Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Buying a used motorcycle and the balance between quality and price.

Jimellow · 04-20-2009, 10:59 AM

The Suzuki SV-650 has been one of the bikes at the forefront of my consideration since I started sitting on bikes at dealers last year. It has a more upright riding position, and while it has power, it's my understanding that the torque is set up in a way where it's less likely to take off like a sport bike - which seems safer to me.

I'm admittedly tempted by the ability to ride fast and like an idiot, as most younger folks are, but realistically I'm very aware that motorcycles are incredibly powerful and can be dangerous if not handled safely. Thus, I wouldn't mind getting a bike that was less speed/sport oriented, if only as a double-check method for making goofy driving less likely. Generally am looking to get into motorcycling to go for longer rides, ofentimes without a set destination. I go for drives in my car quite often, and a motorcycle will likely take that experience and make it even more enjoyable.

What are some model names for hybrid/enduro bikes? One of the bikes used in the safety course was an enduro, but I didn't have the opportunity to ride it. Looking back, I should have taken the opportunity to, as unlike cars, test rides on bikes are generally not happening. I think I'd be more inclined to pursue a cruiser type bike than an enduro, but I don't want to shut any doors at such an early stage.

Sport bikes certainly seem fun, and most guys I know that are around my age (27) or younger drive them similar to the style seen quite frequently on YouTube. This is also the style that greatly increases the odds of accidents and serious injury. It seems fun, but realistically it's not really the type of riding I'm looking to get into, as I enjoy life and would like to live past thirty.

If I had to describe the type of riding I'd be looking to do, it would be going out on a nice day and driving for a few hours; ideally on the highway, but also some back roads through a state park or similarly scenic area.

As for cruisers and more upright riders... What are some models I should be checking out and looking for? I'd likely be looking to start with a 500cc or so bike, perhaps more on a heavier cruiser. I am a taller guy (6' 2") and found the upright rides to feel a bit cramped. I have long legs, and thus stretching them out a bit would likely be ideal. Oddly, the Suzuki and Honda sport bikes felt more comfortable and less cramped than the more upright rides (Honda Nighthawk?), whereas the Kawasaki and Yamaha sport bikes didn't fit me quite as well. I didn't sit on as many cruisers, thus my experience is skewed a bit towards the sportier types.

04-20-2009, 10:59 AM	#7 (permalink)
Jimellow Junkie	The Suzuki SV-650 has been one of the bikes at the forefront of my consideration since I started sitting on bikes at dealers last year. It has a more upright riding position, and while it has power, it's my understanding that the torque is set up in a way where it's less likely to take off like a sport bike - which seems safer to me. I'm admittedly tempted by the ability to ride fast and like an idiot, as most younger folks are, but realistically I'm very aware that motorcycles are incredibly powerful and can be dangerous if not handled safely. Thus, I wouldn't mind getting a bike that was less speed/sport oriented, if only as a double-check method for making goofy driving less likely. Generally am looking to get into motorcycling to go for longer rides, ofentimes without a set destination. I go for drives in my car quite often, and a motorcycle will likely take that experience and make it even more enjoyable. What are some model names for hybrid/enduro bikes? One of the bikes used in the safety course was an enduro, but I didn't have the opportunity to ride it. Looking back, I should have taken the opportunity to, as unlike cars, test rides on bikes are generally not happening. I think I'd be more inclined to pursue a cruiser type bike than an enduro, but I don't want to shut any doors at such an early stage. Sport bikes certainly seem fun, and most guys I know that are around my age (27) or younger drive them similar to the style seen quite frequently on YouTube. This is also the style that greatly increases the odds of accidents and serious injury. It seems fun, but realistically it's not really the type of riding I'm looking to get into, as I enjoy life and would like to live past thirty. If I had to describe the type of riding I'd be looking to do, it would be going out on a nice day and driving for a few hours; ideally on the highway, but also some back roads through a state park or similarly scenic area. As for cruisers and more upright riders... What are some models I should be checking out and looking for? I'd likely be looking to start with a 500cc or so bike, perhaps more on a heavier cruiser. I am a taller guy (6' 2") and found the upright rides to feel a bit cramped. I have long legs, and thus stretching them out a bit would likely be ideal. Oddly, the Suzuki and Honda sport bikes felt more comfortable and less cramped than the more upright rides (Honda Nighthawk?), whereas the Kawasaki and Yamaha sport bikes didn't fit me quite as well. I didn't sit on as many cruisers, thus my experience is skewed a bit towards the sportier types. __________________ Desperation is no excuse for lowering one's standards.