For all your motorcycle riders

[makist]

I have always been really interested in getting a motorcycle, preferably more of a performance racing bike vs a cruiser, but am not sure where to start really. The things that interest me in bikes are cheaper gas mileage, speed, and the freedom of a nonenclosed vehicle combined with the excellent maneuverability.

I don't want to start with something insanely fast... not really looking to intimidate myself, but I would like to start with something similar to a bike I would eventually like to ride.

So I ask this.. what kind of things do you guys recommend for someone who wants to get a bike? Which bikes do you prefer and whats a good bike I can get without investing too much money into it.

[Hateyou]

Can't recommend a good bike, but I'll recommend not getting one. Every person I know who had a motorcycle has been in an accident, getting severely hurt. One person was killed, my old boss. My cousins good friend has a stiff leg for the rest of his life, as does my half brothers cousin.

None of the accidents were thier fault, someone else hit them cause they didn't see them. Motorcycles are death traps, good luck if you get one.

[TheGoat]

[makist]

Thank you The Goat, that was not really necessary. Back on topic, I realize there is a danger, but I would at least like to experience riding/owning a bike.

[Blaezenfury]

have a price range?

I know fuck all about speed bikes, but here's some that I googled.

http://www.yamaha-motor.ca/products/...roup=M&LANG=en

http://moto.suzuki.ca/Home.aspx?cult...CA&province=QC



Have fun with your crotch rocket, Just don't kill yourself.

Also get a full suit of kevlar or somthing really protective, heh.

[Zeste]

All I can say is "Suzuki SV 650"

Absolutley AMAZING. This was bike of the year in a few magazines in 2000-2001... motor cycle magazine actually BOUGHT the test bike from suzuki and kept it at the office they liked it so much.

I had one for a few years, no car. It is fast, the most maneuvarable sportbike around, gorgeous, fucking awesome gas mileage...

this is by far the bike I would recommend. I can't convey how AMAZING this bike is. It is ferring-less, meaning no cheesy plastic covering the motor and handlebardes like most crotch rockets, but it is DEFINITLEY a sport bike. They make a version with the plastic ferrings, but I suggest you go with the naked one. It's not the fastest or most powerful bike, and new they are only about 6000 bucks... but as far as rideability and FUN, this is the ultimate bike.

[makist]

Thanks for the input, if I did decide to go with that bike, would you purchase a new or used one? The newer model is just as good I assume? I really don't know a heck of a lot about bikes, just that I would like to learn

[Zeste]

I'd go used personally. Just watch the mileage on it. No reason to buy a bike like this new if you don't have to.

[TheGoat]

Originally Posted by makist

Thank you The Goat, that was not really necessary. Back on topic

Dear Sally,
Sorry your panties are in a bunch. Obviously the pictures show the caliber of thoroughbred women powerbikers attract and was meant to encourage you to buy an awesome bike such as the one shown in the photo.
Good luck in your search nonetheless,
TheGoat

[Blaezenfury]

Originally Posted by TheGoat

Dear Sally,
Sorry your panties are in a bunch. Obviously the pictures show the caliber of thoroughbred women powerbikers attract and was meant to encourage you to buy an awesome bike such as the one shown in the photo.
Good luck in your search nonetheless,
TheGoat

Dear Bob, Shut The Fuck Up.

[Hateyou]

Originally Posted by TheGoat

Obviously the pictures show the caliber of thoroughbred women powerbikers attract and was meant to encourage you to buy an awesome bike such as the one shown in the photo.

I don't generally like crotch rockets or the people who ride them, but this statement is retarded. You see all kinds of good looking girls on those things much more often than anything like that travesty you posted.

[Taehoon]

First of all, get yourself signed up for an MSF course - they will teach you all the basics and how to properly ride a bike. Go sign up right now, because you might not be able to even get a class until the end of summer, if at all.

As for a good starting bike, something under 600cc (in-line 4) would be best - if only to limit your temptation to go stupidly fast. There is a decent starting bike that is a v-twin, the Suzuki SV650 (650cc as its name states). Friend of mine got into riding last summer, he however bought a Yamahah FZ-6 (600cc in-line 4) (after taking the MSF course), and he's done okay with it so far. He's from Turkey though and doesn't quite understand the speeding laws here in the US: "Hey how bad is it to go 120mph on 395 into DC?" I'm like wtf, you will get sent to jail.

Some other bikes to look for:

Suzuki GS500e (or f) - Quality of this bike is questionable. This was my first bike, and it basically fell apart, literally. Screws were always coming out (despite the locktite), hell even the tachometer fell out at a stop light. Has a sweet powerband. Change the stock tires to something better. Maybe I was just unlucky because I've heard other people say nothing but good things about this bike.

Honda Nighthawk 250 - They usually have some of these at the MSF course. Good quality, old tech, good price, very underpowered though. It isn't easy to pass cars at highway speeds with this bike. My best friend started out with one of these, and it was rock solid. Great bike to learn on.

Kawasaki Ninja 500 (Ninja 250 as well) - Looks like an outdated sportbike, decent quality, sounds like a lawnmower. Probably the most difficult out of the above to learn on.

There aren't a whole lot of good bikes to "learn" on. I wouldn't recommend going larger unless you know you can control yourself and be responsible. Another things to consider is your age: Insurance premiums are not nice.

[makist]

I took a friend with me to look at some bikes a few weeks ago (mainly to help ward off the salespeople, but we ended up chatting with them for like 30 minutes anyway). Some of those larger bikes are really intimidating, and I know for a fact I am not ready for them. I drive a MX-6 right now, which is pretty fast, but I would like to try something different. From what I understand, motorcycle insurance is pretty low (they don't expect you to do a lot of damage or something). I am only 20 years old though, so I know that almost guarentees a high price. I currently pay something like $830/6month for me and my girlfriend. Included in that is a $250 premium because she got in an accident a year ago though.

[roosta]

never rode one but friend said buell's are good bikes. good performance and they used to put gas in the frame of the motorcycle so it gives it a lower center of gravity, friend swears by his.

[Taehoon]

Usually collision insurance is the /rape.