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External
Since: Mar 11, 2006
Posts: 4
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(Msg. 1) Posted: Sat Mar 11, 2006 11:18 am
Post subject: Purchasing First Bike
Archived from groups: alt>motorcycles (more info?)
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I am about to purchase my first bike. I have done a little riding,
very limited experience, but I will be taking a class. I've wanted a
bike all my life. I am now 39 so I am interested in the crusiers. I
have been considering the vstar 650 and the honda shadow 600 or 750. I
am short about 5'8 and around 200 lbs. so I need something that will
carry me with reasonable comfort. I will some times ride to work which
is around 60 miles round trip. I would greatly appreciate some
experienced advice. Also so which is better air or water cooled?
Chand66 |
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External
Since: Apr 25, 2005
Posts: 139
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(Msg. 2) Posted: Sat Mar 11, 2006 2:42 pm
Post subject: Re: Purchasing First Bike [Login to view extended thread Info.]
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I'm surprised nobody's replied to this yet. Everyone loves giving
advice to newbies. 8^)
Don't buy a new bike for your first bike. In fact don't even buy as
good of a bike as you want. You're going to abuse your first bike.
You're going to burn up the clutch, maybe drop it a few times in
parking lots on or on the driveway. Get an old beater off Craigslist,
maybe one that already has some cosmetic damage. You'll have a good
time on it, and next year you can sell it for about what you paid for
it and get the bike you really want.
The MSF class is a great idea! When you finish it you'll know more
about what kind of bike you want to buy.
If you're 5'8 you're going to want something with a low seat. There
are real 'cruisers' and other bikes that are just cruiser-styled. The
VStar and Honda Shadow are both good choices. You don't want anything
too big for your first bike. A 650 would be very adequate for the
freeway. Make sure you can put both feet flat on the ground while
sitting on it.
Air and water cooling are different, neither is better. Water cooling
is smoother, maybe a little more luxurious, but it adds weight, it
costs more, including higher maintenance. Air cooling is lighter,
and I think it has more of that intangible 'motorcycle' character. I
have one bike of each type and they're both pretty good.
I can tell you from my own experience that a newbie has a good chance
of a few minor spills. Hitting some loose gravel in a turn, for
instance and having the bike slide out from under you. Or losing
balance at low speed in a parking lot. So I would say a helmet, a
good jacket (either leather or motorcycle-specific abrasion-proof
textile), and leather gloves were mandatory. I wouldn't get on a bike
even today without at least those three. The gloves are more
important than you might think, because when you fall you reflexively
put out your hands to stop yourself. If you want to get into long
weekend rides, boots and abrasion-resistant pants would complete the
ensemble.
Best of luck to you! And be careful out there! |
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External
Since: Mar 11, 2006
Posts: 4
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(Msg. 3) Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 9:01 pm
Post subject: Re: Purchasing First Bike [Login to view extended thread Info.]
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External
Since: Feb 28, 2006
Posts: 11
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(Msg. 4) Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2006 11:04 am
Post subject: Re: Purchasing First Bike [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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chand66 wrote:
> Thanks, I really appreciate the advice. I never really considered
> buying a used one, but I will seriously consider one now.
>
Definitely do so. I started riding just last September, and I am glad I
got a used bike first. Not only did it help my skills, but I was a LOT
better informed when I started shopping for a new one.
That said, when you DO start looking for a new bike, add the Honda 599
(or in Europe: Hornet 600) to your list to consider. >> Stay informed about: Purchasing First Bike |
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External
Since: Mar 11, 2006
Posts: 4
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(Msg. 5) Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2006 5:39 pm
Post subject: Re: Purchasing First Bike [Login to view extended thread Info.]
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External
Since: Feb 20, 2006
Posts: 2
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(Msg. 6) Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2006 7:55 pm
Post subject: Re: Purchasing First Bike [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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Look at a used or new Buell Blast, great for a new rider.
"chand66" <rchandler DeleteThis @i-55.com> wrote in message
news:1142104726.096642.129580@z34g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
>I am about to purchase my first bike. I have done a little riding,
> very limited experience, but I will be taking a class. I've wanted a
> bike all my life. I am now 39 so I am interested in the crusiers. I
> have been considering the vstar 650 and the honda shadow 600 or 750. I
>
> am short about 5'8 and around 200 lbs. so I need something that will
> carry me with reasonable comfort. I will some times ride to work which
>
> is around 60 miles round trip. I would greatly appreciate some
> experienced advice. Also so which is better air or water cooled?
>
> Chand66
> >> Stay informed about: Purchasing First Bike |
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External
Since: Jan 16, 2005
Posts: 217
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(Msg. 7) Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 4:57 am
Post subject: Re: Purchasing First Bike [Login to view extended thread Info.]
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External
Since: Jul 24, 2005
Posts: 13
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(Msg. 8) Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 6:44 pm
Post subject: Re: Purchasing First Bike [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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Ditto, ditto, ditto with the Volusiz. I got back into riding last year
after a lengthy hiatis. The bike I bought was a 2 year old Volusia. It
was/is the perfect bike for a newby or elderly returner (like me). Plenty
of power, comfortable, affordable ($4000 will easily get you a 2003). Can't
go wrong. Oh & one other thing, do yourself a huge favor and take your
state's motorcycle safety course, about $185. Even experienced riders are
surprised in what they pick up. Good luck.
"Bike Guy Joe" <jetstarblue DeleteThis @yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1142341023.236237.9770@i40g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
>
> chand66 wrote:
>> I appreciate all this great advice everybody, Thanks!!!!
>
> Don't forget to look into the great line of Suzuki cruisers- A Volusia
> VL 800 may be just the ticket.
> >> Stay informed about: Purchasing First Bike |
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External
Since: Mar 17, 2006
Posts: 10
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(Msg. 9) Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2006 3:55 pm
Post subject: Re: Purchasing First Bike [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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Yes SIR; What happend to all Caféracers ,and are there any moore built??
Sincerely "DG"
..
"TLoewenberg" <termarl.TakeThisOut@msn.com> wrote in message
news:v4idnZtYoqDFyIrZnZ2dnUVZ_s2dnZ2d@myeastern.com...
> Ditto, ditto, ditto with the Volusiz. I got back into riding last year
> after a lengthy hiatis. The bike I bought was a 2 year old Volusia. It
> was/is the perfect bike for a newby or elderly returner (like me). Plenty
> of power, comfortable, affordable ($4000 will easily get you a 2003).
> Can't go wrong. Oh & one other thing, do yourself a huge favor and take
> your state's motorcycle safety course, about $185. Even experienced
> riders are surprised in what they pick up. Good luck.
>
> "Bike Guy Joe" <jetstarblue.TakeThisOut@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:1142341023.236237.9770@i40g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
>>
>> chand66 wrote:
>>> I appreciate all this great advice everybody, Thanks!!!!
>>
>> Don't forget to look into the great line of Suzuki cruisers- A Volusia
>> VL 800 may be just the ticket.
>>
>
> >> Stay informed about: Purchasing First Bike |
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External
Since: Apr 25, 2005
Posts: 139
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(Msg. 10) Posted: Sat Mar 18, 2006 10:45 am
Post subject: Re: Purchasing First Bike [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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On Fri, 17 Mar 2006 20:55:27 +0100, "dg" <p.dg.DeleteThis@chello.se> wrote:
> Yes SIR; What happend to all Caféracers ,and are there any moore built??
You don't buy a cafe racer, you build it yourself. My guess is that
they've gone out of style. Some of the ones I've seen look very
pretty but they look extremely uncomfortable.
Back in the old days most bikes were 'standards'. If you wanted a
dirt bike you'd buy a standard and put longer suspension on it, and
knobby tires, and a high exhaust. For touring you'd get panniers and
a big barn-door fairing. (Someone said that a 'touring bike' in those
days was any bike you could bungee a sleeping bag to.) If you wanted
a racer you'd put on stiffer shocks and clip-on handlebars, a bullet
fairing and aftermarket exhaust.
But why would you do that today when you can buy an R6 or a GSXR?
Unless you wanted something customized, or a vintage bike in the style
of an old cafe racer. Modern sport bikes are incredible machines.
They're not for me, I can't handle the riding position, but I have
great respect for the engineering that goes into them and their
horsepower/weight ratio. >> Stay informed about: Purchasing First Bike |
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External
Since: Mar 17, 2006
Posts: 10
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(Msg. 11) Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 5:55 am
Post subject: Re: Purchasing First Bike [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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Yes SIR; I'was thinking moore of the webbing, if there is something of
taste....
Sincerely "DG"
"blazing laser" <none> wrote in message
news:1oko12pn9hp0ptftnue3rtr48jj1acp4fj@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 17 Mar 2006 20:55:27 +0100, "dg" <p.dg.RemoveThis@chello.se> wrote:
>
>> Yes SIR; What happend to all Caféracers ,and are there any moore built??
>
> You don't buy a cafe racer, you build it yourself. My guess is that
> they've gone out of style. Some of the ones I've seen look very
> pretty but they look extremely uncomfortable.
>
> Back in the old days most bikes were 'standards'. If you wanted a
> dirt bike you'd buy a standard and put longer suspension on it, and
> knobby tires, and a high exhaust. For touring you'd get panniers and
> a big barn-door fairing. (Someone said that a 'touring bike' in those
> days was any bike you could bungee a sleeping bag to.) If you wanted
> a racer you'd put on stiffer shocks and clip-on handlebars, a bullet
> fairing and aftermarket exhaust.
>
> But why would you do that today when you can buy an R6 or a GSXR?
> Unless you wanted something customized, or a vintage bike in the style
> of an old cafe racer. Modern sport bikes are incredible machines.
> They're not for me, I can't handle the riding position, but I have
> great respect for the engineering that goes into them and their
> horsepower/weight ratio. >> Stay informed about: Purchasing First Bike |
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External
Since: Mar 20, 2006
Posts: 2
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(Msg. 12) Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 4:30 pm
Post subject: Re: Purchasing First Bike [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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When I took the riders safety course I talked to a lot of people that
did not even own cycles yet. They wanted to wait until after the course
to have a better understanding of the different types of motorcycles
available. A book worth checking out is called Motorcycle Handbook
published by Chilton There's a chapter called Choosing the right bike.
Good luck and ride safe whatever you decide to get.
Jim@ www.datacation.com/hogloggin
chand66 wrote:
> I am about to purchase my first bike. I have done a little riding,
> very limited experience, but I will be taking a class. I've wanted a
> bike all my life. I am now 39 so I am interested in the crusiers. I
> have been considering the vstar 650 and the honda shadow 600 or 750. I
>
> am short about 5'8 and around 200 lbs. so I need something that will
> carry me with reasonable comfort. I will some times ride to work which
>
> is around 60 miles round trip. I would greatly appreciate some
> experienced advice. Also so which is better air or water cooled?
>
> Chand66 >> Stay informed about: Purchasing First Bike |
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External
Since: Aug 20, 2005
Posts: 11
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(Msg. 13) Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 6:05 pm
Post subject: Re: Purchasing First Bike [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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"chand66" <rchandler.TakeThisOut@i-55.com> wrote in message
news:1142104726.096642.129580@z34g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
>I am about to purchase my first bike. I have done a little riding,
> very limited experience, but I will be taking a class. I've wanted a
> bike all my life. I am now 39 so I am interested in the crusiers. I
> have been considering the vstar 650 and the honda shadow 600 or 750. I
>
> am short about 5'8 and around 200 lbs. so I need something that will
> carry me with reasonable comfort. I will some times ride to work which
>
> is around 60 miles round trip. I would greatly appreciate some
> experienced advice. Also so which is better air or water cooled?
>
> Chand66
>
I started riding exactly one year ago this month. I am 62yo, 5"11" and
weigh about 210. I bought a used 2002 Honda Shadow Spirit 750 that had 2600
miles. It came with a windshield and after market pipes. I changed the
seat among other things and it fits me very well. I have a 29" inseam which
is short. I am in reasonaly good shape for my age. I took the MSF course
at the end of March last year and purchased helmet, mesh jacket, gloves,
etc. With that said, the 750 has plenty of power (I did change from chain
to belt drive) for me and it rides doubles. Hope this helps.
Bill >> Stay informed about: Purchasing First Bike |
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External
Since: Apr 25, 2005
Posts: 139
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(Msg. 14) Posted: Tue Mar 21, 2006 9:53 am
Post subject: Re: Purchasing First Bike [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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On Mon, 20 Mar 2006 18:05:38 -0500, "Bill" <notmy address.RemoveThis@cox.net>
wrote:
>I started riding exactly one year ago this month. I am 62yo, 5"11" and
>weigh about 210.
You started riding motorcycles at 61 yrs of age? I'm impressed!
Bravo!
> With that said, the 750 has plenty of power (I did change from chain
>to belt drive)
Are you saying you can buy a kit to convert a 750 Shadow Spirit from
chain to belt drive? I didn't know that. How much does that cost?
Do you like it a lot better?
I used to think belt drive would be the best of both worlds. A shaft
adds 50 lbs to a bike but is much less maintenance. A chain is
lighter but when I had chain drive it seemed to require constant
attention. I'd put oil on it, it would throw the oil off and need new
oil. It would always be either too tight or too loose. In college I
got a date with a cute girl, I put her on the back of the bike and we
went about 1/4 mi. and the chain broke. It's one reason I bought a
BMW 'airhead', that was about the only bike you could get with a shaft
in those days.
But people have told me the belt picks up gravel and stuff and that
deforms the sprockets. How do you find it? >> Stay informed about: Purchasing First Bike |
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External
Since: Jan 28, 2005
Posts: 1246
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(Msg. 15) Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2006 8:55 am
Post subject: Re: Purchasing First Bike [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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"blazing laser" <none> wrote in message
news:1oko12pn9hp0ptftnue3rtr48jj1acp4fj@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 17 Mar 2006 20:55:27 +0100, "dg" <p.dg RemoveThis @chello.se> wrote:
>
>> Yes SIR; What happend to all Caféracers ,and are there any moore built??
>
> You don't buy a cafe racer, you build it yourself. My guess is that
> they've gone out of style. Some of the ones I've seen look very
> pretty but they look extremely uncomfortable.
Ducati, Triumph, Moto Guzzi and a few other don't seem to thik they've gone
out of fashion. Al of them are producing "Factory" Cafe racers now. Only the
Paul Smart Duc is really uncomfortable too, the rest are pretty reasonable.
>
> Back in the old days most bikes were 'standards'. If you wanted a
> dirt bike you'd buy a standard and put longer suspension on it, and
> knobby tires, and a high exhaust. For touring you'd get panniers and
> a big barn-door fairing. (Someone said that a 'touring bike' in those
> days was any bike you could bungee a sleeping bag to.) If you wanted
> a racer you'd put on stiffer shocks and clip-on handlebars, a bullet
> fairing and aftermarket exhaust.
>
> But why would you do that today when you can buy an R6 or a GSXR?
Coz they're cock-rockets and not the ideal first bike for a newbie?
--
Beav
OMF#19
VN 750
Zed Thou
mail is beavis dot original at ntlworld dot com (with the obvious changes) >> Stay informed about: Purchasing First Bike |
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