7 Best Buy Bikes Under $7,800
Want to buy a new bike and still be able afford fuel and decent coverage? We’re on it. Check out our best buys for under $7,800:
1. Yamaha YZF-R125
This Yamaha doesn’t look like a 125, although its top speed of 75mph and difficulty with hills will confirm that it is. Regardless, the YZF-R125 is a quality starter bike that feels good to ride – ideal for newbies and popular with youngsters. As long as you’re tall, that is; its high seat isn’t much use to the vertically challenged, but at least it doesn’t give off that tell-tale moped whine. It’s fairly economical, though its 52mpg is unexpectedly poor for such a light bike.
Cost: $7768
2. Daelim VJF250
An unfamiliar name, Daelim is a surprisingly sturdy South Korean brand. It looks good, offers decent performance and Honda quality, though its suspension leaves a little to be desired and ABS isn’t an option. The VJF250 is nothing spectacular, but it holds that generic sports bike appeal and is excellent value both in terms of price and fuel economy at 66mpg. It’s a solid choice for commuting and everyday use, and it maxes out at 95mph.
Cost: $4660
3. Kawasaki Ninja 300
A beauty of a bike, the Ninja 300 is a stylish entry-level sports bike. It’s not the most comfortable over long distances, but it’ll get you there without giving you too much of a beating. It’s small and nippy – ideal for everyday transport and commuting – and for some reason it features race-inspired clutch technology (not that we’re complaining). It’s pretty economical, coming in at around 59mpg, if you can resist the temptation to push it to its top speed of 110mph. Overall, the Ninja 300 is fun, agile and smooth, and it gets bonus points for looking totally bad-ass. Unless you don’t like green… in which case, don’t buy it (or get the black version, either way).
Cost: $7455
4. Honda CBR250R
Another sleek sports bike, the CBR250R is a capable bike for getting around town and will inject a little fun into your daily commute, but it can be hard work and uncomfortable over long distances, particularly into a headwind. And let’s not even talk about hills. If you’re after something smart and lightweight for local journeys and everyday use, the CBR250R is an affordable and reliable choice. It tops out at 90mph, with an average economy of 58mpg.
Cost: $6369
5. Suzuki SV650S
The SV650S is one of the most affordable bigger bikes and is a great choice for beginners looking to step up from their starter bike. It’s easy to ride, well-balanced and fairly lightweight, with responsive handling and a low, comfortable seat. Its light clutch is a dream in the stop-start motion of a commute and it can handle longer jaunts in the country easily enough, although it can get uncomfortable after a while. It’s not the most economic choice at an average of 40mpg, although its top speed of 123mph might help you forget that. Until the next time you roll into a petrol station and hand your credit card over, at least.
Cost: $7730
6. Ducati Monster 695
Creeping towards the $7800 cut-off, the Monster is the priciest best buy bike. Another good choice for beginners looking to step up to their first big bike, the Monster 695 is a meaty bike with good handling. It isn’t the most fuel efficient, at just 42mpg, but if you want to go fast on a budget this is where it’s at with top speeds of 125mph. The suspension could be harder, but this Monster’s got a beauty of a paint job and sure is fun to take out on the open road.
Cost: $7762
7. BMW G650GS
This is the thing good value and affordable dreams are made of; the cheapest BMW money can buy. The G650GS is an entry-level adventure bike, competent on the trails and powerful enough to pull you up those hills with little effort. Quality and reliability are assured, of course (because it’s a Beemer, obviously). With its low seat and good balance on the road, this makes a stellar choice for a novice’s first bigger bike, and it’s surprisingly economical at 59mpg. If you want to race the Dakar Rally but only have $7700 to your name, this is what you should get. You won’t be able to pay the race entry fee, but at least you can dream. Top speed 105mph (not that you’ll need it for the Dakar).
Cost: $7645