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Good, inexpensive, starter bike (motorcycle)

C

cmantle1

Free Member
No not dirtbikes, street bikes...and NOT a crotch rocket, lol.

im lookin to get something for cruisin, no long trips, and i dont mind doing work to turn nothin into something....any suggestions?

i really like the look of the harley fat bobs, im lookin to spend like 4 grand? or is that just not realistic?
thanks
 
4 grand you can buy a real nice used Jap bike that doesn't need work and is fairly new.

Or for 1-2 grand buy an 80s era bike. Maxims, Honda Cb family, etc.

don't waste your time and money on a Harley if you want a cheap ready to commute bike.
 
Well if i had that kind of cash to spend i would look for and 1985 Yamaha maximum x or a Honda v45 both well under your price. also a Suzuki madura also of the 80's vintage. the early 90's Suzuki intruder was also a great bike and can be found for around 2500. that being said i would never look at that style of bike again I went to a sport touring setup and it was the best move i ever made. not a full blown crotch rocket but has the looks of one and comfort that will still put 500 mile days behind you with a smile. take a look at some of the late 90's Kawasaki zx6 and 11 series. the Honda blackbird was one of the best too but not for a newbie unless you can give it due respect :beer;
 
KLR 650 :)

Cheap, parts are -everywhere-, do decent both on and off road. Heavier than a dirt bike, but waaaay lighter than a harley.

Bunch of guys on advrider.com have them; I even considered one for a while.
 
If you need it to be reliable, make sure it says KTM on the side!
 
For a starter bike/newbie... stay away from the crotch rockets... we don't need any more bad statistics.... with that being said... look for something under or around 650 ccs... It is easier on your wallet when you lay down your bike... also don't get hung up on the more is better... after a few years of riding and getting used to a less powerful motorcycle, the mechanics of riding, etc you can bump up to something in the 990+ cc range... Ducati, Aprilia, Yamaha, etc... I would not be caught dead on a HD... a waste of metal IMO...

Best of luck and gear up for every ride, especially the short ones down to the corner store...

:cool:

Once you get hooked it's all good...


3202005136cu2.jpg
 
I went from a cruiser to a sport and now a sport tour BMW r1100rs. Like AJ said, when you want to cuise it is comfortable but when you are by yourself you can get a little fast and have some fun.
 
I_OWN_U said:
If you need it to be reliable, make sure it says KTM on the side!
Click to expand...
:D +1

ThrillSeeker said:
I would not be caught dead on a HD... a waste of metal IMO...

Best of luck and gear up for every ride, especially the short ones down to the corner store...
Click to expand...
+1 for both points (+2 total). Harleys are -way- overrated IMO.

And yes, ATGATT. Good helmet, jacket, gloves, boots will save you a lot of pain when you're sliding on asphalt.
 
Mule said:
:D +1

+1 for both points (+2 total). Harleys are -way- overrated IMO.

And yes, ATGATT. Good helmet, jacket, gloves, boots will save you a lot of pain when you're sliding on asphalt.
Click to expand...

For sure.. its not "IF" you will go down... its "WHEN"
 
An overrated piece of metal...:rolleyes:

As overrated as it maybe, it's fun to ride and the ladies seem to like it.

HD FatBoy......

l_c8bf4131d0d8ae1e082a265dda32f5e0.jpg
 
Like other have said...1980's yamaha xj maxim. I picked mine up for $800 off craigslist, nothing wrong with it. I had some down time from shoulder surgery so I bobbed it (probably ~$2000 into the project after it's all said and done)...fun little bike. I still have to do some painting, chrome the fender, and put on my chrome exhaust...but I still get a lot of looks and compliments. lol even some people tell me "nice harley"

xj_1.JPG xj_2.JPG 4901_508077397825_116400683_30327416_4884266_n.jpg 4901_508077392835_116400683_30327415_6767103_n.jpg
 
My sister-in-law has a Yammie cruiser 600 for sale. Too bad you don't live around here. She was asking to just pay off the balance ($4800) but it has been sitting for a few months like that. Lotsa lookers, no takers. If I had the cash I'd get it for a commuter bike in the Summer to save on fuel. She said it gets somewhere between 50-60mpg at speeds up to 80mph. Its a nice looking bike, brown with some gold and a little bling. It has one of those tall windshields too.
 
Go to Craigslist in your state & check for deals. Thats where I get all of mine from. Usually 80's era Honda's, Suzuki's or Yamaha's. I buy ones for $500 or less & put a few $$'s in them & enjoy. Someone usually asks me if I want to sell, & then I start all over again.
 
mynameislance said:
Like other have said...1980's yamaha xj maxim. I picked mine up for $800 off craigslist, nothing wrong with it. I had some down time from shoulder surgery so I bobbed it (probably ~$2000 into the project after it's all said and done)...fun little bike. I still have to do some painting, chrome the fender, and put on my chrome exhaust...but I still get a lot of looks and compliments. lol even some people tell me "nice harley"
Click to expand...

That keeps looking better and better. Can't wait till it's "done"
 
Mule said:
KLR 650 :)

Cheap, parts are -everywhere-, do decent both on and off road. Heavier than a dirt bike, but waaaay lighter than a harley.

Bunch of guys on advrider.com have them; I even considered one for a while.
Click to expand...

That is my bike... It does everything, blasting down the interstates at 75-80 mph, cruising back roads, climbing up forrest roads and it does pretty good on single track too. Nothing too crazy, but hey, it is a KLR... ha ha

The SV650's are a really good bike. If I was able to control myself, I would have one, but I can't so I don't.

Another bike to look at are the Suzuki Bandits. They made a 600 and 1200 version.

IMO, stay with a 600. They have plenty of power, more then you would expect (as long as you stay away from the air cooled v-twins) and your insurance will be cheaper too.

As said before... ATGATT. You WILL go down!!! I have witnessed a guy going down in front of me, it wasn't pretty. I have also been hit by cars too. About once a week some cager tries to occupy the same space that I am. A good way to look at it, is that everyone is out there to kill you! Seriously... I even hit a fricken bird last week. How the heck does that even happen? :confused:
 
My First Bike. Its been fun to commute on and I take the wife to lunch and dinner on every now and then.

Yamaha Virago XV750

downsized_0420091001.jpg
[/IMG]
 
mynameislance said:
Like other have said...1980's yamaha xj maxim. I picked mine up for $800 off craigslist, nothing wrong with it. I had some down time from shoulder surgery so I bobbed it (probably ~$2000 into the project after it's all said and done)...fun little bike. I still have to do some painting, chrome the fender, and put on my chrome exhaust...but I still get a lot of looks and compliments. lol even some people tell me "nice harley"
Click to expand...

i like that alot man, when you bobbed it did you just get a kit to do it?

also, thanks everyone for the input.
 
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