Motorcycle -- spend my money

[Ken Ibold]

OK, bikers, my youngest is BEGGING me to get a motorcycle, and who am I to deny such a request?

I have about 200K miles riding experience, starting with two-banger Honda 450 and ending with a 1982 Honda V45 Magna, bought upon model's introduction and sold circa 1985. No riding since then to speak of.

Unfortunately, bikes seem to have specialized tremendously, and a "generic" motorcycle seems to be a thing of the past. Anyway, here's the list of demands:

1) Good road manners. The crotch rockets seem to be too closely geared. I don't want to spend all my time shifting.
2) Wife wants something that looks radical. Extra points for flames and/or bright colors.
3) Just say no to Harleys and Harley wannabes. No cruisers.
4) Extreme power/speed unimportant, but should be competent at highway speeds 2 up. Most use will be in-town, however.
5) New unimportant, but late model good.
6) Price under 10K.

 

[TMetzinger]

Bmw R850?

 

[tonycondon]

buy jesse's. hes got the Duct Tape mod and heck, the thing made it to Mississippi from minneapolis. talk about dependable. he'll probably even deliver it.

 

[bstratt]

Ken, one item you're missing is "dependability".

Apart from #2, I'd probably recommend a Honda Goldwing - it's the most comfortable bike out there for 2 up, will go long distances, excellent road manners, great club "Gold Wing Road Riders Assoc", and you can get models 15-20 years old that are "mint" for less than $10K.

I sold my 1984 GW in 2002 for <$5K and it had less than 50K miles on it, CB radio, Electronic Cruise Control, etc. The engines are rock solid and good for well over 100K miles.

Curious why no Harley's?

 

[Ken Ibold]

Ken, one item you're missing is "dependability".

Apart from #2, I'd probably recommend a Honda Goldwing - it's the most comfortable bike out there for 2 up, will go long distances, excellent road manners, great club "Gold Wing Road Riders Assoc", and you can get models 15-20 years old that are "mint" for less than $10K.

I sold my 1984 GW in 2002 for <$5K and it had less than 50K miles on it, CB radio, Electronic Cruise Control, etc. The engines are rock solid and good for well over 100K miles.

Curious why no Harley's?

I like the older Wings. When I had my Magna a friend had one and we'd swap sometimes. The new ones are a little too pimped out.

I dislike Harleys. The way they ride, the way they look, the way they sound, the trendiness. The whole package.

 

[vontresc]

Being an Airhead rider (old BMW) myself I like the idea of the R850r. If you are looking for a cool looking bike, you may want to check out one of these.

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2006models/2006models-Ducati-GT1000.htm

Saw one the other week, and loved the retro look. Unfortunately it is italian and will cost you $$$ in maintenance.

Pete

 

[poadeleted20]

3) Just say no to Harleys

Oh, well, in that case, never mind.

 

[Anthony]

Triumph Sprint. Check their entire line though.

 

[astanley]

OK, bikers, my youngest is BEGGING me to get a motorcycle, and who am I to deny such a request?

I have about 200K miles riding experience, starting with two-banger Honda 450 and ending with a 1982 Honda V45 Magna, bought upon model's introduction and sold circa 1985. No riding since then to speak of.

Unfortunately, bikes seem to have specialized tremendously, and a "generic" motorcycle seems to be a thing of the past. Anyway, here's the list of demands:

1) Good road manners. The crotch rockets seem to be too closely geared. I don't want to spend all my time shifting.
2) Wife wants something that looks radical. Extra points for flames and/or bright colors.
3) Just say no to Harleys and Harley wannabes. No cruisers.
4) Extreme power/speed unimportant, but should be competent at highway speeds 2 up. Most use will be in-town, however.
5) New unimportant, but late model good.
6) Price under 10K.

On the BMW side, there are a few bikes that fit your bill quite nicely, except your budgetary limitations - so I'm going to count out the BMWs. The 850 is not your bike for two up highway riding, IMO.

I would look on the used market at Triumph Tigers, Triumph Sprint STs (may be a bit on the sporty side for you), and Honda VFRs (also might be a bit sporty).

Here's a Tiger. What a blast to ride, great bike, great around town. How long is your inseam?

Link to ad - for sale in Hattiesburg, MS

However, I suspect you would REALLY love a Yamaha FJR1300, it looks pretty sedate but has power, great handling, good gearbox, great on the highway and in the twisties. May be a bit more spendy for a nice specimen, but a great bike all around.

Harder to find in your price range, but a blast to ride also, is the Ducati Multistrada. Not super sporty, but still plenty of Italian verve, plus good on the highway and OK for short-haul 2 up riding. About $12k new, so used should see $9-$10k if adult owned and loved. Do not get the 620; please get the 1000e (1000cc L twin motor. Yum)

Cheers,

-Andrew

 

[bubba]

Yamaha Warrior.
http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/products/modelhome/60/0/home.aspx

I have a 2000 Royal Star - love it.
Eric
________
Ipad cases

 

[Bill]

1) Good road manners. The crotch rockets seem to be too closely geared. I don't want to spend all my time shifting.
2) Wife wants something that looks radical. Extra points for flames and/or bright colors.
3) Just say no to Harleys and Harley wannabes. No cruisers.
4) Extreme power/speed unimportant, but should be competent at highway speeds 2 up. Most use will be in-town, however.
5) New unimportant, but late model good.
6) Price under 10K.

OK, I nominate the Suzuki SV650 ABS. Light weight, V-twin torque (but a 90 degree V-twin, think Ducati, not Harley), standard seating position (nice and upright), great brakes, great handling, fuel injection, water cooled.

These bikes IMNSHO are one of the best deals out there. They are docile enough for right minded newbies to learn on, but entertaining enough to keep expert riders laughing for miles and miles. I bought the 1st year of the 1st generation in '99, and my SV was my Deals Gap weapon of choice. Light weight, good handling and brakes, and smooth power delivery mean you can spank the living daylights out of ham fisted squids on full-on sportbikes. Or not.

And that is the beauty, this bike is a true all arounder, and is decently priced for such a GOOD motorcycle. I sold mine in '04, and is the only bike I ever regret selling. Wonderful bikes.

Don't take my word for it, do some research in the motocycle rags...

$6999 new with ABS, $5999 without.

http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/SV650AK7/Default.aspx

 

[IamBull]

Honda 919. I have one and it does it all. Another option is a used Kawi ZRX 1200R.

 

[Ken Ibold]

Honda 919. I have one and it does it all. Another option is a used Kawi ZRX 1200R.

The 919 is one I do like.

 

[gkainz]

Being an Airhead rider (old BMW) myself I like the idea of the R850r. If you are looking for a cool looking bike, you may want to check out one of these.

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2006models/2006models-Ducati-GT1000.htm

Saw one the other week, and loved the retro look. Unfortunately it is italian and will cost you $$$ in maintenance.

Pete

Maybe it's just me, but the photos make the bike look like they were middleman in a 3 car pileup ... kind of a scrunched look to me ...
My last bike was a Yamaha XS1100 Special

 

[Let'sgoflying!]

The last good-looking bike made was over 20 years ago!

 

[poadeleted20]

C'mon folks, how can you want to ride some rice rocket or Eurotrash when you can ride this:

...which certainly proves DT wrong!

 

[wsuffa]

buy jesse's. hes got the Duct Tape mod and heck, the thing made it to Mississippi from minneapolis. talk about dependable. he'll probably even deliver it.

And apparently it's a chick magnet

Harder to find in your price range, but a blast to ride also, is the Ducati Multistrada. Not super sporty, but still plenty of Italian verve, plus good on the highway and OK for short-haul 2 up riding. About $12k new, so used should see $9-$10k if adult owned and loved. Do not get the 620; please get the 1000e (1000cc L twin motor. Yum)

I was going to suggest the Ducati. Might well be worth a look. And heck, forget the budget - after all, for what you spend on a plane, any kind of bike is cheap...

 

[astanley]

C'mon folks, how can you want to ride some rice rocket or Eurotrash when you can ride this:

...which certainly proves DT wrong!

Sigh. Philistines, they are everywhere, aren't they?

Cheers,

-Andrew
currently jonesing for a Ducati Sport Classic

 

[Shipoke]

Ken ,I'd go to the Triumph dealer and ride the America, i think you'll like it .Thats my next bike.
Dave G

 

[Dean]

C'mon folks, how can you want to ride some rice rocket or Eurotrash when you can ride this:

...which certainly proves DT wrong!

Over priced and over rated!

 

[Anthony]

Not a Harley person either. Sorry. Like the Ducati ideas though!

 

[Bill]

Honda 919. I have one and it does it all. Another option is a used Kawi ZRX 1200R.

I'm not an inline 4 person, much prefer twins.

 

[Bill]

Triumph Sprint. Check their entire line though.

I had a Speed Triple, nice bike, but the SV way out handled it. The Speed Triple just didn't have any real character, and as delivered it rode like a cement mixer, waaaay too much compression damping. Dialing out the compression made the kidneys happy, but killed the handling a good bit.

Looked cool, though.

 

[tdager]

Hmmmm...two bikes off the top of my head, one a bit heavier and "toury" and one not so much:

1) Yamaha FJR, hands down my favorite bike

2) Yamaha FZ1, looks like a standard, rides like a Goldwing, has the power of an older R1.

 

[Anthony]

I had a Speed Triple, nice bike, but the SV way out handled it.

I like the SV a lot. I almost bought the 1000CC version. I like the v-tiwn engine and mid range tourque more than the in line screamers. That's why I like the Ducatis also. They have a classic line now that is pretty cool also.

 

[astanley]

I like the SV a lot. I almost bought the 1000CC version. I like the v-tiwn engine and mid range tourque more than the in line screamers. That's why I like the Ducatis also. They have a classic line now that is pretty cool also.

http://www.ducati.com/en/bikes/my2007/ModelPage.jhtml?family=SportClassic&model=SCSPORT1000MON-07

Drool, drool, drool.

Cheers,

-Andrew

 

[Ken Ibold]

Hmmmm...two bikes off the top of my head, one a bit heavier and "toury" and one not so much:

1) Yamaha FJR, hands down my favorite bike

2) Yamaha FZ1, looks like a standard, rides like a Goldwing, has the power of an older R1.

I like the FJR, too. FZ1 rides like a Goldwing? I never would have guessed based on the look. I have to check that out.

I kinda like the FZ6, but I suspect it might be a bit underpowered.

 

[Chas]

Sheesh, don't they make UJM's any more? (Universal Japanese Machines). I learned on a Kawi 750 Zephyr, now extinct I believe, but Honda may still make something like it (Nighthawk?). Kawi made an 1100 as well for a while. Upright seating position, good road manners, nicely handling without encouraging excessive cornering etc. Your son would do well but you might want more.

Otherwise I'd consider a basic Beemer around 1000 cc - bulletproof torquey air cooled engine (boxer is better here IMO), and lots of fun on and off road. Myself I own a late-model Goldwing and a Vulcan 88. The 'wing might be a bit big and heavy for a new rider, 88 cruiser is out I understand. I had a Suzuki GSX1100G which was rather upright and basically a big, sportyish UJM - do they still make something like it? (air/oil cooled, shaft drive). How I loved that bike .... RIP.

Yamaha riders always seem to just love their machines, reliable and great handling I'm told.

Nice problem to have. Just get shaft drive, IMO, unless you like messing with grease and dirt. Wouldn't want you cleaning up after your son all the time ... Less time for flying for one thing.

 

[mantakos]

Honda still makes a Nighthawk, probably the closest modern-day thing to the UJM. The current model is a 250, you'd have to dip back a few years (2004, I think) to get the 750.
-harry

 

[C-1 PILOT]

Ken, give serious attention to the BMW K1200LT. Tere are some excellent 2002's available, they start at about 8K. The first year was 1999 the best years start at 2001 thru 2004. I jsut sold my 2002, it was leased, but I held the title, so I sold it and made a quick $900 extra bucks. The new replacemejnt for the LT is delayed, so I returned to the DARKSIDE and bought a 2007 H-D Ultra Classic for now.

Serioulsy, give the LT a look, ABS heated seats grips and backrest, reverse, electric windshield, AM-FM, Wx radio, some with intercom and CB/FRS. Cellphone interface available also. Oh, GPS also.

 

[Eamon]

Is this for one person or 2? Transportation or fun?

I have a 1982 Suzuki GS 1000
1986 Honda Shadow 750
2001 Kawasaki Ninja 250
1993 Honda Nighthawk 250

Guess what I drive to work evey day...

The Ninja.

It handles like a dream. Beats any normal car off the line with 400 lbs of people on it. It pulls through all 6 speeds right to 85mph @ 8.5k Rpm and it will do 95. It looks like a sport bike, but you sit upright like a crusier. I have been on a few sport bikes that hurt you wrists and back from the leaning position.

It gets 60mpg at 75mph (my normal speed)

The best part is that NOWHERE on the bike does it say 250... Most ask if it is a 600

 

[steingar]

Define your mission. If its local tooling, the SV650 is an awesome bike. The 919 probably won't be as zippy, but will be easier on the longer hauls and with two up. If you want to be an iron butt get a Wing. I just rid myself despite some nostalgia with an older Nighthawk, it performed flawlessly for over 30K miles. Didn't do anything particularly well, my new (to me) 954 outcorners, accelarates, decelarates etc... Then again, the 954 is nowhere near as comfortable. Define your mission.

And of course, the Harley jokes:

Did you know 95% of all Harleys are still on the road?
The other 5% actually made it home.


Is it true that Harleys are chick magnets?
Yes, but only if the chick has a steel plate in her head.


What's the cheapest way to get another 50hp from your Harley?
Trade it in on a Suzuki.


Why don't Harley riders sit on their bikes when the side stand is down?
They're afraid to lean over that far.


What's the difference between a Harley and a Harley owner's home?
The Harley costs more and has fewer wheels.


How do you know you're riding a Harley?
While coming off an exit-ramp you get passed by a Vespa.

Why don't Harley riders wave at sportbike riders?
Because they don't want to drop their tools.

What do you call a group of Harley Owners with a collective IQ of 120?
Sturgis!

How do Harley engineers tell if a bike is worthy of the Harley name?
They check to make sure the exhaust noise in decibels exceeds the horsepower rating.

Why don't Harley owners smile?
Once you realized you got conned into paying $25,000 for an outdated piece
of $#!+, would YOU be smiling?

What's the difference between a Harley Davidson and a vacuum cleaner?
The location of the dirtbags.

Why do Harleys have fringe?
So you can tell if they're moving.

How is a Harley Davidson like an old dog?
They both like to ride in the back of pickup trucks.

How do you know your Harley is handling great?
You can almost keep up with the logging trucks when you're riding in the canyons.

Why couldn't the Harley mechanic repair the doorknob?
Some things just can't be fixed with only a hammer and a rope.

What's the difference between a Harley taken to Daytona on a trailer and one that's being ridden there?
The one on the trailer is going about 30mph faster.

Why do all Harley owners have trailers??
So they can go around corners faster!

Where can you find the world's largest collection of Harley jokes?
On the showroom of the Harley mega-store in Milwaukee.
(Alternate answer: At Sturgis)

You know you're a Harley rider if:
You're unable to let your bike simply IDLE at a stop light.

You confuse the word "character" with the more accurate term "engineering flaws".

"Water cooled" means standing on the side of the road, in the rain, waiting for a wrecker.

 

[Ken Ibold]

Define your mission.

98 percent local riding in the suburbs. Errands, taking kid to school when it's nice, etc. Possible very occasional 2-hour or so highway trip.

It would be nice to save some gas vs. driving the car, but fun is really what I'm after. I don't need screaming performance; got my fill of that when I was younger. My 9 year old has been lobbying because there are a couple "scooter moms" who pick their kids up from school on scooters. But I can't even get myself to think about one of THOSE ...

 

[steingar]

My hero. I hear good things about the SV650, it might fit your bill, and it should be a blast to zip around town. My last 650 (an older Nighthawk) had plenty of juice, but was a bit slow 2 up, but it could do highway easily. Honda also makes the 619, but I would go for the bigger bike if I did either, as it isn't that much more money. I am partial to Hondas, as I've not ever had one break on me. I always buy used with low miles, so I get the discount without having the bike destroyed. Good luck, and don't forget to buy some good gear. Dress for the crash, not the ride.

 

[jesse]

My hero. I hear good things about the SV650, it might fit your bill, and it should be a blast to zip around town. My last 650 (an older Nighthawk) had plenty of juice, but was a bit slow 2 up, but it could do highway easily. Honda also makes the 619, but I would go for the bigger bike if I did either, as it isn't that much more money. I am partial to Hondas, as I've not ever had one break on me. I always buy used with low miles, so I get the discount without having the bike destroyed. Good luck, and don't forget to buy some good gear. Dress for the crash, not the ride.

22 years old (older then me) has basically never had a problem. I didn't hesitate to ride it 2305 miles from Minneapolis to Mississippi and back non-stop till I dropped both ways. That picture is right before I departed Mississippi for Minneapolis. Go Honda.

I never rode the 650 Nighthawk, this is the 700. Considering it's age it's pretty damn fast with a 3.6 second 0-60 mph. I can show up virtually any squid on modern bikes from a 0-60 mph launch since they have no idea how to launch with their inline fours.

 

[tdager]

98 percent local riding in the suburbs. Errands, taking kid to school when it's nice, etc. Possible very occasional 2-hour or so highway trip.

It would be nice to save some gas vs. driving the car, but fun is really what I'm after. I don't need screaming performance; got my fill of that when I was younger. My 9 year old has been lobbying because there are a couple "scooter moms" who pick their kids up from school on scooters. But I can't even get myself to think about one of THOSE ...

FJR...or even a Honda VFR. The VFR is lighter and more sporty, but it is a sport-tourer so fits nicely with what you want. I lean towards the FJR though.

BTW...I may have overstated things a bit! LOL NOTHING rides like a GoldWing but a GoldWing...however the FZ1 can be turned into a nice tourer nonetheless.

 

[michael Killacky]

Ken, I'm gonna suggest that you look at the Buell's. Not really the best at anything but they are pretty and still American made. My brother and I have had just about one of everything over the years. My Buell has been fun and they look sharp. Not a lot of them on the road,so they're still a bit of a head- turner.
Mike

 

[steingar]

I never rode the 650 Nighthawk, this is the 700. Considering it's age it's pretty damn fast with a 3.6 second 0-60 mph. I can show up virtually any squid on modern bikes from a 0-60 mph launch since they have no idea how to launch with their inline fours.

Hoorah! My favorite all time bike! I would have gotten one of these instead of my 650, but they were getting scarce even back then. I still think the Nighthawk S700 was one of the prettiest bikes ever made.

No offense, but I will blow you away hard on the 954. With such exquisite taste in bikes I'm certain you can ride, but the 954 is faster than just about anything but another 954. Put in the proper hands (like mine!) it is a true blue (red actually) race machine. But nowhere near as comfortable as your bike. Don't drop it anymore, its too nice!

 

[jesse]

Hoorah! My favorite all time bike! I would have gotten one of these instead of my 650, but they were getting scarce even back then. I still think the Nighthawk S700 was one of the prettiest bikes ever made.

No offense, but I will blow you away hard on the 954. With such exquisite taste in bikes I'm certain you can ride, but the 954 is faster than just about anything but another 954. Put in the proper hands (like mine!) it is a true blue (red actually) race machine. But nowhere near as comfortable as your bike. Don't drop it anymore, its too nice!

A lot of carefully applied electrical tape on the damned blinker mounts.

I'm sure you would blow me away on the 954. The 600 class bikes should as well. Pretty much anything new should blow me away as long as the guy knows how to ride it.

Want to buy your all time favorite bike ??

I made it years without dropping it. I finally dropped it on the Mississippi trip at a gas station. I pulled a stupid after being awake for nearly 36 hours.

 

[steingar]

Like anything else, depends on the price. But I just got the Fast Mover, so I'm really not looking for another, even if it is that sweet a machine. You could probably outrun lots of guys on newer iron with the 700, a lot of them are in it for the image, and really don't know how to ride. You might be able to take me in the twisties, I'm becoming a bit squidly in the lean. Getting too old I guess.