UPDATE - need advice on small(er) motorcycle

[inditx]

The trouble is that there are so many good choices. I’d buy a Paiggio MP3 if I found a decent 500 but haven’t found one yet.

+1 

[usedtobefast]

I looked for a super light, still powerful, not uncomfortable, fun bike to ride ... ended up with a 2018 KTM 690 Duke.

73 HP (at the crank)
327 lbs (dry)

And for some reason, pretty decent seat-to-peg distance (knees not bent up much).  The 2016-2018 models have the dual counter balancer motor which is surprising smooth.

Feels like another species of motorcycle.    

[Kev m]

Most of the 50cc scooters weigh exactly the same as their 125-150cc counterparts.   They (50cc) are too slow for most traffic situations and struggle on hills.   if you're thinking scooter, skip the 50 and go for the 125-150 class (240ish lbs).   The Vespa GTS in 250 or 300cc displacement would be an excellent choice.   They may be 100# heavier than the 50-150cc class, but, carry their weight real low, and feel MUCH lighter than my (your old) V7 III.   I have a 2007 GTS250ie.   It handles way better than I ever thought a scooter with 12 inch wheels would.  The suspension is MUCH  better than cheaper scooters in the 250-300cc class.

Someone else mentioned the BMW 310.    I've ridden the G-310R, but, not the G-310GS, which I'd assume is somewhat taller.
The G-310R is a perfectly capable lightweight.    Despite being a small single, it handles 75 MPH highway travel just fine, and is great fun  on the twisty roads.

Also see the Kawasaki Z400.  A cousin of mine just got one, it is nice and light, also plenty of go for highway and great fun on the twisty roads as well.

The Honda CB300R is in the same class as the Z400 and G310R.    It has lower HP than both (low 30's, IIRC), but, I'm sure the torque is probably similar to the BMW 310.  It has a round headlight, and, IMHO, looks better than the Z400.

Discussion of the 300-400cc class would not be complete without mentioning the Duke 390 or Husqvarna 401 Svartpilen, which is based on the Duke 390, but, much cooler looking, IMHO.

I've not sampled the Kawasaki 650 twins, but the new Z650RS is far better looking, IMHO, than the insectoid Z400 (and Z650 from which it was derived).   It is similar in style to the Z900RS, but, with the 650cc twin.  There is no Z400RS (yet).

As Kev says, V7/V9 are great choices, but, you're already familiar with them.

The Royal Enfield 650 twins might be good candidates as well.

I was gonna mention the Husq Svart or Vit, cause I love their unique styling, but isn't seat height a problem?

Hell isn't that true with pretty much all the dual sports being mentioned/shown, and isn't that also potentially true for the CB300R, Z400, BMW 310 etc. aren't they all a hair more than 30" almost 31"?

[Bulldog9]

I looked for a super light, still powerful, not uncomfortable, fun bike to ride ... ended up with a 2018 KTM 690 Duke.

73 HP (at the crank)
327 lbs (dry)

And for some reason, pretty decent seat-to-peg distance (knees not bent up much).  The 2016-2018 models have the dual counter balancer motor which is surprising smooth.

Feels like another species of motorcycle.    

I have a buddy with one and it is a blast to ride. Good to see it comes in colors other than little tykes orange 😆

[Brand X]

The 2018 690 was on my list before the V-7 Stornello. I went out to look at it, but traffic was terrible getting out there. Just a twist of fate caused me to not own a 690 .Also on the list was a SR-400 for $2000 less money then both of the others..All were mint, and very low miles..

[Tom]

I picked up a couple of PCX150 Honda scooters.  They also make a 250.  Either engine will get you pass the 65 mph mark.  I also picked up a Kymco 125 Agility.  It tops out at 65 down hill.  Easy on gas and great for doing errands.  Cheap too.  Registration, insurance, maintenance & gas. 

Amazing to ride vs a motorcycle.  Because they look like moped scooters, I take advantage of the bicycle lane in stop & go traffic.   

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

Someone on this board has a Kawasaki w650 for sale. nice little bike in good shape and plenty cheap. shaft drive, light & low, and electric start.

[ozarquebus]

Like he said, "there are so many good ones out there"

 I keep looking at the Kawasaki Versys X-300.
 You could almost race it on the streets and not break the speed limit.

[grebmrof]

Check out the Yamaha MT-03 and the Kaw mentioned above (although it may be a smidge tall) Versys X 300  The new this year Royal Enfield 350 Classic, could also be a contender.  Lighter is better, maybe a scooter like some have mentioned above.  Good Luck!

[LowRyter]

I was just looking at one of those Yamaha's down in Harrison, I like it!

Darren's got one.

[jas67]

Someone on this board has a Kawasaki w650 for sale. nice little bike in good shape and plenty cheap. shaft drive, light & low, and electric start.

W650 is not shaft drive.

[Bulldog9]

W650 is not shaft drive.

It does have a shaft drive.............. .....  Just not for the rear differential, it's for the Cams..... (No Kev didn't inspire this post, but he could have)

[Rich A]

I've heard good things about the Burgman scooters.

Rich A

[Shorty]

Hi Kev.  First thing you gotta ask yourself is, how fast you need to go. If you can be satisfied at 60 , 65 mph, you can get an XT250, and get a super almost unstoppable trail bike you can tow to the hills and still have a ball. Or get a RE Meteor 350, and get great mpg and comfort, even two up.. Either can be had brand new for about  5500 bucks. Too early to tell about the Enfield, but the XT has super resale value if you decide to get a bigger sled later. Watch YouTube channel Ol Man Ronin for insight about the RE.7

[twowings]

https://powersports.honda.com/street/minimoto/navi

[jas67]

It does have a shaft drive.............. .....  Just not for the rear differential, it's for the Cams.....

True.

(No Kev didn't inspire this post, but he could have)

That's funny, right there!   

[Kev m]

It does have a shaft drive.............. .....  Just not for the rear differential, it's for the Cams..... (No Kev didn't inspire this post, but he could have)

I approve this message. 

[timonbik]

I have yet to see a Road Test on the Royal Enfield Meteor where the tester is not smiling.   I have yet to ride it myself so can't give a personal opinion, but when my old Breva 750 packs it in I will be looking for a Meteor to replace it as my around town bike.  Just on what I've seen I'd be checking one out if I were you.

Cheers, Tim

[Chuck in Indiana]

Do less than you want…

Good advice there..

[kballowe]

Right now, my "go to" ride is a stationary bicycle.

 

[Snow Leopard]

I will be 72 years old in February, 29inch inseam, two knees replaced and a year ago I came off some scaffolding and suffered a compound tib/fib fracture of the right ankle.  A steel plate and eight screws to repair that one.   I am currently riding a BMW F650GS, "adventure-tourer, dual purpose, whatever)  This bike was actually made in three different heights.  I lucked out and found a 2005 model in the "factory low" configuration and it fits me perfectly.  It weighs 425lb, has 50 hp and will run about 100 mph top end.  It will cruise happily at 65 or 70 (or 80 but it gets a little buzzy at that speed ) It's not a Guzzi but it's a pretty good bike.

Having said all that, I am currently rehabbing a 2002 Stone which will, visually, be a copy of my 1974 850T hot rod/cafe racer.  I might have to lower it slightly but I think I can ride it just fine.  More on that when I've made a bit more progress.

[rschrum]

honda ca72.

[9fingers]

Royal Enfield Meteor 350. Relatively light, low, easy handling, slow but still fun with lots of torque.......and CHEAP!
A lot of bikes recommended are still tall bikes for 30" inseam and some are pretty damn heavy.
Scott

[twowheeladdict]

https://powersports.honda.com/street/minimoto/navi

I like the concept.  I could never ride a scooter because I like to grab the tank with my knees.  If this bike had been around when my sons were teenagers I probably would have bought one for each of them. 

It is definitely a city bike though with less than a gallon of fuel. 

[Chuck in Indiana]

The Kid's sweetie Nora bought a Benneli at the Kentucky rally. It ticks all the boxes, is surprisingly competent (to me) and cheap. (Guzzi content.)
http://benelli.ssrmotorsports.com/bikes/tnt135.php

[rocker59]

Indian Scout - 26/27 inch seat height.  550 lbs.




Triumph Speedmaster - 27/28 inch seat height.  576 lbs.




Triumph Street Twin - 29/30 inch seat.  479 lbs.

[Ncdan]

I’m kind of surprised that there are not more recommendations for the small block Guzzies as there are several members here who own them and really like them?

[Dimitri_Harkov]

For that particular application I would not recommend a V7 that has ~200+ kg.
Too heavy.

Over here in Europe we have myriads of chinese retro 250s and 400s that are really light (145 kg up; all less than 175 kg) and fun to ride.
Marques like Mash, Brixton, Herald, Mutt, ...
I would recommend them as they are also cheap as f*** but not bad for the money.

Alas, I have no idea if they are available in the US.

Cheers,
D.

[rocker59]

I’m kind of surprised that there are not more recommendations for the small block Guzzies as there are several members here who own them and really like them?

Seat height.  31/32 inch seats are a bitch for those with a 30 inch inseam!

[hzbloke]

After a life spent riding motorbikes, at 83 years old Doug Sunderland of Wangaratta, Australia decided that he wanted to ride 1000km a week for a year. So he rode around Australia twice on a Hyosung GV250. Seat height is about 28".