What is a good, low cost motorcycle for commuting?

What kind of bike are you looking for? Sport? Cruiser?

Cruiser probably because I do not want to look like a tool on the sport. :-)

I've been looking at the honda rebel's and shadow lines. I can get used ones for pretty cheap.

This would be my first bike so not looking to spend a lot in case I get in a wreck and destroy it.

ninja 250 or 300 or similar

honda shaddow. i had a 600 in college and got 50 to 60 mpg with a 4 speed. If you step up to a 5 or 6 speed, you may get better mpg.

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Cruiser probably because I do not want to look like a tool on the sport. :-)

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I like the Triumph Bonneville T100s.

ETA: Gaston beat me to it. Also, take a look at the Yamaha Super Tenere.

That's a badass looking bike.

I've always liked Triumphs

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low cost motorcycle

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Looking to spend anywhere from 6k to 15k used.

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I thought you wanted low cost

1. How experienced of a rider are you?

2. How tall and how much do you weigh?

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1. How experienced of a rider are you?

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Does riding a big wheel count?

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2. How tall and how much do you weigh?

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Short and Fat.

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You can't go wrong with a used Yamaha V-Star 650.

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I use to have one of those and used it in the exact way the OP is looking to get one for. It's a great commuter bike but I'd not recommend it for long trips. Also, if you're going to be in traffic, I'd not go for anything smaller than a 650.

and one more thing, make sure you get one with fuel injection (think they started in like 2006?) because the carb V-Stars are notorious for being cold natured as hell.