Italian vs British vs German bikes...

SV650 is just about the Motorcycle equivalent to the Miata.

Public transit is pretty good in the bay area. Go Italian. Check out an aprilia tuono.

I have a falco but can't talk about my bike, because it might hear how much I enjoy it and decide to make me prove it with time, money and skinned knuckles.

In reply to Flight Service:

I'm not sure what your definition of high miles is, but my best friend has an 08 speed triple with about 20k miles and I have an 07 1050 tiger with almost 19k miles. No issues both going strong.

CB500F, CB500X, Versys, Vstrom, SV650 gets my vote:

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/mcy/5469477655.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcd/5463687447.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcd/5461724191.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcd/5441966471.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcd/5451326298.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/5466388809.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/mcy/5466144679.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcd/5469052860.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcd/5433841747.html

Also a Ninja 500 might be a good option. They can be dirt cheap. You can rip the plastics off it and make it a naked bike:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/5467888523.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/5461663538.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcy/5463086877.html

http://modesto.craigslist.org/mcy/5469691950.html

clutchsmoke wrote: In reply to Flight Service: I'm not sure what your definition of high miles is, but my best friend has an 08 speed triple with about 20k miles and I have an 07 1050 tiger with almost 19k miles. No issues both going strong.

I have seen a dozen with 30k + miles and all say the same thing, either "new motor" or "blown motor" I don't know what it is but it is just the triples that do it.

EdIT: A quick check of the interwebs says on the little triples it is a bad head causing oiling issues on the big triples it is cracked pistons, both causing grenaded motors.

Don't listen to the internet, go sit on, and ride a bunch and see what fits.

I thought a Ninja 650r would be perfect for my commuting and it was, but it didn't "WoW" me. Don't get me wrong I put s ton of miles on that thing because it was simple and fun. But t wasn't what I lusted over.

Get what you want and whatever makes you smile.

Funny this thread should pop up. I'm in the market, and the three bikes I keep looking for are BMW sport tourers, Triumphs, and the Kawasaki Concours. Hadn't considered any Italians. Does Moto Guzzi still make bikes?

I loved my Ducati (S4R) but if it was my only mode of transportation I would have bought a SV650 or SV1000 instead. Made absolutely gorgeous sounds though.

Wonky headlights you say. Less than $5k you say. Naked look but a good commuter you say. Hard bags you say.

BOOM!

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcy/5462024387.html

Man San Fran is rich in bikes. I could shop there with your money all day.

Rockster is a good choice...

That Rockster is a badass looking bike. A little high mileage but looks stout.

Can't get anymore reliable than a Honda Nighthawk 750:

http://modesto.craigslist.org/mcy/5427967264.html

http://goldcountry.craigslist.org/mcy/5472319200.html

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/mcy/5473548722.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/5471729895.html

Bandit 1250: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/mcy/5470915442.html

BMWs are typically pretty reliable but are maintenance pigs. I have a 2000 R1100RT that has 103k miles and has only had a couple of breakdowns in all that time. But it gets maintained every 6k miles, I bought a service plan that has enabled me to keep up on everything. If you are mechanically inclined the services are D IY and can save $$. That said everyone has a different idea of what is for them and every rider fits on a bike differently, like others have said go ride a few at the top of your list and see if they peak your interest. As for gear, other than a helmet, (that should be bought new and fit well) CL and yard sales can yield some good deals if you can't find anything there try bike specific forums classifieds, if still no luck try the bike shops and go for last year's gear, they should be trying to dump old stock. For commuting I would want something with the ability to at least put soft bags on and would prefer hard bags for weatherproof/security.