I want to buy a Motorcycle

[RossMAN]

I doubt I'll buy one but I read a pretty cool Vespa, Reinvented article [Wired] which made me really really want a Vespa scooter. I called the local Vespa dealer and the Vespa ET4 sells for $4,380 out the door, ouch!

So what's a good beginner's street bike which meets the following criteria:
1) Budget of $3,500 would prefer $2,500 - $3,000.
2) Cruises at a comfortable 60MPH (perhaps max speed of 65-85MPH?) but I'll probably just ride it on local streets which is 35MPH.
3) Reliable, easy to fix, cheap parts, etc.
4) Decent insurance rates.
5) Not super farkin' heavy.
6) Something small and nimble but maybe with 2 seats and some spaces to store stuff?
7) Fuel efficient.
8) Safe.

I probably won't buy one but I'd like to tickle my curiosity for now.

 

[Kelvrick]

That's a scooter! You could get a street bike for that much. A Suzuki GS500 for around that much if its a year or two old. The_good_guy has one and its pretty nice.

Wait... I don't think you should buy anything, RossMan...

<== budgeting monkey dance

 

[res1bhmg]

Do you have an organ donor card? Get one of those first.

 

[NikPreviousAcct]

Yeah, more debt is exactly what you need...

nik

 

[RossMAN]

Bummer I only found 1 Suzuki GS500 and it's not even in the same city!

 

[aphex]

Get a real motorcycle, not a scooter

 

[RossMAN]

Well I searched The Oregonian's classifieds and found 1 more:

2000 BUELL X1 Custom $8395. 2001 SUZUKI GS500, clean $3795.
Published in The Oregonian on 08/17

 

[Noriaki]

8) Safe.

Bwahahahahahaha

You want a bike that's safe? Good luck.

Get a Civic or a Camry if you want safe.

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
Well I searched The Oregonian's classifieds and found 1 more:

2000 BUELL X1 Custom $8395. 2001 SUZUKI GS500, clean $3795.
Published in The Oregonian on 08/17

LINK

and

LINK

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: aphexII

Originally posted by: RossMAN
Well I searched The Oregonian's classifieds and found 1 more:

2000 BUELL X1 Custom $8395. 2001 SUZUKI GS500, clean $3795.
Published in The Oregonian on 08/17

LINK

 

[aphex]

^
|
|

I added one more

 

[ElFenix]

if you want to be safe don't get a bike. if you want reliable don't get a buell.

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
if you want to be safe don't get a bike. if you want reliable don't get a buell.

hahahaha

 

[Ornery]

"I want to buy a Motorcycle"

• You'll put your eye out, kid! :Q

 

[NikPreviousAcct]

Buy one of these.

rumored to go 0-60 in 1.9 seconds.

HAYABUSATM 1300
SPECIFICATIONS

MSRP*: $10,849
Engine: 1299cc, 4-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, TSCC
Bore/Stroke: 81.0 x 63.0mm
Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
Fuel System: Keihin/Denso Fuel Injection
Lubrication: Wet sump
Ignition: Digital/Transistorized
Starter: Electric
Transmission: 6-speed, constant mesh
Final Drive: #530 chain
Overall Length: 2140mm (84.3 in.)
Overall Width: 740mm (29.1 in.)
Overall Height: 1155mm (45.5 in.)
Seat Height: 805mm (31.7 in.)
Ground Clearance: 120mm (4.7 in.)
Wheelbase: 1485mm (58.5 in.)
Dry Weight: 217kg (478 lbs.)
218kg (480 lbs.) CA. model
Suspension:
FRONT: Inverted telescopic, coil spring, fully
adjustable spring preload, 14-way adjustable rebound damping and
13-way adjustable compression damping
REAR: Link-type, gas/oil damped, fully adjustable
spring preload, 22-way adjustable
compression & rebound damping
Brakes:
FRONT: Dual hydraulic disc
REAR: Single hydraulic disc
Tires:
FRONT: 120/70-ZR-17
REAR: 190/50-ZR-17
Fuel Tank Capacity: 21 liter (5.5 gal.)
19.0 liter (5.0 gal.) CA. model
Color: Black/Blue, Silver/Silver

NEW FEATURES

New, lightweight 32-bit ECM for fast EFI and ignition processing speed, plus longer spark duration for more efficient combustion.
New, lighter weight generator rotor.
Polished stainless steel exhaust pipe for improved appearance.
Bolt on, stainless-steel tie-down hooks (previously welded to sub-frame).

KEY FEATURES

Aerodynamic fairing design with low drag coefficient. All fairing components have been designed for reduced drag and turbulence.
Compact 4-stroke, four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with DOHC, 16-valves, Twin Swirl Combustion Chambers, plus gear-driven counterbalancer for smooth operation.
Electronic fuel injection system, fed by 46mm throttle bodies and ram air intake with large volume airbox.
Lightweight shim-under-bucket valve train with narrow 14 degree valve angle for high combustion chamber efficiency.
High efficiency liquid cooling system for optimum engine operating temperature- including compact air-cooled oil cooler, plus oil-jet piston cooling.
SCEM (Suzuki Composite Electro-chemical Material) plated cylinders minimize cylinder size and improve heat dissipation.
6-speed transmission with high-capacity clutch featuring back-torque limiter system for smooth downshifts and scissors-type primary gear for reduced gear noise.
Large volume 4-into-2 exhaust system with stainless steel head pipes and lightweight aluminum silencers.
Digital direct-ignition system combines an ignition coil with each spark plug cap for reduced weight and stronger spark.
Full instrumentation with ultra-thin step-motor construction. Includes fuel gauge, clock, temperature gauge, LCD odometer and twin tripmeters with fuel consumption gauge.
Unique, vertically mounted dual headlight provides a bright, wide beam with a 60W projector-type high-beam and a 55W low-beam halogen bulb.
Rigid twin-spar aluminum frame minimizes weight while maintaining high torsional strength.
Large diameter (43mm) inverted front forks with fully adjustable compression & rebound damping and spring preload, plus steering damper.
Proven link-type rear suspension with remote reservoir shock absorber. Rear suspension features fully adjustable rebound damping and compression damping and spring preload.
Bridge-type swingarm with large diameter swingarm pivot shaft provides high swingarm rigidity.
Powerful front disc brakes with large 320mm discs and6-piston calipers.
Rear disc brake with 240mm disc and 2-piston caliper.
Radial tires mounted on lightweight 3-spoke aluminum wheels. Wide 190-size rear tire is mounted on 6" wide rim.
Hinged fuel tank simplifies maintenance and provides easy access to the airbox and air filter.
12 month unlimited mileage warranty.

 

[GRIFFIN1]

RossMAN, let me know when you are about to make the purchse so I can take out a $250,000 life insurance policy on you.

Just kidding... I've been thinking about buying a bike for about a month now. I hope I get over it before I find a good deal on one.

 

[d33pt]

costco sells a 50cc version of the vespa for $850 ...it'll do what you need it to do for 1/5 of the price

 

[Vette73]

My dad just got a Buell thunderbolt (Harley sport bike) for $4500 used. Has the 1200cc motor.

Look for a Harley, or Buell, with a 883 or 1200cc motor. Not to hard to find parts and hold their vaule very well if you take care of them.

 

[beer]

Turn on your PMs, ross.

 

[PsychoAndy]

Get a Road King and the requsite shirt that has "If you can read this the bitch fell off" printed on the back. I'm sure RossWIFE would enjoy the qunintessentially american expeirence of a harley.

Just imagine: Biker Ross.

God help us all.

-PAB

 

[StageLeft]

um I'd drive one of those in Europe but anybody driving one in North America...well I won't say what i think Sure it would be fun to have but not to be seen in public on!

 

[N8Magic]

Bikes are great, and i'd buy one in a second if I didn't have to commute to downtown Toronto every day. The roads there are so crappy i'd dump the bike for sure within the first week.

I've often wondered if the people who ride them downtown have a death wish or something.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Originally posted by: ffmcobalt
Buy one of these. rumored to go 0-60 in 1.9 seconds. HAYABUSATM 1300 SPECIFICATIONS MSRP*: $10,849 Engine: 1299cc, 4-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, TSCC Bore/Stroke: 81.0 x 63.0mm Compression Ratio: 11.0:1 Fuel System: Keihin/Denso Fuel Injection Lubrication: Wet sump Ignition: Digital/Transistorized Starter: Electric Transmission: 6-speed, constant mesh Final Drive: #530 chain Overall Length: 2140mm (84.3 in.) Overall Width: 740mm (29.1 in.) Overall Height: 1155mm (45.5 in.) Seat Height: 805mm (31.7 in.) Ground Clearance: 120mm (4.7 in.) Wheelbase: 1485mm (58.5 in.) Dry Weight: 217kg (478 lbs.) 218kg (480 lbs.) CA. model Suspension: FRONT: Inverted telescopic, coil spring, fully adjustable spring preload, 14-way adjustable rebound damping and 13-way adjustable compression damping REAR: Link-type, gas/oil damped, fully adjustable spring preload, 22-way adjustable compression & rebound damping Brakes: FRONT: Dual hydraulic disc REAR: Single hydraulic disc Tires: FRONT: 120/70-ZR-17 REAR: 190/50-ZR-17 Fuel Tank Capacity: 21 liter (5.5 gal.) 19.0 liter (5.0 gal.) CA. model Color: Black/Blue, Silver/Silver NEW FEATURES New, lightweight 32-bit ECM for fast EFI and ignition processing speed, plus longer spark duration for more efficient combustion. New, lighter weight generator rotor. Polished stainless steel exhaust pipe for improved appearance. Bolt on, stainless-steel tie-down hooks (previously welded to sub-frame). KEY FEATURES Aerodynamic fairing design with low drag coefficient. All fairing components have been designed for reduced drag and turbulence. Compact 4-stroke, four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with DOHC, 16-valves, Twin Swirl Combustion Chambers, plus gear-driven counterbalancer for smooth operation. Electronic fuel injection system, fed by 46mm throttle bodies and ram air intake with large volume airbox. Lightweight shim-under-bucket valve train with narrow 14 degree valve angle for high combustion chamber efficiency. High efficiency liquid cooling system for optimum engine operating temperature- including compact air-cooled oil cooler, plus oil-jet piston cooling. SCEM (Suzuki Composite Electro-chemical Material) plated cylinders minimize cylinder size and improve heat dissipation. 6-speed transmission with high-capacity clutch featuring back-torque limiter system for smooth downshifts and scissors-type primary gear for reduced gear noise. Large volume 4-into-2 exhaust system with stainless steel head pipes and lightweight aluminum silencers. Digital direct-ignition system combines an ignition coil with each spark plug cap for reduced weight and stronger spark. Full instrumentation with ultra-thin step-motor construction. Includes fuel gauge, clock, temperature gauge, LCD odometer and twin tripmeters with fuel consumption gauge. Unique, vertically mounted dual headlight provides a bright, wide beam with a 60W projector-type high-beam and a 55W low-beam halogen bulb. Rigid twin-spar aluminum frame minimizes weight while maintaining high torsional strength. Large diameter (43mm) inverted front forks with fully adjustable compression & rebound damping and spring preload, plus steering damper. Proven link-type rear suspension with remote reservoir shock absorber. Rear suspension features fully adjustable rebound damping and compression damping and spring preload. Bridge-type swingarm with large diameter swingarm pivot shaft provides high swingarm rigidity. Powerful front disc brakes with large 320mm discs and6-piston calipers. Rear disc brake with 240mm disc and 2-piston caliper. Radial tires mounted on lightweight 3-spoke aluminum wheels. Wide 190-size rear tire is mounted on 6" wide rim. Hinged fuel tank simplifies maintenance and provides easy access to the airbox and air filter. 12 month unlimited mileage warranty.

You call me?


Ok, RossMan.GS 500 is a good beginner bike. If you buy a Buell I will hunt you down and slap you
Buells are quirky to put it kindly, and getting an X1 IMO is a great way to ensure you will never want to buy another bike. As I am about to go out for a 250 mile ride in a few minutes, I havent much time to go into it all. I would suggest going to the Honda/Suzuki/Yamaha/Kawasaki sites and seeing what they have in the 500 cc range. You do NOT want a 600 cc class sport bike. They are quick and you do not have the learned responses to handle something from that size up. Not a knock, but you are one of the 2 best Ferengis around here, and would hate to see ya crash

I am sure you will take the Motorcycle safety courses (both) RIGHT????
Not only will they increase your chances of having a safe and pleasurable learning curve, but by taking these you will most likely get a discount on insurance. (Know you love that)

Anyway, I'll be back in about a week, so happy bargan hunting.

 

[The Stigenator]

RossMan, since i know your a new rider here goes my same old advice take the freaking MSF course www.msf-usa.org

as for the bikes, GS500 is a nice bike, the NInja 500R is a faster bike than the GS but its riding position is of question. THe Buell Blast is decent for what it does, but its underpowered and does have rattly body to make you remember its a harley.
In the 250cc class I can suggest the Ninja 250R. Its light, decent enough to go above 60mph, it can carry to people and its under 3K.
Howver its a 250cc.

As for the Vespa, I dont like the ET4.. despite the fact that its cute looking I personally prefer something else from Vespa teh X9-500. That will take a while to come. If you like automatic scooters the get the Honda Reflex 250 (its about 5K) or the Honda Silverwing 600 (8K or so). Reflex is more of a beginner scooter and can do freeways and stuff. I am going to buy the SIlverwing some day.

TGG

 

[beer]

Originally posted by: Hayabusarider

Originally posted by: ffmcobalt
Buy one of these. rumored to go 0-60 in 1.9 seconds. HAYABUSATM 1300 SPECIFICATIONS MSRP*: $10,849 Engine: 1299cc, 4-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, TSCC Bore/Stroke: 81.0 x 63.0mm Compression Ratio: 11.0:1 Fuel System: Keihin/Denso Fuel Injection Lubrication: Wet sump Ignition: Digital/Transistorized Starter: Electric Transmission: 6-speed, constant mesh Final Drive: #530 chain Overall Length: 2140mm (84.3 in.) Overall Width: 740mm (29.1 in.) Overall Height: 1155mm (45.5 in.) Seat Height: 805mm (31.7 in.) Ground Clearance: 120mm (4.7 in.) Wheelbase: 1485mm (58.5 in.) Dry Weight: 217kg (478 lbs.) 218kg (480 lbs.) CA. model Suspension: FRONT: Inverted telescopic, coil spring, fully adjustable spring preload, 14-way adjustable rebound damping and 13-way adjustable compression damping REAR: Link-type, gas/oil damped, fully adjustable spring preload, 22-way adjustable compression & rebound damping Brakes: FRONT: Dual hydraulic disc REAR: Single hydraulic disc Tires: FRONT: 120/70-ZR-17 REAR: 190/50-ZR-17 Fuel Tank Capacity: 21 liter (5.5 gal.) 19.0 liter (5.0 gal.) CA. model Color: Black/Blue, Silver/Silver NEW FEATURES New, lightweight 32-bit ECM for fast EFI and ignition processing speed, plus longer spark duration for more efficient combustion. New, lighter weight generator rotor. Polished stainless steel exhaust pipe for improved appearance. Bolt on, stainless-steel tie-down hooks (previously welded to sub-frame). KEY FEATURES Aerodynamic fairing design with low drag coefficient. All fairing components have been designed for reduced drag and turbulence. Compact 4-stroke, four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with DOHC, 16-valves, Twin Swirl Combustion Chambers, plus gear-driven counterbalancer for smooth operation. Electronic fuel injection system, fed by 46mm throttle bodies and ram air intake with large volume airbox. Lightweight shim-under-bucket valve train with narrow 14 degree valve angle for high combustion chamber efficiency. High efficiency liquid cooling system for optimum engine operating temperature- including compact air-cooled oil cooler, plus oil-jet piston cooling. SCEM (Suzuki Composite Electro-chemical Material) plated cylinders minimize cylinder size and improve heat dissipation. 6-speed transmission with high-capacity clutch featuring back-torque limiter system for smooth downshifts and scissors-type primary gear for reduced gear noise. Large volume 4-into-2 exhaust system with stainless steel head pipes and lightweight aluminum silencers. Digital direct-ignition system combines an ignition coil with each spark plug cap for reduced weight and stronger spark. Full instrumentation with ultra-thin step-motor construction. Includes fuel gauge, clock, temperature gauge, LCD odometer and twin tripmeters with fuel consumption gauge. Unique, vertically mounted dual headlight provides a bright, wide beam with a 60W projector-type high-beam and a 55W low-beam halogen bulb. Rigid twin-spar aluminum frame minimizes weight while maintaining high torsional strength. Large diameter (43mm) inverted front forks with fully adjustable compression & rebound damping and spring preload, plus steering damper. Proven link-type rear suspension with remote reservoir shock absorber. Rear suspension features fully adjustable rebound damping and compression damping and spring preload. Bridge-type swingarm with large diameter swingarm pivot shaft provides high swingarm rigidity. Powerful front disc brakes with large 320mm discs and6-piston calipers. Rear disc brake with 240mm disc and 2-piston caliper. Radial tires mounted on lightweight 3-spoke aluminum wheels. Wide 190-size rear tire is mounted on 6" wide rim. Hinged fuel tank simplifies maintenance and provides easy access to the airbox and air filter. 12 month unlimited mileage warranty.

You call me?


Ok, RossMan.GS 500 is a good beginner bike. If you buy a Buell I will hunt you down and slap you
Buells are quirky to put it kindly, and getting an X1 IMO is a great way to ensure you will never want to buy another bike. As I am about to go out for a 250 mile ride in a few minutes, I havent much time to go into it all. I would suggest going to the Honda/Suzuki/Yamaha/Kawasaki sites and seeing what they have in the 500 cc range. You do NOT want a 600 cc class sport bike. They are quick and you do not have the learned responses to handle something from that size up. Not a knock, but you are one of the 2 best Ferengis around here, and would hate to see ya crash

I am sure you will take the Motorcycle safety courses (both) RIGHT????
Not only will they increase your chances of having a safe and pleasurable learning curve, but by taking these you will most likely get a discount on insurance. (Know you love that)

Anyway, I'll be back in about a week, so happy bargan hunting.

While there are a handful of 600 cc bikes, there are only two 500ccs. The GS500, and the Kawasaki Ninja 500R. The Ninja has a bit more HP and is faster, but costs more up front, and since it uses a lot of plastic (compared to the naked GS500) it's going to cost more when you eventually fall. I am personally getting a 500R this fall. Since I am in Texas, winter riding is actually more bearable than summer riding, and gear is generally cheaper (ventilated suits are $$$$$$$$$).