Howdy

[shawmutt]

This site was recommended by a friend from another forum (fish related, not bike related). I'm getting an early start on a midlife crisis--I'm turning 30 in a month and want to get my first bike. I've always wanted one, but never had the space for one. That is changing with the purchase of my first house. I'm getting a bonus from my job soon, so I have a working budget of about $2000 (american dollars) for the bike and gear. A little personal history: I've ridden a dirtbike in my younger years, and was an auto mechanic for five years.

Got a couple questions for you pros:

Sport or cruiser? I know this is a personal preference, but the ride to work will be 40 minutes each way. I'll probably like the kick and handling I'll get from a sport bike, but doesn't it get uncomfortable being hunched over like that all the time? I can't choose whether I want a nice relaxed ride or a speedy one (the wife prefers the nice relaxed one).

I'll be using it on a major highway daily, constant speeds of 70+, what's the minimum engine size I should be looking for? (It will be at night so there won't be a lot of traffic, but a good deal of tractor trailers) Some people tell me 600cc, some say 1000cc. Then I see a bike like a Suzuki GZ250 and read up on it, and people love it and say it's fine on the highway. There's an '01 GZ250 being sold locally by a private owner for $2000.

I don't want to spend a lot on my first bike--if I dump it I don't want to feel too bad. What's a good ballpark amount to spend on a learner bike? What's a good place to look for a bike--dealership or classified ads? I'd feel more comfortable with a dealership to be honest, I wouldn't know what to look for in a bike and I like the comfort level of dealing with an actual place rather than some guy I don't know.

Thanks in advance.

[viper94bite]

Well here is an option. try a katana or another sport tourer. The 600 should not be to big for a beginner. Much more forgiving then a supersport like a gsxr. But would still have plenty of power for highway riding at 70+
The GZ250 is a good bike but if you plan on riding at 70+ look elsewhere. It is also not something you want to be trying to get the misses on. Not saying it won't do it as I did briefly with mine. However there is a serious lack of power in that situation and highway is out of the question. You could always look at the old GS series bikes I've heard lots of good things about them. Or maybe even look into a savage/s40. All of these should be relatively cheap. I don't know about in the 2k range though for anything but maybe the GZ and the GS. Good luck/ welcome. And i'm sure others will be along with their input shortly.

[92Notch]

Hi! .... I bought my c50 about a month before I turned 30 Never rode before in my life (other then as a passanger). I'm not sure on a good bike for $2000 ... but the 'lil 250 for $2k does not sound too bad ... you may grow out of it quickly though. Make sure you take a good saftey course! and get your license before you ride!

[Trapper]

Welcome, Shawmutt. Any older cruiser might be good for your commute. Intruder, Shadow, Vulcan, Marauder, V-Star, etc. Don't forget to check ebay for bikes in your area.

[shawmutt]

Thanks a lot guys, I'll keep you updated.

[CManT1914]

FWIW, I bought an 01 GZ250 to learn on. It was a great learner bike (I paid $1300 for it with 4,500 miles), but I outgrew it real quick. I too was on the highway everyday at 70mph, and it sucked, because the 250 would absolutely struggle to go those speeds. I would look for something a little bigger, but not a 600 sport bike of any kind. Not even a Katana. They're powerful, and kind of heavy (450lbs or something) for a beginner. Look at the Ninja 500's if you like sport bikes. I don't know about cruisers.

And welcome!!

[Rickster]

A $2000 budget for bike, and gear is prety small. I'm guessing that you have to take insurance out of that to, and if you are anywhere close to Philly insurance is going to be a lot. Just a helmet, Jacket, gloves, and insurance is going to eat up half of your budget. I hate to burst your bubble, but there arn't to many safe $1000 bikes out there.

[shawmutt]

Yeah, that's another reason why I want to go to a dealership. I figure $2000 is enough for a down payment on a decent bike, gear, and insurance. I want to try and get a payment around $100 a month or less.

[Mr.Miyagi]

Shawmutt

I know we pay lots more over here (Oz) for stuff ($1200 would by me a good helmet, good leathers, good gloves and if riding a sports bike then good boots too if I'm really lucky) so that leaves me $800 for the bike....
Seriously though, get yourself decent gear, particularly in the helmet department....I just do not get those that ride around with cheap or no helmet and really expensive bikes!.....each to their own I guess. Having ridden everything from 50cc scooters to 1300 muscle bikes I think the cruisers are by far the easiest type of bike to ride....they are low, slow and you don't have to try to prove yourself on them.....don't let the weight put you off, it's all down low and very easy to handle. I have an M50 at the moment and would suggest something in the 400cc would suit you nicely, at least while you get into it. Just my 2cents. (BTW, I bought my leather jacket in 1982 and still wear it whenever I ride, which is probably @7 months of the year...I've replaced the the zip once in that time.....yeah it pays to buy good stuff and look after it too!!!!)

Have a good one mate

[Rickster]

Originally Posted by shawmutt

Yeah, that's another reason why I want to go to a dealership. I figure $2000 is enough for a down payment on a decent bike, gear, and insurance. I want to try and get a payment around $100 a month or less.

OK, that sounds a lot more doable. Keep in mind that the $96 a month payments that Suzuki is offering , is at 12% interest, and if you are slow on a payment or two, they can bump your interest up over 20%. Take your time, get as much information as you can, knowledge is your friend.

[shawmutt]

Hey again. I was going through my old bookmarks and remembered this thread. Just want to give you guys and update and a thanks for your help. I wound up getting a 2005 Kawasaki Concours--not a good first bike but I've been managing OK. I picked it up in June, took my MSF course, and currently have almost 7000 miles on her.

Thanks for the help!

[Atlas68]

Missed this thread first time round.
Good to hear you found something you like and are getting some road time.
Ride on...

[Rockhead]

Welcome back!!!

Have you seen the new look of the Concours? Petty sweet, makes me want a sports bike. http://kawasaki.com/Products/Detail.aspx?id=220

[Clint]

Wow! Did you have ambitions of touring or just commuting?

[shawmutt]

At first it was just for commuting (1.5 hours a day, 90 miles). I first saw "The Beast" in the dealership and fell in love. The bike had everything I needed--a windshield, hard weatherproof luggage, good-sized engine, and a large gas tank. Since buying it I have joined the Concours Owner's Group (COG) and have gone to one rally. Now, with the weather getting colder, I don't commute every day but I try to at least once a week and then take it out for an hour or so on Saturdays. I plan on doing this until spring so I don't have to "winterize" it.

For the price ($6500 IIRC w/6800 mile from the dealer) I got a lot of bike. Come spring I plan on doing a few SS1000s and if I get really rambunctious I'd like to do the coast-to-coast in 50 hours.

Oh, here's a pic of me and my bike:

http://home.comcast.net/~shawmutt/bike3.jpg

[Clint]

Good luck on those SS's. It might be a while before I do it again.

[MOTOHOLIC!]

Welcome in!