX.
Frog Toggs (sp?) compress to a really small pkg for a quick wetsuit.

quote:

Originally posted by ridewv:

quote:

Originally posted by Fly-Sig:
Comment on luggage:

I have a 2015 Versys 650. Overall it is a great bike. However, the factory side luggage is an odd shape, as are many other brands. They look spiffy, and maybe are aerodynamic, but it is difficult to fit rectangular items like a briefcase in them.

Before you decide on a bike, if you think you will want luggage be sure to carefully evaluate factory offerings. I ended up putting on rectangular aluminum boxes, which required installing a rack too.... ....The factory trunk is big and works great. For taking a briefcase/laptop along for work it is a good solution, though I personally still dislike the looks of a trunk.

Good points and makes sense to me, but the OP said he doesn't need luggage to commute on his MT09. He's in Texas so I guess doesn't have need to wear (and pack away) a riding suit or separate rain or cool weather gear. All he requires is his laptop which he may plan on strapping to the rear rack or in a back pack.

quote:

Originally posted by SW_Sig:

....I carry a laptop as part of my job so luggage is not a requirement....

Yup, but he did not say he had decided to never have luggage, and he planned on doing some non-commuting riding for fun. Seeing that many bikes come with factory bags I thought I would point out lessons learned the hard way so he can make an informed decision.