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Picking my first motorcycle

Marco-Polo

Marco-Polo

Go Irish Go!
Joined
Feb 24, 2008
Messages
724
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Hi CP-ers, here's a non-cigar question.

I'm about to take my MSF basic rider course in PA (thank you for covering the tab, state of Pennsylvania), and I'm thinking about buying my first bike. I like the "look" of sportbikes, but don't have the cash to sink 5-10K into a first bike, not to mention that I'm worried about dumping a powerful bike (yeah, I've read the Hurt study).

FWIW, I'm 6-2, about 240 lbs and a former college football player, so I've been advised that 250's might have too little power to carry me (and potentially The Wife - I'd like to zip around town with her on the back, once I've gained riding experience and competence) around.

Any suggestions for a first bike, hints and tips to selecting one, etc?
 
Just my opinion but the Yamaha 650 V Star is tough to beat. Light for a cruiser style it has enough juice to handle 2 up if needed although I wouldn't go cross county that way. Used can be found for $3-4K and lots of accessories are available.
 
With BOTH of you on there....I'd go bigger than 650.

The main reason I say this is to have the HP to get OUT of a tight spot.

It may be your first bike - but you're a big boy....and with a passenger, the extra horses will help.

TheLostGringo just took the course and bought a bike...pm him about the experience and choice.
 
Staying along the lines of AVB's suggestion, the Yamaha V-Star 1100 is an excellent choice. It'll have the torque to pull you and your wife around town comfortably, and it too has tons of accessories/aftermarket parts available. It should be easy to find one used or leftover.
 
Being in a similar situation, planning on taking the class and buying the bike. I'm eyeing the Honda 750.
 
You may find a sport bike uncomfortable given your size. I'm a little smaller than you are and I found them to be fun for short trips but not much else. I had a Suzuki Bandit 1200 as my second to last bike.

The Honda cruisers are also very nice. They're reliable as all get out and pretty nice to look at. You should be able to find an 1100 or maybe even a 1300 for a good price if you go with a used one.

Good luck and be safe.
 
If I rode, which I don't anymore, I would go for a Goldwing or ride your bicycle till you could afford a Harley:)
 
Being that your legs are probably pretty thick and long I would stay away from a full forward sitting sport bike unless you are flexible because cramping up while riding is no fun. maybe a suzuki sv1000s, it's still a sport bike style of riding but not as bad of a seating position.
 
TBaGZ said:
Being that your legs are probably pretty thick and long I would stay away from a full forward sitting sport bike unless you are flexible because cramping up while riding is no fun. maybe a suzuki sv1000s, it's still a sport bike style of riding but not as bad of a seating position.
Click to expand...

Gotta love that V-Twin sound.
 
Dual Sport for me, probably a Honda XR650 or the Suzuki DRZ450, I have to be able to do the Logging roads on the weekends!!
I have a bike I made out of a blown up XR250, and a Parted out 3 wheeler, a pull start no clutch shifting freak of a bike, but it goes good off road! :laugh:
 
Well, finally bought one. Somewhat of an Odyssey ... decided on a standard/sport cruiser. Offered on a black Nighthawk 750, seller started flaking out about the title and and got I a bad feeling. Cross that one off. Talked to a Hawk GT 650 owner. Good conversation but price quickly got out of my range, but wish her nothing but the best. Cross that. Suzuki SV650. The "excellent condition" naked bike turned out to be a crashed, salvaged fully-faired. Cross that. Two year old Nighthawk 250 (learner, remember), price higher than MSRP, scratch that (!).

Finally, Nighthawk 750, 6000 miles, in tahitian blue. Old, needs a few repairs and a little paint, but clean title and rideable right off the bat. No idea why I'm so happy about spending $1k ... but I'm happy. I'll be going up to AAA to title, register and insure it on Monday.

And there we are.
 
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