What is the better standard?

[POSR]

It's not so much the fun factor as the day to day living with the bikes that I'm thinking of.  

And I do kinda question Triumph's reliability for the day to day.

But, let me know what you think as there are a lot of good resources on this board and I want your opinions  

BTW, There is no way I'm getting rid of the 'busa. I've 20k miles on the clock and I'm gonna ride that thing till the freakin wheels fall off.  

 

[bigoltool]

The bandit is a great bike! I would love to have a B-king but I am not sure its the best commuter?

 

[Loki08]

SV650 is my vote!

 

[heykenny]

Bandits are the deal.. smooth,torquey,comfortable and a relative bargain as far as price. I would probably be riding one if I didn't stumble into a deal on the 'busa.

 

[JusPlaynBob]

Yamaha FZ1

Kawi Z1000

 

[POSR]

The FZR has never been on my list. Long or short. For me there is just something about Yam's that I'm not too keen on dunno why.

I thought about the Z1000, but it has a lot of mixed reviews, so I never really considered it.

 

[TA_GunSurgeon]

SV650 very agile in traffic and great gas mileage. The bike is very inexpensive and there are so many parts around for them on E-Bay for dirt cheap. It gets my vote

 

[POSR]

I had an SV650 for quite awhile before getting my current rig. I really liked that bike a lot and there have been many times that I wondered why I ever got rid of it.

 

[POSR]

Wow. No one for the Triumph bikes?

 

[volunteer]

I commute on my Bandit. I have about 50k on it, and it has been the most dead reliable bike I've ever had--I think it runs better now than it did when it was new. I can only speak for the 1200, but maintenance is a breeze (I can adjust the valves in an hour). Add a Givi screen and some Ventura luggage, and it's tough to beat.

First and second generation Bandits can be had for a song. They're great bikes.

View attachment 1444316

 

[Rayabusa0818]

SV650 very agile in traffic and great gas mileage. The bike is very inexpensive and there are so many parts around for them on E-Bay for dirt cheap. It gets my vote

+1 I just bought a 2006 SV650S from my son. I got 59 MPG cruising down the interstate. It is very agile in the twisties too

 

[Zoinks!]

SV650 is what I'd go with. They're very comfortable and they also get really good gas mileage. The 650S isn't quite as comfortable due to the fact that it still has the hunched over feel to it, but they're still not bad. But being used as a commuter and still havin the busa in the garage, I'd go with the plain ole' SV650. No "S". Haven't really heard enough about triumphs to give an honest oppinion about em.

 

[Blue1]

You didn't put it on the list, I guess since they don't make 'em new anymore, but a ZRX1200 (not the 1100, not enough grunt) makes an awesome commuter, and will absolutely pound the new Bandit.

BTW, I have one for sale...

John

 

[JusPlaynBob]

The new GSX650F would be my choice over the SV650, No question

 

[mountainmotor]

The new GSX650F would be my choice over the SV650, No question

Agree .

Also the Kawasaki 650R with the parallel twin engine is a fun bike .

A Honda CB900 aka 919 are great bikes to live with as well . When i think everyday bike , i include a centerstand as a must have .

 

[JR'S BUSA]

The SV 650 would be the best on gas mileage.

 

[Blazing-Saddle]

The SV650 or the Bandit would do fine for commuting..

 

[WWJD]

Wow. No one for the Triumph bikes?

That's gotta tell ya SOMETHING.

650

 

[POSR]

Wow. No one for the Triumph bikes?

That's gotta tell ya SOMETHING.  

650

Yeah I think there is a lot of sex appeal to the Triumphs but they just don't have the reliability and the last thing I need is a bike with "character".

The more I think about it with the opinions ya'll are providing, the more inclined I am to go with the plain ole sv650.

I do wish a guy could get this bike over here though:

http://www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/bike/bandit1250sf/

 

[Dobieman]

The Speed Triple is a hooligan bike and makes you do bad things. Reliability is good and most think back to the 60-70 era Triumphs. Today's Triumph isn't the same company.
I had an 06 Speed Triple and is rails in the twisties and begs for wheelies but if you need to carry anything or a passenger forget it. Better get the SV, its cheap and Suzuki has a better dealer network. You licence will be healthier too as the S3 will make you a mad stunta  

I would buy another Triumph in the future, probably a Tiger. Same 1050 motor as the S3 but with wind protection and luggage to haul the mail.