So lets say I wanted to buy a motorcycle...

[michelle]

What do you recommend? I am not too knowledgeable about the different brands of motorcycles out there, but I know a lot of people on BCM are.

I'm looking for a semi-fast bike - not something I am going to kill myself on the first week I have it, but not one that I will get bored with after a few weeks either. I like the "crotch-rocket" style and I would prefer something that is reasonable in price, used, and typically doesn't require a lot of work, because again, I don't know bikes.

I would obviously take a motorcycle class to help get my license and keep insurance lower as well.

But remember, I am a girl and 5'5". I don't want something super heavy that I won't be able to move around. Adam's '78 Kawasaki 650 SR is too heavy. I can move it, but if the weight starts shifting one side to the other, I am always afraid I am going to dump it. That thing is really top heavy though.

This would be my first bike, but one I would like to have for a few years and still enjoy. I wouldn't mind waiting until winter to pick one up either, since I know bike prices have increased due to the higher gas prices and we have to sell the van anyways before we get something else.

I used to work at Insurance Auto Auctions and we would get bikes in all the time during the summer that were crashed. Depending on the damage, is that a decent way to get one? It doesn't have to look perfect right away as I would hate to get something mint and then scratch it up myself.

Are there particular things to look for with bikes? What is considered "high mileage" on a bike? How long do the motors hold up before they require some work?

Thanks boys and girls. :thumbsup

[Cryptic]

this guy looks pretty tough on his Vespa
http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop-460x460/2008_Vespa_S_3w.jpg





... Yeah I have nothing to offer this thread :(

[Nick]

http://www.suzuki-bikes.com/images/2004SV650.jpg

[Feature Pony]

Get a 600, I wouldn't get anything but a honda. You can pick up 600 f3's and f4's for a good price. 600's aren't that heavy they tip the scales at about 380-400lbs.

[moels]

Ninja 250's have always been a decent chick riding bike.

[michelle]

Ninja 250's have always been a decent chick riding bike.

Was that your first bike? :goof

I was actually looking at a few Ninja's. Adam told me not to look at them, but not sure why. He just wants something older. He seems to be stuck on older things - older BMW, older motorcycle, old mini-bikes. I'm lucky he doesn't like older women.

[moels]

I've had and ridden my share of jap bikes, none of them smaller than a 600. I just know even in the late 80's early 90's already, the ninja 250 was a popular bike for lady riders.

Smartass! lol

[WickedSix]

sv650 is an excellent bike but may be a tad too much if you've NEVER ridden before... ninja 250 or the kawi ex500 would be my pick the 500 would keep you happier longer 250 cc's get real boring real fast

[pOrk]

500's are good fun, perfect size bike. 250 is a bit small, but you will learn the most on it most likely.

I have a gsxr 1000 or sale ;)

[88Nightmare]

http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/1538711.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF1939057D9939C83F106DB4A35947983EDA0 5A5397277B4DC33E

Buell Blast ftw

[Smokey1226]

Seeing that you dont have a whole lot of experience, your more than welcome to ride my dirtbike or im sure Freddy's. Just get your feet wet on the dirt learning bikes before you jump onto a streetbike. Its scary, im man enough to admit it....just 2 days ago i took my brothers F4i out of our subdivison down the road 1/4mile and then back into the second entrance for the subdivision.

In that little ride, a guy was rideing his fourwheeler on the side of the road which caused a truck that was following slowly behind him to come into my lane and try to pass around a corner.....not that i was going super fast or anything but seeing that and trying to slow down a motorcycle isnt easy. Too much front brake and im eating pavement, too much back brake im eating pavement, too much down shifting and releasing the clutch im eating pavement. Its crazy out there, but also fun when you are able to just ride.

[BoosTT]

I would go with a honda, either 600rr or 600f4i. Both are fuel injected and fast, yet smaller. R6 is a good pick too, but they are not fuel injected until late 2002.

ninja 250 is only like 25 hp, ewww.

[Smokey1226]

600rr, (in my experiences) your more leaned over than the F4i, both are great bikes both very quick....R6 the 03-05 are real nice, but after 06 they are to get picky about putz around town. My buddies new R6 Hates to go slow...

[DRK]

Get a 600, I wouldn't get anything but a honda. You can pick up 600 f3's and f4's for a good price. 600's aren't that heavy they tip the scales at about 380-400lbs.

X2.. perfect starter bike and quick enough to keep you scared for a while

[Cutlass Queen]

I started off with a Ninja 250. It's a perfect starter bike. I loved that bike but like others have said you'll probably outgrow it, as I did mine and wanted something faster. You can get a nice looking newer 250 for about $2500 through a dealer, the older you go the cheaper they are. Start off small, then work your way up to something bigger. Who knows, once you experience being the driver rather than the passenger you may realize it's not for you. It's extremely dangerous with other drivers out there. Of course that's obvious though.

I didn't get my 600 til I knew I respected a motorcycle enough. Take a course, get your license and start off with the small cc bike. I had PLENTY of close encounters when I first started riding my 250,, which taught me a lot before I got on a 600.

[lilws6]

i like my 600 but i want faster as always lol i gata keep mine for a bit yet cuz i just finished painting it and some other work i'de say a nice 600 like mine would be perfect and you can get lowering links for it to make it fit you better. heres one same year as mine they don't look bad and its an easy bike to ride
http://www.mototweeks.co.uk/images/bike_sales/gsxr600_lrg.jpg

[Smokey1226]

Get a new 750, perfect! im really hopeing my brother buys one next year so i can ride it!

[awsomeears]

F2 or F3 get nothing more or nothing less !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[lordairgtar]

http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/1538711.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF1939057D9939C83F106DB4A35947983EDA0 5A5397277B4DC33E

Buell Blast ftw
I'm going to suggest this one as well.

[946speedz]

i would say look at the new kawi 250 its a sharp lookin bike, although my wife rides an 03 Kawi ZX6r and is very comfortable on it........go sit on some and get a feel for what you like

[88Nightmare]

I'm going to suggest this one as well.

the girl or the bike? :rolf

[lordairgtar]

The bike for Michelle, the girl for me.

[BoosTT]

atleast she is in full riding gear

[Breecher_7]

Ugh, Ive had it with this buy a 250, 500, 600 shit....

Just take the hit and buy a 1000cc rocket. A Kawi or a Zuk. As long as you stay out of the throttle and respect the bike, it will respect you. And you will never outgrow it, trust me, ive tried for several years!

My wife had NEVER ridden a motorcycle in her life. I tought her to ride on my old 03 GSXR 1000 Track bike. (wich now belongs to slols1). She never wrecked it, never dropped it and learned to ride on it just fine.

Dont buy a small bike, you will regret it down the line. Buy porks bike, i can vouch for how nice it rides.

[moels]

Ugh, Ive had it with this buy a 250, 500, 600 shit....

Just take the hit and buy a 1000cc rocket. A Kawi or a Zuk. As long as you stay out of the throttle and respect the bike, it will respect you. And you will never outgrow it, trust me, ive tried for several years!

My wife had NEVER ridden a motorcycle in her life. I tought her to ride on my old 03 GSXR 1000 Track bike. (wich now belongs to slols1). She never wrecked it, never dropped it and learned to ride on it just fine.

Dont buy a small bike, you will regret it down the line. Buy porks bike, i can vouch for how nice it rides.

Maybe we should just have an "ask Breecher" section, he seems to have all the RIGHT answers. :rolleyes:

[Breecher_7]

Maybe we should just have an "ask Breecher" section, he seems to have all the RIGHT answers. :rolleyes:

Did you honestly think I wouldnt have an oppinion on motorcycles? :stare

You wont outgrow a 1000, plain and simple. And if anything, they ride better then MOST 600cc bikes because they have better parts and a much better power curve.

I personally think they are the easiest to learn on, thats where I started and never looked in the other direction. (as far as a purchase is concerned)

[moels]

^^^ I do agree with you on the fact that if you watch your throttle, you can pretty much learn/ride any bike. But, I just think the 1000 might be a little much weight wise for a female. She already stated that her fiance's old bike is pretty heavy for her. Also, you know women have that penchant for slipping on the throttle and landing on their asses as it is. lol

[Breecher_7]

Are you referring to the weight of the bikes? The 1000cc bikes are really not noticeably heavier then the 600's. There is less then a 20lb difference. They are pretty close in physical weight.

[moels]

I just did a quick search and compared a 91 FZR600 ( 394.6 lbs ) to a FZR1000 ( 520.3 lbs. ) I know when I was riding alot in the late 80's early 90's the 1000's were always big pigs compared to the 600's. Maybe thingsa have changed and they are now closer in weight. I will look for some recent year comparisons.

[Breecher_7]

I just did a quick search and compared a 91 FZR600 ( 394.6 lbs ) to a FZR1000 ( 520.3 lbs. ) I know when I was riding alot in the late 80's early 90's the 1000's were always big pigs compared to the 600's. Maybe thingsa have changed and they are now closer in weight. I will look for some recent year comparisons.

:rolf Look at the new suzuki's, 363lbs to 379lbs.......

I wasnt referring to older bikes, i should have been more specific.

[michelle]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. Very, very helpful! I just wish it was easier to sell this van, but people worried about bad gas mileage doesn't help!

[Breecher_7]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. Very, very helpful! I just wish it was easier to sell this van, but people worried about bad gas mileage doesn't help!

Close to $300 a ton for scrap metal....... :stare

[michelle]

Close to $300 a ton for scrap metal....... :stare

That won't help me buy a bike! (:

[lasttimearound]

i learned to ride on a 2002 rc51. there is (or at least shouldnt be) a 'i will kill myself on this' thought. no one makes you get on it. and 1000s (at least to me) seem more stable at speed. i know for a fact my rc51 was the most stable bike ive ever ridden

[moels]

:rolf Look at the new suzuki's, 363lbs to 379lbs.......

I wasnt referring to older bikes, i should have been more specific.

My bad, I just haven't been in the bike scene in recent years.

[lilws6]

i want porks bike but can't afford it lol my buddy just bought a brand new busa and i need something to keep up with im lol

[Cutlass Queen]

^^^ I do agree with you on the fact that if you watch your throttle, you can pretty much learn/ride any bike. But, I just think the 1000 might be a little much weight wise for a female. She already stated that her fiance's old bike is pretty heavy for her. Also, you know women have that penchant for slipping on the throttle and landing on their asses as it is. lol

Hey I've rode a Busa before and have been just fine :)

[moels]

Hey I've rode a Busa before and have been just fine :)

Didn't mean to offend the experienced lady riders. She is a new rider. I'm sure you could run circles around most guys when it comes to bikes. :thumbsup

[T-Bag]

Did you honestly think I wouldnt have an oppinion on motorcycles? :stare

You wont outgrow a 1000, plain and simple. And if anything, they ride better then MOST 600cc bikes because they have better parts and a much better power curve.

I personally think they are the easiest to learn on, thats where I started and never looked in the other direction. (as far as a purchase is concerned)

Weren't you the same guy that said there is no reason for 1000cc's on the street?

[pOrk]

Buell Blast's are junk, the carbs go bad and you can't get parts for them. It is NOT a beginner friendly bike, unless your best friend is a mechanic and can fix all the silly problems they develop.

And if you think riding a dirtbike is like riding a street bike, you are one wrong mofo.

And for the 1000cc sport bike comment, there is def no place on the street for them. They reach speeds well over 100 mph in 2nd gear, 4 gears left. Thats why I am selling mine

[Al]

Have you looked at a Kawasaki Versys?

I'm 5'6" and the seat is just a wee-bit too high, but they offer a lower seat for it. Most reviews place it at the same level as the SV650, and a few say it is better.

After looking at about 20 bikes, this is the one I want. That or a Harley Sportster.

[Breecher_7]

Weren't you the same guy that said there is no reason for 1000cc's on the street?

Yes, I did say this and im kind of eating my words now. True, they have no place on the street. But I still feel they are the best investment. You will never get bored with it.

[T-Bag]

Although mine is technically not a 1000, its pretty darn close...it feels more like a 750 on crack than a TRUE 1000. That's why I like it :)

[Moparjim]

I recently scored two Kawaskai Ninja 250s for my wife and her sister. One was a 2003 with 4,000 miles on it for $1800 and one was a 2004 with 2,000 miles on it for $2,000. For the $1500-$2000 price range they are GREAT bikes - very low to sit on, very light and easy to handle, sportbike/crotchrocket looks, very nice handling, excellent gas mileage like 70MPG or even 80... Even the little 250 is fast enough to be fun since the bikes are so light and they rev so high - once you get up in the powerband above 8,000 RPMS or so they are pretty zippy. I think they are probably exactly what you are looking for.

[Moparjim]

Get a 600, I wouldn't get anything but a honda. You can pick up 600 f3's and f4's for a good price. 600's aren't that heavy they tip the scales at about 380-400lbs.

I also recently scored a nice 97 CBR 600 F3 for myself - 17,000 miles, nice shape, with lots of nice extras/mods for $2500. I however wouldn't really recommend one as a first bike, even the 600CC sportbikes are pretty frikken fast, put the wheel in the air at the twist of the throttle and probably more than you want or need for a first bike. Just my opinion. I won't let my wife ride mine for instance... she can barely handle the 250 lol.

[Cryptic]

Yes, I did say this and im kind of eating my words now. True, they have no place on the street. But I still feel they are the best investment. You will never get bored with it.

how can you call any vehicle an "investment"? You should know better.

[michelle]

What about high miles? I've seen a lot with 15k+, is that okay? I'm not looking to spend a lot and it needs to be a bike Adam would enjoy and he's been riding bikes for probably 5 years now. I think a 1000cc bike would be a bit much for me. An old boyfriend of mine had one and then he modified it and he taught me how to drive it, but I was always too scared - he was doing wheelies all the time with it and dumped it once with both of us on it. I think a 250 would be good for me, but not for Adam. I like to think of myself as a "quick learner", but I know my limits. So something in the middle is probably going to work. I'll just need to behave myself.

[Moparjim]

Did you honestly think I wouldnt have an oppinion on motorcycles? :stare

You wont outgrow a 1000, plain and simple. And if anything, they ride better then MOST 600cc bikes because they have better parts and a much better power curve.

I personally think they are the easiest to learn on, thats where I started and never looked in the other direction. (as far as a purchase is concerned)

I normally agree with your posts so rarely chime in but I think your totally wrong on this one. Recommending a 1000CC bike to a new rider, particularly one that is a shortish, light, female is completely insane lol. So what is she "outgrows" a smaller bike - most bikes if you buy them used they hold their value pretty well so she could always sell it and upgrade. Buying a smaller "starter" bike has a shitload of advantages - for one a bike like the Ninja 250 can be had for under $2k. If it is dropped, scraped, etc. it is a much cheaper bike to beat up while learning. If she decides she doesn't like riding much or just doesn't use it often for whatever reason, again it is a much cheaper investment. It is a much lighter, forgiving, easier to handle bike. My wife insisted on getting a 750CC bike her first bike, and she dropped it 3 times the first year (yes she is a spaz but thats neither here nor there)- it was too heavy for her, she couldn't get her feet on the ground - barely her tippy toes, and she had a lot of trouble at low speeds as a result. The power of a 1000CC sportbike is ridiculous for a new rider - really easy to get out of shape for an experienced rider let alone a new one...

[Moparjim]

What about high miles? I've seen a lot with 15k+, is that okay? I'm not looking to spend a lot and it needs to be a bike Adam would enjoy and he's been riding bikes for probably 5 years now. I think a 1000cc bike would be a bit much for me. An old boyfriend of mine had one and then he modified it and he taught me how to drive it, but I was always too scared - he was doing wheelies all the time with it and dumped it once with both of us on it. I think a 250 would be good for me, but not for Adam. I like to think of myself as a "quick learner", but I know my limits. So something in the middle is probably going to work. I'll just need to behave myself.

If your looking for something for both of you - then I would maybe recommend a 600CC basically any of em - A Honda CBR 600, Kawasaki Ninja 600R, Suzuki GSXR, Yamaha R6, etc. I've owned 3 bikes over the last ten years, and the 600CC sportbikes are still plenty fast enough to be fun for casual riders. They are still fairly light - around 400lbs, should be low enough for you, and get in the neighborhood of 50MPG. Decent ones can be had for $2500-$3500 or so. Just like cars I wouldn't be worried about "high" miles as long as the bike is in good shape and was taken care of, maintenance was done, they will run a long long time.

[forest]

Im on my 25th bike now, and i would say for you to get a mint honda CB 750, Kawasaki KZ1000, GS 850-1100, or the like, the older bikes are lower to the ground, have softer throttle response, and have LOTS of room to make more power at a later time, whatever you do, DO NOT BUY ANYTHING LESS THAN A 600. you will regret it by the end of summer. I have a KZ1000 right now that launches so hard the whole bike leaves the ground, and you lose vision in first gear...... I know breecher wants to ride it haha.... trust me, get somthing with balls. the plus side is, older bikes are priced well.

[lilws6]

rockets do not hold value of any sort really. my gsxr has 20,000 on the clock and run like a charm just get a haynes manual for it and check the maintence schedule keep up on it and it will last you along time

[Cutlass Queen]

Didn't mean to offend the experienced lady riders. She is a new rider. I'm sure you could run circles around most guys when it comes to bikes. :thumbsup

hehe none taken :thumbsup


I recently scored two Kawaskai Ninja 250s for my wife and her sister. One was a 2003 with 4,000 miles on it for $1800 and one was a 2004 with 2,000 miles on it for $2,000. For the $1500-$2000 price range they are GREAT bikes - very low to sit on, very light and easy to handle, sportbike/crotchrocket looks, very nice handling, excellent gas mileage like 70MPG or even 80... Even the little 250 is fast enough to be fun since the bikes are so light and they rev so high - once you get up in the powerband above 8,000 RPMS or so they are pretty zippy. I think they are probably exactly what you are looking for.

I got my 250 Ninja up to about 105mph and than it topped out. Was a quick little bike and extremely reliable :headbang

[T-Bag]

Im on my 25th bike now, and i would say for you to get a mint honda CB 750, Kawasaki KZ1000, GS 850-1100, or the like, the older bikes are lower to the ground, have softer throttle response, and have LOTS of room to make more power at a later time, whatever you do, DO NOT BUY ANYTHING LESS THAN A 600. you will regret it by the end of summer. I have a KZ1000 right now that launches so hard the whole bike leaves the ground, and you lose vision in first gear...... I know breecher wants to ride it haha.... trust me, get somthing with balls. the plus side is, older bikes are priced well.

KZ1000's are freagin awesome. A friend of mine had one for a little while and I loved that thing.

[pOrk]

rockets do not hold value of any sort really. my gsxr has 20,000 on the clock and run like a charm just get a haynes manual for it and check the maintence schedule keep up on it and it will last you along time

Your nuts, every bike I have bought I have sold for the same if not more then I paid. They only depreciate so far, then you are good for atleast 3 years before they depreciate further. Most bikes bottom out at 3 grand and as long as they run, you can keep them for 10-15 years and they are still worth 3 grand.

[Breecher_7]

how can you call any vehicle an "investment"? You should know better.

You are correct Andy, they are depreciating items. But if your going to spend your money on a bike, buy one you wont outgrow.

And I still stand behind my initial comments. I have tought several people to ride on my 1000cc bikes, Men and Women (including my wife). The crazyness and the deadlyness of a 1000cc bike is in the throttle. If you can stop yourself from being a clown and stay out of it, it rides like any other bike out there.

[Smokey1226]

Actully i kinda agree, if you jump on a 1000cc right away one of these two things are going to happen

1) You going to get into a scary situtation, you will then gain the upmost respect for the bike.

2) You will get into the same situation, ride it out and think you are invincible.

For everyone that i know that rides.....those 2 things happen. Believe me you dont need a 1000cc bike for those to happen. But it seems like the guys/girls who ride a 1k, do a roll on in second and bring the front tire up TOTALLY npy expecting it....quickly gain respect for the bike.

[sloLs1]

here yea go... cheap and something you wont kill yourself on!


http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/mcy/687479687.html

[WickedSix]

Actully i kinda agree, if you jump on a 1000cc right away one of these two things are going to happen

1) You going to get into a scary situtation, you will then gain the upmost respect for the bike.

2) You will get into the same situation, ride it out and think you are invincible.

For everyone that i know that rides.....those 2 things happen. Believe me you dont need a 1000cc bike for those to happen. But it seems like the guys/girls who ride a 1k, do a roll on in second and bring the front tire up TOTALLY npy expecting it....quickly gain respect for the bike.

you forgot an option .....

3) you ride it straight into a tree and thus end your relationship with said motorcycle and if your lucky only loose half your mental capacity :thumbsup

look at it this way...you start running first??? walking??? no you effin crawl first .... nature has many logical progressions people could learn from :thumbsup

[Moparjim]

Your nuts, every bike I have bought I have sold for the same if not more then I paid. They only depreciate so far, then you are good for atleast 3 years before they depreciate further. Most bikes bottom out at 3 grand and as long as they run, you can keep them for 10-15 years and they are still worth 3 grand.

Exactly, that was my point as well - as long as you buy used they hold their value damn well. A 600 CC sportbike from any manufacturer for instance drops like a rock the first 2-3 years like any other new vehicle, but then pretty much is worth $2500-3500 forever...