Which bike would you choose?

[JJ]

In my old age, I am thinking about getting a smaller, lighter bike, just to putt around locally...Here are two options: Which would you choose and why...or why not?

1. Royal Enfield Himalayan





2. Kawasaki Versys 300

[Kev m]

RE - because first and foremost a bike needs to make me turn around and look at it when I walk away. If it doesn't I'm probably not interested in it in the slightest.

[mechanicsavant]

For me , neither . Personally as I am deathly allergic to plaster of Paris I don’t need the temptation of exploring . With a moderate inseam the seat height is a major consideration.
My Goldilocks bike is my V7/850 as it fits as if it was made for me . And has adequate all around capabilities.
Outfitted w/30l hard bags it serves as a decent light tourer, light enough so as to be easy to maneuver around campgrounds & in and out of the shed . No problem keeping up with other riders ( with the exception of a youngster on a sport bike , the older i get the faster I used to B ) . Good dirt road manners, even when loaded & it’ll cruise @ 75-80 with ease . Heck so far I’m even pleased with the stock suspension, couldn’t say that for my V7II . Looking forward to radials when the stock tires wear out .

[JJ]

Quick clarification....I am keeping my '98 Centauro GT...

The second bike would be just be to run around locally.    The new Honda CT125 is another cool little bike, but may be under powered...

[s1120]

I would pick the RE. I just like the looks of it. Pretty simple, and the price is right. And I like different..  That being said if a nice old Honda CL350 came along...   

[AJ Huff]

I find both ugly. The Royal Enfield less ugly. But that's just me.

-AJ

[Githianki]

I regret selling my Himalayan.  The bike is greater than the sum of it's parts.  I have a 31" inseam, and even with the taller Seat Concepts cover, I never had an issue with flat footing it. 

[JJ]

I would pick the RE. I just like the looks of it. Pretty simple, and the price is right. And I like different..  That being said if a nice old Honda CL350 came along...

They are available...but you have to PAY!!

[Vagrant]

Well, if you have to ask, they are both wrong and you know it.

[Moparnut72]

My local running around bike is a V7lll Special. Can't go wrong with a V7. Light, fast enough, good looking, what more could you ask for?
kk

[Beowulf]

I would pick the royal Enfield. Decent warranty but overall they really have come a long way as being a solid quality reliable bike in my opinion. The Enfield I have commandeered from the Mrs has been nothing but great for 10000 miles. So much so I’m in fact going back and forth as to whether to give up on the V7 850 which I love. (2nd month at the dealer with no updates in the last two weeks) parts and supplies are hard to get I get it. Still aggravating.

 I realize it’s a different engine but I would buy one have fun and don’t look back. The parts for the Enfield are reasonable as well. I’m been glancing at 650 interceptors and the hymalayan. It’s tempting just enough tech, abs ego etc, but nothing that spoils it.

[Dave Swanson]

They are available...but you have to PAY!!

Regarding the RE.  Noraly of Itchy Boots rode one for 2 seasons and liked it.  She hasn't come right out and said it in plain english but she likes the Honda CRF300L Rally she is on this year much better. 

I am restoring a 73 CL350 I rolled home from a neighborhood garage sale about 15 years ago for $250.  It will cost a bit more than that when I am done.   It is completely torn down now. 

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

TW200

[JJ]

TW200

YES!!  That is another excellent choice!   

My other issue is, at age 67, and with only a 30" inseam, I will not own a motorcycle that I cannot put both feet FLAT on the ground! 

No more "tippy-toes" for me...

[Tusayan]

I bought a very clean carbureted SV650 and had $1300 or so in it when i’d done all needed.  It looks good with its fancy oval section frame and does the same ‘lightweight bike’ job for me.  Basically a bike to ride when I’m a bit exhausted from other stuff and want low effort and little thought about the bike.

[Githianki]

Why do you not replace it with another? Life is too short to have regrets especially one's you can correct?

I only have room right now for one bike, and the V7iii hasn't bored me yet, nor the ergo's driven me to get rid of it.

[Alfetta]

They are available...but you have to PAY!!

As nostalgic as they are, I would not purchase the CL... Back in the mid 90's I restored a CL450 and found that parts were hard to locate, mostly in Japan.. Parts were costly, head had molded-in o-rings that make it hard to "make your own"...   At the same time I was restoring my BSA 441 and found parts everywhere and at a much lower cost... points and air filter were in stock at my local auto store !  (same as some MG's)

I would take a hard look at these !

[JohninVT]

The TW200 has a decent aftermarket so you can modify it to tour BLM roads, as a pavement focused commuter or a hardcore single track bike.  The Bridgestone 203 is pavement oriented or you can spoon an an ATV tire on the back and the only thing with more traction would be a Rokon.  I've had four TW's and I love them.  Low seat height, sub 300lbs even with skidplates, racks and a larger tank.  They're just fast enough for side roads(top speed is 65-70).  The Suzuki VanVan has a smaller aftermarket and no larger tank available but it's fuel injected 

I had a Supercub.  It's 5-10mph faster than the CT125.  I sold the Supercub because while it's ideal for in town, they're simply not fast enough to be safe on 50mph two lanes when traffic is driving 60mph. 

If you want something light, has a low seat height and enough juice to get out of town, I'd take a hard look at the Honda CB300R.  315lbs and 25-ish hp.  Hell...why not a scooter?  The ADV 150 from Honda has received great reviews.     

[kingoffleece]

Neither.  I spent two years with a R310R trying to convince myself that a "little bike" was fine for most things.  It's not.  Just a wee bit undersized for almost everything.  A TOTAL blast in the technical twisties in PA but getting there and back-not so much.  Not to mention that fuel consumption falls WAY off over 70 per, which we have to do here quite often.

[wymple]

I find both ugly. The Royal Enfield less ugly. But that's just me.

-AJ

It's not just you.

[JJ]

Well, if you have to ask, they are both wrong and you know it.

Why would you say they are both wrong...??????  Anyway...tough audience, all around!  

I like the Yamaha TW200...I like the Suzuki Van-Van (not made anymore)....and maybe I should just look for a clean, pre-owned Guzzi V7 Stornello??

[ToddK]

I'm generally a form-follows-function guy, but yikes...that Versys is just plain ugly. IMO.
TW200s are a BLAST, but not great on speedier roads. I'm guessing you would have no trouble flat footing a V7. The Interceptor is really nice looking, though I haven't ridden one. I did notice the pegs are exactly where my feet want to go when stopped, but I'm sure you'd get used to it.

[Sye]

Of the two in the OP I would go for the RE every time. Well built, inexpensive to buy, easy and cheap to service, reasonably priced accessories and will take you round the world without missing a beat. What's not to like?

[Guzzistajohn]

Well, you're on the right track. ADV bikes are IMHO the best designed bikes you can own. They do about everything pretty well. Picking between those two, I'd go with the Kawi. But I really think the Tenere 700 is a better choice

[Travlr]

JJ,

Bill Ross likes his Ducati Scrambler.  They are around $5k-$6K used, light, have a low seat and plenty of power for the freeway.  He says it is a real hoot to ride.

Mike

[kballowe]

I had a Versys 300 and liked it.  I've an 29" inseam, so I had to lower it.   It tracked well and the brakes were decent.  It was very busy on the highway.  300 cc's don't go that far, most times.

The good:
1.  Reliability
2.  Aftermarket support
3.  Lightweight 386 pounds
4.  Great fuel mileage
5.  Great dealer network in case ya need it
6.  Everyone loves it, even Kermit

I had to sell it because I needed Moto Guzzi money.

[inditx]

Hey JJ,
I have a Ducati for sale in the swap meet section
inditx

[Shorty]

I lowered my DR650 to the point I can flat foot it with my 30 inch inseam. It will do 90 mph all day. Good for light off road work (The limit is my age, not the bike  ) I have a parabellum windscreen and soft bags on it. I installed a 5.3 gallon tank, and a comfy aftermarket seat. It'll go anywhere the Himalyan will go, with the added benefit of being able to ride faster when needed. Of the 2 choices offered, RE all the way. 

[JohninVT]

A couple of my past TW’s and another option; a XT250.  With the XT250 you could pretend you were Rambo!  I had a blast on mine.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9JJOO0MSc44

[bad Chad]

Of the two the RE.   I would look at csc as well.