having a "backup" bike?

FangShui

· #2 · Feb 14, 2016

Vince said:
I wonder if anyone got a back up bike idea in mind while owning this bike for a while? I crashed a few months back and didn't have transportation for good two weeks+. Sometime in the future I know the bike will need to be maintained(hopefully not repaired) and left out for some time. Anyone have similar idea in mind and what you plan on getting?

Honda GROM = Great Backup Bike. Around $3,000 new.

Reply

Save

Like

Capn Kirk

· #3 · Feb 14, 2016 (Edited)

FangShui said:
Honda GROM = Great Backup Bike. Around $3,000 new.

I'll second that although I don't consider my Grom a backup... Both are fun to ride hard and not attract any unwanted attention.

See less See more

Reply

Save

Like

Reactions: 2

R

R0b0tN1nja_BKNY

· #4 · Feb 15, 2016

FangShui said:
Honda GROM = Great Backup Bike. Around $3,000 new.

I concur. Exactly what I was thinking of when I saw the thread title. Fits the bill perfectly of a "backup" bike even though it does not necessarily need to be pigeonholed into that category only.

It is a lightweight and smaller displacement bike that is very capable but will be relatively easy to maintain while being light on the wallet due to lower insurance, which helps it fit the backup bike billing, IMAO. I think a bike needs those traits to be a good backup bike: capable but easy to use, maintain, and has a lesser expense profile. Otherwise, it'd be just another backup bike. Also, a smaller displacement dual-sport like an XT250 or DR200 would be nice too.

Can't afford it right now with grad school tuition and IT certification training and fees. Hopefully my garage will be something like this:

Yamaha R6, Yamaha R3, Honda Grom, Yamaha XT250, Audi R8, VW Golf R400 and/or Subaru WRX/STI, and a decked out custom Jeep Wrangler. That will be my Bat Cave.

Reply

Save

Like

Reactions: 1

M

Mase

· #5 · Feb 15, 2016

Groms are ok. I rented one once and rode it around for a day. But for probably less money than a new Grom, I'd way rather get a Honda CBR250R. Or if you really want a 125cc for insurance purposes, I'd get a cbr125r.

Reply

Save

Like

FangShui

· #6 · Feb 15, 2016 (Edited)

Mase said:
Groms are ok. I rented one once and rode it around for a day. But for probably less money than a new Grom, I'd way rather get a Honda CBR250R. Or if you really want a 125cc for insurance purposes, I'd get a cbr125r.

Agreed, the CBR250R is a nice bike, though VERY underpowered for its weight, at only 23 HP, but my thought was why have a backup bike that's nearly identical (styling and ergonomics-wise) to the R3 when you can pick something that's completely different?

Now, the CRF250L would be a good choice. (see post below for possible reason NOT to get one of these)

Unfortunately, CBR125R's have never been sold in the U.S. We don't have tiered licensing here and 600's have long been considered to be 'Beginner's Bikes'. Once you get your motorcycle endorsement (very easy test, usually in the DMV parking lot, OR no test at all if you pass the MSF course) you can hop on your Hayabusa and ride straight into Oblivion. Madness!

Reply

Save

Like

Reactions: 1

Capn Kirk

· #7 · Feb 15, 2016 (Edited)

FangShui said:
Now, the CRF250L would be a good choice.

Fang, not trying to knock your recommendation but I have had some experience to pass along.

I thought I wanted a CRF250L so I bought a used one. I did not enjoy it on the street. It is geared extremely low. I knew this going in but thought it would grow on me. It did not. I kept it for 3 months and sold it. With street tires and a bit different gearing, it may have been a better street bike. I never took it off road, I really don't have anywhere off road to ride near me. The CRF250L was an itch I had to scratch, so I did. I should have listened to my gut as I had some reservations going into this.

Lesson here is if you are going to ride street only, Learn from my mistake, and don't buy a bike that comes stock with knobby tires. Try to find one to ride for a while before you drop $.

One other note, they are known for having a knock in them from the cam chain tensioner. Very annoying. Mine had it but it did not affect the performance but constantly hearing it knocking gave me an uneasy feeling that someday it was really going to cost me. See the youtube video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR-Z5RGi3jc

See less See more

Reply

Save

Like

FangShui

· #8 · Feb 15, 2016 (Edited)

Capn Kirk said:
Fang, not trying to knock your recommendation but I have had some experience to pass along.

I thought I wanted a CRF250L so I bought a used one. I did not enjoy it on the street. It is geared extremely low. I knew this going in but thought it would grow on me. It did not. I kept it for 3 months and sold it. With street tires and a bit different gearing, it may have been a better street bike. I never took it off road, I really don't have anywhere off road to ride near me. The CRF250L was an itch I had to scratch, so I did. I should have listened to my gut as I had some reservations going into this.

Lesson here is if you are going to ride street only, Learn from my mistake, and don't buy a bike that comes stock with knobby tires. Try to find one to ride for a while before you drop $.

One other note, they are known for having a knock in them from the cam chain tensioner. Very annoying. Mine had it but it did not affect the performance but constantly hearing it knocking gave me an uneasy feeling that someday it was really going to cost me. See the youtube video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR-Z5RGi3jc

Ah, okay! I appreciate that insight. My 2012 CBR250R had that knock as well and it was very annoying (I had thought Honda fixed the engine knock issue on the engine). Plus, the fairings on mine vibrated really badly and it took me quite a while to find the source and shim the panels to get rid of the buzzing. I was very disappointed in the bike and sold it after one year. It was gutless on hills, too, and I do most of my riding up in the Rocky Mountains.

Maybe a DRZ400SM Supermotard would be a better choice, then? I looked into that but my issue with it was the high seat height, being inseam-challenged.

Reply

Save

Like

Capn Kirk

· #9 · Feb 15, 2016

FangShui said:
Maybe a DRZ400SM Supermotard would be a better choice, then? I looked into that but my issue with it was the high seat height, being inseam-challenged.

I looked at the 400SM. It would probably be a super fun bike to ride!!! I will never purchase another carb'ed bike though. Chokes, lots of cranking, and cold starts with several minute warm ups... I have paid my dues... I wish Suzuki would give the SM a makeover including FI and a new dash. Suzuki is never quick to change, something Yamaha excels at.

Reply

Save

Like

FangShui

· #10 · Feb 15, 2016 (Edited)

Capn Kirk said:
I looked at the 400SM. It would probably be a super fun bike to ride!!! I will never purchase another carb'ed bike though. Chokes, lots of cranking, and cold starts with several minute warm ups... I have paid my dues... I wish Suzuki would give the SM a makeover including FI and a new dash. Suzuki is never quick to change, something Yamaha excels at.

Yes, my Suzuki DR200SE has a carb and I have to pull the float bowl off it, remove and clean out the idle jet every time if it has been sitting for a few months. Ethanol really gums up small orifices. Fortunately it's easy to do but still a pain. The DR also has a VERY dated dash and an 80s style rectangular headlight!

Yamaha has been the real innovator in recent years. Honda and Suzuki probably the least so. Also seems like Europe gets all the cool bikes that we never do.

BETA (awesome offroad bikes and dual sports) went to oil injection last year on their two strokes (had that on my Kawasaki T120 RoadRunner back when I bought it new in 1969) and plan to add F.I. next year.

Reply

Save

Like

Reactions: 1

Kojiiro

· #11 · Feb 15, 2016

FangShui said:
OR no test at all if you pass the MSF course) you can hop on your Hayabusa and ride straight into Oblivion. Madness!

I keep telling everyone its the perfect beginner bike. Big, heavy, stable, comfy and first gear everywhere! No need to shift.

Reply

Save

Like

Reactions: 1

FangShui

· #12 · Feb 15, 2016

Kojiiro said:
I keep telling everyone its the perfect beginner bike. Big, heavy, stable, comfy and first gear everywhere! No need to shift.

They should make a Special Edition Fixed Gear/Fixie model of it at a reduced price.

And give it with a Fixed Mode that keeps the front wheel on the ground for the first 1,000 miles, for beginner's sakes.....

Reply

Save

Like

Kojiiro

· #13 · Feb 15, 2016

FangShui said:
They should make a Special Edition Fixed Gear/Fixie model of it at a reduced price.

And give it with a Fixed Mode that keeps the front wheel on the ground for the first 1,000 miles, for beginner's sakes.....

I agree. If you are only going to use 1/6 of the gears, migh as well sell the bike for 1/6th the price.

Reply

Save

Like

V

Vince

Discussion Starter · #14 · Feb 18, 2016

whoa seems alot of people favor in getting a grom here. I'm surprised that no one's going for different style of bike like getting a cruiser or something but rather staying with sports

Reply

Save

Like

Tal

· #15 · Feb 18, 2016 (Edited)

I've got this as my backup bike.And i'm tempted to get a grom as well,just for a laugh.

Land vehicle Motorcycle Vehicle Motor vehicle Automotive tire

See less See more

Reply

Save

Like

Reactions: 1

Capn Kirk

· #16 · Feb 18, 2016

Vince said:
whoa seems alot of people favor in getting a grom here. I'm surprised that no one's going for different style of bike like getting a cruiser or something but rather staying with sports

I rode cruisers for 20 years. My tastes changed and after purchasing my first sport bike, I no longer enjoy the heavy feel of a cruiser by comparison. What really proved it to me was my wifes cruiser. Having the opportunity to switch back and forth was eye opening.

Interestingly since making the leap to the sport bike world, a lot of my fellow cruiser riders and I have parted ways. It's not that we parted on bad terms, I have changed from the slow and casual to more spirited adventures.

That said, If I had a need for longer distance rides (> 2-3 hours) I would seriously consider a different style of bike for a more comfort.

With all the options in motorcycles, people tend to pick a bike that fits their wants and here on the R3 forums, you will likely see mostly sport riders.

Tal, Nice HD! I would really suggest to find a Grom to ride before buying one. They have their limits. I will promise you this... It will make you laugh when you ride it. Everyone I have let ride my Grom comes back with a grin that cannot be wiped off. I had a friend call it a clown bike until he rode it. He came back and wanted to buy one. True story!

See less See more

Reply

Save

Like

FangShui

· #17 · Feb 18, 2016

Capn Kirk said:
I rode cruisers for 20 years. My tastes changed and after purchasing my first sport bike, I no longer enjoy the heavy feel of a cruiser by comparison. What really proved it to me was my wifes cruiser. Having the opportunity to switch back and forth was eye opening.

Interestingly since making the leap to the sport bike world, a lot of my fellow cruiser riders and I have parted ways. It's not that we parted on bad terms, I have changed from the slow and casual to more spirited adventures.

That said, If I had a need for longer distance rides (> 2-3 hours) I would seriously consider a different style of bike for a more comfort.

With all the options in motorcycles, people tend to pick a bike that fits their wants and here on the R3 forums, you will likely see mostly sport riders.

Tal, Nice HD! I would really suggest to find a Grom to ride before buying one. They have their limits. I will promise you this... It will make you laugh when you ride it. Everyone I have let ride my Grom comes back with a grin that cannot be wiped off. I had a friend call it a clown bike until he rode it. He came back and wanted to buy one. True story!

Here's the newly re-designed 2016 Grom

Reply

Save

Like

Reactions: 1

Capn Kirk

· #18 · Feb 18, 2016 (Edited)

FangShui said:
Here's the newly re-designed 2016 Grom

That is really cool looking!!! Thanks for passing that along. I love the down low exhaust and the more aggressive look. If that hits the states, I would pick one up in a heartbeat!

Reply

Save

Like

FangShui

· #19 · Feb 18, 2016

Capn Kirk said:
That is really cool looking!!! Thanks for passing that along. I love the down low exhaust and the more aggressive look. If that hits the states, I would pick one up in a heartbeat!

That should be the one that's sold here in the U.S. as well, but we may not get all 4 of those colors.

I think the 125SF on the tail section means Streetfighter.

And I just bought one! Oh well, the parts should be available pretty cheaply from procaliber.com for a quick update.

Reply

Save

Like

Capn Kirk

· #20 · Feb 18, 2016

FangShui said:
And I just bought one! Oh well, the parts should be available pretty cheaply from procaliber.com for a quick update.

My Grom is only lightly modified, almost stock. They are cheap enough OTD to sell mine and buy another without much worry.

Yours being heavily modified, would take more effort.

Reply

Save

Like

Top Contributors this Month