Ok, time for a motorbikle :D

[deevergote]

I have 2 cars that take premium gas. I like them both. However, I made two trips to my friend's house yesterday, and burned a quarter tank. My friend doesn't live that far away!

My cars are great for when I NEED a car, like when I'm working... or when I want to carry people or stuff. But when I just need to get somewhere locally, I don't need to be burning all that precious gas!



So, I'm really considering getting a motorcycle. I don't want fast. I don't need powerful. Just something big enough for a 225lb guy like me, and fast enough to get out of its own way!

I do NOT want a sport bike. I want a normal cruiser. I don't need the temptation to go fast with the sporty ones, and the idea of sitting on my junk doesn't appeal to me (I know, they're more comfortable than they look... but still... no)



A Honda Shadow is my ideal bike. However, they're all pretty expensive still. I'd like to spend somewhere around $1000 for one, when I get one (still not licensed, so it's no rush!)


Does anyone have any ideas? Comparable models to look at, reliability issues with various bikes of varying ages (I know bikes don't last as long as cars in terms of mileage), etc... I don't NEED anything really cool looking.

550cc-750cc is the range I'm looking at. I don't need anything huge.

[Gemini]

you are a vehicle hoe......every month you want to add something else to your entourage....the only good thing is that you have a very good explanation for why you NEED it Too bad i'm scared of bikes so i have no opinions... My cuz is getting a Shadow in a couple months.

[NAiL05]

Pshhh pedal power. Cheaper and you dont have to pay for gas.

[deevergote]

True... and that would make my CB7 faster too! (I could be 170lbs for my frame... I'm obese )



And yeah, I do have a fascination with vehicles... I still want a Galant VR4, Trans Am WS6, and a Miata... and a Skyline

[NAiL05]

Yea other benefit was losing weight forgot to add that. Makes me wanna bring my mountain bike up to IL but no bike rack on the car so yea.

[Lil' Whitie]

if ur that worried about gas u need moped bro. just saw one today with a sidecar

but just wondering have u taken saftey in consideration? and how the other drivers going to treat u and not try to drive u off the road? we kinda want u around for the next few years to keep this site in order ya know....

[deevergote]

I'd stick to the back roads... and I know the roads in the area like the back of my hand (I rode my bike EVERYWHERE when I was a kid, until I was 19, in fact... and I drive everywhere for fun). The highways don't appeal to me on a motorcycle!


There are quite a few motorcyles around here though, so people are pretty used to driving with them on the road. I don't drive like an ass in my car, and I'd be even more careful on a bike.

[UrDoneSRH]

im scared to rock a street bike ne more, i crashed hard a few weeks ago, i hit the back brake to hard and that shit threw me off.. i know it was my dumbass mistake, but the speed thrill is too much for me... i had some gnarly road rash that finally healed, but i still ahve big pink spots all over me that are prolly gonna scar pretty good. i wasnt even gooin fast only 40, thats why im scared to ride one again.. ill stick to a car from now on, especially since i know about 5 people who have gotten laid out on theirs lately

[AccordWarrior]

919.

[deevergote]

And UrDoneSRH's story is exactly why I woudln't want a sport bike



That's what I hope to get... well, probably an older model, but that's the Honda Shadow Spirit.
That one is also a bit bigger than I really need... But I like the pic. That has an 1100cc engine.



I may settle for the Rebel. It's a good deal smaller, and brand new they're only $3000. TINY engine, at 250cc (a little less, actually... 234 or something), but I don't need a monster. I might just start with one of those.

[MadSpleen85]

I have always liked the Honda Shadow

And the Honda CB750










Sorry Deev.. I couldnt resist the chance to use this one.. Later

[turbomaxx]

/\ all you buddy! lol.

[hondajeff]

Yea other benefit was losing weight forgot to add that. Makes me wanna bring my mountain bike up to IL but no bike rack on the car so yea.

i put my mtn bike and my bmx into my 4 dr CB7....surely, if you have the will, you can get one mtn bike into yer car.

[TekSi]

Hey Deev, if you wanna start small definitely start with the 250cc. I personally want a bike too, but I'm actually thinking of a little bigger engine. I think you should get a bike that you want obviously, but get something in the range you stated before. Only saying that because as you ride you know you'll get more confidence and may wanna go faster(not much faster, but not granny slow...lol).

Chris's just got his first bike in March, an '03 Honda 919. As much as both of us love the bike, he himself even said that a 919 isn't really a good starter bike. As much as it is a cruiser bike, it's also a sport bike, and is kinda fast, which you said you didn't want.

One of the bikes in the pics you posted pretty much looks like one of our good friend's bikes, but his is an '84, and a 450cc. It's a pretty nice bike too, not a bad starter one.




(edit)Chris now...

like jen said, my 919 is pretty comfortable. i haven't gotten sore or tired at al while riding it. it's got over 100hp and 70-80lb-ft torque, but if you push it you'll only get around 40mpg. they can cost a bunch too (got a good deal on mine). the best thing is the engine is sourced from the cbr900rr, just different cams, has fuel injection, and different tune.

I think a 250 is definitely a better starting bike, it was kinda dumb for me to start with a 919cc bike. only downside to a 250 is if you want something faster, you have to upgrade. a big problem with a 250 is getting to highway speeds if you weigh more than 150lbs.

This is the riding position of my bike, it's not sporty at all
\
http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/146_...photo_08.html#

[Dv8]

Go big or go home.

Now that I am working 12 hour days again, and my licence will probably be expelled, immanent death approaches.