Bargain Blasters
Bargain Blasters
It's a good time to be shopping for a motorcycle, especially if, like most, your decision requires a bit of thriftiness. The sheer number of machines available for less than $8,500 means there is something for almost everyone's tastes these days.
2015 YAMAHAFZ-07
PETROL-BURNING PROOF THAT GOOD THINGS CAN GOME IN AFFORDABLE PACKAGES
BASE PRICE: $6,990
Yamaha’s tuning fork must actually be a magic wand because it has figured out how to deliver exceptional fun, value, and high-quality finishes for a ridiculously affordable price, an outcome rarely achieved in motorcycling. The FZ-09 and Star Bolt paved the way, but this FZ-07 takes it to another level.
On paper, Yamaha’s brand-new 689CC parallel twin makes similar power (65.9 hp/45.4 pound-feet at the rear wheel) to Kawasaki’s Ninja 650 and Suzuki’s SFV650, but on the Cycle World scales, the FZ weighs a whopping 64 pounds less than the green machine and 47 less than the Suzook. In terms of outright performance, the Yamaha is a touch quicker through the quarter mile and in the ballpark in terms of ultimate velocity. But its
superior power-to-weight ratio makes the FZ-07 feel a lot snappier, aggressive, and more fun in almost every riding situation.
Excellent fueling is delivered via EFI that forgoes ride by wire in favor of a simpler and more affordable system. Although it lacks multiple ride modes and traction control, the twin’s linear delivery doesn’t need either of those and, in fact, is far smoother than the FZ-09 transitioning on and off throttle. On flowing roads you can stick it in one gear and let the flat torque curve work its magic.
Even with the FZ’s sub-$7,ooo price tag, we must complain about the suspension’s lack of damping control too-soft springs. We know it's a cheap bike aimed at new riders and commuters, but there's a lot of performance potential here. No attempt was made to skimp on brakes, as a pair of four-piston calipers pinches 282mm wave-style discs up front and provides very good power and feel.
Sit on the FZ and the fit, finish, and high-quality controls remind us of more expensive bikes. But to truly appreciate what the FZ-07 is all about, you just have to ride one. And when you do, you will surely agree it’s one of those rare machines that really does more for less. -Blake Conner
Price: $6990 Dry weight: 379 lb. Wheelbase: 55.4 in. Seat height: 31.8 in. Fuel mileage: 56 mpg 0-60 mph 3.4 sec. 1/4 mile: 12.16 sec. @ 106.70 mph Horsepower: 65.9 hp @ 8750 rpm Torque: 45.4 lb.-ft. @ 6480 rpm Top speed: 121 mph
YAMAHA FZ-09
BASE PRICE: $7,990
Are you into Rightnowism? You know, like when a new smartphone comes out that makes you wait 0.001 of a second less forthat app to open and you wonder how you ever tolerated that slow phone? Then you’ll like the FZ-09. It’s the bigger, burlier 847cc threecylinder brotherto the FZ-07 and, thanks to its sizable displacement advantage and great engine tuning and light weight, stomps on every other bike in this bargain roundup. Yet it costs less than many of them. We’ve documented our dislikes (marginal suspension damping and abrupt throttle response, primarily) but have addressed most of the issues with our long-term testbike (see page 70). Bottom line:
If you want the most performance foryour dollar, the FZ-09 delivers. Right now.
-Mark Hoyer
ROYAL ENFIELD CONTINENTAL GT
BASE PRICE: $5,995
This new-for-2014 Enfield is café cool and more modern than ever, with a brand-new 535cc single.
Honda’s CBR650F offers a more practical and affordable four-cylinder middleweight sportbike alternative to today’s track-focused 6oocc supersports. The 650F wraps race-inspired styling around a far more relaxed riding position than that of a contemporary supersport, and its DOHC liquid-cooled inline-four engine is tuned for very linear, easy-to-manage power delivery as well.
Best of all, this all-new model carries an $8,499 MSRP (an ABS model sells for $500 more), which is about three grand less than a CBR600RR.
The user-friendly 650F houses an entirely new engine in an all-new steel perimeter frame. Cost-saving measures are evident in the conventional 41mm non-adjustable fork and shock, which features an easy-to-use ramped spring preload adjuster. Even the twin-piston front brake calipers on this new Honda are of the single-action, pin-slide variety found on many other bargain bikes.
Don’t allow any of this to put you off. If back-road sport riding is in your
HONDA CBR650F
MAINSTREAM MIDDLEWEIGHT
BASE PRICE: $8,499
Dry weight: 439 lb. Wheelbase: 57.4 in. Seat height: 32.1 in. Fuel mileage: 57 mpg 0-60 mph 3.5 sec. 1/4 mile: 12.01 sec. @ 110.77 mph Horsepower: 77.9 hp@ 11,040 rpm Torque: 42.5 lb.-ft. @ 8250 rpm Top speed: 132 mph
playbook, the 650F delivers accessible corner-carving performance. Chassis balance and handling stability are superb, the 650F blending neutral steering and taut suspension with excellent bump compliance. The brakes provide all the power you need in panic stops or charging the corners of a twisty road.
Clutch pull is uncannily light, which complements a slick six-speed gearbox. Engine vibration remains subdued at lower revs, only becoming a bit buzzy in the bars above 7,000 rpm. Under normal riding conditions, there really is no need to spin this engine above 7,000 rpm thanks to its generous spread of torque.
I found riding this new CBR to be reminiscent of Honda’s CBR600F4 of a decade ago, harking back to a time when broad-focused supersports won races and the hearts of everyday riders. Interestingly, I pulled up a dyno chart of the Cycle World Ten Best-winning F4 and discovered the 650F produces upward of 10 pound-feet more torque across the bottom half of the rev range. It deserves at least an honorable mention!
While championship-winning CBRs of yore might not have been regarded as entry-level bikes in their day, the new CBR650F, by modern standards, represents a viable choice for riders of varying ability. It’s a testament to this Honda’s uncanny refinement, rideability, and performance value. -Don Canet
TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE
BASE PRICE: $7,899
The glory days of British motorcycling’s past live on in the modern Bonneville but without the poor build quality and clever auto-oilchange feature.
SUZUKI DR-Z400SM
BASE PRICE: $7,189
If you like the idea of a factorybuilt, street-legal supermoto machine, the DR-Z400SM is your only choice. And, yes, it's as fun as it looks.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON XL883N SPORTSTER IRON 883
BASE PRICE: $7,999
One of the most recognizable motorcycles of all time is now pushing its 60th year in existence, with no sign of throwing in the towel.
SUZUKI SFV650
GLADIUS REINCARNATED
BASE PRICE: $8,149
My colleagues are quick to point out that the SFV650 is just the Gladius model from 2009 with a new name. Fine, but I never rode a Gladius, so I get to evaluate this naked Suzuki V-twin with a fresh perspective.
My take? Positive. This Suzuki is a fun everyday bike, a compact and upright ride powered by a rumbly 645CC 90-degree V-twin that gets smooth with revs while boasting a broad powerband and excellent fueling. Although it’s not a rocket by modern sportbike standards, the Suzuki is the quickest of our trio of 650s to 60 mph, and the bike upshifts with a
satisfying precision.
The red trellis frame, which looks great contrasted against the SFV’s gray 3.8-gallon fuel tank, makes for a bike that feels agile and light, even though the suspension hardware is pretty basic. Upping the
sporty quotient are a chassis with 25 degrees of rake and 4.1 inches of trail, plus sticky Dunlop Sportmax Qualifier tires and dual-piston Tokico front brakes with a pair of floating discs.
There’s good feel at the lever and
more than enough power to stop this Suzuki in a hurry whenever you’re riding at an aggressive pace.
So is the SFV650 just a Gladius? It is. But who cares? This Suzuki has character, and it’s not that much of a stretch to see it as an affordable alternative to Ducati’s 696 Monster. -Andrew Bornhop
Price: $8149 Dry weight: 426 lb. Wheelbase: 57.3 in. Seat height: 31.3 in. Fuel mileage: 48 mpg 0-60 mph 3.4 sec. 1/4 mile: 12.21 sec. @ 105.65 mph Horsepower: 68.9 hp @ 8600 rpm Torque: 44.0 lb.-ft. @ 7830 rpm Top speed: 123 mph
KAWASAKI NINJA 300/ABS
BASE PRICE: $4,999-$5,499/ $5,199
The upsized baby Ninja for 2014 is a good all-around bike for commuting and weekend rides. And while it’s great for new riders, it remains a blast for experienced riders too.
A resurgence in the dual-sport market, particular at entry-level price points, means that versatility has never been easierto obtain.
DUAL-SPORTS
BMW G650GS
BASE PRICE: $7,850 BMW’s most inexpensive model has a torquey single with EFI and comes standard with ABS. A good gateway into adventure touring.
KAWASAKI KLR650 NEW EDITION
BASE PRICE: $6,599 Simple, solid, and reliable, the KLR has chugged along for decades, with firmer suspension and a new seat earning the “New” in its name.
HONDA CRF250L
BASE PRICE: $4,699 So much more than a campground playbike, the 250L is a commuter, a solid trailblazer, and gets awesome fuel mileage as a bonus.
SUZUKI DR650SE
BASE PRICE: $6,499 Enough power for highway travel yet capable on all but the gnarliest trails. Makes more sense as an ADV bike than most ADV bikes.
2015 HONDACBR300R
MORE STYLE AND GRUNT FOR HONDA’S BABY CBR
BASE PRICE: $4,399
FIRST RIDE
Honda’s CBR250R, Big Red’s smallest and most affordable sportbike, has been a big hit since its 2012 debut. Despite this sales success, there wasn’t an official 2014 model because Honda was busy preparing the revised, larger-displacement CBR300R, which arrived in dealerships as an early 2015 offering.
The first thing you notice is how much the new CBR300R looks like its larger CBR500R sibling; at a glance, one would be hard-pressed to tell the two apart. Borrowing styling cues from Honda’s flagship RR supersports isn’t such a bad thing. And there’s no doubting the new 300R has a clean, high-quality appearance that belies its $4,399 MSRP; the ABS model costs $500 more.
Beneath the bodywork is the same proven chassis that has served the 250R well. Anew crankshaft, connecting rod, and piston have yielded 37CC more displacement via 8mm of increased stroke, bringing the liquidcooled, dohc, four-valve single to 286cc. Remapped PGM-FI fuel injection and a revised exhaust with more volume have netted an increase in peak
horsepower from 23.7 to 27.1, and torque steps up from 15.8 to 18.4 pound-feet as measured on the CW dyno.
I attended a CBR300R press ride that began at American Honda’s Torrance, California, headquarters, threaded through city streets, and included a couple of brief stretches of twisties in the hills nearby. While not an extensive ride, it was enough to remind me that the nimble CBR will please new riders as well as experienced folks seeking a fun and affordable machine.
City riding remains the little CBR’s forte, aided by power delivery that’s exceptionally easy to manage from the moment you release the light-action
clutch. Only the slightest application of throttle is required, and there’s plenty of low-range torque available. Upshifting at or below 6,000 rpm keeps Honda’s counterbalanced single in the smooth, low-vibe region of its 11,000-rpm rev range. The six-speed gearbox, a model of refinement, has light shift action both up and down.
The riding position is roomy, with a relaxed reach to the bars and a 31-inch seat height that’s said to be the lowest in its class. The saddle and midsection side panels are narrower than those of the CBR250R, making for an even easier reach to the ground. An accessory seat cuts the height by more than an inch.
The non-adjustable fork and preloadadjustable shock are calibrated for comfort but with adequate damping control to allow for a spirited pace. There’s also good fork bottoming resistance under hard braking.
Overall, the new Thai-built 2015 Honda CBR300R represents a significant upgrade to a proven platform, and while it may not make you want to go out and sell the trusty 250R already parked in your garage, it does beg a closer look, especially if you’re in the market for a CBR500R. -Don Canet
Price: $4399 Dry weight: 342 lb. Wheelbase: 54.4 in. Seat height: 31.0 in. Fuel mileage: 70 mpg 0-60 mph 6.7 sec. 1/4 mile: 15.55 sec. @ 79.51 mph Horsepower: 27.1 hp @ 8400 rpm Torque: 18.4 lb.-ft. @ 6700 rpm Top speed: 92 mph
CBR 300F
BASE PRICE: $3,999
A single-cylinder naked bike that is only $800 more than a Grom.
KAWASAKI NINJA 650
EVERYDAY WORKHORSE, WEEKEND WEAPON
BASE PRICE: $7,699
We often lust after the full-blown performance of sportbikes, yet the reality of our riding habits entails more commuting and errand running than trackdays and canyon carving. Which is exactly why bikes like the Ninja 650 exist. Real-world fun combined with everyday livability.
The Ninja’s parallel twin provides a virtually flat torque curve; more than 35 pound-feet of twist are available from 2,800 to 9,500 rpm, peaking at 43.3 at 7 grand. With smooth, linear delivery, this 650 is amazingly easy to ride around town and has enough oomph to yank it out of tight canyon corners without a flurry of downshifts.
A reasonable seat height, comfortable riding position, and good wind protection make the Ninja a great choice for virtually any type of riding you plan to do. Good handling combined with excellent stability and decent suspension make it sporty enough to blur the scenery on a twisty road but forgiving everywhere else.
If you’re shopping for a bike capable of delivering everyday all-around fun, the Ninja 650 does not disappoint. -Blake Conner
Jeff Allen
Dry weight: 443 lb. Wheelbase: 56.0 in. Seat height: 31.4 in. Fuel mileage: 54 mpg 0-60 mph 3.5 sec. 1/4 mile: 12.35 sec. @ 104.21 mph Horsepower: 64.0 hp @ 8740 rpm Torque: 43.3 lb.-ft. @ 7030 rpm Top speed: 125 mph
HYOSUNG GT650
BASE PRICE: $5,699 There’s no denyingthe CT is a close facsimile of the old Suzuki SV650, but it’s significantly less expensive too.
YAMAHA FZ6R
BASE PRICE: $7,890
It might not have the legs of its YZF-R6 brethren, butthis real-world sportbike offers great everyday performance for a lot less cash.
HONDA NC700X
BASE PRICE: $7,799
The reincarnation of the Universal Japanese Motorcycle: great efficiency and versatile capabilities all rolled into one.
