Looking for a bike....anyone riding hwy 410/10 to orangeville-help

A

awesomeame

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Hey all! First post here. Never had a streetbike, but rode motocross for many years.

I'm looking for ideally a small cc bike, perhaps 250cc, just to save money on gas for my 75km commute. I drive daily from Orangeville to Mississauga, taking hwy 10 and then the 410. So anyone who knows this route knows there is a monster hill just south of Caledon village.

Will a small cc bike like a 250 be able to maintain highway speeds, 90-100km/h, while going up that big hill? I'm 6'1", about 210lbs with gear+knapsack. Maybe a twin or v-twin would be better than a single?? I was also eyeing single 650cc bikes as they seem fairly good on gas.

Any thoughts/opinions welcome, thx!

Matt
 
id say get a suzuki sv650s

those 250s are lil scooters
 
250 will do fine I've done that route many times. It may struggle up the long hill with your size weight but I doubt it. Disclosure: I'm looking to sell my CBR250R if you're interested let me know.
 
I live here and ride that route all the time. Being you're a bigger guy I'd look at something a little bigger too.


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I can't say for sure, but a 250 - 300 should fulfil your needs (based on past experience.) You have some experience at riding a bike, so you might find a larger bike to be more enjoyable and/or versatile, though. Overall, motorcycles are not cheap to ride, when maintenance, gear, insurance etc. is accounted for (For example, I spend about $600/year on tires alone - they only last about 10 - 14,000 km. Oil changes are $100 each, etc. The cheapest of gear will probably still set you back $500.) Then, of course, you have to deal with some of the other "less than adequate" drivers on the road, being stuck in traffic jams in full gear when it is 30C outside, getting caught in the rain, etc. (Showing up to work drenched in sweat or soaking wet from the rain wouldn't be much fun.)

If economy is your only goal, you might be farther ahead buying a small cheap car that gets good fuel economy.
 
I know that hill well. I can go up that on a cbr125 while maintaining (ahem) the speed limit, although it requires a downshift. A 250 should go over that hill like it is not even there, at speeds that the Caledon cops will tolerate (100-ish).
 
KLR650 might be a better fit for OP size and weight and will not even notice the hill.
Upright seating a lot nicer in traffic. Gas mileage is good
 
Massive hill?? You have never seen a massive hill ..... My CBR125 used to do it almost in six gear with no wind ... LOL

I think you are over thinking your commute just get whatever you can afford and like.
 
I do that run every weekend to visit relatives and I don't struggle at all with my 250. I can go up the hill on Hwy 10 at 120+ with no problems at all. Weigh about 190.
 
ike said:
I can't say for sure, but a 250 - 300 should fulfil your needs (based on past experience.) You have some experience at riding a bike, so you might find a larger bike to be more enjoyable and/or versatile, though. Overall, motorcycles are not cheap to ride, when maintenance, gear, insurance etc. is accounted for (For example, I spend about $600/year on tires alone - they only last about 10 - 14,000 km. Oil changes are $100 each, etc. The cheapest of gear will probably still set you back $500.) Then, of course, you have to deal with some of the other "less than adequate" drivers on the road, being stuck in traffic jams in full gear when it is 30C outside, getting caught in the rain, etc. (Showing up to work drenched in sweat or soaking wet from the rain wouldn't be much fun.)

If economy is your only goal, you might be farther ahead buying a small cheap car that gets good fuel economy.
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What kind of bike do you have that is costing you that much? only 14,000 km on a set of tires? What the hell are you running, track tires? I've got 20k on my tires and still have another 10k-15k to go on them. And $100 an oil change? Buddy please no bike should cost anywhere that much to change oil. Even from a stealership. My oil change for my car cost that much from BMW. Sheeeet your getting hosed.
If I factor in all my cost for ownership on my bike per month, it is cheaper then 2 tanks of gas for my car, which would last me approximately 2 weeks. Your either full of it or ride a hunk of crap. Sorry to come across a little harsh but your making it sound like you don't want the OP to even get into this hobby by making it sound like it is very expensive. Its only expensive if the OP only rides weekends, but riding as a form of commuting, is a hell of a lot cheaper then a car after you have factored in all the additional costs of car ownership.
 
Peck said:
What kind of bike do you have that is costing you that much? only 14,000 km on a set of tires? What the hell are you running, track tires? I've got 20k on my tires and still have another 10k-15k to go on them. And $100 an oil change? Buddy please no bike should cost anywhere that much to change oil. Even from a stealership. My oil change for my car cost that much from BMW. Sheeeet your getting hosed.
If I factor in all my cost for ownership on my bike per month, it is cheaper then 2 tanks of gas for my car, which would last me approximately 2 weeks. Your either full of it or ride a hunk of crap. Sorry to come across a little harsh but your making it sound like you don't want the OP to even get into this hobby by making it sound like it is very expensive. Its only expensive if the OP only rides weekends, but riding as a form of commuting, is a hell of a lot cheaper then a car after you have factored in all the additional costs of car ownership.
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.+1
 
mimico_polak said:
250 will do fine I've done that route many times. It may struggle up the long hill with your size weight but I doubt it. Disclosure: I'm looking to sell my CBR250R if you're interested let me know.
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250 shouldnt struggle at all even at your height and weight. That hill in Caledon is not that steep anyways. Buy a bike that fits you nicely and that you can afford. Even a 125 will go up hills with your weight + backpack etc
 
Trying riding through North Carolina and West Virginia... now those are "hills" and you will notice the limitations of any 250! If you're just tooting around southern Ontario, you'll be just fine.

Might I recommend an EX500 or GS500? Great all-rounders and very novice friendly, and they fit larger people. They can be had mildly used for fairly cheap, and you can usually flip them for around the same amount of money you paid once you're ready to "move up".
 
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You'll have absolutely no issues on a 250 going either way and it fits the bill as far as gas savings. The gearing is set up to take on way more if you're doing it right. The only reason I don't still have one is the 407. That being said, the higher revs may get to you after 45 minutes each way but nothing some ear plugs wont fix.

Never got any speeding tickets 'till my brief stint in O'ville. Suddenly - five in two years on Hwy10, Kenedy & Heartlake......

Yes I'm a slow learner..:rolleyes:
 
Ive gone up that hill on 10 many times with relative ease on my 125R (Im 5,9" and 160lbs). Sure I'm not flying past everyone, but a steady speed of about 90-95km/h is more than doable. So I'm sure a 250 would have no problems going up that.
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