Official welcome thread v.2 - Page 6 - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

adoit90 · 02-24-2009, 08:16 PM

Hey, I just joined looking for advice on what type of bike to buy later this coming summer when I have the money. I've done some research, and I will have the chance to learn on a basic bike when I take lessons for my license before I buy my own. The basic criteria I am looking for is a standard cycle, good for both long distance and short, in-town riding. If anyone has any advice as to what I should look for or what bike I should look at, please let me know.
Sorry for the length, didn't intend for it to be so long when I started typing,
Andrew

adoit90 · 02-24-2009, 09:55 PM

I'm not sure where else to put this type of post, so if I put it in the wrong place, let me know please.

Hi, I'm new to motorcycles and am looking at getting one sometime this coming summer before I go to college. I have been doing research, and am beginning to get a good grasp on basic technical terms and catagories; I would love to hear personal reasons as to why one bike would be better for me than another.

Here are my criteria:
-Long Distance and Short Distance Rides: Although I plan to ride this bike around town where my future university is at, my biggest reason for getting one (besides having wanted one for years) is as a cheap, reliable, gas efficient transport between my school, and where my girlfriend is going, 2 and a half hours away.
-Comfort: Due to the same reasons, comfort for long time periods spent riding is a big factor.
-Durability and Reliability: I have read some things saying the a higher displacement (larger than 250, but I don't want anything larger than 750 at the absolute most) will stand up to longer rides better.

Although this one is pure vanity
-Not A Cruiser or Like Style: Nothing against people who like harleys, that style just isnt for me. I really love the styling of the Kawasaki Z1000, but obviously, that bike is way too much bike for me.

Bikes I have considered:
-Buell Blast: I have concerns about the fact that it's single cylinder, and I have heard it vibrates on the excessive side, a fact that I feel would render it uncomfortable for long rides. Vanity also comes into play; the styling isn't quite what I'm looking for.
-Suzuki Bandit GSF400: Concerns here include that it is sometimes listed as Sport-Standard, and by pictures, it looks as if the rider would have to lay down more on it than some other standards, making it uncomfortable for long rides.
-BMW650GS: Biggest concern with this bike is the displacement. I'm wary about if this will be too big for me as a newbie. I have read in some posts that this bike is a good newbie bike, plus it looks to have a comfortable stance and the rest of the appearance isn't too bad either. I haven't read any reviews on it however, so I am less informed about it.

pegjay · 02-24-2009, 10:37 PM

The best advice is to take the MSF class. You will have a better understanding of what you want and can handle.

adoit90 · 02-24-2009, 10:45 PM

My friend who just got a Ninja 250cc told me about a class offered by our local college that also does driving school (indiana state university); would that be the same thing as an MSF? it's two days, 15 hours long... they supply bikes to learn on. thats all i know so far.

tallannie · 02-25-2009, 10:02 AM

Some states, like mine, offer their own version of "MSF" so it is called a bit different..... I checked you Dept of Motor Vehicles website and they say that course meets or exceeds MSF... go for it

Quote:

Originally Posted by adoit90

My friend who just got a Ninja 250cc told me about a class offered by our local college that also does driving school (indiana state university); would that be the same thing as an MSF? it's two days, 15 hours long... they supply bikes to learn on. thats all i know so far.

Fuzzyz71 · 03-31-2009, 07:50 PM

Hi all. I'm Richard. New to the bike scene but think I got the right bike. Bought a 2008 Suzuki C50 in June. Didn't wait very long to add a couple accessories. Memphis shades windshield and lowers. Looking for the right seat and bags now. Had a passenger back rest when I bought it but I like the solo look so it may be gone soon.
I'll yammer on more later.

MOTOHOLIC! · 04-04-2009, 07:55 PM

to the site, Richard! Keep it safe out there.

phillybikes · 06-15-2009, 12:01 AM

My first and only forum I've joined since getting back on the iron horse. I am 49 yrs old and love the riding.
I was off for twenty years and have kicked myself for that.
I am currently riding a 1986 Suzuki Intruder 700 a friend loaned me last year.
I have a 1978 Honda 400 Hondamatic which is in the process of being worked on for riding. My wife has a 1975 Honda 250 rebel, which also is being worked on. I'm not much of a motorcycle mechanic but am learning.
Peace to you and ride 'em till the wheels fall off.

leonidas · 06-15-2009, 12:48 AM

Hi

Davecm203 · 06-15-2009, 10:07 PM

Welcome to the forum.

turbo0069 · 07-10-2009, 02:09 PM

whats whats up from seattle one of the best places on earth

BLOODYSTUMP · 07-11-2009, 07:06 PM

Hello, looking foward to meeting some new people on this fourm. I have had a couple of bikes and recently bought a 07 strat. This is going to be my new project bike. But heres a pic of my last bike which was an 08 Vulcan 900 Custom.

rondote · 08-20-2009, 04:11 AM

Hi,
I have a 2003 Honda Shadow Spirit. Lately, when I put it in neutral to start it, I don't see the green light. If the green light isn't on, the bike won't start. It's a new problem and intermittent. Anyone have any ideas?

GeorgiaRoller · 08-20-2009, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLOODYSTUMP

Hello, looking foward to meeting some new people on this fourm. I have had a couple of bikes and recently bought a 07 strat. This is going to be my new project bike. But heres a pic of my last bike which was an 08 Vulcan 900 Custom.

That's sweet.

Porcelina Goddess · 08-20-2009, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLOODYSTUMP

Hello, looking foward to meeting some new people on this fourm. I have had a couple of bikes and recently bought a 07 strat. This is going to be my new project bike. But heres a pic of my last bike which was an 08 Vulcan 900 Custom.

WOW!! Flag City, huh?

I'm originally from Bluffton, and used to cruise on into Findlay during the summer.

Welcome to the forum!

magnme · 08-20-2009, 08:46 PM

Hello All,

I've been a lurker on this site for a year or so and have finally decided to surface.
I gave up the ride after my kids were born and waited to start it back up a few years ago.
I went to MSF classes first to see if I really wanted to have a go at it. Got the bug, bought an "06" C50T, and have been in the seat as often as MI climate allows.
Had to take a little time off this spring for open heart but the riding has been the best kind of therapy for an old guys ticker.

dannylightning · 10-02-2009, 08:23 PM

danny lightning here form good old akron ohio, just wanted to stop by and say hello

slammansam · 11-04-2009, 11:06 AM

Howdy all!
Just got here myself have a few scooters myself and love to deal in bikes so if you have something interesting for sale let me know!

02-24-2009, 08:16 PM	#101 (permalink)
adoit90 Newbie Join Date: Feb 2009 Bike: Not Existant Yet Location: Terre Haute, IN Posts: 3	New to bikes Hey, I just joined looking for advice on what type of bike to buy later this coming summer when I have the money. I've done some research, and I will have the chance to learn on a basic bike when I take lessons for my license before I buy my own. The basic criteria I am looking for is a standard cycle, good for both long distance and short, in-town riding. If anyone has any advice as to what I should look for or what bike I should look at, please let me know. Sorry for the length, didn't intend for it to be so long when I started typing, Andrew

02-24-2009, 09:55 PM	#102 (permalink)
adoit90 Newbie Join Date: Feb 2009 Bike: Not Existant Yet Location: Terre Haute, IN Posts: 3	Advice I'm not sure where else to put this type of post, so if I put it in the wrong place, let me know please. Hi, I'm new to motorcycles and am looking at getting one sometime this coming summer before I go to college. I have been doing research, and am beginning to get a good grasp on basic technical terms and catagories; I would love to hear personal reasons as to why one bike would be better for me than another. Here are my criteria: -Long Distance and Short Distance Rides: Although I plan to ride this bike around town where my future university is at, my biggest reason for getting one (besides having wanted one for years) is as a cheap, reliable, gas efficient transport between my school, and where my girlfriend is going, 2 and a half hours away. -Comfort: Due to the same reasons, comfort for long time periods spent riding is a big factor. -Durability and Reliability: I have read some things saying the a higher displacement (larger than 250, but I don't want anything larger than 750 at the absolute most) will stand up to longer rides better. Although this one is pure vanity -Not A Cruiser or Like Style: Nothing against people who like harleys, that style just isnt for me. I really love the styling of the Kawasaki Z1000, but obviously, that bike is way too much bike for me. Bikes I have considered: -Buell Blast: I have concerns about the fact that it's single cylinder, and I have heard it vibrates on the excessive side, a fact that I feel would render it uncomfortable for long rides. Vanity also comes into play; the styling isn't quite what I'm looking for. -Suzuki Bandit GSF400: Concerns here include that it is sometimes listed as Sport-Standard, and by pictures, it looks as if the rider would have to lay down more on it than some other standards, making it uncomfortable for long rides. -BMW650GS: Biggest concern with this bike is the displacement. I'm wary about if this will be too big for me as a newbie. I have read in some posts that this bike is a good newbie bike, plus it looks to have a comfortable stance and the rest of the appearance isn't too bad either. I haven't read any reviews on it however, so I am less informed about it.

02-24-2009, 10:37 PM	#103 (permalink)
pegjay U.B's LoveChild Join Date: Jun 2008 Bike: 2008 Blk. & Slvr M-50 Location: Central California Posts: 1,101	The best advice is to take the MSF class. You will have a better understanding of what you want and can handle. __________________ Last edited by pegjay; 02-24-2009 at 10:40 PM.

02-24-2009, 10:45 PM	#104 (permalink)
adoit90 Newbie Join Date: Feb 2009 Bike: Not Existant Yet Location: Terre Haute, IN Posts: 3	Msf? My friend who just got a Ninja 250cc told me about a class offered by our local college that also does driving school (indiana state university); would that be the same thing as an MSF? it's two days, 15 hours long... they supply bikes to learn on. thats all i know so far.

04-04-2009, 07:55 PM	#107 (permalink)
MOTOHOLIC! Welcome Wagon Join Date: Sep 2006 Bike: don't have one Location: Eastern Kentucky Posts: 2,066	to the site, Richard! Keep it safe out there. __________________ One person with commitment is worth a hundred who have only an interest.

03-31-2009, 07:50 PM	#106 (permalink)
Fuzzyz71 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2009 Bike: 2008 Suzuki C50 Boulevard Location: Wynne, Ar Posts: 4	Hi all. I'm Richard. New to the bike scene but think I got the right bike. Bought a 2008 Suzuki C50 in June. Didn't wait very long to add a couple accessories. Memphis shades windshield and lowers. Looking for the right seat and bags now. Had a passenger back rest when I bought it but I like the solo look so it may be gone soon. I'll yammer on more later.

06-15-2009, 12:01 AM	#108 (permalink)
phillybikes Newbie Join Date: May 2009 Bike: 1978 Hondamatic 400 & 1986 Intruder Posts: 1	Hey Everyone. My first and only forum I've joined since getting back on the iron horse. I am 49 yrs old and love the riding. I was off for twenty years and have kicked myself for that. I am currently riding a 1986 Suzuki Intruder 700 a friend loaned me last year. I have a 1978 Honda 400 Hondamatic which is in the process of being worked on for riding. My wife has a 1975 Honda 250 rebel, which also is being worked on. I'm not much of a motorcycle mechanic but am learning. Peace to you and ride 'em till the wheels fall off.

06-15-2009, 12:48 AM	#109 (permalink)
leonidas Clunked into first gear Join Date: Dec 2008 Bike: V65 Magna Location: Montana Posts: 243	Hi __________________ Honda v65 Magna Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming

06-15-2009, 10:07 PM	#110 (permalink)
Davecm203 M-J Member of the Month!! Join Date: Apr 2008 Bike: 2006 GSXR750 Location: Central North Carolina Posts: 2,828	Welcome to the forum. __________________

07-10-2009, 02:09 PM	#111 (permalink)
turbo0069 Newbie Join Date: Jul 2009 Bike: jixxer 1000 Location: seattle,wa Posts: 3	whats whats up from seattle one of the best places on earth

07-11-2009, 07:06 PM	#112 (permalink)
BLOODYSTUMP Newbie Join Date: Jul 2009 Bike: 07 Strat Location: Findlay OH Posts: 1	Newbie to this fourm Hello, looking foward to meeting some new people on this fourm. I have had a couple of bikes and recently bought a 07 strat. This is going to be my new project bike. But heres a pic of my last bike which was an 08 Vulcan 900 Custom. Attached Thumbnails

08-20-2009, 04:11 AM	#113 (permalink)
rondote Newbie Join Date: Aug 2009 Bike: 2003 honda shadow Posts: 1	Stumped.... Hi, I have a 2003 Honda Shadow Spirit. Lately, when I put it in neutral to start it, I don't see the green light. If the green light isn't on, the bike won't start. It's a new problem and intermittent. Anyone have any ideas?

08-20-2009, 08:46 PM	#116 (permalink)
magnme Newbie Join Date: Nov 2006 Bike: C50T Location: Michigan Posts: 4	old rider Hello All, I've been a lurker on this site for a year or so and have finally decided to surface. I gave up the ride after my kids were born and waited to start it back up a few years ago. I went to MSF classes first to see if I really wanted to have a go at it. Got the bug, bought an "06" C50T, and have been in the seat as often as MI climate allows. Had to take a little time off this spring for open heart but the riding has been the best kind of therapy for an old guys ticker.

10-02-2009, 08:23 PM	#117 (permalink)
dannylightning Where Am I ? Join Date: Oct 2009 Bike: 01 suzuki intruder volusia Location: akron ohio Posts: 48	danny lightning here form good old akron ohio, just wanted to stop by and say hello

11-04-2009, 11:06 AM	#118 (permalink)
slammansam Newbie Join Date: Nov 2009 Bike: Harley FLTCUI Harley sportster 2 Custom builds Location: Indiana Posts: 3	Howdy all! Just got here myself have a few scooters myself and love to deal in bikes so if you have something interesting for sale let me know!

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