Quote Originally Posted by christian View Post
Ninja 250, pre-2007, with a +1 countersprocket.
They're cheap, reliable, happy to run 70 on the highway, ubiquitous, comfortable, cheap, and cheap. You can also get SW-Motech racks for a Givi case for them.
In this case, it really is about the ride, not the bike. A Ninja 250 will tour just fine and will be a good commuter and run-about thereafter. And if you don't like it, it has 100% resale value.
I have three bikes and 165,000 miles of motorcycling experience, and I can still have a lot of fun on a Ninja.
Admittedly, I'm a European motorcycle snob, but I could get on board with this. Sound advice at a good price point, and there's a Honda shop in every small city across the country.