My wife's VStar 650 is carbureted, but I usually just choke it out and start riding. By the time I'm down the street a 1/2 mile or so it's all warmed up and ready to rock. Well, rock as well as it can with that little motor. heh
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My wife's VStar 650 is carbureted, but I usually just choke it out and start riding. By the time I'm down the street a 1/2 mile or so it's all warmed up and ready to rock. Well, rock as well as it can with that little motor. heh
I can do that with my ST1100, but the Triumph needs a few minutes warming up at least before I can ride off - if I neglect that the engine tends to stall at the lights/low revs. I find if I start the engine with full choke, then put on my gear and do my safety checks (lights, indicators, brakes, chain) that's enough time unless it's the middle of winter.
dorkimoe
Member
I ended up taking the Safety Class this weekend and I just passed! I feel like I definitely could use some more practice in a safe environment though. I definitely will not be going straight on the road. I feel like they should have driven that point home further. I was on a dirtbike pretty much all weekend, the main thing i noticed was 1st gear blows ass on it. You literally could go 5mph max in first gear.
Will post more impressions of my first time ever riding later, my left wrist is hurting so bad from 2 straight days of clutch
Will post more impressions of my first time ever riding later, my left wrist is hurting so bad from 2 straight days of clutch
RapidCancel
Member
Congrats! I know that feel, the bike I was using at MSF had a problem with going into neutral so I basically had to hold the clutch down all weekend.
Plans for first bike?
Drinky Crow
Banned
i don't think i use neutral for anything other than backing up or shouldering the bike out of the garage!
dorkimoe
Member
I want to get a 250cc something. Was hoping to get a used ninja for cheap. But not seeing anything cheap right now.
Yeah I didn't even bother with neutral. I want to get back out there and practice. I really need to work on my taking off from a stop. Really sucks not to have a bike to practice on.
RapidCancel
Member
I want to get a 250cc something. Was hoping to get a used ninja for cheap. But not seeing anything cheap right now.
Yeah I didn't even bother with neutral. I want to get back out there and practice. I really need to work on my taking off from a stop. Really sucks not to have a bike to practice on.
Where do you live and what's your budget? I might be able to find something for you.
dorkimoe
Member
61761 area code Illinois
Trying to get something around 1300 or less. Might be a stretch. Their was one for 900 last week before I took the class but its gone already. Going to keep my eye out.
RapidCancel
Member
Yeah, for that price you might need to hold out a bit longer to find something. Though there's an 06 250 here in Houston for $1500 right now lol.
02 ninja 500 for $2000 in Springfield
http://springfieldil.craigslist.org/mcy/3827107455.html
03 ninja 250 for $1800 in Rochester
http://springfieldil.craigslist.org/mcy/3807276151.html
You might be able to talk them down a bit, don't be afraid to haggle =]
dorkimoe
Member
AHh. See the only problem is I dont know how to get it from there to here haha. I definitely dont feel comfortable driving it back on the highway my first day
RapidCancel
Member
Do this. If not, then try asking a friend with a truck (you'll need ramps and straps) to load it up and take it back for you. Or if any of your cars have a tow kit, go to uhaul and rent a motorcycle trailer for something like $20 for the day and bring it back that way.
Howdy!
Got my license earlier today, and I want to purchase my first bike in 2 weeks or so.
I just don't know 100% what to get. I was about to buy a used 1986 Rebel 450 that is in perfect condition, but then after some research it seems like the parts are extremely hard to find. I am having a very hard time finding a 250 Rebel.
What are some other bikes in the same style, design. price-point etc..that I should be looking at?
Got my license earlier today, and I want to purchase my first bike in 2 weeks or so.
I just don't know 100% what to get. I was about to buy a used 1986 Rebel 450 that is in perfect condition, but then after some research it seems like the parts are extremely hard to find. I am having a very hard time finding a 250 Rebel.
What are some other bikes in the same style, design. price-point etc..that I should be looking at?
Have you looked at the VStars? My wife started on a 650 and it was perfect.
Got my own dilemma here now..
Long story short, last night I agreed to sell my ST1100 (though I hadn't planned to sell it until next year). It is/was my winter/long distance bike so I need something as a replacement. No urgency as although I don't have a car I do have the Bonneville to run around on over the summer, but I need to start thinking about what to get as a replacement - I don't want another big tourer as I just find the ST too hard to park.
Anyone from GAF have any recommendations? My budget is around £2000 - I do all my own maintenance so something Japanese & reliable is probably the order of the day. Any style suggestions welcome but it needs to be something I ride all winter on salty roads, so lots of chrome is out!
I'm also coming from a 1100cc V4 so too much power isn't that much of a concern. But I want a bike small enough to filter/lane split as that was the only other thing I hated about the ST1100.
Hard luggage is definitely a requirement so if it doesn't have it, the bike needs to look reasonable with it installed!
I was thinking of:
Honda Transalp
VFR800
Any suggestions?
Long story short, last night I agreed to sell my ST1100 (though I hadn't planned to sell it until next year). It is/was my winter/long distance bike so I need something as a replacement. No urgency as although I don't have a car I do have the Bonneville to run around on over the summer, but I need to start thinking about what to get as a replacement - I don't want another big tourer as I just find the ST too hard to park.
Anyone from GAF have any recommendations? My budget is around £2000 - I do all my own maintenance so something Japanese & reliable is probably the order of the day. Any style suggestions welcome but it needs to be something I ride all winter on salty roads, so lots of chrome is out!
I'm also coming from a 1100cc V4 so too much power isn't that much of a concern. But I want a bike small enough to filter/lane split as that was the only other thing I hated about the ST1100.
Hard luggage is definitely a requirement so if it doesn't have it, the bike needs to look reasonable with it installed!
I was thinking of:
Honda Transalp
VFR800
Any suggestions?
A Honda Dullville? It's got hard luggage, shaft drive and plenty of protection.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201305236913046/
The VFR800 is of course also a commuter favourite. Sweet bike.
It's got hard luggage, shaft drive and plenty of protection. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201305236913046/
The VFR800 is of course also a commuter favourite. Sweet bike.
Nothing wrong with the Dullsville, but as it's basically a baby Pan European and I've just sold mine, I'd like to try something different!
My wife is pushing me to get a Sports Tourer or an older model Tiger, which has absolutely nothing to do with the fact she's getting her license soon and will be riding one of my bikes...
My wife is pushing me to get a Sports Tourer or an older model Tiger, which has absolutely nothing to do with the fact she's getting her license soon and will be riding one of my bikes...
Could one of you experienced riders explain better as to why they always say to get a 250-500cc as a beginner?
I mean isn't a 250cc cruise just as dangerous as a 500cc or a 1000cc but just more powerful?
I mean, if someone is using the bike for commuting and you are always at a certain speed, so why does it matter?
I good on a mint condition honda 1100rr and drove around the parking lot and I liked it.
Is it mainly that a lot of people get careless/tempted and push the 1000cc bike hard?
I will state that I am not getting something higher than 500cc due to insurance costs right now, just curious about this since I'm a newbie.
I mean isn't a 250cc cruise just as dangerous as a 500cc or a 1000cc but just more powerful?
I mean, if someone is using the bike for commuting and you are always at a certain speed, so why does it matter?
I good on a mint condition honda 1100rr and drove around the parking lot and I liked it.
Is it mainly that a lot of people get careless/tempted and push the 1000cc bike hard?
I will state that I am not getting something higher than 500cc due to insurance costs right now, just curious about this since I'm a newbie.
If you accidentally drop the clutch on a big bike you're going to have a big problem. I had a couple of incidents when I was learning on a 125cc that would have resulted in much worse than embarrassment with a bigger engine
Once you have the proper training/have had some experience and gained the necessary motor skills, you can pretty much go ride most bikes. But I don't define what you have to do to get a license in North America "proper training", so that's why it's best to start small - a bigger bike will only magnify any mistakes you make.
Just took the Pan European out for a farewell ride and I think I'm probably right to sell it. It's absolutely fantastic to ride but just such a pain in the ass below 5mph for someone as short as me. I did however take the opportunity to run the engine a bit harder than normal to remind me how much power I'll be missing when I move back to the comparatively puny 60bhp Bonneville for the near future.
Once you have the proper training/have had some experience and gained the necessary motor skills, you can pretty much go ride most bikes. But I don't define what you have to do to get a license in North America "proper training", so that's why it's best to start small - a bigger bike will only magnify any mistakes you make.
Just took the Pan European out for a farewell ride and I think I'm probably right to sell it. It's absolutely fantastic to ride but just such a pain in the ass below 5mph for someone as short as me. I did however take the opportunity to run the engine a bit harder than normal to remind me how much power I'll be missing when I move back to the comparatively puny 60bhp Bonneville for the near future.
Drinky Crow
Banned
big bikes weigh more, and if they're sport bikes, they can definitely present a challenge at low speeds and uneven surfaces for newbs -- especially since many supersports have snatchy throttles, weird low speed fueling, and skittish 1st gears, and the big cruisers have clumsy steering and dubious geometry. throw in bad clutch skills, and you'll have your first wheelie tumble; add in newb braking skills and you have a your first high-side. bad drop from 3rd to 2nd in a hot curve in a high-torque, high-rev engine? hello rear-wheel songbird and low-side! a year in the low-displacement bikes (or de-tuned mids) is essential. put your tesosterone aside, and learn to ride a slow bike well, and you'll get the most out of your dream ride later. good motorcycling is all about foresight, restraint, and strategy.
Drinky Crow
Banned
plus most dream bikes are motherfuckers. ask any duc owner. that's why they love them, in fact!
maxheadwound
Member
vfr is a damn good bike... the new models has the almost auto gearbox. So you can run it like a scooter.
BlueScrote
Member
Yamaha has introduced a new naked bike today, the MT-09 (or FZ-09 in the US):
- Three cylinder 847cc
- $7990, £6799
I think I like it.
That is one nice looking bike. I have a soft spot for naked bikes since my ninja 500 has a bunch of pieces taken off because they were damaged by previous owners.
maxheadwound
Member
Looks like BMW is also looking at a new naked retro looking boxer
Is it really that bad? I ride an SV1000S and my rates aren't bad at all.
Looks like BMW is also looking at a new naked retro looking boxer
Want want want
Thank you for the advice guys.
I was going to buy a cafe racer style bike that was a 650cc as my first bike.
I admit that I was mainly going to do it because it looked fucking cool...
I stopped myself and swallowed my ego. I am going to get something like the CBR 125 and after a year or two of riding and getting confident, I shall move up to something else. Will save up until then too to get my 'dream bike'.
I was going to buy a cafe racer style bike that was a 650cc as my first bike.
I admit that I was mainly going to do it because it looked fucking cool...
I stopped myself and swallowed my ego. I am going to get something like the CBR 125 and after a year or two of riding and getting confident, I shall move up to something else. Will save up until then too to get my 'dream bike'.
QualityPixel
Banned
How much was the quote? And where you do you live. I'm always hearing about insane insurance costs, but where I live (Utah), and my insurance provider (State Farm) get their rates off engine displacement. My 650cc Versys is currently costing me $20 a month for "full coverage," and that is a pretty sporty bike and much faster/dangerous than my old 600cc but only $5 more a month.
Uh....a 125 may be swinging too far in the other direction honestly. You're going to hate that bike after a week.
Still looking. Having a really hard time finding a 250. So far only been able to able either 400 or 650.
This is the bike I really want; guy is selling it at a really good price. Safety and certification done 2 weeks ago.
650cc obviously, that is what worries me if it is too powerful.1983 Suzuki Gs650
I live in the UK, so... They wanted £700 a year for a theoretical 12 year old vfr800 worth £2000. Which is unvelieveable considering it will be garaged and I don't live in the city.
thesoapster
Member
I like the idea of the VFR - those are nice.
edit: That price is ridiculous...any other quotes for insurance you can look for? That's about what I paid for my R1 brand new per year...now much lower.
Drinky Crow
Banned
it's not too powerful per se, but as a n00b getting your legs, it'll probably larn ya some bad habits -- mostly involving downshifting. the powerful engine braking makes n00bs wanna ride the clutch in tight turns or middle low speed situations, which is a dangerous response to pick up. also, while the gs650 is one of the good ones in this case, many 600+ cc bikes have fiddly fueling and snatchy throttles, making the development of smooth, confident low speed skills harder than they need to be. a good 250-500 will teach you smoother, more subtle throttle feel safely, and help you feel confident making clean downshifts.
edit: also, if you have a lot of hilly streets, or live in an urban area, weight and center of gravity can be a serious issue for n00bs. aim for 300-500 lbs with a low-ish center of gravity, i.e. stay away from adventure and sport touring rides.
as i always say, there are beginner bikes, and there are bikes beginners can ride. sometimes, that's a critical distinction.
Looks like I can get it down to around the £500 mark in ideal circumstances, which is far too much for something that's really all about getting me from A to B when my wife is at work with the car.
I could knock it down to around £300-400 if I get 3rd party + theft cover which is a bit more affordable. But if I were to get something like an old BMW F650 GS (which is much more practical), it would be around £200 for comprehensive cover.
I think I've decided on a Fazer 600, if I can find a decent, unmolested bike in my price range before something else comes up!
I could knock it down to around £300-400 if I get 3rd party + theft cover which is a bit more affordable. But if I were to get something like an old BMW F650 GS (which is much more practical), it would be around £200 for comprehensive cover.
I think I've decided on a Fazer 600, if I can find a decent, unmolested bike in my price range before something else comes up!
dorkimoe
Member
So still shopping around for a used bike. Someone has a 2001 Suzuki GZ250 listed for cheap. My only concern is, I'm 6'3 and not sure if its going to be too small. I read reading around online and found quite a few people saying its not bad for someone over 6foot, but a few other reviews said its for smaller people .
Also someone had a ninja zxr600 for cheap too, really wanted it, but i dont want a 600 for my first bike, really want a ninja 250
Also someone had a ninja zxr600 for cheap too, really wanted it, but i dont want a 600 for my first bike, really want a ninja 250
Fallout-NL
Member
opticalmace
Member
In what sense?
My 1100s has given me nothing but love
And how many weeks have you owned it?
jk
Fallout-NL
Member
Since 2010 actually
maxheadwound
Member
damn nice looking jacket... enjoy