What's the most reliable bike?

[Blatman]

I'm thinking of getting a second bike and doing a restoration job on my main one. So will be looking for something minimum 650cc+, preferably larger. For around town and country and the odd cruise.
Anyway what I want is something stone cold reliable! It'll be secondhand so I know it will depend on the previous owner, don't care if it's Jap, German, British or whatever.
So tell me what you think is the most reliable bike? If you're a mechanic all the better!

[slofox]

English motorcycle magazine, Ride, has published their survey results amongst 10,000 motorcyclists in the United Kingdom in this month's publication. (Sep 2004)

The motorcyclists were asked how reliable their motorcycle is. Results:

1. BMW (90%)
2. Honda (89.2%)
3. Yamaha (85.5%)
4. Triumph (84%)
5. Suzuki (83.2%)
6. Kawasaki (82.8%)
7. MZ (81.3%)
8. Harley-Davidson (80.1%)
9. Aprilia (77.1%)
10. KTM (74%)
11. Buell (72.2%)
12. Cagiva (70.5%)
13. Ducati (69.1%)
14. Moto Guzzi (68.8%)
15. CCM (63.8%)

[Blatman]

EXCELLENT - thanks.
But reliability would vary between models from the different companies. I'm trying to zero in on a particular model

[vifferman]

That's marque specific, not model specific.
Honda VFR750s and 800s (excluding the Vtec model) are pretty reliable. The engines are almost indestructible, and the only weak point is the R/R, which is not really any cause for concern. I had the one on my 750 fail, and it was easily 'recitified' (pun intended). The 800 has done over 50k miles (80,000km), and is still running strongly. As an example of how bulletproof the engines are, a courier in the UK got over 800,000 miles from his, and a guy in Mrka makes a supercharger kit for them which requires no mods to engine internals (with an extra 50%+ hp). He's been running his own kit for over two years with no problems.

[Tony.OK]

Depends on your budget really, not being biased but you'd be hard pressed to go past a Honda, maybe a Hornet 900 or something.

[CookMySock]

Instead of getting an older bike, why not buy something that is old-bike price, but nearly new.

This bike is a vtwin 650cc, 2007, as-new condition, noisy exhaust, 7,800km, asking $6,500
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-208425876.htm

Steve

[Blatman]

Makes sense, my last few cars have been Hondas and they just go and go and go....

[peasea]

Depends on your budget really, not being biased but you'd be hard pressed to go past a Honda, maybe a Hornet 900 or something.

By brother-in-law has one and apart from servicing regularly he hasn't had to touch it.

I have a mate with an older 750 GT Kawka that he can't kill and it cost him sfa to buy. His previous bike was a BMW and he never put a spanner on it other than at service intervals.

Budget has a lot to do with it.............

[elevenhundred]

I remember years ago Classic Motorcycle Mechanics mag rated the Honda CX500 (plastic maggot) as one of the most reliable bikes ever, once they'd had some initial problems ironed out that is. They were very popular with motorcycle couriers.
However I think I'd forgo some reliability if it meant I did have to ride a CX500

[nico]

English motorcycle magazine, Ride, has published their survey results amongst 10,000 motorcyclists in the United Kingdom in this month's publication. (Sep 2004)

The motorcyclists were asked how reliable their motorcycle is. Results:

1. BMW (90%)
2. Honda (89.2%)
3. Yamaha (85.5%)
4. Triumph (84%)
5. Suzuki (83.2%)
6. Kawasaki (82.8%)
7. MZ (81.3%)
8. Harley-Davidson (80.1%)
9. Aprilia (77.1%)
10. KTM (74%)
11. Buell (72.2%)
12. Cagiva (70.5%)
13. Ducati (69.1%)
14. Moto Guzzi (68.8%)
15. CCM (63.8%)



a few of these figures seem a bit fishy bmw 90% me thinks not that orta stir things up
id say any japa would be fine

[White trash]

I hear that Hondas MVX250 is a real winner. I've owned three of them so should be qualified to respond.

[Timaa]

hornet 900, plenty of mods available and they keep going strong, honda reliability and enough fun in the twisties too.

[Burtha]

hornet 900, plenty of mods available and they keep going strong, honda reliability and enough fun in the twisties too.

How come there are so many up for sale all the time then?
:blink:

[LBD]

a few of these figures seem a bit fishy bmw 90% me thinks not that orta stir things up
id say any japa would be fine

And a lot would come back to the style of bike and its use and how reliability was measured...ie If Maintenance $/Km were the measuring rod, and we take a BWM tourer...it will rank high because it generally clocks up many km of constant warm running. Use the same bike for short haul commuting and the figure would drop.

Then take a CB900, Many of those commute and as such do harder km's than the touring BMW, does that make it less reliable? Maintenance $ per Km yes, Maintenance $ per trip no. Use this bike for the same purpose as the BMW and its Maintenance$/Km would drop...

Then there is the CT110....

My bet is on the likes of a SV 650 for a reliable all rounder to meet your needs....

[AllanB]

Depends on your budget really, not being biased but you'd be hard pressed to go past a Honda, maybe a Hornet 900 or something.


Yep I would point you here as well - there have been some relatively silly prices for the odd one on Trademe recently - presumably people wanting cash in a hurry and offering the bike up with a low, no-reserve price.

[Big Dave]

1. BMW (90%)
2. Honda (89.2%)
3. Yamaha (85.5%)
4. Triumph (84%)
5. Suzuki (83.2%)
6. Kawasaki (82.8%)
7. MZ (81.3%)
8. Harley-Davidson (80.1%)
9. Aprilia (77.1%)
10. KTM (74%)
11. Buell (72.2%)
12. Cagiva (70.5%)
13. Ducati (69.1%)
14. Moto Guzzi (68.8%)
15. CCM (63.8%)

To me this makes no sense - Expressed as a % of what?

[Motu]

BMW airhead - they are going for bargain prices at the moment.Not only are they no fuss reliable,but any repairs are super easy,and all parts are still stocked by BMW.

[Hiflyer]

im guessing you choose your model of bike then the % of people that think its reliable?? seems way to biased for me. . i'd go with any suzuki, bandits go and go and go and go. never heard o any problems with them, except the fork seals on the 98-99-00 models were a bit iffy apparently

[Hiflyer]

BMW airhead - they are going for bargain prices at the moment.Not only are they no fuss reliable,but any repairs are super easy,and all parts are still stocked by BMW.

yea but theyre a beemer, im sure he doesnt mind what make the bike is but cmon, its a beemer, most people have standards :2guns: :laugh: :jerry:

[AllanB]

yea but theyre a beemer, im sure he doesnt mind what make the bike is but cmon, its a beemer, most people have standards :2guns: :laugh: :jerry:



Plus if he gets a BMW he will not be able to wave at other riders anymore.....

[Hiflyer]

Plus if he gets a BMW he will not be able to wave at other riders anymore.....

yea he will, only if its a cop bike will he not wave, (they use beemers rite?) oh no not another thread hijacked into a waving thread

[AllanB]

Waving threads are excellent - they bring out the best in the KB community:innocent:

[Edbear]

Pretty much any modern Jappa really. The 900 Hornet is a great general purpose bike and I concur with the sentiments about them here.

But mine is just as reliable and comfy-as. Also looks the business!

[98tls]

Would have to agree with the previously posted Bandit,great all-rounder,bulletproof.Would agree with the Hornet posters as well to be honest though not my thing personally.

[Motu]

Plus if he gets a BMW he will not be able to wave at other riders anymore.....

I don't wave anyway,doesn't matter what bike I'm on.I don't have standards - that's why I will ride any bike that comes along.If you box yourself into a corner by saying I don't like this,and i don't like that - you will miss out on some very excellent bikes to ride.Your problem,not mine....

[AllanB]

I don't wave anyway,doesn't matter what bike I'm on.I don't have standards - that's why I will ride any bike that comes along.If you box yourself into a corner by saying I don't like this,and i don't like that - you will miss out on some very excellent bikes to ride.Your problem,not mine....

100% agree, bling sent - I was just taking the piss :shifty:.

The Bandit - forgot about these - I'm pretty sure Noah rode one off the ark - the bloody things go forever.

If you like the look, keep an eye out for a GS1200ss - Bandit 1200 engine (with slightly smaller carbs & taller gearing), heaps of grunt and on TM they go cheaper than a Bandit. I had one - excellent speed-tourer as well. Hard on the wrists around town, but Rapid Art in Hamilton make higher clip-ons.

[cheshirecat]

94 to 97 vfr's because of the gear cams and 300 to 500 refinments after previous generation before they upped the cc and made it complicated. US VFR forum replies are normal to get 100,000 miles without anything except updating rectifier. Total for my vfr after 80,000k is one tailight bulb and one rectifier and this seems to be the norm. Honda were on the line to make the VFR work

[Subike]

You want cheap and reliable?
In opinion, any older Yamaha 4 stroke multi,
cheap as, comman as, plain as, reliabile as.
Go to any south Island rally and you see them by the dozens, from the older XS650's to the more refined XJ1300, nothing to see 100 - 200k on the clocks for some of these old girls, and a recent CHCH XS1100 finally failed after 380K
Sure there are suzukis, hondas and Kawasakis that are their equal in performance and reliability, but not in price.
But then I am baised, 178k on my 79XS1100 and still running sweet as.

[AD345]

1. BMW (90%)
2. Honda (89.2%)
3. Yamaha (85.5%)
4. Triumph (84%)
5. Suzuki (83.2%)
6. Kawasaki (82.8%)
7. MZ (81.3%)
8. Harley-Davidson (80.1%)
9. Aprilia (77.1%)
10. KTM (74%)
11. Buell (72.2%)
12. Cagiva (70.5%)
13. Ducati (69.1%)
14. Moto Guzzi (68.8%)
15. CCM (63.8%)

To me this makes no sense - Expressed as a % of what?

It'll be like Consumer surveys

"90% of respondents who owned a BMW motorcycle reported no breakdowns/mechanical work over regular servicing/whatever in the last x time period"

[Blackshear]

Take your pick :sunny:
They'll all work fine with a few dollars thrown at them!
One just needs a spark...
The other a spark plug... A colossal amount of shark oil and scouring :crazy:
And the other needs a new fork seal, and rear suspension bushings :banana:

But I got no monies to tinker:weep:



ALSO
As if my post had as little to do with this thread as it was...

Who's heard of a single geared bike... With no centrifugal clutch :cool:

[cindymay]

Buy a not too old bike and you have reliability. A more important issue is how much does servicing cost and how regular. Suzuki 6000kms is too often and I have heard even harleys are now 8000kms between servicing.

[Boob Johnson]

EXCELLENT - thanks.
But reliability would vary between models from the different companies. I'm trying to zero in on a particular model
RF900 = ULTRA reliable & extremely good value for money. One of THE most underrated bikes of all time.

[Hiflyer]

Buy a not too old bike and you have reliability. A more important issue is how much does servicing cost and how regular. Suzuki 6000kms is too often and I have heard even harleys are now 8000kms between servicing.

but nearly every bike has at least an oil and filter cahnge evry 6000kms at least (or so I've heard) i do my hyosungs every 5000kms and service every 6000kms (also, if you look after a hyosung it will treat you well, i learnt that the hard way)

[The Pastor]

Instead of getting an older bike, why not buy something that is old-bike price, but nearly new.

This bike is a vtwin 650cc, 2007, as-new condition, noisy exhaust, 7,800km, asking $6,500
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-208425876.htm

Steve
he said reliable you fool

[98tls]

but nearly every bike has at least an oil and filter cahnge evry 6000kms at least (or so I've heard) i do my hyosungs every 5000kms and service every 6000kms (also, if you look after a hyosung it will treat you well, i learnt that the hard way) Why would you change the oil and filter on any bike (purely road ridden) every 6000 kms?Hey its your money your chucking away but i have to ask why,benefits are?I grew up with an old man (motorcycle fanatic) who used to rave on about "oil is a motorcycles blood) blah blah 30 odd years ago and to a point he was right but to be changing oil/filter every 6k is a waste of $.

[Hiflyer]

Why would you change the oil and filter on any bike (purely road ridden) every 6000 kms?Hey its your money your chucking away but i have to ask why,benefits are?I grew up with an old man (motorcycle fanatic) who used to rave on about "oil is a motorcycles blood) blah blah 30 odd years ago and to a point he was right but to be changing oil/filter every 6k is a waste of $.

i'm just trying to be safe you know? but then again, the motorcycle doctors do a free oil change and free filter with every service. . . .

but yea im just trying to make sure i do everything i can to keep my tempramental (sp?) POS happy till i get my full

[98tls]

i'm just trying to be safe you know? but then again, the motorcycle doctors do a free oil change and free filter with every service. . . .

but yea im just trying to make sure i do everything i can to keep my tempramental (sp?) POS happy till i get my full Fair call i guess and good on ya.Maybe carry on but do the filter every second change eh.

[TOTO]

depending on how old you want to go , but honda CB series could be a goer...

[Tank]

Instead of getting an older bike, why not buy something that is old-bike price, but nearly new.

This bike is a vtwin 650cc, 2007, as-new condition, noisy exhaust, 7,800km, asking $6,500
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-208425876.htm

Steve

He asked about a RELIABLE bike. Hobags whilst they are getting better are still nowhere near as reliable as the mainstream jap dealers.

They would be one of the first crossed off the list.

[Gubb]

Instead of getting an older bike, why not buy something that is old-bike price, but nearly new.

This bike is a vtwin 650cc, 2007, as-new condition, noisy exhaust, 7,800km, asking $6,500
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-208425876.htm

Steve

The man's asking for something that's NOT GOING TO FALL TO BITS.

EDIT:SHIT. Need to read the rest of the thread first.

[shafty]

RF900 = ULTRA reliable & extremely good value for money. One of THE most underrated bikes of all time.

You are right, OFCOURSE, Boob - throw the FJ1200 in there too

[Boob Johnson]

You are right, OFCOURSE, Boob - throw the FJ1200 in there too
FJ1200, too true Jimmy, too true. Whilst having no experience with said machine, have heard only good things about it's longevity :sunny:

[MarkH]

I'm thinking of getting a second bike and doing a restoration job on my main one. So will be looking for something minimum 650cc+, preferably larger. For around town and country and the odd cruise.
Anyway what I want is something stone cold reliable! It'll be secondhand so I know it will depend on the previous owner, don't care if it's Jap, German, British or whatever.
So tell me what you think is the most reliable bike? If you're a mechanic all the better!

I have been looking into the Suzuki GSXF750 - sports tourer. They seem to be selling cheap and from what I've read they are pretty good on the mechanical reliability. They should be pretty capable either solo or 2up and are supposed to be much more comfy than the GSXR for longer rides. You can get a late model one with low kms for not too much money.

[Trudes]

I'll put in another vote for the Hornet900. Mine sits in the garage until I get time to take it for a ride, never complains, fires up usually first pop and away we go, no hassels, gets parked up until next time. Gotta love it! Take good care of it and it'll take good care of you is my motto.

[pritch]

To me this makes no sense - Expressed as a % of what?

Of the responders for each make?

These have been done before, last one I saw had Honda on top but was American and had less makes.

Perhaps you could do one for KiwiRider?

[martybabe]

Hornet and bandit are clear winners for inexpensive and reliable.

BMW boxers, fj1200s, rf900s are bargain older reliable bikes.

I actually think the earlier list of marque reliability is pretty close, can't rely on it too much though cause all of the top bunch have made a lemon or two.

Ti's only my opinion but if you want new and reliable, on a budget, Hug a Hornet. If you have dosh to spare an air cooled beemer will probably outlast us all and still look good if a little odd.

[Blatman]

Cool, thanks guys. I should mention that as it's only gonna be a second bike I'm looking at about $5k.
Front runners seem to be Honda Hornet\CB\VFR or Suzi Bandit\GS or Yammy XS\XJ or Beema. Probably for the $ though I doubt I'd get a good Beema and not sure they're my thing anyway. Shame I can't afford a late model Trumpy, I saw a red Thruxton in Henderson today at it gave me a stiffy. I'll start researching prices on Trademe.

[Bonez]

Cool, thanks guys. I should mention that as it's only gonna be a second bike I'm looking at about $5k.
Front runners seem to be Honda Hornet\CB\VFR or Suzi Bandit\GS or Yammy XS\XJ or Beema. Probably for the $ though I doubt I'd get a good Beema and not sure they're my thing anyway. Shame I can't afford a late model Trumpy, I saw a red Thruxton in Henderson today at it gave me a stiffy. I'll start researching prices on Trademe.Theres certainly lots to chose from for $5k.

[tubehead]

94 to 97 vfr's because of the gear cams and 300 to 500 refinments after previous generation before they upped the cc and made it complicated. US VFR forum replies are normal to get 100,000 miles without anything except updating rectifier. Total for my vfr after 80,000k is one tailight bulb and one rectifier and this seems to be the norm. Honda were on the line to make the VFR work

I own both a 97 VFR750 and 2000 VFR800( gear cam drive) and the myth that the 750 is more reliable than the 800 is rubbish the 800s fuel injection is bonus..They are both bullet proof and 100,000 miles is a yawn to these bikes 250,000 miles plus and a big plus at that.

[vifferman]

I own both a 97 VFR750 and 2000 VFR800( gear cam drive) and the myth that the 750 is more reliable than the 800 is rubbish the 800s fuel injection is bonus..They are both bullet proof and 100,000 miles is a yawn to these bikes 250,000 miles plus and a big plus at that.
However, the 2002+ VFRs are certainly less reliable - they had several recalls for various issues (brakes, wiring, charging system), and the camchain tensioner is a perennial Honda weakness.
My 2001 VFR800 has summat north of 80,000 km, and I've had no reliability issues at all.

[Pwalo]

Well it's sure as hell not an MVX250. The most reliable bikes seem to be those that are used the most.

[Monty69]

HONDA. You know it, i know it, everyone knows it, HONDAS own reliable.

[lankyman]

Yea man, go VFR 750 or 800 depending on how much you want to spend. Comfy and reliable with a nice beefy bottom end of power curve.

[Conquiztador]

Surprised that nobody has mentioned the BMW K100's? They do 200,000 K's and keep going. You point them in a direction and off you go. Today you get them for around $3K with 60 -120K on the clock.

OK, so they are boring, but...

[Ixion]

Do you mean 'reliable as in 'will not break down in the middle of nowhere' ; or 'reliable' as in 'needs a minimum of attention at all' ; or 'reliable' as in 'minimum cost to run it'.

It makes a difference.

Some bikes might be very reliable in the first sense, but need regular , extensive maintenance. GP bikes are reliable "Did not finish" gets no trophies - at a cost.

Any bike with a chain is going to need regular attention on that basis. So if your rule for reliable is 'never have to spend time on it' you need a shaft or belt drive.

BMWs (pretty much all of them ) are reliable in the first and second sense. But the regular maintenance will cost you $$$$

Maggots are good in all respects. But unfashionable

The 4 cylinder air cooled Yamahas are indestructible - but will need chain adjustment and twitivating. And regular tyres.

XT600 Yamaha is bullet proof but needs chain adjustment etc

But it is very much a personal assessment. I have even heard people claim that Eytalian electrics are reliable :rofl:

[mujambee]

Suzuki SACS engines are regarded as indestructible here. All GSXF's, GSXR's up to W (1995) and air-cooled Bandits.

Those engines had several unique design features (can't recall now) that allowed them to run on cold oil.


If you go for the "engine lasts forever" you may want to try one of those.

[sondela]

1. BMW (90%)
2. Honda (89.2%)
3. Yamaha (85.5%)
4. Triumph (84%)
5. Suzuki (83.2%)
6. Kawasaki (82.8%)
7. MZ (81.3%)
8. Harley-Davidson (80.1%)
9. Aprilia (77.1%)
10. KTM (74%)
11. Buell (72.2%)
12. Cagiva (70.5%)
13. Ducati (69.1%)
14. Moto Guzzi (68.8%)
15. CCM (63.8%)

To me this makes no sense - Expressed as a % of what?
Well Obviously, it's expressed as a % of how often they break down!!
soo..BMW (90%)
Harley Davidson (80.1%)
and so on....

[Timber020]

RF900, bandits, GSX750F, 900 hornet are all good. The RF900 is great at touring and works good in town. Fast comfortable under rated machine. Great value for money.

[boomer]

I'm thinking of getting a second bike and doing a restoration job on my main one. So will be looking for something minimum 650cc+, preferably larger. For around town and country and the odd cruise.
Anyway what I want is something stone cold reliable! It'll be secondhand so I know it will depend on the previous owner, don't care if it's Jap, German, British or whatever.
So tell me what you think is the most reliable bike? If you're a mechanic all the better!

one that doesnt break down

[alanzs]

I have had a couple Suzuki Bandit 1200's that were the epitome of reliable. I never had to do any work on them, other than regular maintenance. Between two Bandits, I put on over 150,000k's in 5-6 years. Never had one leave me stranded...

[avgas]

GB400.
Sits above 90% of the rev range (6,500) for hours and NEVER overheats.
Its a bloody honda, but my god its a good one (best one in my books).
Even rode one with 152,000 on the clock, had not been serviced for the last 50,000.....and it still was at least 70% full power!
Have owned 3

That and GN125 (and chinese equiv)........when you go to china - you understand what reliable actually means

[cheshirecat]

I own both a 97 VFR750 and 2000 VFR800( gear cam drive) and the myth that the 750 is more reliable than the 800 is rubbish the 800s fuel injection is bonus..They are both bullet proof and 100,000 miles is a yawn to these bikes 250,000 miles plus and a big plus at that.

Having got back into bikes after a few years I find it fairly amazing we are reduced to debating which VFR model does 250k or not and when they are compared it's usually against 1000cc efforts. Oh, I thought cam chains came in with the 800, ie 750 was the last of the gear drives.

[Maha]

English motorcycle magazine, Ride, has published their survey results amongst 10,000 motorcyclists in the United Kingdom in this month's publication. (Sep 2004)

The motorcyclists were asked how reliable their motorcycle is. Results:

1. BMW (90%)
2. Honda (89.2%)
3. Yamaha (85.5%)
4. Triumph (84%)


Thats nice to know, I have owned all but the BMW and I wouldn't mind a K1200s for my next.

[Ol'Biker]

Hornet 900. Got one and happy with the flexibility this bike offers.

[JustNick]

Should I be the first to say it .... :innocent:

[paturoa]

I got my vstrom 650 for a different reason. After buying it I've become a member of a couple of the largest on line Strom forums (where you find out from the owners what really happens) and as far as I can tell they never break down, servicing is cheap, and the only way to kill one is to throw it down the road.

[GrayWolf]

still one of the most reliable and well proven ever??
FJ11/12200.... XJR11/12/1300
that motor has now been in production for 20+ years.

[pete376403]

still one of the most reliable and well proven ever??
FJ11/12200.... XJR11/12/1300
that motor has now been in production for 20+ years.

Ditto with the KLR600/650. motorcyclings equivalent of an anvil (heavy, slow, indestructible)