So I'm thinking about getting a bike, but probably not for the same reasons that most people do. I haven't really ever been into them for the speed rush or the open road feeling, which is why I never purchased one before. My main reasons for looking at one now is because my current daily transportation is getting pretty old (96' Ford Explorer) and I'd be nice to have some pretty decent gas mileage again.

I already have my "toy" vehicle ('94 Dodge Viper), and I plan on getting a Jeep to replace the Explorer later down the road, but I don't want to be stuck one day with a broken down Explorer and be forced to find a Jeep quickly instead of spending time finding the right one, so a bike seems like a good fit (it's small enough to fit in a crowded garage and nothing beats having additional forms of transportation in a pinch!).

I'm 5'8", 155lbs. so a big heavy bike isn't gonna be too good for me. Also, I'd like to keep the budget under $7000. I don't want a project bike or anything, so I was thinking about buying new (with a warranty) but I'm open to recommendations. If I end up being bit by the speed or mod bug, then I can deal with that later with more money or a different bike but I don't want that to be a big part in the decision of which bike I purchase this time (such as modability, best platform to start with, etc).

Which bikes do you recommend?

 

No experience on a bike at all and good mileage with no performance concerns at this time. The KLX sounds worth the try.

Welcome to KF

 

I would say check out the Ninja 650R.

 

ex 500

 

If you are not intrested in speed, and want a good lookin bike, an 08 250 ninja should be a good fit for you considering your size. The new 250's look really good and would have to get astounding gas mileage. And the price is way below your budget!

 

I'd probably 2nd the 600 category. There are a bunch of good used ones out there, and lotsa parts, too; save your money.
If you're doing many miles (commuting, riding long distances on a regular basis) a little extra weight is not a bad thing. Believe me, I've ridden some miles (on my old tubby ZX9R) with guys on the latest, greatest, lightest stuff out there. Yeah; if it's important you get there first, go light and fast. Personally, I feel real good not getting blown around semi's and bouncing over every BOT dot on the road. I'm not beat-up when I get to the destination. (And I can still wick it up just fine; as needed.)
It all depends on how you ride. I'd suggest riding as many different kinds as possible before you buy. You'll know it when you find it.

 

Good advice jeff. If you think about it, having something streetable over the light weight, andtrack inspired makes more sense for most riders.

 

I have a 08 650R and use it for commuting and forfun and love it. I was able to get it for 5999.00 OTD

 

ex500 would be the best probably for weight comfort and milage (50-60mpg)- the 250 will get better milage with a slight sacrifice in comfort (75mpg), 650r and zzr600 will be more comfortable but sacrifice milage (45mpg)