Dad wants to buy a motorcycle (read: Dad's having a mid-life crisis)

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state 08

Platinum Member
Jun 6, 2005
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He told me about 2 weeks ago, and I just played it off. Didn't want to get MY hopes up. I came home last night, and he showed me 3-4 models - one of which he will purchase. He told me to research and look around before he does buy one to see if I can find anything.

He's looking for a sportsbike, between about 600cc-900cc and around the price range of 7000-10000.

Here are the models that has peaked his interest:

06' Triumph Daytona 675
http://www.triumphdetroit.com/bikes2.cfm?bikeName=Daytona%20675

06' Suzuki GSX-R750
http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/Pr...lCode=GSXR750K6&activeSection=OVERVIEW

05' Honda 919
http://powersports.honda.com/motorcycle...ame=919&ModelYear=2005&ModelId=CB900F5

and lastly, my least favorite

06' Truimph Scramber 900
http://www.triumphdetroit.com/bikesa.cfm?bikeName=Scrambler%20900



Is it a better idea to buy used perhaps? Not really sure also what to look for in a bike. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.


Edit: Found a good n00b bike. Gonna get the Buell Blast. 2nd runner up was the Kawasaki Ninja 650R, but the Buell looked more newbie friendly - and cheaper.


FINAL EDIT:

Decided to buy the Ninja 650R today! We paid $6000 out the door, and got a free helmet too! Got it in black. Gonna be delivered next week, so pics are pending...

Here is a pic from google: http://www.plazakawasaki.com/ninjas/ninja650.jpg
 
L

loic2003

Diamond Member
Sep 14, 2003
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Go for the 675! Triple cylinder: torquey yet revvy. Got a friend who has bought one along with his old man. They love them. Not brilliant for long distances, though....
 
P

PowerMacG5

Diamond Member
Apr 14, 2002
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Not saying I know anything about bikes, but I think the 06' Triumph Daytona 675 is the best one there. At least it looks the best to be.
 
S

skim milk

Diamond Member
Apr 8, 2003
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I plan to purchase a motorcycle too... but in the range of $5000 and less

new or used, doesn't matter. Any recommendations for a sportsbike?
 
halik

halik

Lifer
Oct 10, 2000
25,696
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Assuming he has no riding experience, any of those bike require a term life policy
 
T

Thraxen

Diamond Member
Dec 3, 2001
4,683
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My dad did the same thing a few years ago. He ended up having the bike slide out from under him due to some gravel as he turned into his neighborhood and broke his collar bone. He then sold the bike and bought a jeep. I'd try to talk your dad out of it. Just my opinion though.
 
Dirigible

Dirigible

Diamond Member
Apr 26, 2006
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If he hasn't ridden before, or hasn't ridden in a long time, he should buy used and buy something relatively wimpy. He'll almost certainly drop it - better to do that with a cheaper used bike. The wimpier bike will be less likely to get him into trouble. After some time and practice on the bike he can sell and buy something bigger. (Or realize he doesn't actually like it, in which case he'll have wasted less money than if he'd bought new.)

There are lots of threads asking what bike to buy as a first bike. Find 'em. Read 'em.
 
xgsound

xgsound

Golden Member
Jan 22, 2002
1,374
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The best type of bike to get will vary greatly with your riding experience and expected use.

It is imperitive to understand that many "sport bikes" literaly eat road (and riders) at an unbelievable rate. The throttle response is geometric at some points, and the bike will leave without you if you're not prepared.

If your (or your dad's) experience is limited, may I suggest the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) safety course in your local area. It is one day of book learning and one day of RIDING (on thier bikes) in a closed course that teaches effective braking, cornering, and avoidance skills. If you pass the skills test (that they spent the day teaching you) you get a motorcycle license the last day. Any dealer should be able to direct you to your local test area. Then you should be able to get test rides too!

There are lots of great used bikes in the $3,000 to $6,000 range to start off with.


Jim
 
S

state 08

Platinum Member
Jun 6, 2005
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My dad rode bikes for a long time in India in his late teenage years through his mid 20's, but now he's in his late 40's, so it's been awhile.

And no that dude isn't my dad. Haha.
 
mindmaniac

mindmaniac

Senior member
Dec 30, 2003
915
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Yeah my dad went (is going) through that. He ended up buying three cycles, a new Harley, a chopper, and a dirtbike. Along with a new Tahoe, convertible, and a new house. Crazy kids and their mid-life crisis.
 
WisMan

WisMan

Senior member
Nov 24, 2004
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The 06' Suzuki GSX-R750 is very uncomfertable to sit on. However, it looks friggin awesome.
 
WisMan

WisMan

Senior member
Nov 24, 2004
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Originally posted by: jagec
Originally posted by: state 08
Edit: Found a good n00b bike. Gonna get the Buell Blast. 2nd runner up was the Kawasaki Ninja 650R, but the Buell looked more newbie friendly - and cheaper.
Click to expand...

It sounds a LOT better than a 600+cc crotch rocket for a new rider...
Click to expand...


I started with a 1993 Ninja 600. I've read of people starting with full liter bikes before, but by most accounts its not a good idea.

Starting on a used bike isnt a bad idea either, cause then when you lay it down for the first time you dont feel so bad scratching up an older bike.
 
K

Kalvin00

Lifer
Jan 11, 2003
12,705
5
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Phew. I came into this thread worried. Glad to see he bought the 650R and not one of the other bikes you listed.
 
BoberFett

BoberFett

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
37,562
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Why does he want a crotch rocket? If it's a mid life crisis thing, he can get far more poon on a cruiser.
 
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