Searched for a lightweight bike to haul on work trips

[David (N. Alabama)]

Last June I had the opportunity to do an extended work trip to NM and CA. I put my KLX250S in the truck bed and packed up some camping gear for my off days. I used that little bike to it's limits on that trip. 70 mph indicated was all she would give me and the knobbies wore out real fast on the pavement.

Here are some highlight photos.

Camping near Alamogordo, NM


Riding jeep trails with from 4000 to 7000 foot elevation


Near Cloudcroft, NM


Ventura Pier


Mountain roads east and north of Ventura


Camping near Hearst Castle


Pacific Coast Highway from Hearst Castle to Monterey








San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff


The KLX250S is a sub 300 lb motorcycle. It is great for what it is designed for. After that trip, I started researching lightweight street bikes that would be more capable than the little dual sport but as light as possible.

I even tried loading my Moto Guzzi Café Classic and did haul my Versys 650 which told me I need a bike under 400 lbs. Both bikes required 3 ramps for me to balance them while loading and unloading.

Here is the Versys in the truck. Not easy to load and unload and affected fuel economy.


I looked and test rode several bikes. The KTM Duke 390, Duke 690, Honda CB300F were ones I test rode. They are all single cylinder bikes and didn't check all the boxes. The Honda 500s are well over 400lbs which was the limit I put on myself. I also rode the Ducati Scrambler even though it was over 400lbs. The bike that kept popping up was the Yamaha FZ-07. Wet weight under 400 lbs. Plenty of power. Can mount shields and hard bags if wanted. There were no deals to be made on the FZ-07 though so I decided to wait for a used one or a leftover.

This past Saturday I did a search and found a great price on a leftover 2015. The only problem was that the bike was 6 hours away and I had time constraints that kept me from making the drive. I decided to call all the dealers within 3 hours and see what I could do. I found this one an hour from my house. I did have to pay a little more, but in the end decided it was worth it.

As you can see compared to the Versys in the truck, this one will be more stream lined and was easy to load and unload with one ramp.


Oh, and the dealer threw in the 2015 poster to sweeten the deal as well as cost plus 10 percent on accessories.

[David (N. Alabama)]

Here is a photo of the FZ-07 with full Givi bags. Also, Givi windscreen, hand guards, and tank bag. If I decide it could replace the Versys, I will get the framework to mount my bags.

There are choices in windshields to cover everyone's wants. I prefer a flyscreen for looks over purely naked, but I enjoy being in the clean air instead of buffeting behind a windshield.

Of course, with all that said, the Triumph trophy is almost too much wind protection. It is like riding in a convertible when the windshield is raised.

[lockwoodjohn]

David, Nice looking bike! Hope it does well for you!! My gosh I would give anything to ride any bike here right now. Fingerlakes region in New York state, Just to cold to do any riding. 3 degrees to 22 degrees outside now. Good luck and have fun!!
lockwoodjohn, John Kinney

[Me Again]

Hi John
Since you did not mention 2 feet of snow ,I am going to assume it missed you

[ekap1200]

Hi Dave, great pics, looks like you had a great time. I sure do miss the light weight bikes and running on dirt.

[cushman eagle]

Thank you for the pictures of the beautiful scenery David.lockwoodjohn,I feel your pain,it has been a month since I had riding weather

[lockwoodjohn]

David, Yes!! The big storm missed us!!