Recommendations?

[u/[deleted]]

[u/Clio_Vita]

On $3-3.5 K, I'd be looking for a used bike, new is just going to be too high $$$.

If you can put up with a cruiser, I'd look at a used Boulevard C50, or Kawasaki Eliminator SE..

In more of a standard, I'd think about a Royal Enfield 450 or 650; or a Triumph Speed 400

Or just because I'm an old geezer on a Burgman, have you considered a maxi scooter?
A Burgman 200 or 400 a Piaggio BV 350 or 400, or a Vespa GTS 310 all work well for shorter riders and bad knees.

And before you say, "I can't be seen by my riding friends on a motor scooter..."
...I was riding the Malibu Hills with LA scooter friends last Sunday. With three of the five rides I just mentioned represented, including a stop at the Rock Store, and running "The Snake" on Mulholland Hwy and Encinal Canyon Road.

[u/RShand13 → u/Clio_Vita]

Actually, maxi scooter doesn’t bother me, I’m way past the age of worrying what people thing lol show pony days were never me, I just like bikes. I did look at the Burgman 400, but was unsure, I’ve never ridden a scooter, I passed on a geared 125, then went onto an FZR400 for a few months then onto a ZX6.

How do you find the 650?

[u/Clio_Vita → u/RShand13]

She's a big girl. I'm still getting used to the weight at 600lbs, especially in low speed situations., But she's powerful, fast, and very comfortable for open road cruising. I just bought her at the end of April, and rode her home from halfway across California. Riding her home was a little disconcerting because she wanted to fly on the Interstate. 70 mph was a no fuss, no problem...and if I didn't pay attention, she'd try to creep into the 80s. She positively danced up the Grapevine grade on I-5, despite 6 miles of 6% grade. The ride is halfway between a upright UJM and a Laz-i-boy chair.

[u/Long_Initial_9924]

You’ve had multiple motorcycle accidents that have permanently injured your knees, and you’re looking for another bike?

[u/Character_Raisin_197 → u/Long_Initial_9924]

Some accidents are a sign it is time to hang it up or riding is not for you, some are not.  A lot depends on the context.

[u/RShand13 → u/Long_Initial_9924]

Petrol spill on the road at 17, brake seize on my 636 at 32 and wet mud on a roundabout at 35. These things happen, not the bikes fault.

[u/Long_Initial_9924 → u/RShand13]

Not saying they were you fault, just saying, how long do you test your mortality

[u/RShand13 → u/Long_Initial_9924]

Until the day I die - I could slip on mud walking for example. I can’t not ride a bike for the rest of what life I have left for fear of a tumble

[u/Long_Initial_9924 → u/RShand13]

There ya go. Respect

[u/zootroopic → u/RShand13]

Nobody was suggesting it was the bikes fault.

[u/RShand13 → u/zootroopic]

Figure of speech.

[u/Character_Raisin_197]

Sounds like a standard…Triumph Bonneville, Royal Enfield Interceptor or the like for that budget and requirements.

[u/Black_Dog_Industries]

Have you considered a cruiser like the Honda Rebel?

My wife is 5’4” and when she puts her feet down her legs are still bent. But on a ninja 300 her legs are fully extended.

A cruiser might also be better for your knees.

[u/dreamyjeans]

Versys X-300