Gonna buy a bike

[Doomer]

OK, I've decided to get a bike. I can't afford a Harley so I was thinkin' Kawasaki but I really have no clue as to which brand is better.

Any guidance appreciated.

 

Have you taken an MSF class?

 

[Doomer]

Originally posted by: jumpr
Have you taken an MSF class?

Just signed up for it. Next one is in September so I have plenty of time to get my ducks in a row.

 

[Zim Hosein]

What's you target price range Doomer?

 

[glen]

I guess WCC and OCC are out?

 

[Zim Hosein]

Originally posted by: glen
I guess WCC and OCC are out?

LOL

Cheers glen :beer:

 

[Doomer]

Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
What's you target price range Doomer?

Haven't decided yet. I'd like to keep it under 6 grand if possible. But getting a bike I can live with is more important than the price.

 

[Doomer]

Originally posted by: glen
I guess WCC and OCC are out?

Pardon My ignorance but what are they ?

 

[glen]

Originally posted by: Doomer

Originally posted by: glen
I guess WCC and OCC are out?

Pardon My ignorance but what are they ?

Oh, I think they start at $65,000 and go on up. WAY WAY on up.

 

[The Stigenator]

2004 Suzuki GS500F..

or the 2004 Kawasaki Ninja 500

or Kawasaki Ninja 250

 

[Doomer]

Originally posted by: The_good_guy
2004 Suzuki GS500F..

or the 2004 Kawasaki Ninja 500

or Kawasaki Ninja 250

Thanks but not sure I want a sport bike.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Wait till after you take the MSF class, fall is the best time to buy a bike anyway... Alwyas buy seasonal toys in the off season...

 

[Doomer]

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
Wait till after you take the MSF class, fall is the best time to buy a bike anyway... Alwyas buy seasonal toys in the off season...

Yea, somebody else told me this. I figured I'd start doing my homework early. Anybody know anything about the Kawasaki Vulcan ?

 

[The Stigenator]

Originally posted by: Doomer

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
Wait till after you take the MSF class, fall is the best time to buy a bike anyway... Alwyas buy seasonal toys in the off season...

Yea, somebody else told me this. I figured I'd start doing my homework early. Anybody know anything about the Kawasaki Vulcan ?

vulcans are great bikes.. i say take the LTD500/Vulcan 500.. same engine as the Ninja500R.. but in a cruiser form.

I like the Vulcan 750, but I am an experienced rider, and the 750 might be a bit too much power - even if its in a cruiser form. Some day i will get the Vulcan 750, my friends 750 felt oh so comfy when i rode it.

 

[Doomer]

Originally posted by: The_good_guy

Originally posted by: Doomer

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
Wait till after you take the MSF class, fall is the best time to buy a bike anyway... Alwyas buy seasonal toys in the off season...

Yea, somebody else told me this. I figured I'd start doing my homework early. Anybody know anything about the Kawasaki Vulcan ?

vulcans are great bikes.. i say take the LTD500/Vulcan 500.. same engine as the Ninja500R.. but in a cruiser form.

I like the Vulcan 750, but I am an experienced rider, and the 750 might be a bit too much power - even if its in a cruiser form. Some day i will get the Vulcan 750, my friends 750 felt oh so comfy when i rode it.

Thanks for the info. I'm checking eb*y right now to get some idea on prices.

 

[Crapkilla]

Doomer,
You might also check out the BeginnerBikes website. They have alot of reviews for bikes that are good for beginning bikers. Alot of your choice may also depend on seat height, bike weight, etc. The Shadow VLX is a nice cruiser, in your price range, and not bad for a beginner bike. It is a little more than most would recommend though - 650 cc - but it's a very forgiving bike - in my experience.

You are starting off right by taking the MSF FIRST, though. Good luck!

 

[Doomer]

Thanks for the info Crapkilla. Just the sort of info I'm looking for.

 

[GRIFFIN1]

Why do people always say that you should buy a slower bike for your first bike? When I was about 12, I got a YZ80, and I can remember the salesman at the dealership talking about how it might be too fast for me. The first time I got on the bike, it didn't take off and smack me into a tree at 50 mph. The bike came with an adjustable throttle that allowed me to go as fast as I was comfortable going.

The way I see it, someone that isn't responsible enough to ride within their limits shouldn't be on a motorcycle in the first place.

 

[Doomer]

Originally posted by: GRIFFIN1
Why do people always say that you should buy a slower bike for your first bike? When I was about 12, I got a YZ80, and I can remember the salesman at the dealership talking about how it might be too fast for me. The first time I got on the bike, it didn't take off and smack me into a tree at 50 mph. The bike came with an adjustable throttle that allowed me to go as fast as I was comfortable going.

The way I see it, someone that isn't responsible enough to ride within their limits shouldn't be on a motorcycle in the first place.

I agree.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: Doomer

Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
What's you target price range Doomer?

Haven't decided yet. I'd like to keep it under 6 grand if possible. But getting a bike I can live with is more important than the price.

HD Sportster 883. Can be had for $5K to $6K for an example that is 1-2 years old..

ZV

 

[Pliablemoose]

I'll second a The Shadow VLX, IMHO, Honda is the best bike manufacturer ever, and I took ~2 decades of riding to buy my first one.

Not that everyone doesn't make very good bikes, it's just a matter of refinement.

Also, if you look @ #'s of bike sales, Honda easily sells more bikes than ony other 2 manufacturers put together. (@ least they did a few years ago when I followed stuff like that a little more closely.)

That translates to more used parts, and better aftermarket support, both important if you keep a bike any length of time & are cheap like me.