650 suitable for city commuting?

[crimso]

Hi, I am very close to deciding that a DL650 will be my next bike but have seen some conflicting opinions on its suitability for city commuting. My usage will be as a daily commuter - my route happily goes through some winding roads then down into the grid of the city where I hit stop and go traffic, then it culminates in the negotiation of a tight parking garage. Then on weekends I take off on half day or all day rides out of town. I'd appreciate some comments on how this bike works for you getting around the city. Thanks!

Matt

[Bobb_Todd]

I think it would be fine for your purpose although it might be a bit much to handle in a lot of stop and go if you are short [5'6" or under]

Good point, I should add that I'm 6'2". OTOH I just mentally counted up the number of stoplights on my commute which totals 23 one way (and I end up stopping at every one!).

Matt

[mike183]

At 6"2" you should be fine. You have to keep it straight. The height can be a pain if you are in very tight traffic and are forced to stop at weird angles. I find that my GS500 is a much better commuter. I go into Manhattan and am forced by circumstance to split lanes and the DL650 is no fun at that. It sounds like the DL650 will be a good bike for you.
Good Luck.
Mike

[Vstealth]

A couple of things that the DL650 is superb at as a commuter.

1. Excellent view of command. You sit up high. The mirrors
are excellent; big and well placed. The better view you have,
the safer you will be. This bike's upright ergonomics also help
here.

2. The bike is nimble. On my DL650 test ride I was coming around
a turn-around under an overpass and was surprised by a Christmas
tree that had fallen out of somebody's pick-up truck laying right in
the road. Zipped right around it. Commuting is full of 'surprises'
laying in the road.

3. The bike moves well from a stop. V-twin here. 1st gear is good.

4. Good mileage. 45-50 mpg.

5. Good tire life. Fairly high mileage valve check intervals at 14,500.

6. Has a nice rack to strap a bag onto.

7. Last but not least, the bike is Fun and will keep you amused.

8. I'm sure you will find others. :)

[crimso]

Thanks for the info, just the encouragement I needed to get pushed over the edge. There's a used 2004 I am going to check out this weekend.

Mike183, I've got a GS500 so your comments are ones I can relate to.

Matt

[doctorxring]

Resistance is futile. Come on over to the dark side

8)

[Gilk51]

I love to ride mine to work - just 12 miles, mostly straight.

24 lights the last time I counted. Good days are +50% green, bad days +50% red. :shock:

I would recommend it - same reasons as Vstealth (good list, BTW).