Current gas prices are making me seriously considering taking up motorcycle riding as way to beat the high fuel prices. I'm 36 years old & never rode a motorcycle before. I plan on taking a motorcycle safety course here in a couple of months. From what I've read, & the type of riding i want to do, I think a 750cc Japanese cruiser (Honda Shadow or Yamaha V-Star) is what i'm looking in to (I really don't want a Harley right now for my first bike). Anyways, I just want to see other people thoughts on bikes in general, as there seems to be no active bike related threads here, so I thought I'd start one...
Motorcycles...
- Thread starter eldi
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Motorcycling is a lifestyle activity and a sport and not something that I'd recommend just to save gas, however, you should take the course and see how you like it.
If you really end up liking it (you'll learn to love it, or hate it) you will be better prepared to choose a bike after taking the course.
As a beginner, you can't go wrong with a mid size Japanese cruiser.
If you really end up liking it (you'll learn to love it, or hate it) you will be better prepared to choose a bike after taking the course.
As a beginner, you can't go wrong with a mid size Japanese cruiser.
Riding has been something I've been interested in a while, but never really had the money to try to pursue until now really. I get so envious when I see folks riding their bikes around on a really nice sunny day. If I was wanting to do it just solely for the gas savings, I'd get a scooter. But, I'd think many chics would rather hook up with a dude on a bike than someone riding a scooter. And I've heard that a bike handles better @ highway speeds, & my machismo wouldn't be in question, but I'm sure there will still be some that will debate that (lol)
One thing you need to take into account is the overall maintenance costs and the costs of safety gear. It's been found that, after all those costs have been figured, you're usually better off getting an OLD toyota or honda that gets 30 some-odd MPG. Also, the WAY you drive has more impact on MPG than what you drive. Most people have a hard time changing their habits, though. I started riding the bus. $45 a month (plus the cost of fuel for the 3 miles a day I DO drive) vs. nearly $40 a DAY to drive my gas guzzling truck to and from work.
P.S. if you're looking to save money, overall, you should get a bike under 600cc, as that's where the "cut-off" is for insurance companies. Sure, smaller bikes "seem" like less fun, but if you check out "supermotos", you'll find that it IS more fun to ride a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow. A used enduro bike is also a good way to get started.
P.S. if you're looking to save money, overall, you should get a bike under 600cc, as that's where the "cut-off" is for insurance companies. Sure, smaller bikes "seem" like less fun, but if you check out "supermotos", you'll find that it IS more fun to ride a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow. A used enduro bike is also a good way to get started.
Setzer
Well-known member
Those Jap cruisers are easy enough on the gas but they are slow and handle real bad.
I sold my Harley not so long ago (Roadking Classic 1450cc) and I will never buy another Harley EVER again.I would really strongly advise against one as they are far too heavy and handling is awful plus parts are unbelievably expensive.
I would go for maybe a mid size Jap commuter type bike,maybe a Suzuki GS 500 or something like that as they are really reliable cheap to fix are quick enough and pretty easy on the gas.
Although BMW bikes are superb and you can buy an older one pretty cheaply and they last FOREVER.I have a R1150GS now(the big enduro type one) and I think I will have it forever.
If you think your gas prices are expensive you should spare a thought for all the poor UK residents our gas prices are around 4 times US prices.
I sold my Harley not so long ago (Roadking Classic 1450cc) and I will never buy another Harley EVER again.I would really strongly advise against one as they are far too heavy and handling is awful plus parts are unbelievably expensive.
I would go for maybe a mid size Jap commuter type bike,maybe a Suzuki GS 500 or something like that as they are really reliable cheap to fix are quick enough and pretty easy on the gas.
Although BMW bikes are superb and you can buy an older one pretty cheaply and they last FOREVER.I have a R1150GS now(the big enduro type one) and I think I will have it forever.
If you think your gas prices are expensive you should spare a thought for all the poor UK residents our gas prices are around 4 times US prices.
clutch71
Well-known member
Actually insurance cost are reduced under 1000cc. If you plan riding a passenger I recommend 800cc or higher. I would look at a couple of other items before you consider any type of bike; storage capacity and resale value.
If you need to take items to work, say a laptop, paper work, an extra change of clothes, coffee, your lunch, or all the above you want something with storage; preferably that locks.
If you want something as a starter bike and you want something bigger down the road. Might be an option if you want a passenger and comfort your you and them. Man I wish I had a bike when I was single!
Anywho, I wouldn't rule out an 883 sportster. Not much for storage (you can add saddlebags if you'd like) and the resale value is better than most other bikes.
Your on the right path taking a safety course first. The Harley Davidson Riders Edge is a great course. More expensive than most state run courses. Easier to get into and more attention is paid to the rider. I thouroughly enjoyed the HD course I took and learned a lot. My first bike was a 1200 Roadster and I never dropped it; although I was rear ended.
Riding is dangerous. Beware idiots on cell phones and never take you hands off the bars at stop lights!
Good luck.
If you need to take items to work, say a laptop, paper work, an extra change of clothes, coffee, your lunch, or all the above you want something with storage; preferably that locks.
If you want something as a starter bike and you want something bigger down the road. Might be an option if you want a passenger and comfort your you and them. Man I wish I had a bike when I was single!
Anywho, I wouldn't rule out an 883 sportster. Not much for storage (you can add saddlebags if you'd like) and the resale value is better than most other bikes.
Your on the right path taking a safety course first. The Harley Davidson Riders Edge is a great course. More expensive than most state run courses. Easier to get into and more attention is paid to the rider. I thouroughly enjoyed the HD course I took and learned a lot. My first bike was a 1200 Roadster and I never dropped it; although I was rear ended.
Riding is dangerous. Beware idiots on cell phones and never take you hands off the bars at stop lights!
Good luck.
I'm in/around Phoenix, AZ. Insurance is crazy out here. Progressive wanted $145 MORE/yr to insure my XR650R than it would've been to insure a SVX550. The XR's make around 45hp stock, the 550 arond 70. I asked the girl about it(on the phone), she said their rates go up @ 600cc and above. I tried to explain, but it was no use.clutch71 said:
clutch71
Well-known member
carlsoti said:
Forgot that insurance varied from state to state.
You being from Phoenix reminded me of another caution about motorcycles...having the right clothes for the trip. I rented a Dyna Wide Glide out of Mesa, AZ and headed down to Tucson. It was Feb and about 82 degress when I took off. I had warm gloves and coat but about froze to death on SR79 between the Oro Valley and Florence which is 55 miles of nothing. My jeans just didn't cut it. The cold started in my legs and spread to my chest. By the time I got to fFlorence to warm up with a cup of coffee, the gas station attendant said, "On the house" but what I think he meant was, "you dumb a$$!"
clutch71 said:
+1 . When the weather is good for riding , you also get the spring crop of 17 - 18 year olds that just don't to seem to see a motorcycle .
Keep your whits about you and expect anyone in a car to end your day . They may well . Proper gear will save your life . (The dad in me talkin':shock
I've kicked a door or two in my time and they were surprised as hell that I was there .
And NEVER do LSD and get on a motorcycle .....No matter HOW good an Idea it seems at the time .
Dont wanna eat a peach .
It's all fun and games .......
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