New motorcycle or upgrade the one I've got? Worth it?

[Nickypoo]

Hopefully this is appropriate for Tech Topics.

My current commuter bike is a 1980 Honda XL250s enduro. I love it but my commute is going to be a lot longer soon and the engine just screams on the freeway anywhere around 65-70mph.

As a student I don't have a whole lot of money, and I'm really into enduros right now, so I would be looking at upgrading to another enduro.

I saw a 2009 super sherpa with 2000mi on craigslist that would be perfect. They're asking $2900 for it, so if I sold my current one and talked them down to $2500 then I could potentially be looking at just a $1500 difference. The super sherpa is the same size, but has a 6 speed transmission so it's more suited for the freeway. Still about 60-70mpg

My other option is to get new sprockets for the XL to gear it up some. They have sprocket kits with chain on ebay for like $70, but is it even worth it? It has drum brakes, a weird 23" front wheel, and a 6v electrical system. The super sherpa has all disc brakes, 12v with starter, and a standard 21" front wheel.

Another consideration is whether it would even have the power if I geared it up. I would lose low end too.

So what are some of your opinions? Save a chunk of money and gear up the XL? Or spend a little and upgrade to the discs and modern tech of the sherpa?

 

[Fishing Dude too]

Re: New motorcycle or upgrade the one I've got? Worth it?

Find an industrial coveyor store I think there is on in Concord but not sure. They can set you up cheep but you will need your old ones when you go in and decide what your new ones will be ( Number of teath) Hint more on small less on big but would go no more than 4 on either. Then buy bulk chain, by the foot, they should have sealed chain which if treated right will be lubeless.

 

[rickryder]

Re: New motorcycle or upgrade the one I've got? Worth it?

I say buy a Harley!

 

[barrynfla]

Re: New motorcycle or upgrade the one I've got? Worth it?

I would go for the newer bike. Safer and more suited for your type of riding. I would imagine it might not be too easy to get parts for an '80 scoot these days and they may very well be expensive. Don't know how many miles you have on your enduro but 2K is pretty low and the bike should be a lot more reliable. Just my 3 cents worth!

Good luck and ride safe.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: New motorcycle or upgrade the one I've got? Worth it?

Just buy a counter shaft sprocket with one tooth more on it, your chain should have enough slack in it so you won't need to do anything else. This will allow you see if the higher gearing will work at a very low cost.

Having a 6 speed gearbox doesn't necessarily mean it will do any better on the highway, it may only mean it has a close ratio transmission as opposed to a wide ratio.

The newer bike will be a huge leap in technology, performance, reliability, comfort?..and cost. Don?t expect to get much for a 1980 XL 250, can you afford the new bike while in school?

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: New motorcycle or upgrade the one I've got? Worth it?

Hopefully this is appropriate for Tech Topics.

My current commuter bike is a 1980 Honda XL250s enduro. I love it but my commute is going to be a lot longer soon and the engine just screams on the freeway anywhere around 65-70mph.

As a student I don't have a whole lot of money, and I'm really into enduros right now, so I would be looking at upgrading to another enduro.

I saw a 2009 super sherpa with 2000mi on craigslist that would be perfect. They're asking $2900 for it, so if I sold my current one and talked them down to $2500 then I could potentially be looking at just a $1500 difference. The super sherpa is the same size, but has a 6 speed transmission so it's more suited for the freeway. Still about 60-70mpg

My other option is to get new sprockets for the XL to gear it up some. They have sprocket kits with chain on ebay for like $70, but is it even worth it? It has drum brakes, a weird 23" front wheel, and a 6v electrical system. The super sherpa has all disc brakes, 12v with starter, and a standard 21" front wheel.

Another consideration is whether it would even have the power if I geared it up. I would lose low end too.

So what are some of your opinions? Save a chunk of money and gear up the XL? Or spend a little and upgrade to the discs and modern tech of the sherpa?

Honestly while your current ride is a neat looking retro bike, I personally wouldn't want to depend on it for a daily commuter. I'm sure like all other Honda's, and Jap bikes in general, it's probably incredibly reliable. But if you ever did need parts after a break down, it may be a matter of waiting weeks to get the parts to fix it.

On the other hand, if you had a late model bike, you can go to the dealer, and there would be a much higher probability they will have the parts you need in stock. If they don't, chances are good they can get the part(s) within the next couple days from the regional PDC. On most of the older bikes you find they have to order the parts directly from Japan (if they are still available), especially if it's an uncommon part you need.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: New motorcycle or upgrade the one I've got? Worth it?

I say buy a Harley!

80% of all Harleys sold are still on the road today....

The rest made it home.... :drum:

 

[NewfieDan]

Re: New motorcycle or upgrade the one I've got? Worth it?

80% of all Harleys sold are still on the road today....

The rest made it home.... :drum:

Play nice guys, but remember that since Harley put in the Japanese engine (Evolution) they became alot more reliable.

On a lighter note.

Q. What is the difference between a Harley and a Hoover?
A. Where the I'd bag is located.

Before anyone gets offended, yes there is a Harley in my garage.

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: New motorcycle or upgrade the one I've got? Worth it?

My upgrade was a 4x4 truck!

:lol:

 

[Nickypoo]

Re: New motorcycle or upgrade the one I've got? Worth it?

A lot of my family in the midwest are into Harleys, but I started out with sportbikes and I don't like the laid back seating position of Harleys. It makes me uncomfortable. My uncle has a v-rod which is awesome but I just didn't like sitting on it when I rode it around.

ondavr: They advertise the 6 speed on the sherpa as being better for the highway because it lowers cruising rpm and gas consumption. The top speed is 80mph for the super sherpa and on my XL I've had it screaming at full throttle around 75mph and it didn't budge. I can probably get around 1000 for my XL, that's about what they go for around here. Being street legal in California makes stuff worth a lot more. I just got an internship this summer that will pay about $5000, and I think taking $1500 of that and upgrading to something more reliable would be a reasonable decision.

Finding parts actually hasn't been that bad for the XL. Ebay has almost everything. I just bored out the cylinder and put a 1 over piston in it because the piston scuffed and the engine quit on me. But I was able to get everything from ebay for really cheap and it's been running great ever since.

barrynfla and RogersJetboat454: I'm really leaning towards upgrading. Like you guys said the reliability factor is influencing my decision a lot.

MTboatguy: I loved my 4x4 but right now I love that 60mpg a little more.


Well I think at this point my thoughts on reliability, safety, and technology have been reinforced. Hopefully this week I'll be able to go look at that super sherpa. Thanks for your input everybody.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: New motorcycle or upgrade the one I've got? Worth it?

Finding parts actually hasn't been that bad for the XL. Ebay has almost everything. I just bored out the cylinder and put a 1 over piston in it because the piston scuffed and the engine quit on me. But I was able to get everything from ebay for really cheap and it's been running great ever since.

barrynfla and RogersJetboat454: I'm really leaning towards upgrading. Like you guys said the reliability factor is influencing my decision a lot.

Well I think at this point my thoughts on reliability, safety, and technology have been reinforced. Hopefully this week I'll be able to go look at that super sherpa. Thanks for your input everybody.

I think you're making the right choice...
Although if you had the cash, I would say hold on to her as a weekend cruiser, and buy a newer one for your daily rider. These older street/trails are definitely charming.

As far as parts, I didn't want to make my post sound like it's impossible to find anything. Quite to the contrary, almost everything is usually available for these older bikes. It's just the down time waiting to get your hands on these new parts while you're depending on the bike to get your butt to work/school.

Not that it's in the same league, but I remember about 10 years ago when I bought my '85 700 Virago, everything was still available from Yamaha... If you can wait 2+ weeks...

 

[Nickypoo]

Re: New motorcycle or upgrade the one I've got? Worth it?

I think you're making the right choice...
Although if you had the cash, I would say hold on to her as a weekend cruiser, and buy a newer one for your daily rider. These older street/trails are definitely charming.

As far as parts, I didn't want to make my post sound like it's impossible to find anything. Quite to the contrary, almost everything is usually available for these older bikes. It's just the down time waiting to get your hands on these new parts while you're depending on the bike to get your butt to work/school.

Not that it's in the same league, but I remember about 10 years ago when I bought my '85 700 Virago, everything was still available from Yamaha... If you can wait 2+ weeks...

Ok I see what you're saying, and that's very true. I can't find anything I need locally. I even had to make my own voltage regulator for the stupid 6v system!

 

[avenger79]

Re: New motorcycle or upgrade the one I've got? Worth it?

I agree keep the XL as a weekend ride, and find an older ninja 250 for your commute. The ninja is much better suited to freeway riding then your bike or the sherpa. I had my son on a ninja 250 for his first year of riding. it had no prob running 80. (his first year on the road was far from his first year of riding)
other then that I would look at some of the late model standards in the 650-750 range. get something that is confy to ride on the freeway.
ninja 600 (not R or RR) can be had cheap to....

 

[Nickypoo]

Re: New motorcycle or upgrade the one I've got? Worth it?

Thanks for the input avenger79. I'm going to be sticking with an enduro or dual sport type bike though whichever way I go.

I started out on streetbikes and I'm not very interested in them anymore. They're not very good on the wrists during long commutes. I had a 2002 gsxr 750 that I literally ran into the ground. I drove it once for 4 hours on the freeway, and my hands and wrists went completely numb. I also commuted about 1.5 hours several times and it just wasn't comfortable. It was a lot of fun while it lasted though. But I don't trust myself on a streetbike. That was enough fun and scar tissue for me.

But I agree, something comfortable for the freeway would be the way to go. If they were my style I think a cruiser like a Harley would fulfill that requirement well. So far enduros have been a good balance between a comfortable riding position and an alert/controlled riding position. The newer 250s are great with that 70-80 mpg, anything bigger like 500, 600, or 750 and it can go down to 50 or even 40.

Plus I want to be able to ride over to the state vehicular recreational park some day and tear up the trails It's about an hour from me.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: New motorcycle or upgrade the one I've got? Worth it?

I had motorcross and Enduros for hare-scrambles and Enduro races. I had a BMW for a street bike, because the COG and setup was more like a dirt bike and I was more comfortable with that.

 

[rbh]

Re: New motorcycle or upgrade the one I've got? Worth it?

Even if you change the sprockets to give you less top end and more speed you will loose your bottom end, so being a 250cc on a freeway regardless of 5 or 6 speed tranny you may want to opt for a bigger bike.
You can get a moped that gets great mileage but not enough power VS a 80cu harley, lots of power hard on fuel, so split the difference and get a 650 KLR or an 600 XT ETC

 

[avenger79]

Re: New motorcycle or upgrade the one I've got? Worth it?



Nick, the gsxr is not exactly a "street" bike it is a super sport bike. although I have done a lot of cross country touring on sportbikes myself, they aren't comfortable for everyone. the bike I was talking about was something like this. perfect for commuting as it has a comfortable riding position with good control. handlebar risers are above the triple tree. great power and tons of fun.
as far as "i don't trust myself on streetbikes" I get that from my son now days as well. Easy answer for that one.....less twist. LOL
I hear what you're saying about dual sport bikes, they are fun to ride and certainly can be used to commute. Just wanted to ensure you knew about the naked standard style bike that are out there.
BTW if your XL has a title and is street legal (sounds like it) hold on to it for a while. they are already very popular (read worth $) and will only go up. very hard to find clean ones.

 

[Nickypoo]

Re: New motorcycle or upgrade the one I've got? Worth it?

tx1961whaler a BMW is probably my dream bike right now, like a G650 or something. Those things are freakin sweet. A little out of my price range though lol.

rbh: That's what I figured. I found out though that the current sprockets are geared down as far as they can go, lower than stock. If I go back to stock or even a little higher I think it would be ok. I did the California motorcycle test without even using the clutch, that's how low it is. I'm !definitely! not getting a moped or scooter :sleeping:

avenger79: Oh I see. Yeah those are a little bit less aggressive than what I was thinking of. I see a lot of those types of bikes being used as commuters around here. I think I'll look into those too.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: New motorcycle or upgrade the one I've got? Worth it?

I can honestly say I have not seen a 1980 XL on the highway ever. And I've not seen one around town in many, many years.

The best commuter bikes are mid size, under 650 cc's. And those Chinese bikes just don't have the dependability of a Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha or Kawasaki.

On the absolute bottom end would be the used Honda Rebel 250 ($3700 new) or a Yamaha VStar 250 ($3700 new). A Suzuki Burgman 400 scooter is very roadworthy too. The Kawasaki Ninja 250 is no longer available, but they're on the used market--but maybe not as comfortable as other bikes in its class.

But my favorite commuter bike is the Suzuki 650's like the SFV650 or VStrom. They'll do it all.

Just don't be too cheap and try to do something with a bike it's not built to do.

 

[rbh]

Re: New motorcycle or upgrade the one I've got? Worth it?

rbh: I'm !definitely! not getting a moped or scooter :sleeping:


Thats funny right there!!

Just change the sprockets and see what happens.