Lighter Bike Search

[Ken Valkyrie]

I've started my lighter bike search. Last week I went to two bike dealers in southern NH that have good showrooms and inventory.
1st I'm looking for less weight, close to 500 lb., must be able to handle two up, have a decent ride and I like that some have 25"-27" seat hight.
That lower seat would give my 29" inseam better earth leverage.
I CANNOT understand why Honda always throws in the towel; forfeiting the ST to the competition like BMW, Suzuki, Kawi and the CB1100 ("discontinued") to Triumph etc.

Attached are some bikes I checked out, that I can go back another day and test ride with my wife. Now don't laugh, you can see I like old school. I am old school
I welcome your bike suggestions that fit my wish list above.

 

[scootac]

No help with your search....but glad to hear you're at least considering a lighter bike.

 

[Sadlsor]

Some pretty iron there.
I still want to suggest the KTM 390, but then you said "two up."
Nah, that won't work.
But it IS lighter!

 

[Bush]

You might want to check out the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, when it arrives in North America in a few months. They have done some great work on improving their bikes in the past three or four years. Prices are quite reasonable too.

 

[TerryS]

The new Honda Hornet 750 is getting some pretty decent reviews; 418lb/190 kg and 31"/795mm seat height. Looks nice too (to my 80's jaded eyes anyway).

 

[core-aggie]

The new Honda Hornet 750 is getting some pretty decent reviews; 418lb/190 kg and 31"/795mm seat height. Looks nice too (to my 80's jaded eyes anyway).

And may not make it to the US.

I guess all makers are producing the "insect look" these days :/

 

[St-Gerard]

Dang ,would offer you my 81 Silverwing but she weighs just over 600lbs in two up configuration and of course 40 plus years young.

 

[Willsmotorcycle]

+1 on the Royal Enfield, there's a lot of nice bikes in your line up. Some of the manufactures have a scrambler look going, they may be sized right. My father is a little older than you, if asked, I would be leaning into the W800, pun intended. Good luck with search, ride them all.

These seem a world apart

 

[nicksacco]

Not sure if you're looking for an older bike. but the Magna might work for you

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Magna

It is a bit over 500 pounds, but it is very easy to ride and move around.
The V-4 engine makes good power and there are different models for everyone's taste.
I had a 1994 model and I liked it just fine.

 

[Mr.E]

How about a Harley trike?
No weight problems there!
(That's me perusing the Vancouver Dealership )

 

[Upt' North]

I was in Triumph, Newcastle upon Tyne recently. Just mooching about as you do. There was a couple in their seventies trying out bikes for size. They were smitten by the smaller cc Bonneville to replace their existing Bonneville. They placed their order. The bike sure was pretty.
The seat seemed sensible for two and the rear pegs were also low enough.
I know there is plenty of aftermarket stuff for the Triumphs and they are well sorted by now. The RE's are nice too, but only you can decide on that.
if you're after period style panniers etc, check these out.

https://craven-equipment.co.uk/

Upt.

 

[klaproth]

When I started looking for a summer ( read: cooler) bike , I kept reading about the NC700X, and I started looking at them. I wanted something longer legged, and a bit more comfy than my Honda Helix. I bought a fully loaded one for a reasonable price, and it has turned out to be a really good bike. I do a lot of around town rides on it, as well as some nice longer rides. Lots of aftermarket farkles are available for it, and it really doesn't need much.
Although my 2013 is fairly high for you, I hear that the newer ones ( NC750X) are much lower, and can be lowered even more. It is a breeze to move around the garage too. The 70MPG does not hurt either....

I do take my wife to work on it often, and it is quite comfy for two.

 

[sirepair]

New Moto Guzzi V100 has peaked my interest. 513# dry weight, 115 HP and I think it looks pretty sexy!
https://storeusa.motoguzzi.com/v100.aspx

 

[Mellow]

New Moto Guzzi V100 has peaked my interest. 513# dry weight, 115 HP and I think it looks pretty sexy!
https://storeusa.motoguzzi.com/v100.aspx

Yeah, I really like that but I'm in BMW Debtors Prison for a while...

 

[core-aggie]

I agree on the points @klaproth states about the NC700/NC750 bikes. We had one. I like the idea of the front "helmet trunk" (gas tank is under the seat).

It can be outfitted however you like (luggage, etc). Newer models offer DCT or manual, ABS, and traction control. And yea, 65+ mpg ain't shabby

Heck, I used to take it off roading too - nothing serious, but fun to get off the concrete every now and then

 

[Al st1100]

you would be suprised how light the R1200/1250rt feel.

 

[Sadlsor]

you would be suprised how light the R1200/1250rt feel.

Or the GS / GSA.
I'll let you know.

 

[CDNolddude]

What do you intend to use it for now? Long distance trips vs daily shorter rides etc. Most of those pics have tube tires.

 

[ardykay54]

New Moto Guzzi V100 has peaked my interest. 513# dry weight, 115 HP and I think it looks pretty sexy!
https://storeusa.motoguzzi.com/v100.aspx

Peaked my interest too......people I know that have ordered one last fall still are waiting for it. In case of service dealers are few and far between in my area...

 

[ST Gui]

The new Honda Hornet 750 is getting some pretty decent reviews; 418lb/190 kg and 31"/795mm seat height. Looks nice too (to my 80's jaded eyes anyway).

I'm not a fan myself.

I guess all makers are producing the "insect look" these days :/

:/ :/ :/ :/ :/ At least Honda does us the favor of giving fair warning of what to expect visually. It's not as beaky as some offerings but I'm not liking it. And it's not designed for two up. Honda's a fan of labels and should have one that says:

WARNING: The use of the passenger seating area is for EMERGENCY USE ONLY. It should not under any circumstances be used by anyone over 4' tall or over the age of 25. Exceptions may be made for professional gymnasts or contortionists.

I suppose there's a lot to like about this ride — it's just not the droid I'm looking for. Now something like

Maybe with a bit more color and a bit of chrome

like that would be the ticket. Put the V7 Special's chrome on the V7 Stone and paint the rear fender and side covers to match the rest of the bike. Wire wheels – maybe. That would be my preference. Soft luggage and a bikini fairing would have to be sourced. It appears more pillion friendly than most beak bikes (maybe a seat swap for the Stone.

But– what about reliability and support? That's a big deal. The greater the former the less need of the latter. But otherwise the V7s tick a lot of boxes for me.
Moto Guzzi V7