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Author Topic: What kind of motorcycle should I get?  (Read 41925 times)

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Sam Gunn (since nobody got Admiral Naismith)

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #15 on: June 15, 2010, 08:56:12 PM »

Quote
Um sorry I see you are a chick....Ya uh just buy the cute bike. Laughing

I'm going to say you're partially correct. I'm sure the dirt bike is a good idea, and I know I shouldn't care as much as about the look.  But the dirt bikes are beyond my ability to not care what they look like realm. I also want to be able to get up and go some, but I don't think I'll ever be someone who wants to jump ramps with a dirt bike, or go 200 mph on a sport.

It's a starter bike, so I know I'm going to drop it (but still I hope I might not), so if there's dings, and scratches on the one I'm looking at it won't kill me. I know the next bike I grow into I'll get more of what I want. That being said, since I'm not a speed seeker and just want something to get me around the city, you never know I may want to keep a 250. But mostly doubtful.. I think the main reason I'd upgrade is so I could carry a passenger regularly around, or stuff which there is no way you can do that on a such a small bike. I've got an 8 year old that will eventually ride with me when I feel 100% comfortable on the bike itself. I think a smaller bike could handle her and me for now, but not forever.

I sat on a Buell Blast 400, and watched the boyfriend ride it, I saw how he jerked back a little when he took off, and it kinda worries me to start off with some that pulls you back like that. And it was only a 400, so you can see why I hesitate to go any bigger than that...besides watching craig's list it seems as long as I take decent care of it, and don't drop it I can resale for about the same as I bought it for even a year later.

I think overall I'm pretty set on the Ninja 250, and there was the cutest black with a little bit of pink for sale, but it was way overpriced. However if something came along cheaper that was around the same size, or even a little bigger I'd get it.



The Buell Blast 400 is actually pretty tame.

I think you should go for the Ninja 250.  It's one of the best learner bikes around.
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Trillian

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #16 on: June 15, 2010, 09:00:31 PM »

Quote
The Buell Blast 400 is actually pretty tame.


Maybe it just did the leaping back business b/c he'd never driven that one before. 
I will tell you that my extreme desire to get a dam bike NOW is becoming overwhelming, I may in fact explode if there's not one in my driveway in the next week... seriously...
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Sam Gunn (since nobody got Admiral Naismith)

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #17 on: June 15, 2010, 09:03:08 PM »

Quote
The Buell Blast 400 is actually pretty tame.


Maybe it just did the leaping back business b/c he'd never driven that one before. 
I will tell you that my extreme desire to get a dam bike NOW is becoming overwhelming, I may in fact explode if there's not one in my driveway in the next week... seriously...
He probably popped the clutch because he's not familiar with it and the bike jerked forwards.  Not good for the clutch, but they are designed to take it.

That ninja 250 you said you found listed for 1900 sounds good.  Offer the guy 1500 cash and have another 200 in your back pocket if he turns you down.  Then pull out the other 100 or 200 or w/e you're willing to pay and say that's all you have right now for the bike.  He should take 1700 cash at the very least even if the bike is in excellent condition with medium miles.
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"Do not throw rocks at people with guns." —Hastings' Third Law
"Income tax returns are the most imaginative fiction being written today." —Herman Wouk 

"If you want total security, go to prison. There you're fed, clothed, given medical care and so on. The only thing lacking... is freedom." - Dwight D. Eisenhower

Trillian

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #18 on: June 15, 2010, 10:19:40 PM »

They sold it, but from watching there's a new one posted every 3 days or so. there's one right now for 6,000 but they aren't even that much new. I know a reasonable one will come around. I'm just impatient and don't want to wait!!
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alaric89

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #19 on: June 16, 2010, 02:03:38 PM »

Quote
Um sorry I see you are a chick....Ya uh just buy the cute bike. Laughing

I'm going to say you're partially correct. I'm sure the dirt bike is a good idea, and I know I shouldn't care as much as about the look.  But the dirt bikes are beyond my ability to not care what they look like realm. I also want to be able to get up and go some, but I don't think I'll ever be someone who wants to jump ramps with a dirt bike, or go 200 mph on a sport.

It's a starter bike, so I know I'm going to drop it (but still I hope I might not), so if there's dings, and scratches on the one I'm looking at it won't kill me. I know the next bike I grow into I'll get more of what I want. That being said, since I'm not a speed seeker and just want something to get me around the city, you never know I may want to keep a 250. But mostly doubtful.. I think the main reason I'd upgrade is so I could carry a passenger regularly around, or stuff which there is no way you can do that on a such a small bike. I've got an 8 year old that will eventually ride with me when I feel 100% comfortable on the bike itself. I think a smaller bike could handle her and me for now, but not forever.

I sat on a Buell Blast 400, and watched the boyfriend ride it, I saw how he jerked back a little when he took off, and it kinda worries me to start off with some that pulls you back like that. And it was only a 400, so you can see why I hesitate to go any bigger than that...besides watching craig's list it seems as long as I take decent care of it, and don't drop it I can resale for about the same as I bought it for even a year later.

I think overall I'm pretty set on the Ninja 250, and there was the cutest black with a little bit of pink for sale, but it was way overpriced. However if something came along cheaper that was around the same size, or even a little bigger I'd get it.




Hey I'm on my second wife. I know giving practical advice to woman is a waste of time. For example my wife is limping around because of the incredibly uncomfortable shoes she is using at work, and she looks at me like a idiot when I ask her why she doesn't buy shoes that fit.
In the 80's we called the Kawa Ninjas "crotch rockets". Hope it works out. I don't know if you know about this thread so here's a hyperlink anyway.
http://bbs.freetalklive.com/index.php?topic=33124.0
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Sam Gunn (since nobody got Admiral Naismith)

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #20 on: June 16, 2010, 03:03:26 PM »

The Ninja 250's actually have a pretty decent riding position.  Not nearly as aggressive as say a 600.
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"Income tax returns are the most imaginative fiction being written today." —Herman Wouk 

"If you want total security, go to prison. There you're fed, clothed, given medical care and so on. The only thing lacking... is freedom." - Dwight D. Eisenhower

alaric89

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #21 on: June 16, 2010, 03:47:24 PM »

For the record, I submit the good Admiral knows a hell of a lot more about street bike ridability then I do.
I just really enjoy making fun of the different genders. :D
Looking at a photo record of trillian's progress with motorbikes would be enjoyable, I hope she loves it and gets her SO to snap a riding action shot or two and put em up on the BBS.
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Trillian

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #22 on: June 16, 2010, 05:33:46 PM »

Of course there will be pics!  I just bought a helmet today.... I thought it would subside my obsession for a little bit, but it has only made it about 10x worse and I'll look a little strange walking around with a helmet on my head driving my CRV...so it'll be soon.. just have to wait until I have a bit more money, and the right one comes up.

There was a posting for an old crusier-ish bike that wasn't too heavy or powerful today for 1000 I'm pretty sure he'd sell it to me for 800.. that's pretty darn hard to not pass up. I called the guy, someone is looking at it tonight, but he said he'd let me be next in line.
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Trillian

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #23 on: June 16, 2010, 05:57:44 PM »

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Rillion

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #24 on: June 16, 2010, 08:06:35 PM »

Hey I'm on my second wife. I know giving practical advice to woman is a waste of time.

I can see why the first wife didn't stick around.
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Diogenes The Cynic

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #25 on: June 16, 2010, 09:11:47 PM »

Hey I'm on my second wife. I know giving practical advice to woman is a waste of time.

I can see why the first wife didn't stick around.

I see your point, but ouch, that burns.
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Rillion

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #26 on: June 16, 2010, 09:42:25 PM »

Hey I'm on my second wife. I know giving practical advice to woman is a waste of time.

I can see why the first wife didn't stick around.

I see your point, but ouch, that burns.

Yeah, it was kind of mean.  But somehow I can't seem to feel sorry. 
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Trillian

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #27 on: June 16, 2010, 10:13:36 PM »

The verdict is in!! I found a GS500, which I know is bigger than I said I wanted, but some of you also said I'd be ok with it. I just have to remember it's a decently powerful bike.  But it was 1500 and I had that much money, it didn't clash with my pretty helmet, and the boy liked it.
So there ya go


yay me!
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Sam Gunn (since nobody got Admiral Naismith)

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #28 on: June 16, 2010, 11:19:06 PM »

The verdict is in!! I found a GS500, which I know is bigger than I said I wanted, but some of you also said I'd be ok with it. I just have to remember it's a decently powerful bike.  But it was 1500 and I had that much money, it didn't clash with my pretty helmet, and the boy liked it.
So there ya go


yay me!
Yup that's a great learner bike!  Two major things are missing from your photo though, a riding jacket and gloves!  Get those ASAP.  I've tested both my skin and my riding jacket against the pavement, and guess which one worked better.  Boots are very important too, ask me how I figured that one out.

Gloves: 10~50 dollar riding gloves are great, leather gardening gloves will work fine as a substitute.
Jacket: Definitely try to get one with CE approved high impact plastic armor in it.  Mine cost me 140 and was clearanced from 400.  I really really like it.  And yes I have tested it against my will, net result was a small tear in the pocket of the jacket and a destroyed lower fairing and clutch cover.  My body was perfect.
Boots: I just wear heavy duty work boots on the street, but specially designed riding boots are probably better.  I always wear my offroad boots when I ride my dirtbike off of the street.  Ask me how I know about boots some time.
Pants:  Never ride with less than jeans on.  I suggest getting some nice street pants with CE approved high impact plastic knee guards.  Trust me they are worth the investment.  There are also specially designed jeans that are woven with kevlar and stainless steel, I haven't tried them but wouldn't mind owning a few pairs.

ATGATT = All the gear ALL of the time.

To be honest, I typically just ride in my jacket with gloves and a helmet and jeans, but that's because I commute on my bike daily.  Whenever I go out for a "Sunday Ride" with the club or some friends I always wear ALL of the gear.

Good luck with the bike!  I'm excited for you, I always love picking up a new bike!  

Consider finding some old fogeys to take you out on some first rides with them.  If they are old dudes that wear full gear they will probably be safe and help you get started properly.  Don't be afraid to take a beginners motorcycle class like one offered by the MSF.  I took the MSF course when I was 14 and even though I had already been riding dual sports offroad for several years and was a bit of a hot shot, I still learned some great stuff about safe street riding.  I definitely suggest it.


Ahhh, I am so jealous!  I need another bike so bad... the one in my dreams right now is a plated KTM 380 EXC though.

Suggestion for that bike and you: try to keep the RPMs below 6000 except on the wide open highway until you're more familiar with the power output.  Once you get that thing wound out the power comes on like flipping a switch.
« Last Edit: June 16, 2010, 11:26:14 PM by Admiral Naismith »
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"Do not throw rocks at people with guns." —Hastings' Third Law
"Income tax returns are the most imaginative fiction being written today." —Herman Wouk 

"If you want total security, go to prison. There you're fed, clothed, given medical care and so on. The only thing lacking... is freedom." - Dwight D. Eisenhower

Sam Gunn (since nobody got Admiral Naismith)

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #29 on: June 16, 2010, 11:23:15 PM »

PS: More pics as you get your gear are required!  8) :D
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"Do not throw rocks at people with guns." —Hastings' Third Law
"Income tax returns are the most imaginative fiction being written today." —Herman Wouk 

"If you want total security, go to prison. There you're fed, clothed, given medical care and so on. The only thing lacking... is freedom." - Dwight D. Eisenhower
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