Motorcycle Advice

[EddieWalker]

Call it a midlife crisis, the divorce or just a hair brained idea, but I'm thinking about buying a motorcycle. I used to ride allot when I was in High School, but then I got hit and sort of lost interest. It really hurt to get run over!!!

Now that I live alone, I've been thinking that I need a second vehicle. A commuter car is something that I'm thinking about too, but I hate to buy crap, and I don't want to spend allot of money for a car that will basically sit here so I can have peice of mind that if my truck wont start some day, I can still get to town.

So then I got the idea that a bike might be a better idea. Granted, on rainy days I'm not going anywhere, but that's not what it's for. I also like the idea that it will get good fuel mileage and be cheap to drive. I used to like to ride, but I wouldn't say that it's been a passion or something that I've missed.

I don't really know what I want, or where to start. I want to take a class to get my license if I decide to do this, but first, I'm curious what I should be looking for. Reliability is number one on my priority list. I think Honda makes quality in everything they make, but we haven't had a Honda dealer in Tyler for almost a year now. I don't know what happened there, but they closed up their doors and the closest dealer is an hour away.

I'm 5ft 11in tall and weigh 220 pounds, but I'm losing weight and hope to be under 200 pounds in a couple of months. I don't want anything huge, but big enogh to drive down the Intestate.

I also want comfortable over flash or speed. I'm not in any hurry to get anywhere, and I don't want to be beaten up by the ride either.

Thanks,
Eddie

 

[kennyd]

I have a GL1500 GoldWing...but a great sport/tourer Honda bike is the ST1300. I would love to have one as my second bike. The bags would be real convenient for running errands...

 

[NSBound]

I'll second the ST1300 (used to be the ST1100)...a great sport touring bike. Have you checked the new Honda DN-01?

 

[Mousefield]

Interesting, I got hit on my bike during high school as well, grade 11. Broke my wrist in 3 places, had a car turn in front of me and I hit the passenger side door. Witnesses said I flew 25 ft onto the sidewalk but can't remember. I was in and out of consciousness :confused2: for a few minutes. Had a nice big chip out of my fiberglass helmet :thumbsup:. Bike was totaled. A few months later bought a new 250 cc Yamaha and had it for about a year. Then gave up riding as I bought a car, easier when dating. Still have my motorcycle license as it is for life.
I suggest you go to a couple of motorcycle dealers in your area and sit on a few bikes to find what is comfortable for you. Not sure if you are looking for new or used but they should have a variety for you to look at. What driving distances you are looking at or if freeway, this would somewhat dictated the size of the bike. If I were looking it would be in the 400-500 cc range or bigger and 4 stroke, much quieter than 2 stroke.
Hope this gives you a couple of ideas.

 

[kennyd]

Have you checked the new Honda DN-01?

I just did...Strange to say the least I think. I would not want a "automatic" motorcycle myself.

 

[arrow]

Eddie
If you want cheap and reliable you cannot go wrong with a Yamaha Vstar 1100. They've made them for a long time. They are a cruiser type cycle and you won't have to spend much over $5000 for a real nice one with low mileage. I went cross country twice on one of these without a hiccup. I've owned them since 2001. You'll get 45 to 50 mpg with these and they are shaft driven so no chain worries and lubing. The Vstar 650 will get 50 to 60 mpg but that might be a bit small for your weight and size. Plus they sound awesome with Cobra slash cut exhaust.
Lou

 

[Dmace]

First you need to decide what kind of bike you want: Sports Bike, Sport Tourer, Street bike, Touring bike, or Cruiser.

By the sounds of your needs, I bet you would be happiest with a Sport Tourer or Cruiser. For Sport Tourers, it's tough to beat the Honda VFR Interceptor. For cruisers, it's impossible to beat a Harley-Davidson.
An example of a good Street bike would be the Suzuki SV650 or Yamaha FZ1 which are also great bikes!

Next decide what your budget is and give it a good $1000 range (ex: $3500-$4500) then start shopping.

 

[bullbreaker]

Eddie
Greetings again.Check out LakeHillMotors.com when you can.Prices you see are cash out the door.I have bought from them in past.They are located in Corinth,MS.They also sell generators(gas-hondas,yamaha's).Before if you buy from them check out tag-title transfer fees in your state.:thumbsup:
Boone
Isaiah 42:8

 

[Jimbrown]

Well Eddie I am going to be the bad guy. You don't want no frikin motorcycle. Just go price a few. They ain't cheap like they used to be.

I am not a anti cycle guy I have owned 10 or 15 at least.

But for the same price you can buy a nice used economy car and be a lot better off and far SAFER. Around here you could buy a good used jeep and have just as much fun. Take the top and doors off and have at it.

 

[mostly_gas]

Eddie, Any of the Japanese bike will definitely be reliable. I would recommend a minimum of 750cc and a full fairing. I had my Kawasaki for 30 years and 45,000 miles and just did routine maintenance. Their has been a wide disparity of rear tire life. Getting a model that has been in production for three years will mean that more accessories will be available.