Motorcycle peeps...q's (kinda lengthy)

[Cody]

I know there are some motorcycle people around here. I'm looking into getting a street bike here in the future and I'm confused. I don't know much about them--whats good--what to stay away from--etc etc.

So about me....I grew up riding dirt bikes all my life. Nothing ever bigger than a 185 cc though. I've had several and have put 100's of days on them over the years. Just trail riding--no jumping or anything.

My experience riding street bikes is limited to the mont I used my dad's 81 Honda 250 street bike (maybe it'sa 350?) to get to school and work while my jeep was broken. I rode my buddy's cbr600 a few years ago, but basically 2 miles and that was it. I drove another buddy's Shadow 1200 but again, only a mile or two.

I don't really want a bullet bike (don't like the hunched riding position, the look, or the stigma (****-less losers who buy them as a cod piece to pick up chicks that their otherwise flacid personalities wouldn't allow)). I don't really want a big cruiser (too heavy, not as easy to get around in parking lots and such, can be too loud and obnoxious).

So, I've been looking at naked sport bikes the last few days. They have a more upright riding position and feels more natural to me (more like dirt bikes) and I kinda dig the look of them (although some look too rice rocket to me). Some of them have v-twins, some have inlne 4's etc. etc.

I originally was looking for a 600-750 cc bike. It juse seemed like a good starter bike that I couldn't get into too much trouble on. However, a few people have told me I'd regret it if I didn't get a bigger bike--like 1000 cc's. I kinda liked the idea of the v-twins torque, but the sales guy was saying modern i4's have similar torque curves.

So, with all that being said and armed with the knowledge that I would use this to just make runs up the canyon and maybe around town a bit and to work what are your thoughts? Get the bigger bike or go small and upgrade in a couple years when I'm more comfortable with the extra power and know more about what I want?

Here are the bikes I was looking at...



fz6 (inline 4, same motor as an r6, 410 lbs dry weight) also made in a 1000
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelimagelib/273/7/1/0/image.aspx


z1000 (bigger bike, inline 4 953cc, 450 lbs dry weight)
http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/Detail.aspx?id=204&content=introduction

monster 695 (just found this and really like it)
http://www.ducati.com/en/bikes/my2007/ModelPage.jhtml?family=Monster&model=M695-07

and the one I was originally leaning towards before I started looking at more of them. Also made in a 1000
sv650 (vtwin, 363 lbs dry weight, and cheaper)
http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/SV650K7/Default.aspx

I like the look for that sv650 with the single llight, but they also make it with a cowling/windshield too. How much difference does the windshield make? If I plan on driving a few hours up the canyons and such am I going to really want that small windshield?

Any thoughts on those bikes? vtwin or i4? one brand over another? Are there major insurance concerns on the bigger bikes? Am I stupid to buy new?

I was thinking of using one of the 'suzuki/honda card' promo's for low interest for 6 months then transfering the balance to a 0 intrest card.

sorry so long, I have millions of questions though and dont' want to make a bad decision

Cody

 

[spencurai]

My old bike was great for a cruiser... 2003 Shadow American Classic Edition...go ride one, they are light, nimble, and cheap.

I do like that FZ6 though...

 

[Tacoma]

I'm looking at like a 450 Enduro or something. Riding position that I'm used to, and less squirm than dirt bike tires on the street. Good times!

 

[spencurai]

mmmm klr 650....yumm!!

 

[1\4elliptic toy]

Ya know it really depends on what you like, I have been riding dirt and street my whole life.

I own a Victory vegas custom, a harley 1200 screaming eagle sporty and the ol crf 450 for dirt (see picture's). I love them all but the victory is the nicest to drive and really is super reliable, its a big bike but handles super well even being a chopper and is not scary to ride on the highway.

I think you should test a few out that you like, some of the lighter bikes will get blown around on the highway, so make sure you get out on a bike you might buy and ride it where you would ride it once you own it. The canyon, the mall parking lot, up parleys or east canyon.

I think that you will be disapointed over time if you don't get something with a decent size motor, nothing worse than needing to move right now and not being able to.

Honda's make a great product and last forever, whatever it is make sure it has a good track record with people who own one and is not a nightmare to maintain (oil changes, tires etc) belt driven bikes are smoother and get about 75,000 miles to a belt as chains wear out fast and need pretty constant upkeep.

Alot of the newer cruisers (honda vtx, yamaha stars etc) really get around nice in tight quarters and hold good resale value. Don't count out a cruiser unless you really don't want that look/feel.

Go set on everything you can at a dealer and the ones that feel right test drive.

The FZ6 looks super sweet, good resale and reliable. The Z1000 is probably the one I would chose...fast and nimble. Any of those bikes would be fun in the canyons but I wonder if they won't get owned on the highway by wind from trucks etc.

Just my .02....

 

[1\4elliptic toy]

I member from a board i'm on is selling this..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=011&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&viewitem=&item=320091891835&rd=1,1

 

[Cody]

is there a good motorcycle BB that I can do some searches on?

I don't really have a problem with the look of a cruiser but the ones I've been on were heavy and cumbersome around town. I guess the 750-800cc types wouldn't weigh too much more than a naked street bike. I never thought about the wind blowing you around on the freeway. I would never take it on a long road trip but maybe to Moab or Wendover (windy) sometime.

One of the problems I have is I don't have a motorcycle endorsement yet so it's hard to get people to let me ride their bikes. I'm going to get that taken care of this month.

 

[BCGPER]

I think you would be happier in the long run on a V-Twin cruiser. They seem heavy at first, but given a little expierence you'll be having a blast in no time and that extra weight is a bonus on the open road. I ride Harleys, but as far as imports go I think it's hard to beat a Honda product. Not to mention, it seems like there is a dealer in every town.

I personally think your 750-800 range is too small. That would be fine around town, but with a couple days worth of good on the back, or if you have a passenger I think you'll be wishing for a bigger bike.

Perhaps better than a BB, go visit some dealers and take a few test rides. If they hassle you about a license, just move on to a different dealer. As far as licensing goes, have you looked into the course at SLCC? It's a great course, takes like two nights and one saturday to complete. Best part is, you get to take the driving exam right there, on thier little bikes so it's a breeze to pass.

is there a good motorcycle BB that I can do some searches on?

I don't really have a problem with the look of a cruiser but the ones I've been on were heavy and cumbersome around town. I guess the 750-800cc types wouldn't weigh too much more than a naked street bike. I never thought about the wind blowing you around on the freeway. I would never take it on a long road trip but maybe to Moab or Wendover (windy) sometime.

One of the problems I have is I don't have a motorcycle endorsement yet so it's hard to get people to let me ride their bikes. I'm going to get that taken care of this month.

 

[BlackSheep]

Stay Away From Cruiser Style Bikes...

if you are interested in handling and twisty road performance. I 'grew up' on I4 sportbikes, had an '86 GSXR 750 when they first came out. Later on I graduated to the FJ1200. My FJ was an '89 model. The FZ1 is on my list for my next bike. The FJ1200 of that era is very similar to the FZ1 of today.

Now, why did I make such a statement indicating you should stay away from cruiser style bikes. Because I was fool enough to buy one. I'm sure I'll get flamed by the cruiser guys, I'm not saying they are not good bikes, just that they are not my style of bike. The bike I had (sold it last year) was a honda shadow 750. Honda makes a great bike, and if you are into the cruiser thing, I'm sure it fits the needs. However, I realized I'm not into cruiser style bikes, thus the sale.

If you are interested in the technical aspect of riding through the twisties quickly, and your eye is drawn to the naked sport bikes, I think you should go with that. Buying that cruiser was a huge mistake for me....I passed up a '91 FJ1200 to buy that stupid thing. Nothing worse than owning something that you really can't stand to ride. Again, nothing wrong with the bike, just not my style. Buy the bike you want.

As for middleweight or big block, based on what you say your experience is, I recommend the middleweight. Yes, in a few years, your experience may cause you to seek a big block, but I GUARANTEE that you won't be able to ride a middleweight to the limits of its capabilities for many years.

Go for the small windshield, they do make a difference.

As for being blown around on the freeway....I rode my GSXR750 for 69,000 + miles, with several cross country trips fully loaded with soft bags. Yes, trucks make a big wind, you learn to anticipate those winds, and when you know they are coming, you are prepared for it. (it also helps that I was generally going faster than most other vehicles on the road).

As for which manufacturer, honda always topped my list for quality and reliability, although I've owned only a couple (of the 20 or more bikes I've owned in my life). You will get excellent quality from any of the four major japanese bike mfgrs.

Ducati I've heard is not quite as good for quailty, and with the desmodromic valve train (all valves opened and closed by direct action with three camshafts), you will most likely be paying top dollar for maintenance.

 

[sbr]

this is kinda like wheelers some poeple like yotas some like jeep and so on . I like yamaha for motorcycles and the 600 is plenty of bike it is better to buy a bigger one after you have some seat time . Somtimes a bigger motor can get you in trouble when you are just getting into it. Even with alot of offroad biking it is different on the street . Who knows maybe next summer you will want more power butat least most likely you still be alive to want more power.

 

[XT Utah]

From your interests, I think what you would enjoy the most is a "sport-tourer". They are not necessarily sport bikes and not necessarily cruisers. Here are some examples:

Yamaha FJR 1300

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelimagelib/180/1/1/0/image.aspx

It's more expensive but just throwing it out as an option. They are whisper smooth and very powerful. One day, I rode one coming out of the Uintahs heading towards Wyoming. I had a passenger, saddlebags and the windshield completely up (it's adjustable), and did an easy 135 mph.


Honda ST1300

http://powersports.honda.com/motorc...delName=ST1300&ModelYear=2007&ModelId=ST13007

Similar to the FJR1300, only not quite as powerful.


Suzuki SV1000

http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/SV1000SK7/Default.aspx

I've heard nothing but good things about the SV's. They are V-twins that have a great sound and a great torque curve. I think the sales guy told you wrong about torque curves. I-4's can have as much or more torque than a v twin but the V2 almost always has more torque down low, making them easy to ride. You end up going through the gears less since you don't have to keep it high on the power curve.

I have a BMW R1150R and it's incredibly easy to ride.



It's a boxer twin (opposed cylinders) and it also has a lot of torque. I can cruise all the way up Little Cottonwood Canyon in 5th gear if I want.

Ducati's are cool but as someone else said, I would avoid them as a 1st bike. They take a lot of maintenance and I heard it's expensive maintenance at that.

You can check out this website for ideas...

www.sport-touring.net

I hope this helps!

 

[Cody]

Here is an 06 for 1000 off. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Yama...ItemQQcategoryZ50042QQitemZ220087992141QQrdZ1

how much do bikes lose when they drive off the lot? Does that 1000 off from list pretty much bring it to market equilibrium? That is, in 6 months would I be upside down on this bike?

 

[spencurai]

For some stupid reason Metric bikes still lose off the lot more compared to Harleys...I don't mean to start a fight but that is just plain retarded.

My best advice is ride a LOT of bikes before you buy. I wanted a cruiser so I test drove EVERY brand name except BMW and Triumph because they were out of my style and price range. It tooke me two months to buy the bike I fell in love with just becuase I would not let myself get on it, as soon as I drove it, it felt right and I signed on the dotted line with not a single iota of buyer's remorse.

RIDE RIDE RIDE!!! Test drive a LOT!

 

[yellowbronco]

is there a good motorcycle BB that I can do some searches on?

My Dad is a huge motorcycle nut. I'll ask him about some of his BBs and try to get back to you.

I started out on an old Honda 400, then a Nighthawk 700, and finally an FZR 600. I don't know what it would be like getting a bigger bike to start with because I worked up to it before I rode bigger bikes (1000+cc). It may be nice to get on something smaller and lighter at first until you feel comfortable with riding. Maybe pick up a cheap, older 500 or something, cruise it around for a bit, sell it and buy your nice newer one. Plus, if you lay it over (which is most likely to happen at a dead stop ) you won't be too upset.

Yamaha FJR 1300

This is my dad's bike, it's way nice!


Suzuki SV1000

My Mom had the SV 600 but it wasn't quite enough, so she got a FZ1

 

[Greg]

I want to put plates on my DRZ400, I feel comfortable riding it around town but it's not a high-speed freeway bike by any means. If I regeared and added a steering stabilizer it would be better, but it's a 400 and kinda small for that stuff. My next bike will probably be a KLR650, a touring dual sport. Ugly, but reliable.

My brother rides a BMW Dakar F650GS and it's a neat bike. It's build for 80% road, 20% dirt. That's the kind of bike that would be perfect for scooting around town, hauling a passenger and making the occasional exploration/expedition type trip. He loves his Dakar.

Cody, no offense but you don't seem mile the Cruiser-type guy... you really ought to check out a dual sport touring bike, like a BMW.

 

[Greg]

Ohh... something else to consider... a Supermoto DRZ! In the last year or 2 Suzuki has started producing a factory built Supermoto bike based on the DRZ400. Apparently they are a BLAST to ride and the ultimate hoodlum bike. No room for passengers, built for tearin' up the road and riding hard.

[YOUTUBE]tHigy-Bgnw0[/YOUTUBE]


I don't know that I'd ever own one, but they look fun!

 

[Cody]

ya but BMW's are kinda spendy...I wouldn't mind a duel sport bike but probably after I get a street bike.

Cody

 

[timpanogos]

"you'll shoot your eye out" as it were

 

[Greg]

ya but BMW's are kinda spendy...I wouldn't mind a duel sport bike but probably after I get a street bike.

Cody

I hear ya... I've seen used BMW Dakars going for a reasonable price.

 

[Catherine]

Vespa...? I hear they corner real nice.