Motorcycles???
 

Here's my dilemma. Living where I do the only place to find an affordable home is 25 miles away. I know in the winter there's no chance of riding a motorcycle in to work. I do plan to ride the bus as much as possible, and weather permitting and motivation permitting I'm sure I'll go for a cycling ride into work. During the summers though, rather than racking up miles on my auto I'm thinking about motorcycles. I've never owned a motorcycle, aside from dirtbiking as a kid I've never driven a motorcycle (classes, and learning I'm not worried about).

But, I know very little about bikes. When it comes to crotch rockets I have some knowledge due to friends, but that's not particularly my style (I'd get one if it fits). I'm mainly looking for reliability, and I know I'm going to go with a used bike, and will probably be looking to spend between $2500-5000 (less costly the better). It will end up being my toy, and I know when it breaks down I'll hop on the proper forums and get the proper material so I'm comfortable with working on it myself and fixing most problems myself. Any suggestions on bikes I can research?

Here's a good starter bike with enough power to keep you out of trouble and hopefully not enough to get you into it, they are extremely dependable, have a fair resale value: Honda VLX 600-750 here's the URL for a pic; http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e6...hervr/bike.jpg

I agree with the honda. but in all honesty any honda that you like would be good. for the most part they are pretty cheap and very reliable.

GO WITH A HONDA.
You might like the Shadow spirit 750 vtx 750

http://p.vtourist.com/2021561-Travel...karinyeung.jpg

http://www.owenmotorsports.com/Honda...Spirit_750.jpg
as far as the winter... as long as there is not a lot of ice or snow youll be fine. check out this site... I have the gear and it works!!!

http://www.widder.com


For A factory service manual go here...http://www.repairmanual.com

I don't think I would go much bigger than a 750 to learn on. I learned on a 750 and damn near killed myself more than once. It's a lot of get up and go. You'll sure appreciate the gas mileage compared to a car.

One more vote for the Honda. A 600 or smaller should get you great mpg.

Yeah, I now live in a place where first snows start late October/November (sometimes earlier), and after the first major snowfall it stays on the ground till April. So, I'm sure the motorcycle will get parked in the garage for months on end. Thanks for the info. This is helping out a lot. Anyone have any suggestions aside from Honda's? I'm familiar with Hondas reputation as a reliable vehicle (motorcycle or auto), and these VTX's seem to fit my style.

yeah... get a Honda

The first question I would have for you is, according to you, it is a 25 mile drive. Is it highway miles or city miles? average speed you would be going? Because If its city driving, then you can go with a 600cc or less, but if you are going to be on the highway, I would go with 750cc or bigger. A 600 or smaller would beat you up bad on the highway. I've owned bikes for the past 15 years, and The small ones are MURDER on the open highway. If economy is the big deal, and you don't care about image, look at the Vespas!

http://www.vespausa.com/

Not very flashy, but I have a friend with one, and he is only driving in the city and LOVES the gas he saves.

Yeah, it's a highway drive into town, 65 mph except for a canyon section.

My 5'4" wife found the Honda VTX 600 to be a bit small for her taste and highway speeds. She is currently driving a Kawasaki Vulcan 800 and is fairly happy with it (she wants 2x the HP without the weight).

All the magazines tend to rave about the Suzuki SV650 as being the best all-around bike for the money. It looks a little sporty, but is pretty much considered a "standard" bike, with more upright and comfortable ergos.

You can get a new one for pretty close to 5 grand (with some negotiation), so a used one should be very reasonable.

http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products...6/Default.aspx

The Hondas are great, too. I loved the Shadow I used to have. I rode it all winter, through rain and snow!