Advice from people with Motorcycles

[turbojimmy]

Hi all,

My job is moving to NYC so I'll be taking a bus to work every day. The park-n-ride is about 4 miles from my house. I thought it would be cool to pick up a street bike to get back and forth at least while the weather is nice. I know very little about them and am looking for a recommendation on what a good choice is for that purpose and tooling around a bit on the weekends. I don't need (nor can I afford) a crotch rocket but wouldn't mind something peppy. I have no idea what to look for in a used bike or what's considered high mileage on these things.

Suggestions/advice would be appreciated.....only looking to spend $2,500 or less.

Jim

 

[tjthorson]

Find yourself a 85ish Honda Nighthawk S.

Its a 700, so the insurance is less, plenty peppy and real fun to ride. Still looks stylish in this day even.

They run forever if taken care of even half-good.

Should be around $2000 with 10,000 miles on it. PERFECT for what you want....

 

[tjthorson]

Guess since I cannot edit my own message I will just suck bandwidth with another post.

Look here for specs, mid 12's@107 and 0-60 in 3.6 is not too bad for 696 ccs. Oh yeah, you get a 6 speed and shaft drive to boot!

http://www.emswi.org/nighthawk/default.htm

 

[turbojimmy]

Originally posted by tjthorson
Guess since I cannot edit my own message I will just suck bandwidth with another post.

Look here for specs, mid 12's@107 and 0-60 in 3.6 is not too bad for 696 ccs. Oh yeah, you get a 6 speed and shaft drive to boot!

http://www.emswi.org/nighthawk/default.htm

That is pretty cool - thanks for the info.

JIm

 

[CHARGED]

You probably could get an older Katana 600(crotch rocket) 90'ish for $2500. if you look, that's what I sold mine for a couple of yrs ago, plenty of PEP

 

[gn85]

I had an old Honda Rebel. A bit on the sluggish side, but good for a beginner rider. Also for someone who is not so tall (like me). Mine was a 250, but I beleive they had a larger engine model as well (can't remember the cc).

You said you're moving to NYC? I've only been to NYC two times and both experiences were not pleasant from a driving standpoint. Now remembering that and then thinking of my days on a motorcycle can only bring one thing to mind. SCARY!!!!

Please be careful riding in NYC. Riding anywhere, but especially there. I would even consider taking a 'course' to learn how to ride better. I did, and I'm glad I did. A car is one thing, but riding a motorcycle exponentially more dangerous. The last statistic I heard was that you were 16 times more likely to be in a fatal accident on a bike. I love ridiing bikes, but that NEVER leaves your mind. Cars don't see you, cars don't know how to act around you, expansion joints in the road, and the list goes on.

I'm not trying to scare you, but I just want to make sure you are aware of what can be involved with riding a bike. If you're a more experienced driver, then I'm sorry to have wasted your time.

Happy riding.

 

[blackbird]

do yourself the favor and buy a buell. $10,000, payments are cheap, insurance is cheap. sweet ride, fast as a ricer...but not as gay. you could probably get a harley for around 10 also. youre not in europe, anything not american is gay.

 

[gn85]

Originally posted by blackbird
do yourself the favor and buy a buell. $10,000, payments are cheap, insurance is cheap. sweet ride, fast as a ricer...but not as gay. you could probably get a harley for around 10 also. youre not in europe, anything not american is gay.

Well, I AM in Europe... but I can tell you that Harley's are incredibly popular here. Moreso then I thought they'd be. Yes, you still see BMWs, Ducatti's and the like as well as some rice rockets, but many Harleys here. Including Buells.

 

[turbojimmy]

Originally posted by gn85
I had an old Honda Rebel. A bit on the sluggish side, but good for a beginner rider. Also for someone who is not so tall (like me). Mine was a 250, but I beleive they had a larger engine model as well (can't remember the cc).

You said you're moving to NYC? I've only been to NYC two times and both experiences were not pleasant from a driving standpoint. Now remembering that and then thinking of my days on a motorcycle can only bring one thing to mind. SCARY!!!!

Please be careful riding in NYC. Riding anywhere, but especially there. I would even consider taking a 'course' to learn how to ride better. I did, and I'm glad I did. A car is one thing, but riding a motorcycle exponentially more dangerous. The last statistic I heard was that you were 16 times more likely to be in a fatal accident on a bike. I love ridiing bikes, but that NEVER leaves your mind. Cars don't see you, cars don't know how to act around you, expansion joints in the road, and the list goes on.

I'm not trying to scare you, but I just want to make sure you are aware of what can be involved with riding a bike. If you're a more experienced driver, then I'm sorry to have wasted your time.

Happy riding.

I live out in the 'burbs. I had a Honda 360 CJT(?) in high school so I have a little experience. I ditched it after high school, though, so it's been longer than I care to think about since I've been on a bike.

The job is moving to NYC, not me. I'm within commuting distance of NYC - I've done it before. I drive a few miles to the bus or train station and ride mass transit into the city. Driving in NYC isn't bad as long as you drive like a lunatic. You have to be an OFFensive driver, not a defensive driver. You need to be plotting your next move 2 moves back.

Anyhow, I'm not really concerned with image (I drive a Buick Century every day, mind you). I just want economical transportation to and from the parking lot. Insurance is cheap, gas is cheap and it's a great way to get some sun and fresh air. The ride is 'suburban' - no major highways.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Jim

 

[Silver 6]

I don't have a 700 Nighthawk, but I can support it as a single cycle choice. It is a great size to handle a regular commute and yet big enough to handle a trip.

Low repair and upkeep. No valve settings, no drive chain.

Good styling that seems to stay current.

Good handling and power.

Prices are pretty stable. Ride it and take care of it and it will be worth pretty much what you pay for a long time.

 

[Vector]

I agree with most of the stuff already posted.
One great bike to get as a learner bike is the Harley 1200 Sportster. It has wonderful balance, great looks, not too expensive, extremely reliable, Harley tradition, it also has good (not great) power, and should hold a reasonable re-sale value.

Another great bike is the Interceptor line from Honda. You can get these used for a decent price and they also have decent power and outstanding balance.

I am a Harley guy - I poo-poo the 883 Sportster because you will quickly out grow the power band. I am not saying you will become a speed demon and crave more power, but on the 883 you will want more power after about one season of riding. However, as a bike to learn on, then sell to up-grade, the 883 Sportster is proably the best bike to get. Just keep in mind that with this bike you have to plan/ budget for a sale and another purchase.

 

[Vector]

Oh yeah, buy a brake-disc lock. That is a mechanism that attaches to the brake disc and locks to the wheel can't turn.
They can be quickly defeated, but you take a step or two to try to discourage the thief from targeting your bike.

Also, take the rider safety course; they are typically offered by the state government and administered out of a community college. You can usually get a break on insurance if you take this course.

 

[Vector]

One last thing, it is not convenient to carry anything when you have a motorcycle unless you get a touring bike with saddle bags.
I had a soft luggage back-pack like thing made by a company called SAC. It was pretty good; it strapped to the sissy bar with nylon straps and allowed me to carry a decent amount of stuff. But it didn't look too good.
Keep that in mind - if you want to carry anything that can't fit into your shirt pocket, you will have something to consider.

 

[turbojimmy]

Thanks for all the advice. There's an '85 Nighthawk S for sale by me for $1,800 OBO w/ 5k miles. I'll have to check it out.

As far as carrying stuff goes, most days I don't carry anything that doesn't fit in my pocket. When I do carry stuff it's a small laptop that'll go in a backpack.

Now for the hard part.....selling the wife on the idea.

Jim

 

[turbot2496]

I had 2 friends that were run over sitting at red traffic lights. Both wearing bright colorfull sporbike paraphenalia. Both did a few months in the hospital. But the one that did it to me was a cop I knew that had a katana 1100. He and his girlfriend were riding out by a local lake where the speed limit is 35 mph. Some drunk chick ran over him doing 100mph +. He was still alive after the accident amazingly, according to his girlfriend, and might have lived if he would have gotten immediate medical attention but the girl driving the car thought it was more of a priority to try and bury her liquor bottles and then contact friends for advice on whether she should leave the scene or not .... while he bled to death. His girlfriend lived but .... Anyway after this crap and several close calls myself, I was done with bikes and sold mine. I love riding but I have two kids and they need me. I drive a truck for a living and I can't see how you can feel safe anymore on a motorcycle with all these idiots driving these suv's with the cell phone permantly mounted to their ear. I see so many people doing stupid crap in cars everyday, its frickin nuts. Good Luck with your bike.

 

[Buick From Hell]

Hell, go LARGE!

I bought this a year ago for $3k:

It's an '84, 34k miles, looks like new, runs as good as it looks, AND I can carry $100 worth of groceries home with it! AND, with just a decent coat & gloves, it's comfy to ride in 40 degree weather!

(but I got no problems with recommending a Sportster either, 'cept they can get spendy!)

 

[Crazy87GN]

not trying to impead on this but i have a 95 suzuki katana 600 CC fully piped and jetted 19,000 miles never wrecked i'll let it go for 2,500.....................

 

[tim87tr]

Originally posted by Buick From Hell
Hell, go LARGE!

I bought this a year ago for $3k
It's an '84, 34k miles, looks like new, runs as good as it looks,

I agree with BFH I bought an 84 Goldwing GL 1200 base model for $2200, hoping to get to Sturgis this year , but good for a short drive to work also. Of course I don't live in NYC either Pic on website

 

[Chuck Leeper]

Uh huh!!

Like the guy in the salsa ad said, NEW YORK CITY!!!
2 things you'll need:
1.Lotsa insurance on the bike, and an arrangement for your wife to come get you after they steal it the first day.
2. An organ donor card, so when the raghed in the taxi runs over you, the left over parts can be salvaged.

Oh, one more thing.. Go ahead and sign the GN over to me before you ride the bike the first time.... j/k!

 

[turbojimmy]

Re: Uh huh!!

Originally posted by Chuck Leeper
Like the guy in the salsa ad said, NEW YORK CITY!!!
2 things you'll need:
1.Lotsa insurance on the bike, and an arrangement for your wife to come get you after they steal it the first day.
2. An organ donor card, so when the raghed in the taxi runs over you, the left over parts can be salvaged.

Oh, one more thing.. Go ahead and sign the GN over to me before you ride the bike the first time.... j/k!

I'm not going to be RIDING in NYC - though if you watch those messenger dudes on the scooters weave through the sea of taxis it does look like fun.

I'm encountering more resistance from the wife than I had anticipated. I need to work on her a bit more. She thinks I have a hidden agenda - something other than commuting. Like when I told her the GN was just a Regal and the Typhoon was just a Jimmy. I guess I brought it upon myself.....

Jim