First Motorcycle?

[TimmS]

Hi all,

I am planning to get my first motorcycle this summer and am looking for some input. I have listed a few points that I thinkk are relevant below. feel free to ask any other questions.

I am starting a new job and will be commuting about 3-5 miles each way on nice small paved roads. It would also be nice to comfortably explore unpaved (gravel) state maintained roads and also make an occasional trip home (2 hrs each way, mostly two lane highway).

I will still have my van for when I need to haul anything or when conditions are not great.

Growing up I spent a fair amount of time on friends' dirt bikes (50, 80, 90, and 125 cc) and my dad had a Honda Shadow 500 for a couple of years that I rode around close to the farm.

I am 6'1, and 175 lbs. Once I am very comfortable I will sometimes have a passenger.

In terms of style I am drawn to the 70's Honda CBs, the earlier bmws, and the only modern bike I have seem that I really like the looks of is the Suzuki TU250 I don't want a collectors item though, it might sometimes get parked in the rain (not if I can help it) etc..

Thanks in advance!

[Waddie]

Any number of street/trail bikes in the 200cc range should do the job. Most of the Japanese bike makers have something like that, and they're usually reliable. You don't mention gas mileage but a quick internet search will turn up some bikes that get surprisingly good mpg.

regards,
Waddie

[seanz]

Any advice? Don't. I ache most days from old motorbike injuries........

But enough of that.

How about a Honda GB500? Not so good for gravel though. One of the XL Hondas would do the trick.......and they're definitely not a collectors item.

[Michael Beckman]

I just recently started looking at that Suzuki too. The price is right. I think I'd rather wait to get a Ural though.

[seanz]

Lucky devil, you can get the 2WD sidecar in your market.

[Gerarddm]

My first bike was a Honda CL250 Street Scrambler. Get the 305 version and it would be perfect for your intended use. That's what I used mine for... an under-2 mile college commute and misc ramblings.

[The Bigfella]

Suzuki DRZ 400 - or DR650.

[PeterSibley]

Suzuki DRZ 400 - or DR650.

Suzuki DR 250

[Chris Coose]

I got a great deal on a Suzuki Virago 535 that I commute on. Cheaper than most used scooter deals, I don't care if it gets dirty or wet. And it seems pretty indestructable. For that ride I wouldn't have anything under 500 cc.

[StevenBauer]

How about a SYM Wolf Classic 150? It'd be a great beginner bike. They are $2999.









Be sure to get some good gear, too. Full face helmet, armored jacket, boots, gloves.

Some of todays scooters would easily meet your needs, too. Mary has an Aprilia Scarabeo 200 that is really fun to ride around town but can go 80 mph on the highway. It has 16" wheels.



I don't believe the whole big cc stuff most Americans go for. Everyone in the rest of the world does fine on small cc bikes. To me super slab riding is boring. We took our scoots from Portland to Bar Harbor last summer for the Small Reach Regatta, great ride.



If you haven't been there yet check out www.advrider.com, lots of info there.

If it was just for the commute part a Symba like mine would be cool. I got over 100 mpg for the season last year: http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/745/11...irst-Ride.aspx

[Nicholas Scheuer]

I'm surprised nobody has cautioned that the first days riding a motorcycle can be the most dangerous! BE CAREFUL! Don't pull out in front of a car without first making eye contact, whenever possible.

They are fun.

(veteran of 50,000 miles on cycles)

[Norman Bernstein]

In terms of style I am drawn to the 70's Honda CBs...

Actually, if you contemplate some riding on the dirt, you'd probably like a 70's Honda CL, not a CB. For a long time, Honda made two versions in each dispacement class; the CB version had low pipes, and was a road bike... the CL version had somewhat knobbier tires, upswept pipes, and was more adept at rough riding. I owned a 1970 Honda 175CL for a time, back in my college days, and used to commute to my co-op job on it, over major highways.... never rode it in the dirt, though.

The problem is that too many years have passed, and it would be tought to find one of that vintage in decent shape. Also, the vertical Honda twins, being classic Japanese bikes, were very short stroke, very high revving engines, which had a narrow torque peak, requiring a lot of shifting.

Nowadays, being an old fart, I prefer something with a broader torque band... no, not a Harley (which has a VERY broad torque band... quite a 'lugger'), but I ride a 2001 Honda Magna, which is a water-cooled V-4, 750CC... it's definately more comfortable on the highway. Decidedly NOT a bike for riding it the dirt, though... it's strictly a cruiser.

Regardless, if you're just getting started in riding a motorcycle, you definately want to start 'cautious and timid', until you get a bunch of experience. Best of luck!

[David G]

I've ridden motorcycles most of my life. Started with Suzuki 80's & Honda 90's. I've owned several over the years. Since you mentioned 70's Honda CB's - I'll say that the one motorcycle I've hung onto over the years is a '79 Honda CB400. It just seems to fit me, and be a nice compromise between urban zippiness and enough mass to ride to the coast or the mountains (c. 2 hrs). Having said that, though, I think I might be more inclined to go for something newer as a new motorcyclist. I'd agree w/b'bum - maybe something in the 400-600cc range. G'luck!

[Bobcat]

I would get a small to medium dual sport bike. Great commuter, light, and not much to break if (when) you drop it. They're cheap too

[Lew Barrett]

I'd favor the DR suggestions made by Ian but there is a matter of style as well. A reason the dual sports make sense is that they have very minimal body panels (no added expense when dropped!) and will fit a taller person, also as many are sold, your options in the used market are good. The Kawasaki KLR is considered the 650cc standard in this sort of thing. When I learned to ride, a 650cc (even a single) was considered a big motorcycle. The Kawi would serve you well down the road but might be just a bit more bike than you need to start out with. Still worth a look, and there are a lot of them on the market, with a huge support base.

However, there is also a choice between two capable street styled bikes in the 250cc class which would appeal to me. They are the Kawasaki Ninja 250 and the newer Honda CBR 250R which between them are the cream of the crop in small street styled commuter bikes. The Honda has more legroom. I'd look for used versions of either of those if you were thinking along their lines. If you fit the Kawasaki, you'll find it a great commuter. Used 250 street bikes are hard, but not impossible to find. Both of those are ultra reliable and will steam down the highway with traffic.
Any bike you buy in this category will have only relatively marginal utility for two up work uness you step up to something like the KLR or bigger of the Suzukis. But I predict that if you get to that point, you'll be looking for another ride.

[The Gentleman Sawyer]

I'll second the V-Strom or BMW 650 GS.

Ken

[Uncle Duke]

How about a Honda GB500? Not so good for gravel though.

GB500 is a fantastic bike, but might be a little cramped for someone who is 6'1". I'm exactly that height, and I found it, uhm..., "tight". But I'm also old, and don't fold as well as I used to.
Similar, not as classic looking but vastly more affordable, would be the Yamaha SR500.

[Durnik]

I'll jump in with more on the old, smaller Honda's.. I ride a '64' CB77 (305 SuperHawk).. & my motto is gravel & grass are Ok! Yes, that was 'CB', not 'CL'. ISTR a different final drive for those two - CB being better for the road - plus I prefer the looks of the CB front fender. On top of which, I am a sedate 'off-road' rider. For reference, I am 6'1" & 200#'s. I also have a '68' CB450 Black Bomber - which is quicker on the road & still fine, tho a bit less agile, on gravel & grass. Both run the 'Universal Tread' tire style of the 70's. The low exhausts are no problem, esp on the CB77 which runs way cool - tho I might hesitate to park the CB450 for long in tall, dry grass.. ;-)

For carrying a passenger, I'd say my 305 might be undersized - tho heaver rear springs might do it. Robert Persig rode one (IIRC, with his son) on the trip that inspired "Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance". Still, Robert was a smallish guy. Perhaps best, as others note, to go with a 400..650 if you will often (or for a distance) carry a passenger. But the old bikes are the best. Mine are simple & reliable, in my opinion, attractive - & never fail to start conversations - even with (older ;-)) Harley guys!

"You meet the nicest people on a Honda"

.. Well, sometimes.. ;-)

BTW, the CB77 is just plain fun to ride. Easy, quick, agile, light, stable.. & 70MPG. If I keep only one, it'll most likely be the 305.

obligatory low res cell phone photo of the CB77 in my preferred riding terrain..




and a photo taken last spring showing the color better - Ivory w/ Leather Brown frame & trim..




So many choices, have fun with what you ride!

enjoy
bobby

[Lew Barrett]

A good CB77 would be hard to find though and regardless how reliable, still a 40-45 year old machine.

[Bobcat]

Old bikes are old bikes. The dealers do not support them and so parts are hard to find, when you can find them. Modern bikes are also much more functional. For a first bike upon which to commute, I would not use a bike that is decades old.

Throwing you a real curve ball: think of a brand new air cooled shaft drive horizontally opposed twin: the Ural St solo.

It's about as close as you can get to a new BMW airhead. It's a great bike. I helped test the prototype

http://www.imz-ural.com/solo.aspl

[bobbys]

My son has 2 KTMs ? 500 or 600 cc, A on road off road bike single cyl thumper, The guys at the lumber yard use them to, They take shortcuts on logging roads to work, I had Honda 350s, 450s, 305 dreams but i cannot imagine trying to find one unless it was restored, The 450 was a scrambler but still had enough power to take me down the jersey turnpike.

Not something i would want to do again though.

[StevenBauer]

I love that CB77! Sweet.

The Royal Enfields are pretty cool. English design, Indian construction. Wait, that doesn't actually sound that good... Just kidding, I actually like them.
500cc:






Steven

[jack grebe]

I am starting a new job and will be commuting about 3-5 miles each way on nice small paved roads.

Don't forget to add hills to the equation ... if it was all flat, a smaller cc bike would be fine, I have a 400cc for
work and it is all flat down here, it does work for me, but I do feel the need for more hp sometimes

It would also be nice to comfortably explore unpaved (gravel) state maintained roads

Just me, but I would never drive the same bike I depend on for my daily commute in the dirt..........

and also make an occasional trip home (2 hrs each way, mostly two lane highway).

2 hrs???? OK, I myself, would have a mighty sore aszzz riding a smaller bike that kinda distance......1100cc or more here
From where I sit, you don't need "A" bike you need 3..........and thats OK

I will still have my van for when I need to haul anything or when conditions are not great.

Save the van. If you fall for that Harley crap and buy their cruiser, the van will come in handy to get it
back home.

[Durnik]

A good CB77 would be hard to find though and regardless how reliable, still a 40-45 year old machine.

Yes, but you know what 'they' say.. "they don't make them like they used to!" ;-) A quick google on Craigslist showed 1 running & 1 not on the first page..

Old bikes are old bikes. The dealers do not support them and so parts are hard to find, when you can find them. Modern bikes are also much more functional. For a first bike upon which to commute, I would not use a bike that is decades old.

Throwing you a real curve ball: think of a brand new air cooled shaft drive horizontally opposed twin: the Ural St solo.

It's about as close as you can get to a new BMW airhead. It's a great bike. I helped test the prototype

http://www.imz-ural.com/solo.aspl

True enough, the dealer support is negligible.. but there is a thriving aftermarket & NOS network going for select bikes.. Both the SuperHawk & Black Bomber happen to fit that category.

However, the Ural is one new bike I get soft-eyed over - esp a side car version.. ;-)

My son has 2 KTMs ? 500 or 600 cc, A on road off road bike single cyl thumper, The guys at the lumber yard use them to, They take shortcuts on logging roads to work, I had Honda 350s, 450s, 305 dreams but i cannot imagine trying to find one unless it was restored, The 450 was a scrambler but still had enough power to take me down the jersey turnpike.

Not something i would want to do again though.

My 305 SuperHawk (_not_ the Dream, which was a touring bike) has 28 hp & will do 70 just fine. It was racing technology at the time & would do 95mph @ around 9,000 RPM. As for the CB450, it has 44 HP, was made to do over 100 & will fly down the highway. Think about it. 500..600 lbs going down the road driven by the power of 30..45 horses. How much power does one need, anyway? For me, it's not about 'the biggest/noisiest/most expensive/uses the most fuel'.. It's about reliable, enjoyable riding on a machine made to last. That 'made to last' eliminates most new bikes. These bikes are 44..50 years old.. & still ticking. Speaks well for their construction. FWIW, I try to stay away from the Eisenhower Interstate System, even with the truck & camper. Give me the old U.S. & State Highways system & I'm a happy camper. Local restaurants, better scenery - and often better fuel prices.. ;-)

I love that CB77! Sweet.

The Royal Enfields are pretty cool. English design, Indian construction. Wait, that doesn't actually sound that good... Just kidding, I actually like them.
500cc:






Steven

Ok, that looks good - altho I have a little trouble with a front disk brake.. ;-) Still, nice styling, good seating position, the fenders are right.. & a good color. I could ride that. ;-) And Thanks!

Don't forget to add hills to the equation ... if it was all flat, a smaller cc bike would be fine, I have a 400cc for
work and it is all flat down here, it does work for me, but I do feel the need for more hp sometimes


Just me, but I would never drive the same bike I depend on for my daily commute in the dirt..........


2 hrs???? OK, I myself, would have a mighty sore aszzz riding a smaller bike that kinda distance......1100cc or more here
From where I sit, you don't need "A" bike you need 3..........and thats OK
Save the van. If you fall for that Harley crap and buy their cruiser, the van will come in handy to get it
back home.

Love that last line! ;-)

For me, anything over 450 seems.. ostentatious, tho it does depend on the bike. I rode a '75' Yamaha XS650 Twin years ago & the CB450 is far superior. Bikes have 5 gears (tho both the Black Bomber & SuperHawk have 4), for gawds sake.. & a 6..7k rpm torque range (we're excepting Harley's, here.. ;-)). Pick the right gear & off you go! As for gravel roads - I'm sure those who have two speeds (stop & go) will have to worry about damage, but when I 'ride for the road', I have no difficulties on gravel. Slow & easy and I have a better view. The SuperHawk (even with not the best exhaust) is quiet enough for me to hear spring peepers or birds calling. Sweet!

I understand my riding style is not for most. That's cool. Riding quite defensively & enjoying the moment works for me. I like to watch the other bikes roar by, & then I'll pull over & watch the stream they just blew past.. The sights I've seen by being not in a rush. Ah, well, there are several good points/ideas on this thread. When all is said & done, the OP will likely buy what is available locally for a reasonable price and fits what he liked about these (& other ideas) ideas - & that will be just fine.

BTW, the early/mid 70's Honda twins (350/450/500 etc) are all fine cruising bikes.. I prefer the looks of my older versions (& love the 305cc engine), but I've been on an early 70's CB350T & CB450, they were comfortable & maneuverable - Just to dang much chrome! ;-). And Honda still has parts - supplemented by the international i-net market place.

enjoy
bobby

[Full Tilt]

Electric bicycles are experiencing a ground swell in popularity. I have owned many motorcycles over more than 30 years and I sold my final, Honda 750, last fall. No pun intended. I'm tired of sliding across pavement on my keester. As a sailor I get satisfaction from not using the engine, and have had a very favourable experience with a Torqeedo, electric motor on my skiff. A bike in a store window caught my eye some time back, a Pedego Interceptor, an early Schwinn, beach cruiser style, E-bike. Quite a retro looking vehicle, almost like a 1903 motorbike. Further investigation led to the discovery that 12 year old kids are installing their own conversion kits on just about any kind of bike. Kits consist of a few bolt on or plug together modules and range from a 10 mph hour, 250W hub motor to twin 750W motors and state of the art batteries that are capable of speeds well over 80 mph. Manufactured e-dirt bikes, such as the Australian made 'Stealth', which is a 6000W, silent, off road racer are comparable to gas machines. My favourites are the one of a kind masterpieces evocative of the turn of the century, board-track, racing motorcycles. For the kind of commuting you're doing, the cost of the electricity would be trifling. There are stainless steel, folding e-bikes called Prodeco Mariners, that you could even bring on board. Don't laugh, google < electric beach cruisers>for starters.
Mike

[The Bigfella]

You've got a whole heap of variables - with massive differences among them. You've knocked out a whole heap of bikes by defining your needs a bit.

... a very small bike isn't going to make you very happy on those trips home. I've done long trips (1,500 miles +) on very small and small bikes (110cc and 250cc). It isn't comfortable... nor is it as safe as it would be on a larger bike. You need enough performance to stop you being an obstacle to other road users.

A very large bike isn't going to be as comfortable for commuting

A very old bike is going to be a LONG way behind in handling and braking performance. Don't underestimate how important this is, particularly on those gravel roads. You don't need to be a speed hog to appreciate this. Even my 1994 BMW F650 that I was riding while home over Christmas, is light years behind my KTM in suspension and braking performance.

That F650 is my son's first bike now. Its learner-legal in my state (my KTM certainly isn't)... based on its power to weight ratio. Its pretty similar in concept to the DR650 that I recommended. Yes.... if you want better fuel economy, go to a smaller bike, but knock out the 2hr ride home bit of your requirements. I certainly wouldn't recommend bigger than a 650 single.

Stay away from the multicylinder buzz bombs.... the 19,000 rpm sports bike things with low set bars.

[TimmS]

Thanks to all of you! I'm reading this thread and looking stuff up as fast as I can! Keep it coming...

[Gerarddm]

Thumpers can be buzzy, though. I too had a Yamaha SR500 for a while and while it was fine bopping around town, it became a drag if you spent much more than 40 minutes in the saddle - your butt and hands would start itching from the vibration.

[Durnik]

your butt and hands would start itching from the vibration.

That is my strongest recollection of the XS650.. often after just 20 minutes, even! My next recollection was that it was always 'straining'.. My CB450 & CB77 just flow.. makes for a whole different experience.

enjoy
bobby

[purri]

Yet again the Suzi V strom.

[Bernadette]

well ive got a suzuki drz400 e. its great for both on and off road. ive done plenty of road miles and also lotsa dirt tracks. it will withstand sudden impact against trees with only minor damge. able to be retstarted after drowning in water and is capable of sliding in mud without stuffing up the mirros or indicators. can carry two people illegally in comfort and most people think its a 650 anyhow. its easy to work on and because there are heaps of them around, you can (steal or) swap parts when you are stuck out the back of beyond and if thats not possible, scrounging any bolt or bit of wire will usually work for repairs. no manual required!

[boatbuddha]

Second vote for KLR 650, they are in fact pretty awesome.

[JimD]

'72 Suzuki Savage 250



Eventually got into a bit of trouble with it and a judge took it way from me.

[JimD]

Sorry. Didn't read the thread well enough. I thought it was about the first motorcycle we ever had. So no, I wouldn't recommend a '72 dirt bike for the OP. Although he does say he likes a retro styled 250 suzuki.

[Bobcat]

KLRs are good about everything, although not great at anything. The only drawback to them is that they are tall to mount. There are lots of ways to lower them.

I had a XS650 for many years and rode it a lot on the highway. I didn't realize that it wasn't very good on the highway until I replaced it with a '70 R75/5, tall fourth gear, which just loved running smoothly for hours and hours at 65 mph.

[George Jung]

Looking for a bike that can also do a two hour home visit..... tall order. I've a Honda Sabre (700CC, 80+ HP) that can carry two easily - but I wouldn't dream of two hours on the road with it and a passenger. Perhaps a sign of my age.

It's a V-4 liquid cooled, shaft drive, hydralic clutch/brakes, disc front/drum rear. I don't recall mileage, but 'do-able'. Nice performance - I appreciate it around town, but also country roads, does reasonably well. No Chrome! And it's easy to work on. You can find used units for not much $$$.

[Norman Bernstein]

Looking for a bike that can also do a two hour home visit..... tall order. I've a Honda Sabre (700CC, 80+ HP) that can carry two easily - but I wouldn't dream of two hours on the road with it and a passenger. Perhaps a sign of my age.

It's a V-4 liquid cooled, shaft drive, hydralic clutch/brakes, disc front/drum rear. I don't recall mileage, but 'do-able'. Nice performance - I appreciate it around town, but also country roads, does reasonably well. No Chrome! And it's easy to work on. You can find used units for not much $$$.

Nice bike! My Magna is also a liquid cooled V-4... unfortunately, it's got a chain, not a shaft. You can't beat Honda for building great engines, though.

I'd agree about carrying a passenger for two hours.... but the long distances aren't a problem, riding solo. I've taken mine from Boston to NJ several times, and enjoyed the trip... although I take very frequent breaks (like every 40 miles or so) because my butt is no longer made of iron

[Lew Barrett]

Second vote for KLR 650, they are in fact pretty awesome.

I like BMWs but the argument against even an F650 is that they are expensive. Good bike, but pricy for what you get. If all the integrated features were desired, I'd say go for it but understand that this isn't just your first bike; it is also the bike you are going to learn to ride on. For a first timer (in that size of machine) I would probably look at the KLR or either of the Suzukis (DR400 or V Strom). The only issue against the V Strom is that it straddles the region of "beginner's bike" and intermediate in my mind. The Suzuki 90 degree twin is a motor that could keep a guy happy indefinitely and is probably the best balanced and most flexible road going motor of the lot though both the BMW in either of it's iterations (if an older bike) and the KLR's single are bullet proof. If you are going to the V Strom, I suppose you could keep an eye peeled for a Kawasaki Versys as well.

I'd buy any of these bikes used, not new, as long as they'd been well cared for and were clean low mileage examples. Make sure they have road going tires, as some of these have been fitted with knobbies, which are not the first choice for the road. Before buying, I'd hit a few showrooms and sit on them and get the best feel I could for fit, but if you are like most riders your first bike has a very small chance of being your last. Sitting on a bike in the showroom is not the same as riding it, but it's a start.

I would avoid anything not broadly distributed (the Enfield, for example) or not current production for the simple reason that were it I, I would want my first bike to be an easy experience. When most of the guys who are posting here learned to ride there was a huge choice of smaller "universal" motorcycles available in this country. That is no longer the case, and the only place where a real choice in small street going vehicles is available is through the scooter outfits. One used to start out on a 50cc or 90cc machine, graduate to a 250 and thence on to a bigger bike. Those days are for the most part over (in the USA; it is different elsewhere), so now it is a question of finding a machine that is docile, comfortable and compliant enough to give a beginner a running start at being successful without slotting him or her into something so specialized as to be silly.

I would heed the advice not to buy something too old or too odd. You want to buy a bike that fits, that won't be too expensive to repair if you drop it, and that will see you through the critical first period of your riding life. The singles probably do that about as well as it can be done.

A 650cc bike is considered a pea shooter these days, but any of the bikes mentioned apart from the DRs have performance equal to the best of the British twins of the 60s, and those were considered dream bikes at the time. The standard strategy of doing it in steps, buying a bike to learn on and then moving up to your keeper, remains something to consider though, and that might rule out anything over say 400cc.

Safety first, and safety means buying something that is not just durable, but also reliable, with new, proper brakes, good tires and a suspension that isn't sacked out. If you end up buying something smaller rather than bigger for your learner, and then selecting a keeper based on what you have learned from your first bike, you would be following in the hallowed footsteps of a time proven tradition. It isn't unusual for a person to move up and out of their first bike after a single season. You are not yet ready to take a pillion on a 50 HP motorcycle, so I wouldn't even worry about that. Safety first, and don't forget to budget for proper riding gear for both you, and later, your passenger. Between the two, that should cost almost as much as your first bike. Don't skimp.

[Bobcat]

I like Lew's comment. (But then again I usually do as he is a wise man.) I will add that it's probably smart to avoid too much power off the bat. I learned on a 100 cc bike. There wasn't enough horsepower to accelerate fast or even see 55 mph, unless the hill was very long. Now, you're not a teenager and probably smarter than I was at 19. I also think that about 250 cc is the bare minimum. I would stay away from something with a lot of power. It's easy for it to get away from you. I see today's 19 year olds buying bikes with 150 hp capable of 100+ mph, many of them as their first bikes, and I just shudder.

[boatbuddha]

I like BMWs but the argument against even an F650 is that they are expensive.

A friend and I rode a KLR and an F650 on some fire roads up in the north georgia mountains. I found the F650 more comfortable, I think the front forks had more travel, it wasn't enough to justify the cost difference (to me). Still it's a fine machine.

[Norman Bernstein]

I might argue that it isn't the power of the bike, per se... it's the attitude of the rider. As a daily commuter, I don't think I'd consider 250cc.... 500cc is more like it, and a 750cc isn't a problem. I'd go for a bike which isn't so large and heavy that you have to wrestle it around town; less than 550 lbs would be my recommendation. Anything lighter than 400 lbs is likely to be affected strongly by winds, and probably isn't a good choice, even for someone who only rarely ventures onto a superhighway.

Another consideration is carrying ability. A luggage rack and bungee cords is what I use, on occasion... but more often, I just use a magnetic tank bag, which is large enough to hold glasses, gloves, cellphone, etc.... it even holds a bottle of fuel conditioner (Honda advises that fuel conditioner be added to very tank of gas.... and ever since I had to pay $600 for a complete cabr cleanout and rebuild, I use the fuel conditioner faithfully).

[Lew Barrett]

Name three 500cc road bikes in current distribution in this country....that aren't Chinese/Taiwanese cruisers. The selection gets thin if you are looking for a multi-role general purpose bike. I personally don't count cruisers in that category, and would not consider one for daily riding. I realize others don't agree, but I find cruisers to be generally the least good handling of the lot. They are largely an American convention these days. This last comment to be taken with the usual caveats. I know you can find pictures of Japanese guys riding Harleys.......

The cruiser styles you prefer....and I have nothing against them if that's your selection.....are not about performance. Certainly they will work their way up to super legal speeds, but nothing in the category will, shall we say, pull a wheelie. Hence, they will feel and are sluggish compared to a V Strom. A V Strom is a really good performing bike, 70HP and two thirds the weight of a similar capacity cruiser. Thus the caution. You can wheelie a V Strom.

[Lew Barrett]

The most powerful of the mid sixties Triumphs (Bonnies) imported into this country were the not-for-street TTs. Delivered without lights, plate bracket and straight through pipes, they were good for perhaps 48HP at the crank. The standard mid sixties Bonnies were rated at 46 HP, and rarely could be counted on to deliver that and were certainly less powerful at the rear wheel. A good running stock one might work it's way up to 100MPH despite the factory claim of 115MPH; a bold lie in the real world.

They were lovely to look at, but rooted in thirties technology. A VStrom will wipe it's clock, and a KLR have no trouble keeping up. The talk of old bikes is fun and enjoyable, but there is simply no way any of them will compare. Modern tires and brakes also make the old stuff feel like it is. Antiquated. Anybody who has not ridden a modern sport bike simply has no idea at all.

The manufacturers (I should say "distributors) in this country have made it harder for beginning riders to work their way through the ranks, just the way it is. It's not the same everywhere else.

[Ted Hoppe]

Embrace your inner wooden rat...


http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/wood+motorcycle

[Norman Bernstein]

Name three 500cc road bikes in current distribution in this country....that aren't Chinese/Taiwanese cruisers. The selection gets thin if you are looking for a multi-role general purpose bike. I personally don't count cruisers in that category, and would not consider one for daily riding.

I realize others don't agree.....

Wow... and am I ever one of them!

You might be right about not finding a 500cc cruiser from origins other than China or Taiwan... but I'd definately disagree about the 'mutirole general purpose bike' argument. It depends on what you're going to include, in that definition: if you exclude off-road riding, but if you consider commuting, pleasure riding, long distance riding, etc, I'd argue that a cruiser can indeed fit the bill.

If superhighway riding and very long distances is not in the requirments mix, then both Honda, as well as Yamaha, have 250cc cruisers priced identically at $4190, list.... if that's too small, Suzuki has a nice cruiser (650cc) for a little over $5K. Pretty cheap, if you ask me.

The cruiser styles you prefer....and I have nothing against them if that's your selection.....are not about performance. Certainly they will work their way up to super legal speeds, but nothing in the category will, shall we say, pull a wheelie.

It depends on your definition of 'performance'. If 'pulling a wheelie' is your definition, then you're right... but I think it's an absurd definition. My 2001 Magna has 85HP on a 525 lb weight.... and has more than enough 'performance' to frighten me, a little. In comparision to a half dozen Harleys I've rented over the years, it totally blows them away... and, in fact, the Magna, the Yamaha V-MAX, and a few other cruisers are actually known as 'performance cruisers'.

[Wavewacker]

Find a used Honda Transalp dual sport, 650, V twin engine, about 50 mpg riding conservatively. It can cruise at 70 all day with two up and you won't get blown around like you will on the dirt bike wanabes. You should not get anything less IMO with your 6' 1" frame....and chances are, if you hold on to the bike, you'll gain weight! Keep the rubber side down!

[Lew Barrett]

We can argue this (and it's in these areas that we usually cross swords) but how does suggesting a V4 performance cruiser align with recommending a first bike to somebody? Your Magna won't wheelie because it has a 60" wheelbase and very low rider seat. The only place it will easily lift a wheel is going around a corner when the sidestand drags. The last year for a Magna was 2005. A V Max is weird idea of a first time bike. Neither stands comparison to a modern 600cc sports machine; also a poor first choice.

Where I most clearly agree with you is that the rider's attitude trumps everything when it comes to safety.

[George Jung]

BTW, the Magna and the Sabre will pull a wheelie.... DAMHIKT. But it's a relatively heavy bike, and doing so constitutes abuse. Besides, who wants to /cares if you pull a wheelie? I'm a good three decades past that stuff....

I haven't ridden enough bikes to 'know', as a few here have. Seems to me Lew has an extensive experience with bikes, as do several of our Aussie friends. But bottom line - you need to go to the dealerships, try a few on, see which one grabs ya. And I have to say, the prospect of a twin/aircooled midsize bike is appealing. 250 - 500 cc size. In fact, I'm not in the market - but with the nice weather, maybe I should do some looking (for fun only... trust me....) myself.

[stromborg]

I've got a BMW F650 that has proven itself a real jack-of-all-trades motorcycle. It will do everything the OP laid out in his post. The KLR would probably do the same. Both bikes have extensive aftermarket support too.

That TU250 is pretty neat, but I don't know how well it will do two-up.

Steve

[Norman Bernstein]

We can argue this (and it's in these areas that we usually cross swords) but how does suggesting a V4 performance cruiser align with recommending a first bike to somebody? Your Magna won't wheelie because it has a 60" wheelbase and very low rider seat. The only place it will easily lift a wheel is going around a corner when the sidestand drags.

Since we're recommending a first bike to someone, why in the world would you want to disqualify a selection because it 'won't pull a wheelie'? I should think that you'd want to discourage that very thing, for a new rider!

The last year for a Magna was 2005. A V Max is weird idea of a first time bike. Neither stands comparison to a modern 600cc sports machine; also a poor first choice.

Yes, the Magna's last year was indeed 2005... but it was replaced by a long series of Honda Sabres, liquid cooled v-twins.... mostly because the v-twin configuration is more 'fashionable' these days. They are good bikes, but personally, I think the V-4's were better.... a lot smoother, for one thing. The Magna, or one of the comparably sized Sabres, are a good choice because they are comparatively light in weight (500 lbs), they're just big enough to feel confident on the highway, but not too much for around-town commuting... and the performance won't dissapoint anyone. The V-Max was suggested becasue it was very popular and there should be quite a few of them available, used.... and in both cases, parts availablility is good. Cruising bikes, with their low center of gravity, and low seat height, are generally safer and more comfortable for anyone who isn't riding for 'performance sport'.