New Member getting a Bike!

[Blurple90]

I'm finally going to get a motorcycle! I've ridden dirtbikes and atvs for as long as i could afford one. I've built, drag raced, and autocrossed cars since i was fifteen. I live in the mountains so i love twisty roads. In short, im young (19) and i like to go fast. I dont know what bike is right for me. If it is a sportbike it must be a suzuki but if its a cruiser it must be a harley. I want something thats fast, fun to play with, looks good, but is also comfortable to ride for several hours if i need to. I dont ever see any younger guys on cruisers, so im not sure if it really fits me for my age. Ive been told sportbikes are uncomfortable for long rides. Im a little lost I'm about 6'/180lbs. Any recommendations and suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks, Alex

[Louis]

Alex.

Define fast? This forum promotes safe riding practice. Racing and stunting should not be done on public roads.

With that aside.

First, age doesn't dictate the bike. If you want a cruiser, go with a cruiser. Try both, sit on them in the showrooms pick the one you feel most comfortable with.

Another question. Why Suzuki if a sportbike and why a Harley if a cruiser?

[viper94bite]

Originally Posted by Louis

Alex.

Define fast? This forum promotes safe riding practice. Racing and stunting should not be done on public roads.

With that aside.

First, age doesn't dictate the bike. If you want a cruiser, go with a cruiser. Try both, sit on them in the showrooms pick the one you feel most comfortable with.

Another question. Why Suzuki if a sportbike and why a Harley if a cruiser?

my guess would have to be GSXR and because it's a harley!

On any note though. welcome to the forum and please don't buy a bike for the image. Go sit on them, find one thats comfortable and fits you. If its a cruiser then by all means if you really need a harley for whatever reason then go for it. But I would strongly consider the jap cruisers as well- you'll get more for your money that way.

[Blurple90]

I love Suzuki's i have suzuki z400, a lifted suzuki sidekick and i used to own a rm250 and a lifted samurai. Yeah because its a Harley, love them too. As far as fast, i dunno how fast my car will run on the highway (the speedo only goes to 145) It runs 7.60s in the 1/8. Not that great by sportbike standards im sure, but its pretty good for a 1990 eclipse that i gave $900 for and then spent another 3k on bolt-ons, engine, and transmission.

[Louis]

Originally Posted by Blurple90

As far as fast, i dunno how fast my car will run on the highway (the speedo only goes to 145)

That's all the info I needed.

[drgibson]

Sniff sniff do I smell a troll? Or is it squid decomposing?

[Blurple90]

I dont mean to sound like im bragging, the car does well and im proud of it thats all. I have raced on public roads before, i dont anymore.

I'm just trying to get some input from those of you that have more experience than i do. I need something that i can commute on that will get good fuel mileage and be comfortable, but also be fun to ride.

[PENJO]

Originally Posted by Blurple90

I dont mean to sound like im bragging, the car does well and im proud of it thats all. I have raced on public roads before, i dont anymore.

I'm just trying to get some input from those of you that have more experience than i do. I need something that i can commute on that will get good fuel mileage and be comfortable, but also be fun to ride.

Welcome!

It is great to see that you are seaking advise with goal of making a rightmost decision. I am fairly new here and even before I went a purchased my bikes I snooped and snooped around here to gain information from these experienced guys and gals. Wishing you the best making your decision.
Please i just finished posting on "looking at the M109 thread" about my near miss last Saturday.
You said you have gone fast in a car. Well, That, IMHO, may mean nothing when handling a MC. I for sure have gone, and frequently go way faster than 145 in a differnet type of machines. I find myself very little when handling the bikes in comparison to the larger machines I can handle at higher speeds.
It can be dangerous to rely on the experience of one type of machine for the other. Best of luck in your decision process.

Whatever you decide, Remain Safe!!

[D_Klein]

Blurple, ask any rider about what kind of bike to buy for your first, and every last one of them will tell you that it's wise to start out on a bike that's 500cc or less. A lot of new riders ignore this advice, which is probably why the most motorcycle wrecks occur with riders in the 0-6 month experience range.

If you want a sport bike, a Ninja 250 seems to be a common favorite starter bike, and you shouldn't have a difficult time finding one.

As for speed, if you want to see how fast you can get the bike, take it to the track. Riding recklessly on the road will put you in jail or a casket, and you won't have too much luck finding other riders to cruise around with.

[blackie1491]

GS500 or Ninja 500 will serve you for good length of time. Either are good bikes and if you pickup one used will cost less and return most of your $ when you move up.

A good safety course is recommended. You will find that others in cars have trouble seeing you. Remember riding gear is as important as the bike you ride.

Read thru the threads here, lots of info and people to help.

Take the course and ride safe.

[Clint]

Read this. All of it.

Welcome to the forums.