Thinking about getting a bike (first one)

[darkred87T]

I was thinking about getting a bike. I only ever rode a dirt bike and it was for a short distance. I'm basically looking for something I can take to work occasionally to save a little gas here and there and enjoy on nice days/summer nights.

Some of my freinds bought older bikes and they have nothing but problems. They just sit in the garage and collect dust. I want something that I can just start up and ride and not have to worry about screwing around with it all the time (maybe new?).

I was leaning toward (pun intended) a small crotch rocket but my opinion could be easily swayed. Thanks in advance.

Mike

 

[BLACK6PACK]

I was in the same boat last year, but ended up paying cash for an '06 GTO. Now I've got some cash saved up again. I'm 5'7" and 145lbs so I was looking at a smaller rice rocket too. Everybody said to go with a big bike, but that kinda defeats the perpose of getting good milage, also the insurance is almost double going from a 600 to a 1000+. The full on crotch rockets can be a pain in the butt... litterally. Even so I was looking at a GSXR 750. I also looked at all the 600s. What it came down to in my search was a Kawi 636. Its a 600 rice rocket with a few extra cubes for torque and has a slightly more upright sitting position. I won't buy a new one, but I would suggest looking at one that is 2-3 years old. People buy them and then never ride them. Also, most of the ones I found had very few miles on them, had the tuner installed (chip upgrade), LED lights installed, Dampener, exhaust etc. Minor mods that would cost an extra $1000. Also everything after about 2001 is fuel injected, so you don't have to deal with the 4 carbs.

Another avenue is the naked bikes. They're kinda like the rice rockets without all the plastic. More of a muscle car look versus the ricer with the big triple decker wing on back.

 

[Evans Ward]

What's your budget and what do you want in a bike? There's cruiser, sport bike, and naked bikes. I've ridden most all my life and would be glad to give you any helpful advice. SV 650 Suzuki or Ninja 650 Kawasaki might also fit your bill.

 

[Project TNX]

Suzuki SV650 would be a good bike that wouldn't over power you with speed and you wouldn't outgrow it after one summer.

I'm a firm believer in only owning motorcycles that can get out of their own way in a hurry throughout the rpm range. I know the new Ninja 250 is getting really popular but that bike is an absolute dog and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone outside of inner city commuting as a moped replacement.

Can't beat the prices on early to mid 90's 600cc crotch rockets though.

 

[whtT]

Any opinions on the Triumph Street Triple 675? Anyone have recommendations on the largest cc engine one would recommend for a first time rider?

 

[BLACK6PACK]

Any opinions on the Triumph Street Triple 675? Anyone have recommendations on the largest cc engine one would recommend for a first time rider?

Don't know about the triumphs. The CCs of the bike I in terms of a first time rider I wouldn't be too concerned about. It's just like a turbo buick. Would you get your 16 year old son one? Probably not, but if you get your son a TR and turn the boost down to 8 lbs its a different story. Can he still get in trouble? Yes. Is he less likely to have problems at 8 lbs of boost than 16 or 30 lbs? Yes. Keep your hand out of the throttle and you'll grow into a bigger bike. I would recommend a lighter bike for a first time rider because they are easier to manuver.

 

[darkred87T]

I'm 6ft and around 200LBS so I don't want to wind up with something too small. The 600 range seems to be the consensus so maybe I'll start looking in that range.

I'm not really interested in a cruiser. I'm thinking something a little sportier. Maybe along the lines of sport bike or a crotch rocket or something in between. I'll need some kind of storage for my backpack and other stuff that I bring to work.

BTW, what does a naked bike look like anyhow?

 

[BLACK6PACK]

Naked honda
Honda Motorcycles - 2007 919 - Colors, Specifications, Pricing, Accessories, Gallery

sport honda
Honda Motorcycles - 2008 CBR600RR - Colors, Specifications, Pricing, Accessories, Gallery

kawi sport
Ninja® ZX™-6R

kawi naked
Z1000 : Photos

Now if you want the ultimate "musclecar" bike
2009 Yamaha VMAX Photo Gallery Detail

 

[darkred87T]

Naked honda
Honda Motorcycles - 2007 919 - Colors, Specifications, Pricing, Accessories, Gallery

sport honda
Honda Motorcycles - 2008 CBR600RR - Colors, Specifications, Pricing, Accessories, Gallery

kawi sport
Ninja® ZX™-6R

kawi naked
Z1000 : Photos

Now if you want the ultimate "musclecar" bike
2009 Yamaha VMAX Photo Gallery Detail

Thanks, the naked Honda looks nice. None of them seem to have any storage but I can proabably strap my stuff to the seat right? $8300 is a little more than I want to spend but it would be nice to have a new bike. I'll have to lookat what they go for used.

 

[Making Boost]

I am getting ready to p/u a 2002 Kawasaki Concours. Its a 1000, looks sporty and has larger fairings and hard bags. I plan on commuting on it (60 miles to work each way) and wanted the storage for a rain suit, etc. The biggest thing on a bike is you need to at least take a basic rider course. I am planning to take the next level course. Lets face it, its a dangerous choice to make vrs. an automobile.

 

[tommynos]

By a scooter and add some flames...

 

[Project TNX]

I'm 6ft and around 200LBS so I don't want to wind up with something too small. The 600 range seems to be the consensus so maybe I'll start looking in that range.

I'm not really interested in a cruiser. I'm thinking something a little sportier. Maybe along the lines of sport bike or a crotch rocket or something in between. I'll need some kind of storage for my backpack and other stuff that I bring to work.

BTW, what does a naked bike look like anyhow?

Panic rev is a newbies biggest problem on a fast bike, not the speed of the bike when cruising around. If you have any decent amount of dirt biking then you probably have had a panic rev or two. I'd say the second biggest problem is hitting a turn to fast, getting a little case of the shimmy's and letting off the throttle and hitting the brake. When you get the shimmy's you have to power through them, you lose your forward thrust and you lose control, those g's will carry you through if you don't panic and grab the brake too damned hard. I watched an Army buddy wreck his brand new motorcycle on the very first turn in the road.

 

[darkred87T]

By a scooter and add some flames...

Nah, they're too dangerous.

 

[darkred87T]

This looks kinda cool:

2003-2006 Kawasaki ZX-636 | Super Streetbike Magazine Article at Automotive.com

 

[NCTURBOS]

Keep an eye on your local Craigslist... All kinds of slightly used bikes are on there for the right price.


K.

 

[turbojimmy]

Panic rev is a newbies biggest problem on a fast bike, not the speed of the bike when cruising around. If you have any decent amount of dirt biking then you probably have had a panic rev or two.

Done that.

I'd say the second biggest problem is hitting a turn to fast, getting a little case of the shimmy's and letting off the throttle and hitting the brake.

Done that, too. Hit a telephone pole.


I keep thinking about getting a bike with gas prices the way they are. But in NJ you've only got 6 comfortable months a year. Factor in bad weather and it would take forever to pay back. I LOVED my bike when I had it, but I'm not sure I'd get another one at this point in my life. People are too crazy in NJ.


Jim

 

[BLACK6PACK]

This looks kinda cool:

2003-2006 Kawasaki ZX-636 | Super Streetbike Magazine Article at Automotive.com

yep, that's the one I had it narrowed down to after reading about all the other bikes. Something makes me want to get a 929rr, or a 1000+ bike, but like I said, I'm a little guy, and the difference in insurance was about $60 a month full coverage vs. $110 a month for a 1000 cc bike. I don't think I'd get $50 a month more fun out of a bigger bike.

Pick up a motorcycle trader mag at the gas station. You won't believe what kind of deals you can find. Probably pick one up for less than $5k. I'd look for something with less than 4k miles on it.

 

[TT/Ameasap]

Take the riders course. I wanted my wife to take it, so I couldnt give her any bad advise... She said only if I go....And I am glad I did! I learned a bunch from that class and I raced motorcross for a few years. Nothing like a dirt bike AT ALL!!!

My first bike 1999 Triumph 955i with 130hp. It doesnt matter how much HP you have....You need to respect it at all times.. wether it be 80 or 200.

My wife rides a 2001 Ducati 748 with 97hp and does great with it.

Good luck

 

[Little6pack]

If you still have the dirt bike they make light conversion kits to be street legal. They also mess around with a stator so the power will keep the lights running. Kits are about 400 bucks. I have thought about doing that to my Dirt bike but the only problem I find is my dirt bike has no Key to lock ith handles.
or
I would say there are a few low price bikes out there new about 3 to 3500k
For less aggrivation you could pick up new & sell it when you outgrown it to a faster bigger bike

 

[kenny]

Take the MSF course.