Who has a motorcycle?

[TriJet]

Hey guys,

I'm a newbie when it comes to motorbikes, looking to buy a lower performance one to ride around on the days off. Anyone has any suggestion on which bikes are worth looking at?

I know it's dangerous, but sure looks like fun!

Trijet

 

[CSY Mon]

Real men ride Harleys....

 

[CUEBOAT]

real me ride harleys until the **CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED** thing rattles your nuts off. If you want a sport bike I'd say start with a Suzuki GSX-R 600, wellbuilt and great to learn on. If you buy one used don't but it from anyone under 25 years old for sure. More than likely it has been abused.

 

[EagleRJ]

Are you looking towards a sport bike or a cruiser?

The danger is minimal, as long as you ride responsibly, be aware of your surroundings, and follow one simple rule:
Helmet and leathers- EVERY RIDE!

 

[CUEBOAT]

Helmet and leathers- EVERY RIDE!

AMEN!!!!

 

[flyguy75000]

I'll agree it'd be nice to have a Harley.....but how many of us, especially you regional guys, can afford to pi$$ away 20-25,000 on a motorcycle? I got a 2004 Honda VTX1300 for 6900 new...has same power and size motor as the biggest of Harleys, threw on some custom pipes for 300 bucks and is now much louder than a Harley. And the insurance is much cheaper if you dont have a H-D. Besides..now a days it seems like every lawyer/banker/doctor type is jumping on the Harley bandwagon......its becoming the Lexus of cruiser bikes.

Save your loot until you can start up a racket like Kit Darby....then you can buy two bikes and whine to everyone that "the industry's getting so bad I had to sell my spare Harley"

 

[FL000]

Last year I took the Georgia safety course at Honda, and it was a blast. I was looking at the Honda VT600, but before I could pull the trigger on it, I chickened out. Seemed like whenever I picked up the paper or turned on the radio after getting my M classification, someone was getting his leg ripped off on the highway, or getting bug-squashed on a Mack. But then again, this is Atlanta.

Anyway...I really like the Shadow 600, and there are some others like it with slightly more or slightly less power too. Go to www.wowmotorcycles.com or www.cycletrader.com to look around and see what your style is. Everyone I talked to recommended Honda for upkeep and dependability.

 

[flint4xx]

There are those that have crashed, and there are those that will...

I've had three personally owned bikes, and rode them a a cop, and a courier too. They should be considered much like aircraft/flying, as they don't handle careless and/or reckless operations well. Add to that the idea everybody else on the road is out to run you over, and you should be able to minimize the risk and enjoy it.

ALWAYS wear a helmet. http://www.bikersrights.com/nhtsa/video/03anatomy.html



Injury prevention components. Despite the best prevention efforts, Motorcycle crashes do occur. The majority of the crashes with other vehicles are not the motorcyclist's fault. During a crash, the most important factor in reducing injury is personal protection for the motorcyclist. Leather jackets, gloves, trousers, proper footwear, eye protection, and helmets provide this personal protection. Helmets are by far the motorcycle rider's most important safety equipment because they protect against injuries to the head and brain. Why is injury prevention important during a crash? Consider some facts:

• More than 80 percent of all reported motorcycle crashes result in injury or death to the motorcyclist.
• Head injury is a leading cause of death and serious injury in motorcycle crashes, which is why helmets that meet or exceed federal safety standards should always be worn.
• Research studies show that motorcycle helmets are 29 percent effective in preventing fatal injuries and 67 percent effective in preventing serious brain injury.

 

[UnAnswerd]

Harleys are over-rated. Lets see you put 90,000 miles on one like you can a Honda.

 

[jbDC9]

Harleys suck. Overpriced and overrated old technology crap. Get a rice burner, they'll run forever; I have a 2000 Honda CBR 600 F4 with 41,000 miles, never had a wrench to the engine... other than to check valve clearances of course.

First thing you gotta do if you wanna ride is take a MSF rider safety course. You'll get a break on your insurance, and when I did it, we took the riding test portion at the end of class, didn't have to do it at the DMV.

Always wear safety gear, helmet/boots/jacket/gloves. You will crash your first bike. I crashed mine, my brother crashed his, we had our gear on and walked away without any scratches. It happens, mainly due to inexperience and/or stupidity, but you'll learn from it and won't ever do it again...

Buy used for your first bike. Take a look at the Suzuki SV-650, they're a very popular "beginner" V-twin... I've never ridden one, but have heard that everyone that rides or owns one loves 'em, great handling and performance, and there's plenty of used ones available for decent prices. If you wanna go the sportbike route, may I recommend a used Honda CBR 600, an F3 or F4 maybe... they have all the performance you could want, but they're very docile and won't bite unless you really push it.

Just my humble opinion of course... and did I mention that Harleys suck??

 

[XTW]

Go German. They are solid machines.

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

There are those that have crashed, and there are those that will...

Been there, done that, got the scars.
I walk and talk today only for a full-faced helmet. The only reason I don't have road rash scars from head to toe is to the credit of lots of leather. I'm a lucky bastard after going down at 90mph plus. You don't need to be going near that fast to end up as road pizza, though. 35 oughta kill you good if you are unfortunate enough, or stupid enough to go helmetless.

 

[Blue]

but before I could pull the trigger on it, I chickened out. Seemed like whenever I picked up the paper or turned on the radio after getting my M classification, someone was getting his leg ripped off on the highway, or getting bug-squashed on a Mack.

Same here. got my license, started shopping, and it seemed like everytime I mentioned to someone hat I was looking for a bike, I'd hear "That's cool. I used to ride, but then I got into an accident and screwed up my leg/arm/head/back/spleen/whatever, and so I don't ride anymore."

The problem with bikes is not the riders. The problem is that you have to share the road with every incompetent idiot on the planet.

I think EVERYONE should have to get a motorcycle license. That would at least make everyone more aware of the bikes out there on the road.

 

[USMCmech]

Helmet and leathers- EVERY RIDE!

I saw a rider go down at 50 MPH, stand up and walk away. He was wearing leathers and a helmet.

A rider I met once, went of into a ditch at about 15 MPH. He now has the mind of a 4-6 year old. He hit his head on a rock. He wasn't wearing a helmet, if he had been wearing one, he would have had a headache.


As for riding, you will learn to be a hyper-defesive driver. Cars simpley don't see you untill it's too late. You must constantly be on the look out for drivers to turn in front of you.

Get a 600cc sport bike or a 800cc cruiser. That's enough power to get on the highway, but not too much.

 

[CFIcare]

I ride an NSR 250RR...two stroke sportbike. I did the safety schools 10 years ago when I had my Honda Nighthawk, then I traded up to this after a year and 20,000 miles. I did the CLASS track schools on this bike and I just love it when the guys on the 750s and 900s watch a 250 kick their butt. On the street I play by all the rules. I wear full race leather and I don't care how hot it is. Pavement at 65mph is hot on your butt too. Picking gravel out of your butt for a month is also not fun, so dress for what *might* happen if the little old lady from Pasadena pulls out in front of you.

Something to consider though, as you decide whether you want a sport bike, a cruiser or a touring bike, is that the faster the bike is, the faster you will ride. It is very hard to ride slow on a bike that does 60 in first gear. Personally I think its a bad idea for anyone to get a high performance sport bike as their first bike. It's a shame when they wreck it in the rfirst 2 months and then never ride again.

For something a bit more tame, try the line of Honda Shadow bikes. Buy one that's a year or so old and save a lot of money too. Also, buy your gear helmet, leather, gloves, boots etc BEFORE you buy the bike so that you aren't skimping on it after you shelled out the dough for the bike.

Have fun!

 

[Blue]

PS... be smarter than this guy!

http://s88265598.onlinehome.us/vids/backloupe.wmv

OMFG! Ouch. Darwin at his finest.

 

[Lead Sled]

I was a bike fan until I spent a 3-year stint flying for LifeFlight. I picked up a lot of guys - it was never their fault. You can sorta say that it took the wind out of my sails when it comes to bikes. (We called them Donor Cycles - keep a donor card in your wallet.)

However, now that the family's raised...

Spring is in the air and a man's thoughts turn to motorcycles. I admit that I've been to a couple dealers. My wife's hoping that this primal urge will pass or at least I'll be able to quell it with some sort of convertable. Helmit, leather, and a good dose of paranoia (Why is everyone on the road trying to kill me?) will go a long way to keeping you safe.

'Sled

 

[mtrv]

Been riding motorcycles for 39 years. Have been riding a 98 Honda Valkyrie (1520cc) since "98" with numerous cross countries thanks to aftermarket seats and air suspension. Use a helmet 50/50 and havn't been much over 125 mph on this bike.

And if you like the looks of old airplane engines, such as I do, then you can't help liking the looks of a V-twin Harley. Wouldn't mind a Road King Classic for puttering around town, and maybe a Honda Wing or BMW touring bike for Alaska and beyond.

Once owned a 67 Triumph Bonneville (650cc) that's kind of a collectable now. Wish I still owned it.

 

[TriJet]

thanks for all the great info guys.

are kawasaki sport bikes any good?

 

[psysicx]

Does anybody know what model the old Kawi 2 stroke bike is.Its the fastest stoke bike ever made.

 

[AAslag]

Have a 64 Harley Duo Glide. 6-volt electrical system, kick start and manual spark advance. An antique when it was was new, as it is now. Well over 100K on the odometer. Vibration ruined the jewels (speedo jewels, that is) years ago. Originally a Maryland cop bike purchased by the officer that rode it. Lots of fun, and lots of work. Just like an old Jag or Porshe you have to like turning wrenches.

I have seen brand new Harleys with base gasket leaks and bad fork seals.
And I have seen old Hondas that had been stored improperly for years fire up with minimum effort.

50 bucks bought me a 1974 Honda 750-4. It had been stored for years and the gas had jelled and all four carbs had to be cleaned out. had the tank chemically dipped. Coated and painted the tank. Bought new fuel lines, screens for the bowls and a new battery.

I had a fire extinguisher standing by, but that **CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED** thing thing fired up. I couldn't believe it. Gave it away when I moved to live nearer to my job that I'm now furloughed from.

I sold a 79 Harley shovel-head for nearly twice what I paid for it.

Have a need for speed! Get a rice rocket, or a BMW. Ride em hard and put em away wet, and they will still be there for you.

Want a conversation piece. Get a Harley.

 

[yzf6]

if you're getting a new one you really can't go wrong with any 600cc sportbike, they're all nearly exactly the same in performance.. but you may not wanto get a brand new one for a first bike, that plastic on the sides is expensive to repair.

hey patmack, what kinda toy are you gonna replace the gixxer with? i'd buy yours if i could, the only thing better than a 04 1000 is an 05 1000!

 

[FracCapt]

I've owned 7 bikes over the past 13 years. I started out with a GPZ550. The bike I had the longest was a GSXR750 that I owned for a bit over 7 years(bought it brand new), and sold it about a year ago with nearly 100k miles on it. I had a 'busa for a little over a year...and it was just too much bike. I had a tendency to go very fast on it, so I finally decided I to get rid of it. It was a fun bike, but not when you have to share the roads with the bluehairs in Florida.

I agree with what others have said about ALWAYS wearing a helmet and leathers. I've dropped two different bikes, one at almost 60mph and the other at 45mph on a windy road in California. On the latter, I ended up in a ditch off the side of the road with a broken ankle, slightly torn up leathers, and a slightly damaged helmet. Had it not been for the helmet, it would have been a badly damaged head. The first one I dropped was while trying to avoid a car that pulled out on a straight road. I walked away from that one, but my leathers were trash.

I had one bad accident, where somebody turned left in front of me. I was going way too fast, and ended up not being able to avoid hitting her(it was either hit her or go into oncoming traffic). I slowed to about 40 before impact, though, and ended up hitting the right rear quarter panel on her car. I was launched over the car, and the next thing I remember I was laying on the road with lots of people gathered around. I wasn't feeling any pain at the time, which worried me. I was trying to take my helmet off, and a guy stopped me...then he peeled it off by undoing the strap and pulling the bottom apart. It split nearly right down the middle. Apparently, it was already split...he just helped it apart.

I ended up with a concussion, a slight neck injury, 2 broken ribs, a broken arm, and a broken leg. Had it not been for the helmet, I would have been dead on impact. The leathers helped me avoid road rash as well, but unfortunately couldn't prevent the broken bones.

I don't have a bike at the moment, but I am casually looking for another. I'm a bit hesitant to be riding with all the idiots driving around Florida, but the urge to ride seems to be winning the battle.

 

[psysicx]

I was looking at a used yamaha 600 for 3500 is that a good deal.

 

[Nolife]

Mis-statement

Someone said real men ride Harley's. That's wrong... real men walk along side of their broken Harley's. I rode exclusively for 8 years ( Yamaha, Ducati, and Moto Guzzi) and can't tell you how many times I've stopped along side a broken down Harley to help the guy out. If only people would learn.

BMW, Ducati, Moto Guzzi, and Triumph, all are bit pricey but will last your lifetime. Now you have to decide twin, triple, or in line four. Personally I like the sound of either a German or Italian twin.

 

[KlingonLRDRVR]

psysicx,

I think the Kawi bike you are thinking about was about a 1976 or so 900. Had a picture of one on my wall hung right next to the Farrah Faucett poster.

KlingonLrDRVR

 

[crash-proof]

I got a Suzuki Intruder VS800, kinda looks like a HD Sportster. It makes for a great first time bike, extremely easy to ride and got great looks to boot, kinda like a mini-chopper. Killer acceleration too...but I think it's geared too low, if you're doin anything above 70mph it's screamin.

That said...it's easy to outgrow your bike and mine feels kinda cramped already. I'm thinkin of goin to a Shadow 1100 if I can sell the Suzi.

 

[yzf6]

I was looking at a used yamaha 600 for 3500 is that a good deal.

is it a sportbike or cruiser? and what's the year/miles?

 

[domyalex]

I'll vote too on the gear and helmet MUST have; I too had an accident with a dude turning left in front of me: basically I flew over the car and landed on the other side of the intersection (estimated speed at impact around 60... I know...). The people who ran to help me were amazed at seeing me alive. Got a micro fissure at the hip and a bad ankle for 6 weeks.

Anyway, a common today's 600cc (R6, 636, GSX-R 600 etc.) is definetly NOT a begginer bike; just like in airplanes you have to be ahead of it or it'll kill you.
I have read nothing but good things about the SV 650 as a bike to start on; if you like more the sportbikes and inline four, the Yamaha YZF 600R ThunderCat (NOT the R6) is great and you can find it really, really cheap. It's a 600cc but with only 86hp or so (compared to the 100+ of other 600cc of today). It will do around 11.3-11.5 and top speed is in the 150 area. The thing I liked the most is that it's extremely confortable, you can ride it for hours and you'll feel no aches of any kind. I cannot say the same for my buddies who rode Gixxers, R6 and R1 that are definetly more track oriented.

With that said riding motorcycle is very similar to flying airplanes; it's a helluva of a experience! IF done properly it'll give you many, many years of happiness and feelings that others can only dream about.

And now I must decide if I get a 1000cc or pay for my CPL... <sigh> ....

 

[Flyin Tony]

I have like 7 or 8, But there made for the Dirt