Tell me what bike to buy-I wanted something that didnt empower me to be such a dong

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Automotive Insanity > Cycle Asylum > Tell me what bike to buy-I wanted something that didnt empower me to be such a dong

«‹›786 »

Kenny Rogers: Sep 7, 2007; Chapter One:
When I first saw Sparky, he reminded me of my favorite comb. He was missing a lot of teeth.

PlasticSun posted:

I'd have the DRZ over the KLR. Just wind the piss out of the DRZ engine when you need to get someplace and enjoy a far lighter bike with a better suspension, milage brakes and all that other stuff.

I'm going down there tomorrow (supposed to be 80ish* out), and we're going to swap bikes and go for a ride, and if we thing it's a fair deal, we'll swap titles and bikes on the spot, and meet up in a couple weeks to trade all our assorted spare parts.

If we don't think it's a fair trade, we still get an awesome fall ride in awesome weather in NOVEMBER... =)

# ? Nov 6, 2010 04:16

Adbot: ADBOT LOVES YOU

# ? May 31, 2024 10:28

Korwen: Feb 26, 2003; don't mind me, I'm just out hunting.

what's the general thoughts on 94-01 Honda VFRs around here? The older ones are in my price range for used bikes, and the 98-01 fall just above my price range so still possible with some additional saving. I like their reputation as reliable sport-touring bikes, but I was wondering what the thoughts on owning them were here.

http://sanmarcos.craigslist.org/mcy/2045263981.html

http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/2003759773.html

those were two that caught my eye.

# ? Nov 6, 2010 16:32

ohwandernearer: Jul 15, 2009

PlasticSun posted:

I'd have the DRZ over the KLR. Just wind the piss out of the DRZ engine when you need to get someplace and enjoy a far lighter bike with a better suspension, milage brakes and all that other stuff.

My buddy has a KLR and I have the DRZ. I have ridden both a bunch. Whenever he is on my DRZ I just wish I was on it. The KLR handles a little better at highway speeds/has a better top end, but other than that it has really no upshot that I found.

# ? Nov 6, 2010 17:09

infraboy: Aug 15, 2002; Phungshwei!!!!!!1123

Korwen posted:

what's the general thoughts on 94-01 Honda VFRs around here? The older ones are in my price range for used bikes, and the 98-01 fall just above my price range so still possible with some additional saving. I like their reputation as reliable sport-touring bikes, but I was wondering what the thoughts on owning them were here.

http://sanmarcos.craigslist.org/mcy/2045263981.html

http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/2003759773.html

those were two that caught my eye.

The engines are pretty bulletproof, the 98+ ones have fuel injection which is nice. I'd go for that 2001 model, I wouldn't worry about the mileage too much as long as it's been maintained well enough.

Definitely check to see if the Regulator/Rectifier has been replaced and check the charging system while the bike is running. Hondas just have weak R/Rs from the 90s- early 2000s on most of their bikes.

# ? Nov 6, 2010 17:38

Endless Mike: Aug 13, 2003

Korwen posted:

what's the general thoughts on 94-01 Honda VFRs around here? The older ones are in my price range for used bikes, and the 98-01 fall just above my price range so still possible with some additional saving. I like their reputation as reliable sport-touring bikes, but I was wondering what the thoughts on owning them were here.

http://sanmarcos.craigslist.org/mcy/2045263981.html

http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/2003759773.html

those were two that caught my eye.

I've got a 98 which, while I love, I don't ride nearly enough. It's a bit heavier than I really like, but not so much that it really feels *heavy* (although it's based on riding a DRZ more which is, naturally, much lighter). I haven't had any real issues with it other than the battery discharging after not riding but that's to be expected. I've got a Sargent seat on it which is super comfy, and the gear-driven cams sound fantastic. Do keep in mind that valve checks are supposedly a pain with the V4, although guys on VFRDiscussion have said they rarely, if ever, have to actually adjust them. Aftermarket isn't as good as other models, but there's certainly lots of stuff available. Since they're generally owned by older people, it's not hard to find one in good shape, albeit with relatively high miles (as you've found), but they're rock solid, so no worries about that. The one complaint I have is that it gets really hot when idling in traffic, and the fans draw air in through the side-mounted radiators, so the hot air rises up right between your legs, so it can get uncomfortable. People have swapped the fans with Superhawk fans which blow outward with no negative consequences. Oh, 2000 and 2001 have a catalytic converter, which 98-99 do not, but I don't think it makes any difference on performance other than some added weight. On the flip side, the 98-99 have a manual "choke" while it's automatic on later ones.

# ? Nov 6, 2010 19:24

Kenny Rogers: Sep 7, 2007; Chapter One:
When I first saw Sparky, he reminded me of my favorite comb. He was missing a lot of teeth.

Jabs posted:

I'm going down there tomorrow (supposed to be 80ish* out), and we're going to swap bikes and go for a ride, and if we thing it's a fair deal, we'll swap titles and bikes on the spot, and meet up in a couple weeks to trade all our assorted spare parts.

If we don't think it's a fair trade, we still get an awesome fall ride in awesome weather in NOVEMBER... =)

This may not be the wisest thing I've ever done, but he's going to trailer it up here tomorrow, and we're going to swap bikes - despite the fact that the DRZ runs...sort of...and is rideable...sort of...but it wasn't in good enough shape for me to ride it home.

But, I know I've got quite a few people's DR-liZard brains to pick here, so I'm reasonably confident about the deal, knowing I'm going into winter and will have poo poo to do to the bike in the next few months, no matter which one I have.

So, any warning flags here?
#1. The battery is stone DEAD. We were jumping the bike off of an automotive battery (not off of a car).
#2. The bike likes to die at idle sometimes. Combined with the DOA battery, that was rather irritating. Once I held the throttle at around 40% for a while, it would idle better, but would still die once in a while.
#3. Will die sometimes just off idle, will bog a bit, then rev normally.

The idle issues *really* feel a lot like the old Maxim, and those were cleared up 100% with 3 tanks with Seafoam...Combine that with the seller's recollection that the gas in the tank is approximately 5 months old, and I think we have a winner here.

There are a few mods that the Prior Prior Owner did, like the 3x3 airbox mod and rejet. It had a big bore kit on it, but the PPO said it leaked oil, so he switched the originals back on.
It's the E (high compression) model, with the Baja Designs street-legal kit put on.

Here's some pics.

Thoughts, Warnings, "DUDE! RUN SCREAMING"'s?
The "effective price" is around $1650, considering what I paid for the KLR, and the spare parts that I've gotten for it since (spare triple tree, spare forks, spare stock seat are the big ticket items), and we're talking about a straight across trade - the asking price for the DRZ is $2200, FWIW.

Kenny Rogers fucked around with this message at 02:39 on Nov 7, 2010

# ? Nov 7, 2010 02:37

FuzzyWuzzyBear: Sep 8, 2003

Dead batteries make bikes do all sorts of weird things. Once you get a new battery in there you'll start to really be able to diagnose problems.

# ? Nov 7, 2010 03:57

Z3n: Jul 21, 2007; I think the point is Z3n is a space cowboy on the edge of a frontier unknown to man, he's out there pushing the limits, trail braking into the abyss. Finding out where the edge of the razor is, turning to face the darkness and revving his 690 into it's vast gaze. You gotta live this to learn it bro.

I'd still go for it. Figure a potential few hundred in potential repairs and you'll definitely be good, although it might just need a fresh battery and some fresh gas

The story about the bb kit is off though. Why not just replace the gasket if it's leaking oil?

# ? Nov 7, 2010 04:05

Kenny Rogers: Sep 7, 2007; Chapter One:
When I first saw Sparky, he reminded me of my favorite comb. He was missing a lot of teeth.

Z3n posted:

I'd still go for it. Figure a potential few hundred in potential repairs and you'll definitely be good, although it might just need a fresh battery and some fresh gas

The story about the bb kit is off though. Why not just replace the gasket if it's leaking oil?

my guess is that the PPO was going to sell the bike, and returned the bike to semi-stock prior to sale, with the intent to sell the big bore separately.
It didn't faze me at all, specifically because it sounds like something you'd do, C.

# ? Nov 7, 2010 04:14

Z3n: Jul 21, 2007; I think the point is Z3n is a space cowboy on the edge of a frontier unknown to man, he's out there pushing the limits, trail braking into the abyss. Finding out where the edge of the razor is, turning to face the darkness and revving his 690 into it's vast gaze. You gotta live this to learn it bro.

Yeah but you don't want to buy a bike from my dumb rear end. :v:

Nah it seems legit enough if that was the plan. Does he still have the kit? Would it go with the bike?

# ? Nov 7, 2010 05:01

Kenny Rogers: Sep 7, 2007; Chapter One:
When I first saw Sparky, he reminded me of my favorite comb. He was missing a lot of teeth.

Z3n posted:

Yeah but you don't want to buy a bike from my dumb rear end.

Nah it seems legit enough if that was the plan. Does he still have the kit? Would it go with the bike?

It's not the Prior Owner with it - it's the Prior Prior Owner...

There are parts that will be going with the bike, but not the BB Kit.
The more I read up on DRZ's the more work I remember having being done on the bike, like the honkin Ascerbis tank (that I'm sure NOBODY missed in the picture...), the fact that the 3x3 mod was done in conjunction with a re-jet.

The *current* PO swapped sprockets. Blowing up the original picture, it looks like that's a 47 or 48 on the back (24 teeth on the visible half-sprocket), and a 14 on the front. The stock sprockets will come with, I believe...

More deets tomorrow.

I need a new avatar. It seems the KLR didn't <3 me enough to go on a diet - though I definitely <3ed it when playing in traffic on I-25 on the way home with a black corvette with Look At Me Red brake calipers...but that's a story for the Top 5 Things thread.

Kenny Rogers fucked around with this message at 05:43 on Nov 7, 2010

# ? Nov 7, 2010 05:40

Porkchop Express: Dec 24, 2009; Ten million years of absolute power. That's what it takes to be really corrupt.

I was looking to get an older used bike as my first bike, and I came across this through a friend. It is a 976 Yamaha XS 500, and I think the sale price is going for around $750, give or take. Here are some pictures:

Aside from a few dings here and there, the only things wrong with it is the tach doesn't work, and one of the side covers that say C500 on it has a crack. I checked Ebay and both are available. (And I could probably reapir the crack, seeing as I would want to repaint that awful brown color if I got it.)

The only thing I have read from research is that these apparently wern't the most reliable of bikes? There is another party interested so I have to see what they do, so I may not even get the opportunity to buy it.

# ? Nov 7, 2010 18:18

PlasticSun: Feb 12, 2002; Unnaturally Good

Jabs posted:

It's not the Prior Owner with it - it's the Prior Prior Owner...

There are parts that will be going with the bike, but not the BB Kit.
The more I read up on DRZ's the more work I remember having being done on the bike, like the honkin Ascerbis tank (that I'm sure NOBODY missed in the picture...), the fact that the 3x3 mod was done in conjunction with a re-jet.

The *current* PO swapped sprockets. Blowing up the original picture, it looks like that's a 47 or 48 on the back (24 teeth on the visible half-sprocket), and a 14 on the front. The stock sprockets will come with, I believe...

More deets tomorrow.

I need a new avatar. It seems the KLR didn't <3 me enough to go on a diet - though I definitely <3ed it when playing in traffic on I-25 on the way home with a black corvette with Look At Me Red brake calipers...but that's a story for the Top 5 Things thread.

A fair number of DRZs have some sort of power drain issue which saps the battery if it isn't ridden regularly, I'd try a fresh battery and fresh gas and see how it goes.

# ? Nov 7, 2010 18:37

infraboy: Aug 15, 2002; Phungshwei!!!!!!1123

Man I really kind of want one of these CB700SC bikes.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcy/2047301488.html

If it's in running condition it'd be kind of fun to have, I kind of want to have something I can take apart and practice doing work on, like cleaning carbs, if worse comes to worse and I destroy it i'm only out about 750$ :v.

Also I kind of want to learn how to work on motos as a kind of career eventually, i'm planning on taking a few courses on moto mechanics at the local college.

# ? Nov 8, 2010 03:03

FuzzyWuzzyBear: Sep 8, 2003

infraboy posted:

Man I really kind of want one of these CB700SC bikes.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcy/2047301488.html

If it's in running condition it'd be kind of fun to have, I kind of want to have something I can take apart and practice doing work on, like cleaning carbs, if worse comes to worse and I destroy it i'm only out about 750$ :v.

Also I kind of want to learn how to work on motos as a kind of career eventually, i'm planning on taking a few courses on moto mechanics at the local college.

You could always learn to wrench on your F2. That thing was pretty easy to work on, especially stuff like pulling the carbs.

# ? Nov 8, 2010 15:32

n8r: Jul 3, 2003; I helped Lowtax become a cyborg and all I got was this lousy avatar

Korwen posted:

what's the general thoughts on 94-01 Honda VFRs around here? The older ones are in my price range for used bikes, and the 98-01 fall just above my price range so still possible with some additional saving. I like their reputation as reliable sport-touring bikes, but I was wondering what the thoughts on owning them were here.

http://sanmarcos.craigslist.org/mcy/2045263981.html

http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/2003759773.html

those were two that caught my eye.

You're talking about two different gens of bikes. I've owned two different 5th gen 98-01 VFRs. The valve checking thing is an issue w/ the VTEC 6th gen VFRs. Checking the valves on the gear driven VFRs is the same as any other bike, but you do have two different heads you have to mess with. The VFRs got less and less sporty as the generations went on. The fuel injection is not great on 5th gen VFR, I found the shut/cracked open throttle transistion to be quite surge quite a bit. On my first bike I tried the aftermarket fuel pressure regulator trick, and did not find it helped much. On my second bike I got a power commander and that really helped smooth things out.

The 4th gen VFRs were known for having more trouble with their RRs than the 5th gens. I've never had the chance to ride a 4th gen, but I think I would prefer it because it is a fair bit sportier.

# ? Nov 8, 2010 20:41

BaKESAL3: Nov 7, 2010

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/mcy/2049711233.html

Oh how I wish I had the money to pick this up. The thought of going from a semi-responsible speed-demon to an all out hooligan has me so excited I could scream like a high school girl.

# ? Nov 9, 2010 01:25

Z3n: Jul 21, 2007; I think the point is Z3n is a space cowboy on the edge of a frontier unknown to man, he's out there pushing the limits, trail braking into the abyss. Finding out where the edge of the razor is, turning to face the darkness and revving his 690 into it's vast gaze. You gotta live this to learn it bro.

Probably Hates You posted:

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/mcy/2049711233.html

Oh how I wish I had the money to pick this up. The thought of going from a semi-responsible speed-demon to an all out hooligan has me so excited I could scream like a high school girl.

Way overpriced. Clean or not, it's coming up on 5 years old and is probably worth a lot closer to 3k$.

Here's a better deal:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/mcy/2042741338.html

# ? Nov 9, 2010 01:32

BaKESAL3: Nov 7, 2010

Oh my God.. I... I might just buy this. Thank you! I've always wanted to reenact a KTM commercial on the street. :hellyeah:

# ? Nov 9, 2010 01:43

Z3n: Jul 21, 2007; I think the point is Z3n is a space cowboy on the edge of a frontier unknown to man, he's out there pushing the limits, trail braking into the abyss. Finding out where the edge of the razor is, turning to face the darkness and revving his 690 into it's vast gaze. You gotta live this to learn it bro.

Be aware that it's going to need the valves done in around 2k miles. Use that to bargain him down more.

# ? Nov 9, 2010 01:48

BaKESAL3: Nov 7, 2010

Ooooh you're right, I completely didn't notice that. Thank you!

# ? Nov 9, 2010 02:34

Z3n: Jul 21, 2007; I think the point is Z3n is a space cowboy on the edge of a frontier unknown to man, he's out there pushing the limits, trail braking into the abyss. Finding out where the edge of the razor is, turning to face the darkness and revving his 690 into it's vast gaze. You gotta live this to learn it bro.

It's not a bad deal even at 3k honestly. But why spend more if you don't have to? :v:

# ? Nov 9, 2010 06:37

BaKESAL3: Nov 7, 2010

Exactly, I can easily justify buying it. I've really wanted a supermoto for probably 6 months now and have been setting a little bit aside for one, one dollar at a time.

What sells me is the work that the person has put into this DRZ. You can tell they liked the bike and took care of it. (As far as first impressions go anyways)

# ? Nov 9, 2010 07:40

BlueBayou: Jan 16, 2008; Before she mends must sicken worse

what do you do when the ad says no key
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/2048900916.html

take it to a locksmith?

# ? Nov 9, 2010 07:41

Rontalvos: Feb 22, 2006

BlueBayou posted:

what do you do when the ad says no key
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/2048900916.html

take it to a locksmith?

Pull the ignition and either take that to a locksmith, which I've had very good success with, or buy another ignition that comes with keys and swap them.

# ? Nov 9, 2010 09:17

FlerpNerpin: Apr 17, 2006

Found a sweet Ducati for sale locally...

So I sent the guy an email asking if he wants to trade for a Ducati StreetFighter...

Someone who may be me posted:

Interested in a trade for a 2010 Ducati Streetfigther in red with 7k miles?

seller posted:

I don't understand what u want to trade for, I have a streetfighter with only 3400 miles on it. Let me know

probably me posted:

I want to trade my street fighter for your street fighter so I can have a street fighter to replace my streetfighter

seller posted:

Dude u need help ur a retard why would I do that I have less miles on mine don't waste my time

I guess I don't know the guy selling it then... ah well.

No trade for me.

# ? Nov 10, 2010 05:05

SlightlyMadman: Jan 14, 2005

Ducati riders are weird.

# ? Nov 10, 2010 06:21

BlueBayou: Jan 16, 2008; Before she mends must sicken worse

Spiffness posted:

Found a sweet Ducati for sale locally...

So I sent the guy an email asking if he wants to trade for a Ducati StreetFighter...

I guess I don't know the guy selling it then... ah well.

No trade for me.

I dont get it

^^^ yes they are

# ? Nov 10, 2010 06:28

sirbeefalot: Aug 24, 2004; Fast Learner.; Fun Shoe

So I'm thinking about upgrading when the settlement is all said and done for my 2004 EX250. I don't know if it makes more sense to just take what they offer (will probably be $1800-2000), or to buy the bike back and try and sell it/part it out.

I think an SV650 is something I would be interested in upgrading to, and with prices around the same (less, usually) as a DRZ out here, seems like the better option for my 18 mile one way freeway commute.

How's this one seem? The timing is tight, I don't know if he'll still have it by the time I get my cash monies. Seems like a deal to me, though, and just from the posting it looks like someone with a reasonable head on their shoulders. I really like the look. Any thoughts? What could I talk him down to?

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/mcy/2039437974.html

Or for just a little bit more...
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/2034455245.html :byodood:

sirbeefalot fucked around with this message at 06:48 on Nov 10, 2010

# ? Nov 10, 2010 06:34

Z3n: Jul 21, 2007; I think the point is Z3n is a space cowboy on the edge of a frontier unknown to man, he's out there pushing the limits, trail braking into the abyss. Finding out where the edge of the razor is, turning to face the darkness and revving his 690 into it's vast gaze. You gotta live this to learn it bro.

I'd say around 3k would be a great deal, 3500 is fair, as long as all of the maintenance has been done.

# ? Nov 10, 2010 06:48

americanzero4128: Jul 20, 2009; Grimey Drawer

Edit - nothing to see here.

americanzero4128 fucked around with this message at 07:59 on Nov 10, 2010

# ? Nov 10, 2010 07:54

KozmoNaut: Apr 23, 2008; Happiness is a warm
Turbo Plasma Rifle

BlueBayou posted:

I dont get it

^^^ yes they are

Me neither.

# ? Nov 10, 2010 14:02

FuzzyWuzzyBear: Sep 8, 2003

Spiffness posted:

I guess I don't know the guy selling it then... ah well.

No trade for me.

I give this Craigslist troll a 6/10. Needs more harassment.

# ? Nov 10, 2010 16:00

FlerpNerpin: Apr 17, 2006

Sending people messages on CL asking if they'll trade straight up for a Ducati Streetfighter is a bit of a hobby for me; Usually targeting the worst of the worst ads.

I know most of the Streetfighter and Ducati riders in the Seattle area from events, trackdays, rides and such... it thought it was one of the local guys from DNW selling and I'd harass him a bit.. turns out it wasn't.

Thought it was mildly amusing, carry on.

# ? Nov 10, 2010 17:10

BlueBayou: Jan 16, 2008; Before she mends must sicken worse

Spiffness posted:

Sending people messages on CL asking if they'll trade straight up for a Ducati Streetfighter is a bit of a hobby for me; Usually targeting the worst of the worst ads.

I was going to ask why. But then I read your post history and it all makes sense now.

On topic question:
Can i ride a Honda 90 on the street or is it only for trails?

# ? Nov 10, 2010 18:57

Z3n: Jul 21, 2007; I think the point is Z3n is a space cowboy on the edge of a frontier unknown to man, he's out there pushing the limits, trail braking into the abyss. Finding out where the edge of the razor is, turning to face the darkness and revving his 690 into it's vast gaze. You gotta live this to learn it bro.

BlueBayou posted:

I was going to ask why. But then I read your post history and it all makes sense now.

On topic question:
Can i ride a Honda 90 on the street or is it only for trails?

Some of them are street legal, but figure that top speed is going to be too low for any sort of freeway.

# ? Nov 10, 2010 19:06

Kenny Rogers: Sep 7, 2007; Chapter One:
When I first saw Sparky, he reminded me of my favorite comb. He was missing a lot of teeth.

Z3n posted:

Some of them are street legal, but figure that top speed is going to be too low for any sort of freeway.

Remember, this is BlueBayou we're talking about here...You just totally sold her on the idea. =)

# ? Nov 10, 2010 22:30

BlueBayou: Jan 16, 2008; Before she mends must sicken worse

Jabs posted:

Remember, this is BlueBayou we're talking about here...You just totally sold her on the idea. =)

hahahahahahaa how very true!

The thing about tiny little bikes is that I think i'd look totally ridiculous in my full helmet and black leather jacket riding around town. Full bike gear... tiny little bike. Seems silly, even for me.

So I continue my search for a Honda CB

# ? Nov 10, 2010 23:07

sirbeefalot: Aug 24, 2004; Fast Learner.; Fun Shoe

Going to look at that SV1000 I posted tomorrow. I'm glad I'm looking at that one first, then the 650. That'll make it easier to wait a bit before just deciding on the 1000. Really, even the 650 would be a ridiculous step up.

# ? Nov 11, 2010 04:21

Adbot: ADBOT LOVES YOU

# ? May 31, 2024 10:28

Kenny Rogers: Sep 7, 2007; Chapter One:
When I first saw Sparky, he reminded me of my favorite comb. He was missing a lot of teeth.

BlueBayou posted:

hahahahahahaa how very true!

The thing about tiny little bikes is that I think i'd look totally ridiculous in my full helmet and black leather jacket riding around town. Full bike gear... tiny little bike. Seems silly, even for me.

Could be worse... I look like this...

which isn't bad, really...on a 700 pound, 1700cc cruiser. But on the 300 pound SR250 I look like a gorilla on a pushbike.

# ? Nov 11, 2010 19:44

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Automotive Insanity > Cycle Asylum > Tell me what bike to buy-I wanted something that didnt empower me to be such a dong

«‹›786 »