the_Wife wants me to buy a bike (advice)

[juvinious]

enjoy your 250r. I own a 01 250 and love it. thinking of getting an 09. they are a freaking blast to ride. i have owned my 01 for 3 years going on my 4th summer with it. its my summer vehicle when gas is 4 bucks a gallon and i feel no need to buy into a bigger bike.

BTW check out ninja250.org

I was at a dealer today taking a look at them getting pretty excited about it. I don't know if it would be a good idea to finance it. I think I might just have to put away some cash for it. The dealer was talking 4999 or something after everything. In any event I'm going to talk to a few more dealers and see how the price varies. Regarding the site, it has been a great reference and the reason why I've decided on the 250.

 

[TwoHeadsBrewing]

Ditto. After reading some of the fatal motorcycle accident causes, there are three things you can do to make yourself "statistically invincible".

1. Most of the fatal accidents involved alcohol, even if under the legal limit DON'T DRINK AND RIDE!
2. Wear a helmet and all other appropriate gear - helmet, gloves, boots, jeans (or preferrably leathers).
3. Be extremely careful within 1 mile of your home. People tend to get in "autopilot" mode when they get into familiar territory. Don't forge, the ride isn't over until the bike is parked.

Remember a lot of people, and I mean a lot, will tell you horror stories about motorcycle crashes when you tell them your learning to ride. Don't let them scare you but learn from other peoples mistakes. Motorcycle riding takes a heightened sense of awareness, even to this day I wont drink even one beer before I go on a ride, even though I feel no effects until I'm a few in. There really isn't a margin of error when riding like there is driving a car. The safety course will show you all the proper ways to avoid accidents, just make sure you try to stay to those rules and not form bad habits. Most of all have fun, I have to say that motorcycle riding is one of the funnest things I do, it's right up there with brewing.

 

[Sean]

I snagged a classic Kawasaki KZ650 off of ebay for $387.50

It's since been modified and is awaiting more funds to be finished up.
It's my first bike and is plenty powerful.
Keep in mind with 30 year old bike like this, you will be doing quite a bit of wrenching. I bought a repair/maintenance manual and joined a couple of forums. It's very easy to work on.

You should be able to find a late 70's to early 80's Kawasaki or Suzuki in good running condition for $800-1500usd.

Thanks a lot buddy, now I'm back to searching ebay. looks great.

 

[FlyinkibbleZ]

nothing new to add. i tend to disagree with what most people say about buying something that is smaller. even smaller bikes can go fast enough to kill you in a hurry. really you just need to ride defensively. any bike is more dangerous than a car. only reason to buy an older, or cheaper bike is if you happen to lay it down, you wont be so pissed you ruined your brand new $12000 bike.

my advice: wear all your gear, all the time. most accidents i have seen have been on rides that were "chill, easy rides" or just around town

defensive: just because the bike will do 180, doesnt mean you have to try between every stop light.

HAPPY RIDING!!

 

[pen25]

I was at a dealer today taking a look at them getting pretty excited about it. I don't know if it would be a good idea to finance it. I think I might just have to put away some cash for it. The dealer was talking 4999 or something after everything. In any event I'm going to talk to a few more dealers and see how the price varies. Regarding the site, it has been a great reference and the reason why I've decided on the 250.

way too much. those things shouldnt be that much. i think i have read 4500 is the going price. now how i feel about a bike is a bike should be paid cash for unless you get zero %. deprecation is worse on a bike then it is for a car unless its a custom american iron

 

[BierMuncher]

...Most of the fatal accidents involved alcohol, even if under the legal limit DON'T DRINK AND RIDE!...

...even to this day I wont drink even one beer before I go on a ride, even though I feel no effects until I'm a few in. There really isn't a margin of error when riding like there is driving a car....

+1,000

No beer until the kickstand is down for the night.

The most likely place you'll end up dropping is when you're circling Walmart's parking lot for a space...you're in a constant state of "turn" and a soccer mom on her cell phone backs out of a spot right into your path.

Hard brake + turn position is not a good combination. Spells "instant dump".

 

[jkarp]

Hard brake + turn position is not a good combination. Spells "instant dump".

That's where the MSF really pays off. I take the ERC (experienced riders course) every few years to brush up those low-speed parking lot skills.

OP: As for a beginner's bike, lots of great advice has already been posted. I'd only add that you worry less about displacement and get a bike that 1: you like, 2: fits you well, and 3: won't cost an arm and a leg to fix WHEN it gets dropped.

 

[Bernie Brewer]

She knows I've been feeling stressed and crappy about a lot of things, just TOO MANY things going on.

Bikes are great therapy. You never see a bike parked at a therapist's office. Unless it belongs to the therapist.

 

[Desert_Sky]

Look into the VStrom

 

[IrregularPulse]

I hate this thread. I need to find a therapist I know and can talk to ahead of time, get my wife to go to "Couple's Therapy" and have him recommend a motorcycle for freedom and stress relief......

 

[the_bird]

This might work...

1983 HONDA KNIGHTHAWK CB650 - $500 (AMHERST)

1983 Honda Knighthawk cb650sc. VIN # jh2rc1300dm006886. This is a running motorcycle with 22788 miles. 6 speed transmission with shaft drive gets 58 to 62 mpg depending on your driving habits. Bike has digital display for fuel level and gear indicator. It needs a new owner, I am moving. I have gone over the entire bike and this is what it needs to be on the street. A battery, I will jump start the bike to prove it runs and sounds great!, Clutch fluid bleed, I may do it if I have the time, 4 rubber turn signal mounts( cheap about 8 bucks apeice), 1 turn signal bulb( even cheaper), a good wash, wax and detail, replace the front tire soon. It went low and has a flat spot on it, so when the bike is on the street you should replace it soon though the tread is still good as is the rear tire. I drained the gas tank and replaced the gas and drained the carbs and oil and filter. If wanted to you could change the air filter and spark plugs but I did not see any reason to do so. Bike needs to be registered. I have the clear title in hand. So as stated the bike does not need much. I feel the price is a perfect move it now price, considering my position I took into account that I do not have alot of days left here. I am honest, open and sincere. The pictures tell all as will your eyes when you come and buy it. Currently bike is in my storage unit at stadium storage in Hadley across from the Stadium/S tonehenge and can be seen anytime. Call 4132754751 I can help you load it too. Thanks Will include Honda shop manual, keys, 2 oil filters, and a battery tender, a really good one. cost me $60 bucks.

I know it's shaft drive, but so what? $500! I just sent him an email to see if I can check it out this weekend. I'll give my brother a call tomorrow night, see if he could help out his little brother investigate a bike (he's got a lot more experience with these things than I do).

Sounds pretty much what I should be looking for, right? $1,100 less than the bike the_Wife wanted me to buy (which will more than pay for a front tire and some good gear).

 

[BierMuncher]

Don't sweat the drive shaft. That's all I've ever owned.

If you don't mind doing a few things yourself...doesn't look like it's that far from road ready. Batteries can be bought at Walmart.

If you've never ridden, see if you can negotiate him delivering it to you. Looks like a decent run-about bike.

If you get it...run 3-4 ounces of SeaFoam fuel cleaner through the first few tanks. That stuff is like magic for making internals like new.

 

[the_bird]

Well, it's about an hour away from me, the bike's not registered, and unfortunately I do not own a pickup. I can load a good dozen sheets of drywall in the back of a Honda Element, but not sure about a Honda Nighthawk! That's a big part of why I need Big Bro's help!

I don't know much about fixing bikes, but now's the time to learn! Needing to do a couple repairs will keep me from going out on the road before I take the class!

EDIT: That's a lot of exclamation points I've been using; I guess I'm pretty excited!

 

[TXCrash]

Dude. Ignore the shaftie haters. They just wish they had a shaft and are jealous. ;-)

I've owned two bikes - a shaftie and a chain drive. I hated dealing with the chain so much (I ride in the rain... which trashes chains) that a shaft drive was on the TOP of my "must have" list. I'll likely never own another chain driven road bike...

Shafties rule!

 

[Bernie Brewer]

Don't sweat the drive shaft. That's all I've ever owned.

.

Dude. Ignore the shaftie haters. They just wish they had a shaft and are jealous. ;-)



Shafties rule!

+10.

I love my shaft drive. There's no chain noise or chain vibration. It really makes for a smoother ride.

 

[z987k]

I ride on average 30,000 miles a year. I run through bikes rather quick because I'm damn hard on them. So I like my bikes reliable, and crashable.

For 1000 miles days on the slab and single track that's not in the woods I ride a klr650. Ugly, yeah, but stone reliable and more fun than any cruiser or supersport. I want a husky te610 though.
You might consider a 400cc-650cc dualsport, they tent to crash really well, tard the thing and you'll amaze a lot of people on the road as to it's capabilities.

As for the countersteering referred to earlier. You push left lean left go left and vice versa. This means your wheel turns in the opposite direction of the turn. It's really noticeable with big front tires offroad when you lock the bars. The only time it doesn't work is when you're going too slow.

 

[Brandon O]

Gimme that man card!

DUDE, there are millions of bikes out there. This is one that will not give you much riding pleasure, and you and it will be mocked long after you sell it.

Ever notice how there isn't much out there that doesn't have 5 or 6 gears? This was built to be chick bike, so she could go riding with him.

I would be very suspicious of expensive repairs to a low volume bike that is nearly 30 years old-think repair parts. I further suspect a very low price when you want to off it, if you can sell it.

There is a sh!t ton of reliable, medium size engine jap cruisers, that are easy and cheap to fix, but probably will never have to be. Decide on a few examples of a more recent high volume popular model, up around 650-750cc's, with low miles at a reasonable price, and pursue all avenues of finding them. Being a fish striking and at a cheap CL ad on a sparkly, very undesirable bike will not make you happy.

Don't do this to yourself.

Dude, my buddy just went through the same thing you are going through. He bought a 250 CC 2006 yamaha yellow jacket looking crotch rocket. After 3 months of owning it he wants something more powerful. It's cool at first, but get something you will grow into. this is a long term commitment and you don't want to commit to an old turd. Just like having an affair with copperhead would suck, so would getting an outdated bike.

 

[TwoHeadsBrewing]

I owned a nighthawk just like that one for a couple years, it was a great bike. However, I would say to steer clear of that one unless you are comfortable fixing bikes. It seems that it has not been well cared for, so the problems stated might be just the tip of the iceberg. I bought mine for $900 about 3 years ago, and it was in great running condition.

If you can find another nighthawk, I'd get it. They are great bikes, bulletproof simple engines, and the shaft drive is smooth and low maintenance. Look for one that's been cared for, there is no end to troubles with older bikes that have been abused.

 

[the_bird]

If I buy a 25-year old bike, it's a given that I'm going to learn how to tinker, and this one seems to be in about as good a shape as any of this vintage that I've seen. I'll bring big bro along to check it more closely, and I do have lists of things to look at when examining a used bike, but the things he notes needs to be done - battery, bleeding the clutch fluid, etc, aren't that bad. Hell, most of the $500 bikes out there don't even have a clean title!

The way I'm framing the question to myself is; if I'm spending $500 on a bike, it's probably something just like this, that needs a little bit of work but nothing that I can't handle. If I spend $2,000 on a bike, it's not going to be anything bigger or fancier, it's just going to be newer, prettier, and be able to be ridden right away. Right now, I'm leaning towards the cheaper option.

We'll see, I've got to get over to Hadley and check it out before making up my mind.

 

[flyangler18]

Jay, I hate you.

I'm scouring CL and the local sale paper right now for a motorcycle. Found a '79 Suzuki 750 ES for $575. Now, to convince SWMBO....

 

[conpewter]

I loved my old fixer upper bike. Just a bit of work and you can have it running nice.

 

[MMW]

Well, it's about an hour away from me, the bike's not registered, and unfortunately I do not own a pickup. I can load a good dozen sheets of drywall in the back of a Honda Element, but not sure about a Honda Nighthawk! That's a big part of why I need Big Bro's help!

Well, there's always this:

 

[BobOscarBob]

Late chiming in - but in my experience the best bike to learn on is a Sportster (not trying to be a homer here either...I ride an '04 Road King now - last scoot was an 84 Shovelhead - originally a Low Rider). An 883 has all the low end tourqe to take off smooth, and get you around very comfortably. I might suggest a 1200 for someone 6'2 (and male...) - but - they cost a little more than a cheap CL rice burner... but they're also a bike you might just keep forever (he who dies with the most bikes wins, right?).

I have quite a few friends that failed learning on Kawi's and Suzukis - only to pick it up very easily on a Sporty...

 

[BierMuncher]

...I have quite a few friends that failed learning on Kawi's and Suzukis - only to pick it up very easily on a Sporty...

Yeah but can your friends do this?

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klteYv1Uv9A]YouTube - This is How We Roll in India[/ame]

 

[the_bird]

I've been lurking around bike forums these past few days, and one term that I've learned quickly is "squid"...

 

[juvinious]

Yeah but can your friends do this?

YouTube - This is How We Roll in India

Lol, my friend showed me that a few months ago... "He's just chillin!" I couldn't stop laughing.

 

[juvinious]

I've been lurking around bike forums these past few days, and one term that I've learned quickly is "squid"...

Plenty of those down here in South Florida, flip-flops tee-shirt and shorts. Gives riders a bad name down here.

 

[the_bird]

Couple other bikes I'm inquiring about. '81 Suzuki GS550, and an '81 Honda 750K. Don't know a lot about either; both are Craigslist ads, both are a little more local to me so I can check them out closely.

 

[BierMuncher]

If you can find one that is road ready and will pass inspection, negotiate with the seller to arrange for him/her to go get it inspected on the way to delivering it to you.

That's what I did and it saved me the headache.

 

[ClutchDude]

You know, I was happy enough. A while back, I was wondering about motorcycles, figured I'd fix one up.

Luckily, I only got my hands on a 50cc Shaft-drive yamaha QT50 "motorcycle"(according to FL...) and was happy enough when it was fixed, ran and 60cc's. It wasn't for riding, but to prove I could do it.

Now, after reading this thread, I want to go out there and find something much bigger and put it back in running order to ride.

Anywho...back on topic...While the negatives of shaft-driven are valid, the "maintenance-free" aspect of it is great. You'll never really need to deal with it if the bike has been properly maintained.

If you're ever in Birmingham, AL; check out the Haley Barbour Museum. It's filled with hundreds of vintage motorcycles. Well worth the visit just to look.