New Guy

[fineout]

Hey everyone, my names shawn, im a senior in college from RI and have been thinking a lot about looking for a bike for the upcoming summer. I have always wanted a motorcycle, a bunch of my friends ride but a most of them ride supersport bikes, which i decided isnt for me.

My dad has a goldwing and i wanted to be able to go on longer trips with him, obviously not as long as he can do with his but i feel like it would be a great experience. Im looking to get a <800cc bike that i could be comfortable on longer rides with for around 4k.

As of now i was thinking an SV650, a versys, fz6 or bandit. Are there any other bikes i should be looking more into?

thanks,

Shawn

[Mr.Black]

Shawn,

Just buy the Bandit. Don't ask these guys. They only speak of Guzzi,  Ducati and other silly things.

Take a safety course. Work within your budget. Take your time looking.

Now, Brown, RISD, URI? Which one?



Here is a couple of suggestions (Not the Bandit)

http://www.motorsportsint.com/showcaseproductdetail.htm?ID=109784&Used=1

http://www.motorsportsint.com/showcaseproductdetail.htm?ID=119548&Used=1

[fineout]

i go to uri for mech. engineering and german language and literature, thanks for the tips ill look into them

[Frankienuckles]

Hello Shawn, I live not to far from you at all. You didn't mention if you had any previous riding experience. If you don't have any or not very much start with a smaller used bike. There are so many different choices that are available. Sv 650's are really nice bikes that you won't "outgrow" to fast, take a look at ninja/ex 500's also as these are pretty nice bike to start out with. The Bandit 600's and Katana 600's aren't to shabby either ( a little heavy ). Good luck shopping and maybe we'll take a ride when this winter crap is done.

[ConPilot1]

Shawn,

Just buy the Bandit. Don't ask these guys.

Don't listen to him either. He has a Bandit and is prejudicial.

I'm a Concours guy but if you're looking for under 800cc's that leaves the  650 WeeStrom for comfort on long rides if you ask me.

BTW, do you have a cat?




Welcome

[Cheddarhead]

Shawn:

1.  Welcome!
2.  Ignore any / all posts having to do with cats, oil, politics, etc....they are a proverbial wasteland.
3.  Lots of great options:  Bandit is good (Saw one listed for sale here on Long Island for $1,500 or so...you'll have to look back to the Oct - November timre frame to find this listing.)  Don't be afraid of either years or miles on a 'cycle...any of the major Japanese brands are damn near bulletproof.  Maintenance is more important / telling.  A naked (unfaired) bike or a dual sport (Kawasaki KLR or equivalent) is a lot better bike to start on than a bike where a tipover results in a thousand dollars worth of damaged plastics.
4.  Take the MSF course.
5.  Buy the best gear you can find.  Skimp on the bike first / before you cut corners on gear.  Hell, some of us may have stuff which could outfit you perfectly well for a bargain.   Post up with what ya have / what ya need / sizes etc...Nothing wrong with used textile jackets / riding pants as long as you clean em first.
6.  Read #5 again.  This goes double for your helmet.
7.  In all things...ride your own ride.  Don't let others lead you / push you / tempt you to ride over your head...you have a lifetime to learn to ride well.  Start immediately and feed the passion for the next 50 years!
8.  Riding well = "smooth".  "Speed" isn't about power / displacement...it's all about how smooth you are on the bike..on the throttle...on and off the brakes.

I'm just north of you...in SE Massachusetts.  Would be pleased to ride with you when this damned ice melts!

Cheddar

[ConPilot1]

Sound advice from Cheddarhead except for #2. Otherwise he's spot on.

[vulcanbill]

Welcome.  What are your stats?  Height, weight, inseam, build?  These simple bits of knowledge can dramatically change what your comfort zone might include.  

Good luck fishing through the junk posts to get the answers you're looking for.  Some of them might actually be helpful, relevant and not include obscure references to ancient inside jokes that you wouldn't understand in MONTHS of researching this site but which are still posted in what can only be an effort to increase post count.  

This is a tough place to be a new guy.  Hold on tight and it might be worth it if you're patient.

[fineout]

inside jokes and the like dont bother me, ive spent a lot of time on much worse boards. thanks for being welcoming though guys.

@vulacanbill Im 6'1 around 200lbs and im not really sure about inseam..maybe like 32-34" and of average build

@cheddarhead i hear you 100% on the gear and msf class, im doing the class that comes with taking your lisence in RI and then finding an MSF class as well before i start hitting the road very much. also i understand your thing about dont let anyone else push you to ride out of your comfort zone, i lost a friend because of that a few years ago and even though i didnt/dont yet ride thats one thing i can definately count on not doing.

again thanks guys good to be here  

[kyzrex]

+1 on looking at a naked bike.  Replacing broken plastic can get real expensive.  All of the bikes you mentioned are good choices.  Don't forget about some of the older bikes as well. Your idea of staying in the mid-sized area is a good one.   A ninja 650 is another one to look at.

Especially if you plan on doing some touring....get GOOD gear.  Not only will it last longer, it will be more comfortable.  

Good like, welcome, and have fun.

[vulcanbill]

Well, since you're tall enough, might I recommend an already nicely kitted 650 V-Strom offered by our very own Scratch:  I'm guessing he could make your price requirement happen and if you're nearby, this would be an awesome fly and ride opportunity.  You're welcome and contrats on your new bike...

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,58593.0.html


edit:  I just remembered you're new to riding too so maybe you just pay someone to bring it to you.  That's way more doable than you might think around these parts.  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

edit:  I just remembered you're new to riding too so maybe you just pay someone to bring it to you.  That's way more doable than you might think around these parts.  

I'll ride it up for you. I have references!!  

[Cheddarhead]

I'll ride it up for you. I have references!!  

But she also has two (count 'em...TWO) cycles in the "Hospital"...

Just sayin'  

But if / when it comes to that...I still have to retrieve my GS from Chateau neuf de Chorne, too...  We could work a drive / ride / drive thingie over a long weekend.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

But she also has two (count 'em...TWO) cycles in the "Hospital"...

Just sayin'  

   


FYI, I've successfully delivered three motorcycles for other people, the longest trip being from Irvine, CA to Seattle, WA  

[Cheddarhead]

 


FYI, I've successfully delivered three motorcycles for other people, the longest trip being from Irvine, CA to Seattle, WA  

Touched a nerve?



I know...it's just "too quiet..." around here, and we need to kick it up a notch during these long cold winter months....since the Jets have lost and the Steelers soon will (Go PACK!), there will be hardly anything to be woofing about....so, it's either this, or take Raj off ignore (shudders...).

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Touched a nerve?

Slightly    Tarnishing my good reputation, you are  

[Mr.Black]

Slightly    Tarnishing my good reputation, you are  

Do you even have a motorcycle? Have you ever used super glue???????

Huh?????

Damn I hope spring comes early.

[phoenix]

a belated welcome aboard Shawn. The world needs LOTS more mechanical engineers.

Your bike direction looks good to me. Have fun shopping.

[cbsnbiker]

Back to the OP:

Welcome!

I recommend that you take the MSF course before buying a bike.

Why? Because after the course you'll have a better idea of what you want to have as a first bike.

I can't tell you how often I have had students in my MSF classes who have bought (or have been given) bikes before the class, then, by the end of the class, realize that the bike is completely wrong for him or her.

So, go shopping, do some research, kick some tires, take the course, *then* make your purchase.

One last thought: don't think of your first bike as being your pride and joy. Think of your first bike as being the bike you learn on and make mistakes on. Make it the one you don't mind dropping and getting scratched up. You can always trade it in or sell it after a few months or a year if you so desire. I know people who have been overwhelmed because they bought bikes that were too much to handle; or who have bought the bike of their dreams, tipped it over, and suffered thousands of dollars of repairs and repainting to put it back into pristine shape.

Happy shopping and happy riding!

[fineout]

Im definately taking an MSF course, in RI you have to take a riding course to get a lisence and they are based on the MSF standards. if i can sign up for the next level a little bit after my intro class/lisence im going to try that too.

[cbsnbiker]

I read in an earlier message that you plan to take the MSF course. I think this is a great idea.

I learned how to ride by taking the MSF course. I entered the course to find out if I was interested in riding. I was so blown away by it that by the end of the course, not only did I know that I wanted to ride, but that I wanted to teach the course. I have done do now for over a decade.

My bigger point is to recommend that you take the course *before* making a purchase.

Have fun!

[fineout]

Just sent in my application to take my MSF course on april 2nd! cant wait to actually be a part of the motorcycling community  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Just sent in my application to take my MSF course on april 2nd! cant wait to actually be a part of the motorcycling community  

 

Pretty cool stuff coming your way! I finally was able to ride to work this morning

[Akumu]

Just sent in my application to take my MSF course on april 2nd! cant wait to actually be a part of the motorcycling community  

Welcome to the addiction.