My first bike...

[nfpgasmask]

I think we are going to see more and more bikes hitting the streets as gas prices rise. I have been thinking about it also. I would really like an old 1984 Suzuki Katana that I could rat out....

My problem with bikes is the danger factor. Bikes go down, period, the end. Every single person I know who has been on a 2 wheeled vehicle has wrecked at least once. Half of those people seriously injured, the other half, lucky.

Bart

[crager34]

First, think about what you want from your motorcycle, i.e. cruising, sport, comfort, distance, etc. Don't just go and buy a bike you think looks cool. Once you get all those in your head, THEN go looking for a bike. Find a few that would really meet your needs. Once you do that, then you should buy the bike that best suits your visual tastes.

I bought a 2007 Suzuki V-Strom 650 Dual sport (has since been sold), and it was the perfect bike for my needs and I really liked the styling.

Good luck.. be safe... learn to ride.

[tomdietrying]

Yeah, I'm like Bart. I think I want a bike, but the safety factor is keeping me from it. I think I'll take Dallas's advice and take a bike course just to see if that's what I really want as my everyday transportation.
Peace.
Tom
012009

p.s.
Are there any Dallas area VXers who want to take a motocycle course with me?

[Triathlete]

I still remember my first "bike"...



...it was a gold Scwinn Stingray with a banana seat and high rise handle bars! It was sweet!

[Dallas4u]

Billy, I'm sure your 'bikes' these days cost as much as some decent used motorcycles out there! Hell, the downhill Specialized I used to have cost about as much as my first motorcycle!

I've spent some time on BeginnerBikes.org in the past... nice forum to check out if interested in getting in to (or back in to) motorcycles:

http://www.beginnerbikers.org/

[ojmagg]

This may be the perfect blend between bike and sports car...I saw one downtown last year...I think they are sweet...different from the norm, thats for sure...

http://spyder.brp.com/en-US/

[Bulldoggie]

Wow!
I was looking to get a bike too.
I have had many in the past, dirt and steet, 2 and 4 stokes. Now alot of these bikes go for big dollars, VINTAGE????????
I have a short commute, so a scooter would suit me well, BUT they cost as much as a BIG BOY bike
A used Honda Shadow, Suzuki Intruder, or a Yamaha Virago, can be had in my price range.
For a first bike the Honda Rebel is nice, but I can find a Shadow for the same amount.
Just missed out on a beautiful 750 Intruder w/ saddle bags and windscreen for $1200. He had 50 callers on the first day, of his post

[Dallas4u]

This may be the perfect blend between bike and sports car...I saw one downtown last year...I think they are sweet...different from the norm, thats for sure...

http://spyder.brp.com/en-US/

I've seen them as well! In fact, I saw one in NE Portland last week... first time ever in person. Pretty sweet! If you have a VX and want to stay different, this is definitely a way to go... but I gotta tell ya. $15k is pretty pricey, maybe not for something of this nature, but it's out of my price range... for now.

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufactur...est-61047.html

[MSHardeman]

If you like the CanAm Spyder (and I do) then you have GOT to check out the Trirod.

http://www.trirodmotorcycles.com/

Talk about unique and nasty....this thing is SWEEEEET!! It's a bit pricey at $50k, but it is basically a custom chopper.

[cyronman]

AFTER the class is when I would start looking for something to buy. It doesn't hurt to look around right now if you are serious about it, but I wouldn't buy anything until after passing the class. Think of it as a gift to yourself!!! Definitely look at a used bike. You won't feel as guilty about dropping something you know has been used and that you didn't pay retail for.

First, think about what you want from your motorcycle, i.e. cruising, sport, comfort, distance, etc. Don't just go and buy a bike you think looks cool. Once you get all those in your head, THEN go looking for a bike. Find a few that would really meet your needs. Once you do that, then you should buy the bike that best suits your visual tastes.

[kpaske]

Thanks for all the great tips, everyone. I actually have already taken the safety course and got my rider's license, but it was about 10 years ago, back in Maryland, and I never ended up buying a bike. So I would almost certainly want to take it again here in Washington to get a little practice before heading out into my first morning commute in Seattle area traffic. I have spent quite some time riding mopeds around Thailand if that counts for anything...

I didn't realize the Buell Blast was so small - on the web site of course they all pretty much look the same size. That Spyder is bad*ss, but I guess it's more of a "trike" than a "bike". I'm definitely more partial to two wheels, and I'm thinking a cruiser between say 500 and 800 cc is probably about right for my purposes.

[Spyder]

Where I work, one of my many jobs...

We sell the Johnny Pag.
$4,000 for a chopper, 300cc water cooled.

[Bulldoggie]

I don't know if you found one yet.
I found two.
Earlier a bought a clone of a honda Trail CT70.
Mine is a 90cc 4speed, but you can get as high as 160cc.
The kind with the folding handlebars. It fits in the VX
But I'm going to make a carrier for the hitch.

Yesterday, I came home with a Suzuki Intruder.
11k miles on a 1997 with 1400cc (70hp)
It's a beautiful beast

[taylorRichie]

I have an original 71 CT70... They're fun...

I've always liked the intruders. Remove the back rest (if it has one) and they look great.

[Jolly Roger VX'er]

First, think about what you want from your motorcycle, i.e. cruising, sport, comfort, distance, etc. Don't just go and buy a bike you think looks cool. Once you get all those in your head, THEN go looking for a bike. Find a few that would really meet your needs. Once you do that, then you should buy the bike that best suits your visual tastes.

I bought a 2007 Suzuki V-Strom 650 Dual sport (has since been sold), and it was the perfect bike for my needs and I really liked the styling.

Good luck.. be safe... learn to ride.

sound advice. Although it isn't my first bike (had a HD Sportster years ago), I have money down on a bike I ordered last week and should be in early this week. 2008 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom. Kind of like a VX turned into a motorcycle...lol. Went with Black this time .