Thinking about getting a bike (first one)

[BLACK6PACK]

forget the exact set-up down here, but if you take a course, you get your license a lot quicker, and insurance is cheaper. I'd have to look into it again. When I took the test in Indiana back in the late 80s, I had an 83 Yamaha 650 maxim. two 70 year old guys show up in full dress goldwings. I was like thats going to be rough. About 5 minutes later, their old ladies showes up with a 70cc scooter in the back of a pick up. They took the test on the scooter. One of the test obsticals was a U turn in what amounted to 2 parking spaces. U had to turn around without putting your foot down after accelerating, going over a speed bump and then come to a stop facing the other direction. A kid (I was also a kid), on a brand new 600 tried to lean into the turn to do a U turn that was all of 12' wide. He laid the bike down 3 times trying to do it. all you really had to do was slow down, feather the throttle and clutch, keep the bike almost strait up, and ease it around. The kid just kept leaning into it at 15 mph, and sliding the bike on its side.

I know I sold my bike for a reason 15 years ago, but for the life of me I can't remember why!

 

[RobsIron]

I'm a Harley guy...

so this is the next best thing.

WebFile.com

 

[tommynos]

BADD ASS KUSTOM KATANA STREET BIKE

 

[tommynos]

Sorry about the language it didnt say that when i posted the link?

 

[CHARGED]

I started with a 250 Ninja, to me its the perfect starter bike, very light and easy to corner, OK on the highway for short trips <15mi. You will outgrow it after a year but they always sell quickly as there is always a newbe looking for one. Then step up to a 600-750.
Like others have said take the learners course, you will pick up some good techniques to ride better and it helps with insurance.
Wife won't let me buy another one because of the kids

 

[BLACK6PACK]

so this is the next best thing.

WebFile.com

I don't make enough to be a harley guy

My dad does have this though. Its a 1 owner (other than the military) with 12,000 original miles on it. 1942 HD military bike, that was shipped to africa in a box and shipped back never assembled. My grandfather bought it still in the box.

 

[Project TNX]

I don't make enough to be a harley guy

My dad does have this though. Its a 1 owner (other than the military) with 12,000 original miles on it. 1942 HD military bike, that was shipped to africa in a box and shipped back never assembled. My grandfather bought it still in the box.

Pre research Post:
That looks like a German BMW with a set of Harley Shovelhead era Fatbob gastanks on it.


Post research addendum

Rare bike, only 1000 made and never put into service, WOW.



That bike has to be worth an ungodly amount of money.

 

[BLACK6PACK]

yeah, we're trying to get our hands on the service manual. That bike was used to put the manual together. The pictures where the VIN or serial number is located has that bikes serial number.

It was a BMW knock off, with shaft drive to keep the sand from chewing up sprockets. The gas is on the left side so that you could drive and carry your firearm in your right hand. It has black out lights on it, was set up for a 40lb radio to be on the rear fender, strait pipes, a stick shifter under your right leg, all kinds of weird stuff.

My dad started dating my mom at age 15, the harley belonged to my mom's father. My dad got to ride it back and forth to work during the summers (farmer). Must be nice to hook up with a chick and her dad turns you loose with his harley at age 15.

 

[Chuck Leeper]

Ask if an organ donor card comes with it....

 

[turbofish38]

forget the exact set-up down here, but if you take a course, you get your license a lot quicker, and insurance is cheaper.

Effective 7-1-08 every rider applying for a FL MC endorsement must complete a rider safety course. Before it was 21 and younger. I've been riding around for years without my endorsement. I couldn't pass the skills test on my 82 Katana. I just got tired of wasting money taking the tests. I would go up to the DMV and practice all night long on the course. I had it down pat. I tell you it's a conspiracy. Anyway I got nailed last month again for not being a good boy by FHP so now I have to go to court and get my hand slapped for not playing by the rules. I think the MSF courses suck if you have some riding experience. Most of it is common sense and the other half is MC operation. You've been riding on dirt. The pavement isn't any different. Unless you want to waste 10 hours putt'n around the cones on a 125 weeney cruz'r. Anyway I decided I wasn't going to step in front of the Judge without my MC endorsement so I paid $80 to take the test at one of the local certified schools. 45 minutes later on a Tuesday morning and I was $80 lighter in the wallet and I had that all important box checked off. I don't know why I didn't do that a long time ago. The beginner course is $200-$250. And they want you to pass the tests. I even got all of the time I needed to ride the weener bike around and practice. Heck I had fun leaning that sucker through the course. I could do it on my Katana but I have to go really fast on it to keep me from loosing what little balance there is. Someday I'll rant on about my conspiracy theory.

 

[quick 6 racing]

Most motocycle driving schools can provide several different types of bikes for you to try out....well worth the money spent.

Usually the difference between life or death for your first few years on 2 wheelers.

I've lost many real good friends over the 33 years I've been driving bikes, somehow I've survived, still even have my 72 / H2 750 Widowmaker. all my bones are intact...must give credit to the motorbike course I took when I was 16.

Also have a very nimble 250 dual purpose bike, that gets great gas mileage, cheap insurance and is a hoot to drive mostly everwhere, comfortable riding position...except long hwy trips.

 

[forcefed3.8's]

Most motocycle driving schools can provide several different types of bikes for you to try out....well worth the money spent.

Usually the difference between life or death for your first few years on 2 wheelers.

I've lost many real good friends over the 33 years I've been driving bikes, somehow I've survived, still even have my 72 / H2 750 Widowmaker. all my bones are intact...must give credit to the motorbike course I took when I was 16.

Also have a very nimble 250 dual purpose bike, that gets great gas mileage, cheap insurance and is a hoot to drive mostly everwhere, comfortable riding position...except long hwy trips.

Nice H2. Got to love those old 2 strokes. I always wanted to get an H2 or an RZ.

 

[theMonch]

I am an experienced rider of over 17 years. I am a huge fan of recommending the Honda Nighthawk 750. I personally own one of these that I keep around for friends that come in from out of town, etc. and teaching others to ride. I taught my last girlfriend how to ride on it as well. The supension is quite adjustable to go from me a 6' 220lb guy to her a 5'5" 110lb girl. It is a great compromise between a sportbike and a cruiser, and can handle when called upon to do so. It is very reliable when taken care of and has never left me stranded. I have handed many a 600 sportbike their ass with this thing. In my opinion it is just fast enough to have a great start in motorcycling while still being quite forgiving for a new rider.

I also reside in NJ and can tell you that it is very dangerous out there. I suggest researching the closest AMA (America Motorcycling Association) sanctioned riding school and taking the course. Upon completion of this course you will have your license and not have to go to DMV to take the road test. The stuff you will learn at this course is priceless. I didn't look at all the suggestions others have had, but I can tell you the Sukuki SV650 someone suggested is also an excellent choice. Another would be Suzuki VX800 from early 90's. All of the bikes are in the 1000-4000 range. I am not sure of the SV650, but the Nighthawk 750 and VX800 both do not get classified into the sportbike category, therefore insurance is cheaper.

Good luck, ride safe, and always wear a helmet. even in states that don't require it.

 

[CaptainInsane-O]

Naked honda


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

I think the new Suzuki B-King is going to give the Vmax a serious run for it's money for king of the musclebikes title...

http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/GSX1300BKK8

My personal choices for a new bike would be one of these sport / performance cruisers:

Suzuki M109R2: http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/M109R2K8

Yamaha Warrior: 2008 Yamaha Warrior Home, information, info

 

[Agent86]

Gee, I'm offended by the word ASS! Someone please close this thread! :wink:

Sorry about the language it didnt say that when i posted the link?

 

[Junior Samples]

BMW Motorcycles: Bikes: F 650 GS