What's the most reliable bike?

[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-Mo...-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-Mo...-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-Mo...-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

[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?