Buying motorcycle: advice wanted

[FenrisUlf]

First off, let me say I'm not a squid or BikerBoyz wannabe. I've been riding most of my life. My current bike is a (no flames or laughter please) 97 Sportser that I've been riding for 6 years.

With that being said, in about a month I'm going to be moving to Europe for six months. I'm going to want some form of transportation and was hoping to pick up a bike over there. I'm not looking for the latest liter-class crotch rocket (although a Duc 916 or 996 would be sweet, but out of my price range). I want something with more get-up-and-go than I've got now, but not necessarily a race bike with headlights. I know that there are alot of models released only in Europe and not in the States, so I was wondering if anyone knows any details about those. I'll have about $10K to spend, but spending less is always better. Right now my primary front-runner is a Ducati Monster. Does anyone have any recommendations?

 

[bGIveNs33]

what are you doing with your old motorcycle??

 

[FenrisUlf]

Originally posted by: bGIveNs33
what are you doing with your old motorcycle??

Keeping it. I've spent alot getting it customized. I'd probably bring back the new one so I could ride either depending on my mood.

 

[squirrel dog]

You might be able to locate a sweet used 916.Or hey,get a vespa scooter

 

[Ciber]

Get a cheap used Aprilia RS 250

Link to some prices

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: squirrel dog
You might be able to locate a sweet used 916.Or hey,get a vespa scooter

Yeah. Costs almost as much as a bike with 1/5th the horsepower. No thanks.

How about a jack-of-all-trades bike like a Honda VFR? Quite sporty (I sure can't ride one to it's limits), comfy, and not absurdly expensive.

EDIT- Monsters are tons of fun (think BMX bike with 900cc engine ) but aren't very practical. No space for a pillion or any luggage, no wind protection (extended freeway travel is very tiring), and not the most comfortable bike in the world. They're fun as hell in tight twisties, but that's about it.

 

[Ciber]

Btw how hard would it be to get a Aprilia RS 250 in the US? if not how much would it be to import one from say the UK?

 

[FenrisUlf]

Yeah, I like the VFR, especially in the blue color available in Europe. Probably as much bike as I could ever handle. I would like a pillion since I am single and it's fun being the "exotic" American in Europe! I have a friend who came back from there about six months ago and rode a Monster, he loved it, but he's not a very practical guy. I'm hoping someone has some ideas on bikes a little more exotic (Europe only versions) - something that not everyone here in the US has.

 

[silverpig]

If you like the Ducati Monster, you may also want to look at the MV Agusta Brutale Oro. I have NO idea what they go for though...

 

[Ciber]

I'd die with a huge grin on my face.

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: silverpig
If you like the Ducati Monster, you may also want to look at the MV Agusta Brutale Oro. I have NO idea what they go for though...

Way more than $10k...that's for sure.

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: Ciber
Btw how hard would it be to get a Aprilia RS 250 in the US? if not how much would it be to import one from say the UK?

Not a problem at all....good luck getting a title for one tho. They are imported as track-only bikes here AFAIK.

 

[Ciber]

Originally posted by: Fausto1

Originally posted by: Ciber
Btw how hard would it be to get a Aprilia RS 250 in the US? if not how much would it be to import one from say the UK?

Not a problem at all....good luck getting a title for one tho. They are imported as track-only bikes here AFAIK.

Any idea how much it would cost to bring one over? I've heard most people just register it as if it was a RS 50 and have no problems.

 

[Damage]

Suzuki Uk has a GSX-1400 that is pretty standard.. No fairings.. Link

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: Fausto1

Originally posted by: squirrel dog
You might be able to locate a sweet used 916.Or hey,get a vespa scooter

Yeah. Costs almost as much as a bike with 1/5th the horsepower. No thanks.

How about a jack-of-all-trades bike like a Honda VFR? Quite sporty (I sure can't ride one to it's limits), comfy, and not absurdly expensive.

EDIT- Monsters are tons of fun (think BMX bike with 900cc engine ) but aren't very practical. No space for a pillion or any luggage, no wind protection (extended freeway travel is very tiring), and not the most comfortable bike in the world. They're fun as hell in tight twisties, but that's about it.

Wrong on the pillion thing. Monsters have a pillion seat hidden under faring behind the main seat area. Pop it off and bingo, rock hard platform for your poor unsuspecting victim.

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero

Originally posted by: Fausto1

Originally posted by: squirrel dog
You might be able to locate a sweet used 916.Or hey,get a vespa scooter

Yeah. Costs almost as much as a bike with 1/5th the horsepower. No thanks.

How about a jack-of-all-trades bike like a Honda VFR? Quite sporty (I sure can't ride one to it's limits), comfy, and not absurdly expensive.

EDIT- Monsters are tons of fun (think BMX bike with 900cc engine ) but aren't very practical. No space for a pillion or any luggage, no wind protection (extended freeway travel is very tiring), and not the most comfortable bike in the world. They're fun as hell in tight twisties, but that's about it.

Wrong on the pillion thing. Monsters have a pillion seat hidden under faring behind the main seat area. Pop it off and bingo, rock hard platform for your poor unsuspecting victim.

Well yeah, they technically have room for a pillion, but have you tried sitting on that thing? Totally worthless.

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: Ciber

Originally posted by: Fausto1

Originally posted by: Ciber
Btw how hard would it be to get a Aprilia RS 250 in the US? if not how much would it be to import one from say the UK?

Not a problem at all....good luck getting a title for one tho. They are imported as track-only bikes here AFAIK.

Any idea how much it would cost to bring one over? I've heard most people just register it as if it was a RS 50 and have no problems.

Whoa. I was looking at local Aprilia dealers to see what the scoop with the RS250 was.....look what they have in stock now. :Q

I really, really, really, really, really want one of these. I've been sold on triples ever since I bought my Triumph.

 

[Luke1]

http://www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/centre_news.asp?sty_id=100

The sv-650 is a great bike, it's a v-twin but with nimble handling and the torquey power of the twin. It goes for about 6,200 US brand new.

There are even clubs in the UK for owners of this bike, because there are so many fans of it.

 

[FenrisUlf]

I've seen those Suzuki's a few years ago in Vienna. Not too bad looking. I'm going to be on the mainland rather than the UK.

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: Luke1
http://www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/centre_news.asp?sty_id=100

The sv-650 is a great bike, it's a v-twin but with nimble handling and the torquey power of the twin. It goes for about 6,200 US brand new.

There are even clubs in the UK for owners of this bike, because there are so many fans of it.

Great bikes indeed, but not much point if he's considering a Monster.

 

[The Stigenator]

Honda Hornet 600..

 

[wolf papa]

did Norton ever make their rumored comeback? What about a nice Triumph? BMW?

 

[boyRacer]

Originally posted by: Fausto1

Originally posted by: Ciber
Btw how hard would it be to get a Aprilia RS 250 in the US? if not how much would it be to import one from say the UK?

Not a problem at all....good luck getting a title for one tho. They are imported as track-only bikes here AFAIK.

Unless you get some ignorant guy at the DMV ... hey if it has lights and turn signals... must be legal eh? Hahahaha... I was at the Yamaha dealer a couple of months ago... and there's these guys looking for a new bike... one of them told me he has a 748R registered... oh well... hit or miss thing i guess.

RS250 is awesome though... must be for manic track day freaks...

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: wolf papa
did Norton ever make their rumored comeback? What about a nice Triumph? BMW?

Not really.

Yes, great bikes. A Speed Triple or Sprint RS would fit the bill very nicely.

Quite expensive. You'd need to look at used bike to get a Beemer under $10k for the most part.

 

[Zebo]

Oh road bikes ..never mind... squid boy