What light frugal commuter with low bike-jacking appeal?

barrkel · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Jul 2012 Karma :

So, after my bike-jacking resulting in the theft of my last SH300, followed closely by two acid-attacks during scooter thefts, I'm looking to switch to an unappealing frugal geared bike for commuting and general pottering about.

That means:

* light weight, ideally well under 200kg, preferably low CoG

* cheap, well under 1500; this seems to rule out Ninja 250

* not a theft magnet; so, not a huge amount of fun, but capable of 70+mph

* decent options for mounting top-box

* Euro 3, ruling out most bikes older than 2008 or so; I'm commuting into London

I'm currently considering YBR 250; this might be a little bit exotic for finding spares, but it ticks most of my other boxes. Any other suggestions?
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linuxyeti · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Oct 2006 Karma :

Well, there's a few YBR250's around, within your budget, a Suzuki Inazuma, might do the job, Honda CBR250 or, you could look at some of the chinese 250's

Having said that, here's Ninja, within your budget ..

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KAWASAKI-NINJA-250-2009-MODEL-BIKE/172951201689?hash=item2844b1e799:g:SBgAAOSwg8tZ9IUw

If you don't mind a day trip to Blackpool
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sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

ScaredyCat · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 May 2012 Karma :

Wait.... wait... yes... NC700X ... nobody wants to steal those... frugal also..
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barrkel · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Jul 2012 Karma :

barrkel · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Jul 2012 Karma :

Loui5D · Brolly Dolly Joined: 22 Sep 2014 Karma :

dullsville, you'd have to pay someone to knick it.

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Not light though.

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

barrkel · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Jul 2012 Karma :

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

bassmastergen... · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 16 Jun 2011 Karma :

Frankly, if I was faced with riding in that particular 'hood I'd be buying a bus pass.

Cadbury · Crazy Courier Joined: 05 Oct 2011 Karma :

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

ScaredyCat · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 May 2012 Karma :

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Hang on, I've just thought of one.

BMW GS (650 / 700).

In white.

With battenburg pattern.

And "hazard" lights.

U now wot i meen bruv?
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FretGrinder · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 Jul 2010 Karma :

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The Shaggy D.A. · Super Spammer Joined: 12 Sep 2008 Karma :

If I commuted in an area where there was a high likelihood of bike jacking, I'd consider fitting some kind of tether kill switch wrist strap doobrie. Get pushed off, the bike ain't going anywhere.

Saying that, I'd probably move out of the shithole area. Or use the car with the doors locked.
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barrkel · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Jul 2012 Karma :

sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

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bassmastergen... · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 16 Jun 2011 Karma :

Arfa__ · Traffic Copper Joined: 01 Feb 2013 Karma :

Dunno, I'd be looking at a Yammy XJ6, FZ6n, Kwak ER6, later Suzie SV650, Gladius, Honda CBF600. That sort of thing really.

Under 200kg? yep
Cheap? several about at £1.5-2k
Manage 70mph? no prob
Euro3? yep, all post 2007, or versions of post 2007.
Luggage? yeah, plenty of Givi options and at home with big box on back.
Non-theft magnet? You'll never tick this one in London but at least you can stick a huge chain in your topbox and park it next to something posher with inferior security.

TBH I'd expect a half decent commuter 250 will cost similar moneys. Maybe spot cheaper on insurance and fuel, but not by much. But crucially will struggle on 70mph roads and less fun. A bigger bike will probably have some handy stuff like ABS too.
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