I want a bike, any suggestions?

[phyzix525]

This may be a common question. My brother just got a bike and I am now hooked. He ended up getting a suzuki gs500e. It is a stripped down sport commuter bike. I am thinking about the Buell Blast. It is cheap, which I am limited to about 3K. The only problem is that its just 30 some hp, but 70mpg. I want a cheap bike that will be fun, not too fast cause I got kids, don't need to kill myself. Also its gotta be dependable, I hate fixing shit. So with that said what do you all think?

[GSRIDER]

If you have some freinds who ride get some advice from them with their bikes present. Sit on them, check out the powerband. You don't need a ton of power for your first bike.

My standard piece of advice is. Buy used, don't spent over 2,000 on your first bike because you will drop it, maybe at 2 miles an hour maybe and 35. Once you've gotten some road under you then buy newer and bigger. But there is no point in buying a performance bike if you can't... well... perform.

And always take a Motorcycle saftey class

[phyzix525]

How much do these classes cost? Have you ever been to one?

[phyzix525]

Yeah but I hear you have to fix your harleys often, you know good old american engineering.

[nate_dawg]

fix harleys? not if you build 'em right in the first place, or if its new (hopefully anyways)
anyways, why would you recommend a harley to a new rider?
stick with something cheap, and take the course
in Minnesota it costed me a little over $100

[GSRIDER]

Originally posted by phyzix525
How much do these classes cost? Have you ever been to one?

Yeah i took the course before I got my Licence

The cost I guess depends on where you live. They are state sponsored classes.

Here in KC there are 2 places that do it. The prices vary between the 2, the state classes are 175 for 3 days in the class (2 solid on a motorcycle). You basically walk out with your licence and cheaper insurance rates for taking the class. They supply the bikes for the training, you just bring a helmet and gloves. The bikes vary in style but nothing bigger than a 250.

Also Harley Davidson sponsors an MSF course, and the cost is 250 for 3 days, but you do the class on Buell sport bikes.

Here is a link to the national home page for the MSF

[hughjarse]

Harley Davidson is like Rolls Royce. They don`t go, they don`t handle and they cost heaps!

[Atomic Pinkie]

hughj, ever check the waiting period for a new one? If not, ever wonder why people can only get them fast through classifieds?

[solkanar112]

ok, best starter bike? whatever catches your eyes in the classified papers and is less than 2k. you will scratch it, ding it or otherwise abuse it so don't spend more than that unless you have tons to burn. i always suggest old yamahas for starter bikes because they are cheap, genearlly reliable and aren't completely fugly

[Hanxter]

in '92 when Bush bailed Harley out of bankruptcy Harley stock was made to go public...
i bought 200 shares at $17 and some change a pop...
it has since split 4 - 5 times...
i think i own 1000 - 1400 shares at $43...
wonder why that is???

[strife]

In IL, I took the MSF course. It was free (sort of.) You have to send MSF a check when you sign up for the course for 20 bucks, which is used as a deposit or a way to secure your spot in the class, but I ended up getting a MSF t-shirt instead of getting the money back. It's how the program stays up and running, and not costing each student 300 bucks. As far as beginner bikes go... I've heard great things about the buell blast, but have also heard that it really depends on your size. I.e. The smaller the better. But I couldn't tell you would the be the ideal riding size. A 500cc bike would be good, and I'm pretty sure you can have a ton of fun with just 30 hp.

[crfpilot]

Good beginner bikes:

GS500
Ninja 250
Ninja 500
SV 650
pre1994 600 ie F2, FZR600

Take a classs and wear your gear. Proficient Motorcycling by David L Hough is a great book with loads of facts about riding.

[phyzix525]

OK so if I am looking for an older street bike, what age is too old and how many miles is too many? someone mentioned a FZR600, but what year is too old?

[GSRIDER]

Here is the link to a FZR message group.

http://www.fzrarchives.com/

They'd be your best bet on what to look for and what you should expect to pay.

Just about every make and model of bike has a dedicated following and people who love to answer questions about their specific bike.

And they usually have a huge classified section of stuff for sale too. Bikes, parts, manuals and accessories

Check it out.

[vapusforever]

ya, what year/ miles is good for a first time bike

[GSRIDER]

That depends on what you are looking for in a bike. What you want to get out of it and how much you're willing to spend.

[ducati999]

ex500 or gs500, they are both awsome bikes, i would recommend the ex over the gs but they are the best starter bikes hands down....

[Snoogans]

Originally posted by Bones
theres only one name to remember:

Harley Davidson

true