Yup, add me to the list of new guys

[PhotoJoe]

I'm from Los Angeles and just got a new job with a 27 mile commute each way, in major traffic. This has finally gotten my wife to give me the green light on a bike.

I'm 6'2" and 230 lbs. I've read a ton of stuff here and have benefited greatly. I was thinking initially of the Yamz FZ6, but I really like the cruisers better. I haven't gone to see the Zukis yet, but am doing that soon. I was thinking VStar 1100, but think for my first real bike, I should scale that back a bit. I REALLY like the Spirit VT750, but need to see the Zukis first.

I say my first real bike, because I have put about 3,000 miles on a Honda trail 70. Seriously, my buddy and I have ridden those kiddie toys all over LA. We have brain bucket helmets and Harley decals on them. I know people are laughing WITH us, not AT us! Actually, I sold mine a year ago to a guy who couldn't live with out it, if you know what I mean$$$.

Thanks for all the insights on this forum. Tons of good stuff. I know there are a gazillion new posters here, but if anyone has insights as to the bikes I'm looking at vs. what I SHOULD be looking at, I'm all ears.

[tallannie]

PhotoJoe,
good luck with the commute. I suggest you search and read "California Lane Splitting" if you havent already... And check out the Suzuki C50..or C50T for your daily ride. Oh...and it has to be black, of course.

[inspiron]

Hi Joe,

Hmmm. 27 miles in LA traffic. I would recommend either a helicopter or a tank. Bah! I hate LA traffic. That's one reason I don't live there anymore.

Before you invest any serious coin in a motorcycle, I would suggest that you sign up for the MSF course and get your motorcycle endorsement. Then, try to find dealers that will let you test-ride different bikes. Try out as many as possible, and see what is most comfortable to you.

I ride a standard bike - I sit basically upright. Others prefer the cruiser position - heels to the wind. And yet others prefer the racing position - chin to the tank. Again, my personal opinion is the standard bike - I have the best view of traffic around me, because my head is up high. With a cruiser or crotch rocket, your head is lower, so you have less visibility around the SUVs (and are equally hard for them to see). Just something to think about if you haven't decided on a model yet ...

[PhotoJoe]

Of coarse it has to be black!

And Inspiron, thanks for the insights. I had not thought of the whole head position thing. I will take the coarse and get my endorsement before doing anything. I need to research things to death so I don't make mistakes, but when I pull the trigger, I know I'm getting what I want. Right now, I'm in research mode. Don't want to be stupid.

[robertc729]

Good luck in your search and research.

[POE-BOY SAMICH]

Originally Posted by PhotoJoe

Of coarse it has to be black!

EVERYONE knows black is the coolest AND the fastest.
Those claiming otherwise are just in denial.

Originally Posted by PhotoJoe

Don't want to be stupid.

Keep that as rule NUMBER ONE while riding on the street!
It will save you and others lots of pain and suffering.


GOOD LUCK!

AND

[Uncle B]

HOWDY " " NEIGHBOR


Westward ho 6/2-9/2007 look out New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, & Colorado.

[PhotoJoe]

Sat on a M50 and a Vulcan 900 today. Oy! This is tough.

[SNAFU]

Tim!

Good Luck on your search.

IMHO I'd get the M50.

[MOTOHOLIC!]

from Kentucky!