Getting back into motorcycles

[blissta]

I had a couple motorcycles some years back but its been 20 years since I owned a motorcycle. (Where does the time go?) I'm finally getting back to where I belong- on a motorcycle. I'm pretty sure a sport-tour bike would be perfect, since I want to use it around town but can see myself taking trips too. I live in southern California so I'm pretty sure I will end up using it a good bit. (I borrowed a friends bike to re-familiarize myself with shifting, etc. Best of all I still have that feeling of belonging on a bike.)

So, the issue is, what bike? I don't want to spend more than 10 grand right now. (And spending 5 or 6 thousand would be better.) Doesn't seem like there are too many used sport-touring bikes without looking at bikes sold in the 90's. I can see myself doing some minor work on a motorcycle too, as I get familiar with it. But I don't want to buy a 1990 whatever and have to replace a clutch or re-bore the cylinders or something.

Should I just get the best deal possible on a ST1100, or Concourse and just go with it?

[ScottB]

What about a VStrom?  You can ride it indefinitely as they're super comfortable, it's a torquey mother which actually handles pretty darn well, and it can be had brand new for waaay under 10k.  Also, it's pretty much bomb proof.  I'm pretty sure you could ride head on into a semi truck, and even though you might not walk away, the bike probably would.  

Also it comes in flavors - 650 or 1000cc.  I'm not sure it's as sport-tourista as you're looking for, but it'll certainly do all those things that we ask of sport touring bikes in pretty outstanding fashion (except maybe break 150mph, but seriously, that's asking for an epitaph anyway).

[blissta]

I have looked at those bikes. I haven't seen 1 w/ bags/cases but they could be added to a V-Strom, yes? Also, I've read on these forums that they are not very good 2-up bikes. Do you have an opinion on that?

[ScottB]

There are definitely bags/boxes available, although I'm not sure if Suzuki makes any or if they're all aftermarket.

The only 2-upping I've done on one is with my sister-in-law (all 90 lbs of her) and she had no trouble with it and was still comfortable an hour later.  This was on the big Strom - I don't know how the smaller one would fare or how it would be for say, a full day's riding.

Anyone else know any more about this?

[falconati]

You could save money and get a Vstrom, but the downside is: you'd be riding a Vstrom.

For $5-7k, you can pick up a very wide variety of motorcycles.  Are you leaning towards a Japanese manufacturer?

If so...
Versys
Bandit
Honda ST1XXX

If not...
BMW F650/800GS or older GS/RT

[blissta]

I think Japanese bike for cost and since it is my first bike in a long time it just simplifies things. Think I should be ok cause I'm strong enuf to hold onto and can prob ride a fairly big bike. But, (god forbid) as I'm getting used to it I could drop it.

thanks for the input

[UHOH]

Your're considering a Concourse right off the bat?
Well, if you're a very conservative sort of guy and can hold the throttle impulse, you might be a candidate for
a Bandit 1250s.   Particularly if you have a friend who'll loan a less powerful bike as you become re-acquainted
with riding.  The new 1250s can be had with ABS as an option, which is worth the extra $500, imo.

Otherwise, look at a used VFR800 - highly spoken of and they also look good, just like the Bandits.  
The SV650 'naked' is also excellent, have to add a windscreen.   All 3 are 'comfy.'

[Bryan217]

I'm partial to the VFR. You can still find 07 leftovers. I saw one at my local dealer yesterday for $7999. Not a bad price, but there are better deals to be had. I got mine for $6999 w/ABS.

[falconati]

Totally forgot about the VFR...that would actually be my #1 rec, due to price, weight and features.

[Zerosum]

So, the issue is, what bike? I don't want to spend more than 10 grand right now. (And spending 5 or 6 thousand would be better.) Doesn't seem like there are too many used sport-touring bikes without looking at bikes sold in the 90's. I can see myself doing some minor work on a motorcycle too, as I get familiar with it. But I don't want to buy a 1990 whatever and have to replace a clutch or re-bore the cylinders or something.

Jeez, for 5-6 grand, what CAN'T you get?    Seriously, you can get just about anything at that price range.  

The Concours is a sleeper.  Yeah, it looks like a two-wheeled toaster, but it will scoot along quite nicely in the right hands.  I've gone on rides with experienced C10 riders who left me and my "sportier" VFR in the dust.  All I know about the ST is that it feels about as heavy as a Boss Hoss.    

I agree w/ UHOH, if you're compotent with powered machinery and can restrain your right wrist, the Bandit 1250s would be a great choice.  I've seen clean '07s on Craigslist for $5K.  Just be careful... the thing will wheelie in every gear with little or no effort.  (I test rode one this past summer, it frickin' ruled.   )  You may not dig the minimal wind protection, though.

You could also probably get a used FJR1300 with some miles on it for around $6K.  Maybe?  I've never shopped for one.

Also, re: older bikes, if they've been stored properly, a bike from the 90s is fine.  My '97 VFR750 only had 6,600 miles on it when I bought it in '07.  It had been garaged and looked brand new.  It was like buying a 1 year old bike, not a 10 year old bike.  Lots of people buy bikes, garage them, and for whatever reason never ride them.

[county]

I returned to riding after a 17 year hiatus.  My thinking was to start small so I bought a used BMW F650 with ABS.  Took the ERC and about 15 months (when I knew what I wanted) bought a Blackbird.

I rode that F650 all over the country before buying the Blackbird.

For me, I had no idea what I wanted when I bought that F650.  I was overwhelmed by everything that was available.

[Galo]

Same here....17 year hiatus ditto.

Took the 'intermediate MSF' which is what Team Oregon recommends for 'returning' riders, bought an '01 Triumph Sprint....never regretted it. Easy bike to ride both slow and fast due to it's wide, smooth powerband with lots of torque down low. Great on twisties, nice bags, comfy, long-legger tourer. Stone reliable, too...only things I have had to replace in 30k miles are the consumables and the throttle-position sensor.

'02s through '04s can be had cheap and they are more refined than my '01...smoother tranny, a bit quieter engine. Plus, they just look sweet....curvy, swoopy, a welcome change from the Origami-like Japanese bikes

[bassjones]

I'm not sure I'd recommend a 550 plus pound 100 plus horsepower bike for a rider who hasn't ridden in 20 years...  Take the MSF BRC and see where you are first, then start shopping.  The VFR might be a good option for you because though it's fairly heavy and has more power than normally recommended for newbie riders, it's pretty manageable power and is pretty easy to ride at a relaxed pace if you don't intend to grab a handful of throttle.  Just beware that it will move plenty fast if you intend to, especially roll on speed.  Grab a handful of throttle in 3rd gear and you'll go from 30 - 90 in a hurry.

[Galo]

I'm not sure I'd recommend a 550 plus pound 100 plus horsepower bike for a rider who hasn't ridden in 20 years...  

I am soooooooooo glad I did not follow your recommendations.....
 

[ScottB]

Ooh, yeah.  I forgot about the wicked deals on VFRs - that might actually be a way better way to go.  It's not a ton more power then the 1K Strom, either, and it actually has a lot less torque.

I think it's probably a fair assessment that if you aren't a complete newb (ie: you've had bikes in the past) that you could handle a VFR if you ride sanely.

[Bryan217]

I think it's probably a fair assessment that if you aren't a complete newb (ie: you've had bikes in the past) that you could handle a VFR if you ride sanely.

I'll agree with that. I got back into riding last summer after an almost 15 year hiatus. I went the 40 year old mid-life crisis way though and got an R6. I didn't get in trouble with it, but I realized it's not suited to the riding I want to do. So I sold it this year and got the VFR. It does have more power, but it's easily managed. It's much smoother in every way than my R6 was.

[Mrndt]

I got back in after 23 years, in 2007 bought a M109R Cruiser for the wife to ride on the back of, then bought a 250 Ninja for the Son to learn on (17 Years old with Motorcycle Safety Class), moved him up to a Bandit 1250.  Then about 4 weeks ago sold the M109R and purchased a new 2008 B-King, have not regretted any of them.

[macdiver]

Almost a 20 year break for me as well.  I definitely recommend a riders course to refresh skills and to learn riding strategy.  

Look into a Buell Uly.  New ones can be bought pretty cheap now.  Parts and service will still be available thru HD (no worse then before they dropped Buell).  Good daily commuter and tourer.  I have the firebolt, a little more of an aggressive riding position, but same torquey v-twin.

edited for grammar.

[shawn and gwyn]

you didnt say how big you and your wife are.. inseam.  hight and all that.. if you are short.. the strom isnt going to be somthing you want.. same with buel. or most of the dual sports.  i have gone through two C10s.. loved them.. and they are a great two up bike. but kind of topheavy. 7+ gallons of fuel .  i think one of the best bikes to get started on for someone with a little experiance is a honda CB750.  or a 750 nighthawk.  cheap, fairly powerful, dead reliable, big enough to go down the road with two people on it.. and reasonably comfortable.. save the big bucks for your next bike..

shawn

[propeller]

Just like you, I came back to motorcycling 15 years after I selling my old K100RT. I choose a brand new leftover Concours 10 that I was able to get real cheap. The only problem was that I had to drive it back home 700 miles away. As soon as I left the dealership it was like I never quit riding. It's a strange feeling but I was confident on it from the get go. I went for some training later on (always a good idea even if you ride all the time). Bottom line is that was an excellent bike for riding two-up.

Good luck and welcome back to the sport!