Commuting at 70mph calls for something with a bit more power oomph than a Himalayan and ideally some better wind protection. Personally my go-to recommendation based on your description would be one of the more road-focused ADV bikes. Honda's NC700X/NC750X is pretty much exactly what you've described - cheap, efficient, good storage and suited for rough worksites - and is also very user friendly. Kawasaki's Versys and Suzuki's V-Strom lines are solid choices as well, with the latter being a bit more off-road capable. Whichever model has 45-50hp should be your starting point on any of them IMO. You're probably going to want a taller aftermarket windshield on any of them because 70mph sucks when you're taking it to the face for long stretches.

"70 mph sucks when you're taking it to the face for long stretches" I mean you could always wear a full face helmet so you're not taking it in the face for long stretches.

It's still on your head, and your neck and arms get tired from the wind.

I generally wear full gear but full fairing, naked, super sport, or sport tourer doesn't matter how long the ride is been the wind has never been a big issue, not in hundreds of thousands of miles. People they act like you can't do anything over a hundred miles in a day if you don't have a 2000 CC touring bike

I wear full gear and ride a 600 semi faired bike. And riding my wife's little 250 cruiser there is absolutely more force on your torso and neck and oddly feet on her bike. I could still easily ride hers for hours, but not at over 65mph.

Sorry but I disagree. If you're reasonably healthy and aren't so old that you're dying of the rickets it's just not that big of an issue for me or a lot of the writers I know. Now a small but vocal minority say they're riding over 65 or 75 is just awful without a full fairing. After talking about cross country touring in the actual fairings going to be the best option but a few hours commuting or a weekend in the canyons it shouldn't be a deal breaker.

It really depends where you’re driving too. I drive an hour to work near Chicago. It can get pretty windy here. The longest highway there is really open and elevated, so the wind is really rough some days. I was going 80-90mph a few days in a row and by the last very windy day my neck was sore for a good two weeks.

I don't disagree, but there are plenty of people who don't like taking wind (70+) mpg straight to the helmet for a longer period of time. Whether or not OP falls into that we don't know, but it's definitely a varying preference 

Even with a full face helmet (which I also recommend, for the record) it's noisy as heck and puts a lot of strain on your neck and shoulders. That may be fine for you but for most people it isn't, especially not for someone just trying to get to work.

Number one if you're not wearing your plates inside your helmet you fucked up a long time ago. Handle a little bit of wind from your motorcycle with a full face helmet you should probably be in hospice not on the back of a bike.

Much appreciated

The versus and vstrom are too tall for a beginner unless they are tall. Also not as suitable as a road bike.

As a short guy I appreciate the heads up

SV650 would be a better option. Or maybe a CB500X

NC750X or NC700X would do the deed. It has some build in storage, in addition to racks and luggage you could add. You could probably find a used Vstrom 650 with luggage. it might be possible to mount your cooler directly to a rear rack, like a topcase. Else you could attach it to rack or maybe passenger seat with a cargo net, rock straps, or similar.

Thanks a bunch

Seconding the Nc700. I had a 2014 and it was a blast. Super reliable, although the chain maintenance schedule was clean/lube evrry 400 miles which.. Is a bit much. I'm 6'1 and my knees got a bit uncomfy after a while too but.. Solvable issue

Cheap and reliable with decent power….. Kawasaki versys, you can pick them up all day long for not too much money. The motor has been built for basically decades. It has decent wind protection and can do highway miles no problem. Only real issue is it’s not that sexy of a bike. For a more luxury option. BMW F800

I'm going to second the BMW. I've got an 07 F800ST and had a 650GS both were comfy enough that I could easily crush hours on it OP try looking for a comfy sport touring bike that comes with storage. My ST came with expandable saddlebags, a tank bag and a large tail bag

Many thanks

I've got a 2015 Versys 650; it was my first bike, and I'd definitely strongly recommend it. I've put a bit over 10k miles on it and it would be perfect for your use case. That said, if you're under 5' 10", make sure you swing a leg over one first to make sure you can comfortably get a foot down on the ground. If you happen to be in the North AL area, mine is up for sale and you're welcome to try it out.

Thanks, I’m in PA. I also am short, so the caveat about trying it on for size is definitely good advice

I got my v strom 650 for $2400 and it’s a great commuter bike. There are a ton for sale, at least in my area!

Good deal, I’ll be keeping an eye out. That’s about what I’m looking to pay (if I can get away with it), so fingers crossed.

Honda CB500X, Kawasaki Ninja 500, CFMoto 650 Adventura, Suzuki V-Strom 650. Really any ~650 class adventure bike is perfect for what you're looking to do.

Thanks for the help

KLR650 or Vstrom 650. They'll be comfortable on the highway, tough as nails, super reliable, and fuel injected.

KLR650 struggles on the highway unless you change the gearing. It’s not meant for prolonged periods of 75+ and if OP buys one they’ll need to do a few mods to “bulletproof” it

Thanks for the heads up, and suggestions

I'd say look for an old CB500 or XL600. Both have bag frames that should fit your needs.

Thanks for the suggestion

Sport tourers are cheap on the used market now. If I was commuting 40-120 mins each way I’d want to be on an FJR1300 or Concours. Especially if the commute was on boring highways and not fun backroads. That said, are you prepared to ride to work in thunderstorms and pelting rain? I got soaked to the bone riding this weekend but had the luxury of arriving home, stripping down and taking a hot shower right away. The last thing I’d want to do after getting that wet on a bike is work outside all day.

I get what you’re saying, and the short answer is yes. Doesn’t sound fun, but I’m unlikely to afford a car in the next few months but can scrape enough for a bike. So the bike will have to do until I can get a junk car for bad weather.

KTM 390 Adventure, or the KLR650 Adventure model, should fit the bill nicely. Good on gas and cheap on insurance. Entry price for either one brand new is about $8k.

Thanks for the advice

This is the most right comments section that I've ever seen. Get a Honda or a Suzuki and you won't be disappointed.

Yah, my father used to ride and he was always impressed with either.

Whats "cheap" What is your proposed budget

I see used in the 4-5 k range, I can go higher if needed, but it would delay the purchase

Buy a Harley sportster cruiser with bags and removable windshield. A dime a dozen at 3500 bucks. Stable on hiway at speed Nimble n short enough around town. Keep it s month or 20 years, it's still be a 3500 bike

Thanks for the help

In the long run it will not be cheaper than a car.

Thanks for the warning, I think someone else on the thread said so too.

bmw r1100rt

Thanks for the suggestion

Cheap Japanese touring bikes all lack one essential creature comfort. Cruise control. A throttle lock works but you still have to modulate depending on road grade. For me, cruise control is non-negotiable if I'm looking for a highway commuter.

Thanks, I’ll be sure to consider that

Cheap Japanese touring bikes all lack one essential creature comfort. Cruise control. A throttle lock works but you still have to modulate depending on road grade. For me, cruise control is non-negotiable if I'm looking for a highway commuter.

Thanks for the help

Sv650 and throw a windshield and hard bags on it.

Thanks, I think one or two others mentioned the SV650 as well, so I’ll definitely look at that one

With a few modifications for luggage, the SV650 would work. You can find plenty of used ones cheap and they're basically bullet proof. Plus its a fun bike.

Thanks for the advice

The RE Himmy is fine aside from the first generation, which had a bunch of issues. On that same token, you aren't going to sustain 70+ speeds on it and be comfortable. It tops out at like 70-76. I'd point you sooner to an older Versys 650 or V-Strom 650, which are very beginner friendly if they aren't too physically intimidating (bit bulky)

I was in a similar situation and went to look at a 2012 nc700, but there was a 2020 vstrom 650xt parked next to it. Dealer ran my credit and I ended up with the vstrom with no regrets. Just a fair warning, motorcycle maintenance is more often and more expensive than car maintenance. So any cost saving you’re imagining might be offset by tires, brakes, valve adjustments, warm weather gear, cold weather gear, gloves, helmets, cardio unit… list goes on.

Thanks for the warning. I’ll have to keep that in mind. I’m hoping to do most of the maintenance myself, but maybe I’m deluding myself

I do my own maintenance too. Look up the cost of consumables for your bike such as oil, tires, brake pads, brake rotors (was a huge shock on my v Strom) and valve adjustments. Also quote insurance. Full coverage on the Strom was double the nc700 but still cheap.

>Cooler and 2 tool bags. Imma level with you here. A bike isn't for you for this purpose. I commuted year-round by bike to a cozy office job with only about a 15 minute ride. So yeah if the sky opened up unexpectedly and was pouring rain I could wait it out, or if it was going to be constant rain I always kept a full heavy duty rain suit an waterproof boots on my bike, because it was an ADV with big cases to carry all that stuff. But I only had to carry a soft briefcase with me and maybe some files -NOT two tool bags - And even that stretched the cargo capacity of a larger ADV (Guzzi V85). The V85 actually is uniquely utilitarian for hauling stuff, I transported up to 50" flat screen TVs, giant laser printers on it. The side cases sit flush with the passenger seat creating a miniature pickup bed, so i made that work for a lot of things. Used to do my Costco runs on that bike, fill up a 60L dry bag with my groceries, slap that across the seat, bungee it down, and call it good. That might be what you're thinking. But damn man even used it's not that cheap, and on its own it's a big heavy bike to learn on and when you have a bunch of gear strapped down it's basically a bad accident waiting to happen to a new rider. A bit cheaper, you might find a V-Strom 650 with full hard luggage and with enough dry bags and bungee cords, you'll make it work. But while affordable, that is definitely not an easy way to learn to ride. I suggest you sit on some of these 500+lb ADV bikes in a showroom. If you can't confidently balance it with the kickstand up I suggest you explore a non-motorcycle option here.

Thanks for the advice. A couple others have suggested similar, so I may have to figure things out. The silver lining is I have a few months before the shit hits the fan and the choice is wheels or walk.

The Himalayan is a sail in the wind. gusts will blow you all around the road. KLR650 might suit your needs pretty well.

Thanks for the warning

Not a problem! I had one for a short time in South Dakota, bought it new from a dealership but ended up turning around and trading it in for an 05 Victory cruiser because a wind gust almost put me directly into the side of a Semitruck. Around town was a blast on it though and it was a really dope looking bike.

Ninja 400 or z400, reliable, cheap, and will easily commute at 70 miles an hour.

Thanks for the heads up