new member, pre-first time rider

[jwalcik]

hello folks. i just found this site, and now that i'm signed up, i've already got a question (and one that seems to be not terribly uncommon).

some background--i've never ridden a bike before. before i do, i'm going to complete an MSF course (hopefully next month). i really enjoy the freedom of two wheels (i'm an avid bicyclist), and i'm interested in a motocycle as a more economical mode of transportation (after i get comfortable i'd like to use it for at least some of my frequent trips back and forth between austin, tx and houston, tx). i'm looking for something huge, but i do want something that won't be overpowering while i'm learning. preferably, i'd also like it to have at least a little bit of power for passing on the highway, so i don't outgrow it too quickly.

i've got the opportunity to buy a '91 suzuki intruder 750 (w/ just a hair under 5000 miles) for about $1600. according to the owner (i've seen pictures, looking in person tomorrow) there's some damage to the chrome, but other than that, it's running smoothly and it's aesthetically fit. is this a bike that you folks here would recommend for a new rider? if not, could i get some suggestions for something used (or even new) that i would be able to pick up in the sub-$3000 range?

seems like a lot to ask in my first post, but many thanks in advance for your replies. thanks!

[87gsxrnut]

Low miles and no stories is the best. Check out KBB.com for that value of that bike. And WELCOME aboard!

Do the MSF and PAY ATTENTION. I used to be an MSF advanced instructor for nearly two years. I saw a lot of interesting ways people rode. I straightened them out though.

- Nut

[Tsunami987]

I hate to sound like a broken record, but try getting an older bike at first to learn on. Don't depend on a motorcycle as your major form of transportation yet. If you want to get a nice bike and save it (may be too tempting, hehe) because you are getting a good deal, go ahead, but get an old beater bike, or just something cheap and small to really get a feel for motorcycling. I can tell you now, while, obviously, the concept is the same as bi-cycling, it is much hard to control something several hundred pounds heavier than a bicycle with a huge motor bolted to the frame, especially starting out. Anywho, welcome to the forums!

[jwalcik]

i've actually got a car that i use as my main form of transportation right now, and i definitely don't expect that to change for a while yet. the only part of my bicycling experience that i expect to really carry over is the idea of maintaining a since of balance while in motion and some of the tricks i've learned about commuting in the rain.

[bikernoj]

Hello and welcome! I'm a relative newbie to the forum myself, but am in my fourth year on a motorcycle and my 15th as a bicyclist. I'll tell you this much from the get go: aside from having two wheels and a handlebar, it's nothing like bicycling! Your sense of balance and equilibrium will be very beneficial, and knowing that you are on the losing end of any crash/altercation is the same, but that's about where it ends.

Once you learn how to ride a bicycle, you can immediately go drop $7000 on that uber-custom carbon & titanium Dean Superlite with full Campy Record (or XTR/RaceFace laden Ellsworth if that floats your boat) and still ride it just the same as your old beater. In contrast, you cannot finish the MSF course and go from the little 250cc Nighthawk/Rebel they use and buy a 1300cc Hayabusa and expect to be able to ride it (that means you, Roethlisberger!).

It's like when you bought clipless pedals for the first time. You went slow, got used to how the way stiff shoes felt, found your cleat location so you could clip in & out, and still fell over because you weren't used to the heel-out twist. Same with motorcycles, where you learn how to lean, countersteer, shift, brake, signal, turn OFF your signal, check your mirrors, control the throttle, balance your braking, swerve, find neutral, and watch out for other traffic all at once. Except if you fall over from a motorcycling mistake you will hurt much more than just your pride! Even a small motorcycle can be stupid fast, so learn as much as possible and take things a bit at a time.

[Trapper]

I absolutely love the Intruder. If it's mechanically sound and it's worth that much to you, get it!

[Louis]

Welcome and good luck!

[BlaznBlu]

Sorry for the delay....


If you haven't noticed, if your thread topic doesn't say "new girl here", then you don't get too much attention initially.

[blackie1491]

[gar4mayor]

Yeah if you were a woman (i.e. little lisa, peekaboo) there be at least 80 more posts.

Anywho, the Intruder 750 looks like a great choice. An inexpensive used bike is nice to have, especially when you eventually lay it down.

[87gsxrnut]

Yeah if you were a woman (i.e. little lisa, peekaboo) there be at least 80 more posts.

LOL!

- Nut

[dragbar]

Sounds like you found a good deal. Welcome to the forum.

[robertc729]

Welcome to the forum

[jwalcik]

thanks everybody. alas, i am in fact male, so i guess i've grown accustomed to the lack of attention these last 25 years.

i went to look at the bike in person this afternoon. the chrome isn't in the best of shape (bike spent 10 years in a houston garage), but the paint looks good. i definitely won't be feeling too terrible if i lay it down (nor will i be doing anything about the condition of the chrome anytime soon). the current owner is going to deliver the bike tomorrow, and it'll be garaged here until i take my MSF course next month.

[blackie1491]

Mothers Mag Polish can work wonders on chrome.
But it comes off layer by layer.