Looking for a parallel twin...

[R6_kid]

When my gixxer sells i'm going to need a commuter to get to uni/work/etc as catching the bus or driving just doesn't make sense - neither are economical on my wallet or my time!

I'm hoping to get a parallel twin of some sort, i've been looking for something 'classic', but have decided I will settle for just 'old'.

What I'd like the bike to have, is an air cooled parallel twin motor, twin rear shocks, and hopefully mag wheels, I also prefer chain drive over shaft drive.

I'm not fussed on size/capacity too much, but I do need something with some power, as im 110kg and do a lot of open road stuff - so it needs to be cable of over 100kmh.

Does anyone have any ideas for a good starting point? I'm limited to $2k to buy the bike so that does sort of limit things a bit!

[HenryDorsetCase]

When my gixxer sells i'm going to need a commuter to get to uni/work/etc as catching the bus or driving just doesn't make sense - neither are economical on my wallet or my time!

I'm hoping to get a parallel twin of some sort, i've been looking for something 'classic', but have decided I will settle for just 'old'.

What I'd like the bike to have, is an air cooled parallel twin motor, twin rear shocks, and hopefully mag wheels, I also prefer chain drive over shaft drive.

I'm not fussed on size/capacity too much, but I do need something with some power, as im 110kg and do a lot of open road stuff - so it needs to be cable of over 100kmh.

Does anyone have any ideas for a good starting point? I'm limited to $2k to buy the bike so that does sort of limit things a bit!

There was a guy on KB selling his brothers GR650 Suzuki. That'd be the trick I reckon. underrated bikes I think because they are pretty ugly, but stone - axe reliable and cheap as chups.

[Sully60]

Perfect? (http://hotel.messageboard.nl/3669/)

Edit: HDC is a brilliant thinker!

[HenryDorsetCase]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=91356&highlight=GR650

[R6_kid]

Looks pretty sweet. Just seen a GS1000 (IL4 though!) and an XS 650... so starting build up a shortlist!!!

[Motu]

Depends on what you want to do with it it really...but an aircooled twin shock puts it in a certain catergory.I'd go with an XS650 - the prices are climbing as people realise how good they are for customising into whatever they want.A really good support network on the internet,lots of aftermarket new parts available.Apart from an airhead BMW,which are still supported with factory parts,I reckon the best ''classic'' parallel twin to run in real life is an XS650.

[FROSTY]

I'd suggest a GS450,gs400,gs500 all not bad ol bikes. The Z440 kwakka's are ok but were always a commuter bike.
Me I'd suggest ya have a look at the XJ 650/750 range -yep theyre 4 pot but only 2 valves per cylinder and bucket n shim so basicly forget tappet setting

[The Pastor]

cb400n !

[Bren]

I am another one that supports the XS650


The Xs was the best British bike to come out of Japan...

[Jacko2]

GPZ500S, bullitproof.

[pete376403]

W650 Kawasaki. A better replica of the Coventry Bonneville than Hinkley version.
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/w650.html

There are a few on trade me at the mo
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-200437448.htm

edit: sorry just noticed your price ceiling

[R6_kid]

Lol, yep! Neighbour has a W650 and likes it a lot. I've found an XS going cheap down the line that needs a little work, also had an offer to check out a GR which I would.

I'm going to be going rather minimalist with the cosmetics so im hoping for a frame that looks good minus any fairings and/or side covers. Kinda somewhere between monkee #6 (http://www.wrenchmonkees.com/monkee06.html) and monkee #2 (http://www.wrenchmonkees.com/monkee02.html)