YAM(otorcycle)T

[thecoolnessrune]

Hey guys, I'm looking into motorcyling. What is a good bike to look towards getting (used) that is a reliable *touring* bike.

I'm looking for something I can strap saddle bags to and sit upright on. In other words, *not* a crotch rocket.

What do you guys recommend for a good starter bike for a dude who's never even sat on one before

 

[JulesMaximus]

Suzuki V-Strom 650 would be a good beginner touring bike. It has a windshield, comfortable upright riding position and you can get luggage for it. They are great bikes and should last you for many many years if taken care of.

I'd recommend you take the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) course and get your license before you do anything though.

I've been riding for a few years now and I absolutely love it. So much fun.

 

[Fenixgoon]

^^ MSF course x1000000

start with the MSF course. you'll get to ride someone else's bike and figure out whether you really like riding motorcycles or not. it was worth every penny i spent.

 

[lghost]

V-Strom is great, Bandits are great, an old FZ1 or FZ6 would be great. If you aren't averse to getting something older, any of the old standards would be good for very little money. Suzuki GS850-1100, Yamaha XS, Honda CB750-1000, etc...

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Originally posted by: lghost
V-Strom is great, Bandits are great, an old FZ1 or FZ6 would be great. If you aren't averse to getting something older, any of the old standards would be good for very little money. Suzuki GS850-1100, Yamaha XS, Honda CB750-1000, etc...

Older is exactly what I'm looking for.. I want traditional and reliable. As long as it still runs correctly I'd even get something from the 1970s. I dont like the new more swept design of motorcycles and I can't afford new really. I'm just a college student.

I'm looking up about the MSF course right now (I've been at work all day) and I might have some more questions. In the mean time, It's motorcycle selection

 

[MiataNC]

Suzuki DL650 V-Strom

Perfect for touring:
All-day comfortable
Huge Aftermarket (luggage, bags, etc, etc)
Beginner friendly yet so competent that it satisfies riders of all skill levels.

You won't find a better all around bike for touring at the price you can get a Wee-Strom for. Now excuse me while I go hug mine.

 

[cardiac]

An older Suzuki (Early 80's) GS -850 is nice. Shaft driven and smooth as silk. Pretty cheap now too. Yamaha 750 Maxim from the same era......Honda GL-650 is shaft driven and has a water cooled V-twin... All great starter touring bikes. Then move up to the gold standard the Honda Gold Wing.

Bob

 

[Kabob]

If touring is what you wanna do then they're right, the V-Strom is perfect. It's got decent power but the delivery is smooth, very upright and comfortable riding position, lots of storage, it'll get the job done.

FZ6 and FZ1 are more sporty (they have R6 and R1 engines respectively).

And definatley take the MSF BRC course, it will teach you the basics of riding better than any friend/family member will.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Search'n read here. Plenty of posts about first bikes.
http://www.pashnit.com/

 

[Arkaign]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Magna

^^ First bike I owned, and pretty much the best. Great ride, economic on fuel, reliable, pretty powerful really, easy to find parts.

 

[JDub02]

Go take the motorcycle safety course and get your license before you go bike shopping. That will make the whole process easier since you actually have some time in the saddle (although, not over 15mph).

The "standard" bikes are nice. Depends what you want. I went for a cruiser. I've ridden sport bikes. Tons of fun ... but I was never able to stay out of the throttle.

So now my wife and I relax on a Yamaha V-Star 1100 Custom (poor man's Harley). I bought a Mustang touring seat and a sissy bar for my wife. We can go all day on that thing. Very comfortable, lots of torque, and cruises along great at 65-70 mph. Although, it'll run up to 110.

Next step - windshield and bags.