Reliability, maintenance/upkeep costs?

Howdy Folks,

I am placing this post in each of the brand specific forums in order to hopefully reach more people within the microcosm of brand specific riders.

My current bike was purchased as a learner bike. It meets my needs well with the exception of highway cruising ability. If things go as planned, I intend to purchase a cruiser more suited to my overall needs sometime next year. As I will need to keep the overall cost of ownership as low as possible, my concern is for reliability, maintenance frequency, and the cost of upkeep. I have been told that I will need a bike with an engine displacement of at least 1300 cc; I would like the ability to pull a trailer/camper over long distances without overly taxing the engine.

Of the Kawasaki(s) you folks own what issues have you had with reliability etc. that I should take into account when choosing my next bike?

Thanks in advance.

Jim

I'll be honest...I have no idea what to tell you. But I had a few questions come to mind while reading your post that may help the more experienced ones answer your question...

What kind of trailer or camper are you talking about pulling?
How heavy is it?
How much money are you looking to spend (LOL, always a factor)?

Sirgilbert357,

At first I am looking at some of the cargo trailers that can serve the dual purpose of being pulled by a MC or small to midsized car. I have not decided on brand or dollar amount yet. If when our daughter is out of college the wife and I wish to do some traveling we may decide to pull a pop-up camper designed for mc's.

As for money, my business is beginning to build so the available amount is somewhat amorphous at present. I will probable be looking at a used bike in the 1300+ range. I am just trying to gather as much info on various quirks and costs of the many used bikes out there so that I can make as informed choice as possible when I do move up.

I bought a brand new, 2008 Ninja 250cc to learn to ride on..

I have to change the carburetors once a month because I don't ride much.

A lot of my family grew up riding motorcycles, and are really good with them, they can barely get it started, it runs like shit until I clean the carbs, then it runs great..

VERY high maintenance, warranty doesnt help cause they say nothing is wrong...

Durugon, I think you are some weird exception dude. Not many ppl. change their carbs once a month lol.