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timn posted:Would something similar in size and power to Ninja 650 still be appropriate for a starter bike or is that pushing it? Would something a bit smaller like a GS500 definitely be a smarter pick? Like a lot of others I'm interested in getting as many years as possible out of a first bike before wanting something more, but I understand the need to be conservative. I'd say the Ninja 650 is a fine starter bike as much as a GS500. I started on a GS500 and still ride it among my other bikes, but it's a bit low-tech and the Ninja 650 would likely be better in the longer run. Ninja 650 is fuel injected, and has better tire options, the valve adjustment interval is 26000 miles or something as well.
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Mar 23, 2011 01:22
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timn posted:Would something similar in size and power to Ninja 650 still be appropriate for a starter bike or is that pushing it? Would something a bit smaller like a GS500 definitely be a smarter pick? Like a lot of others I'm interested in getting as many years as possible out of a first bike before wanting something more, but I understand the need to be conservative. I'd avoid recommending a 650 without some form of previous riding experience, or seeing the person ride first. The GS500 won't loop out on you without some serious coaxing, the 650 can definitely lift the front with a nice snap of the throttle in first gear. Don't think of bikes as "getting many years of riding" out of them, the objective of a first bike is simple: Give you the most forgiving platform to develop the experience you need to keep you safe. Dumping it after the first year is pretty much expected. Buy accordingly. It's not like a car where you get really invested in it.
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Mar 23, 2011 01:25
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timn posted:Would something similar in size and power to Ninja 650 still be appropriate for a starter bike or is that pushing it? Would something a bit smaller like a GS500 definitely be a smarter pick? Like a lot of others I'm interested in getting as many years as possible out of a first bike before wanting something more, but I understand the need to be conservative. I believe the 650r has about 70 hp, which puts it right on the upper limit for suggested new-rider power. You'd have to be very mindful of your control inputs until your muscle memory built up for small adjustments. I'd personally recommend against it, because there's bound to be at least one time where you accidentally hamfist the throttle, which would be very bad for a new rider with 70hp.
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Mar 23, 2011 01:30
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timn posted:Would something similar in size and power to Ninja 650 still be appropriate for a starter bike or is that pushing it? Would something a bit smaller like a GS500 definitely be a smarter pick? Like a lot of others I'm interested in getting as many years as possible out of a first bike before wanting something more, but I understand the need to be conservative. First bike is just that, a first bike. Why do you want to ride just one bike for many years? Russian Bear fucked around with this message at 02:38 on Mar 23, 2011 |
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Mar 23, 2011 02:35
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timn posted:Would something similar in size and power to Ninja 650 still be appropriate for a starter bike or is that pushing it? Would something a bit smaller like a GS500 definitely be a smarter pick? Like a lot of others I'm interested in getting as many years as possible out of a first bike before wanting something more, but I understand the need to be conservative. Actually most people like swapping around bikes pretty often. You can do this cheaply or even make a little money if you buy wisely. Chances are you'll bang up/drop your first bike. Don't go out and buy something in shiny shape and spend a bunch of money on it.
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Mar 23, 2011 03:42
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I've been riding for less than two years and have owned four different motorcycles already, all of which were very different from each other.
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Mar 23, 2011 04:32
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Thanks for the input, I'll definitely look at smaller bikes then.
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Mar 23, 2011 04:59
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Bought that Ninja 500 I posted on the last page for 850. I think I made out okay, because it drives fine, and starts up without to much trouble. Has 35,000 miles on it, needs the valves checked and probably new tires. I'm going to attempt to do the valves with my brother, and maybe do some body work with my friend, new paint and what not. Seems like it will be a fine first bike. edit- The more I think about it, the more I feel like I should back out of the deal. After new tires, the valve adjustment, new chain, and all other maintenance I will be set back more than a few bucks. It's probably better to keep shopping and find one that is a little newer and has better maintenance. Ethox fucked around with this message at 15:16 on Mar 23, 2011 |
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Mar 23, 2011 14:30
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Ethox posted:Bought that Ninja 500 I posted on the last page for 850. I think I made out okay, because it drives fine, and starts up without to much trouble. Has 35,000 miles on it, needs the valves checked and probably new tires. I'm going to attempt to do the valves with my brother, and maybe do some body work with my friend, new paint and what not. Seems like it will be a fine first bike. I personally don't feel like that's a bad deal. Figure $300 in tires, a few hours of your time in the valve adjustment, same with the plastic repair, and $80 or so in a chain and you've got a reliable beater that you don't care about dropping. $1100 for the bike and if you take decent care of it you should be able to sell it for around that when you want to move up. But this all depends on your level of mechanical ability. If you do a good job on the repaint, you could even potentially see more than that out of it. But I probably wouldn't bother to paint it, just ride it.
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Mar 23, 2011 15:24
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Ethox posted:edit- The more I think about it, the more I feel like I should back out of the deal. After new tires, the valve adjustment, new chain, and all other maintenance I will be set back more than a few bucks. It's probably better to keep shopping and find one that is a little newer and has better maintenance. Yeah, figure about ~350 bucks extra after all this is said and done. As a starting price, I wouldn't pay more than 700 for that bike if it needed all the consumables changed, plus the valve adjustment. edit: Huh, I guess the market for 500s is cheaper around here
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Mar 23, 2011 15:24
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I've finally decided to buy a proper bike. I've been riding a 300cc scooter for the past couple of years, with a little over 20000km on the clock, I'm starting to feel the need for more power on larger roads, but I'm unsure what to look for. I'm tempted to get something in the upper end of recommended power for beginners, but would something like an sv650 or er6n/f be too much for me? I should also add that I have a full European motorbike licence so I have experience with changing gears etc.
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Mar 23, 2011 15:44
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Mr White posted:I've finally decided to buy a proper bike. I've been riding a 300cc scooter for the past couple of years, with a little over 20000km on the clock, I'm starting to feel the need for more power on larger roads, but I'm unsure what to look for. I'm tempted to get something in the upper end of recommended power for beginners, but would something like an sv650 or er6n/f be too much for me? You should be fine on a 650. Just respect the throttle and you'll be fine.
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Mar 23, 2011 17:41
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I was wondering if this was a scam. sounds too good to be true. http://athensga.craigslist.org/spo/2275226209.html
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Mar 24, 2011 00:51
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Whenever I see a CL add that loads 1 huge image, I assume its a scam.
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Mar 24, 2011 01:21
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I've seen those too. Love the key words:CL Scammer posted:"The feasibility, you mean to say," replied Barbican, "not exactly of sending a bullet to the Moon, but of sending it to the neutral point between the Earth and the Moon, which lies at about nine-tenths of the
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Mar 24, 2011 01:40
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Ive seen 500's in nice shape with new tires for 1200. One 05 had 3,000 miles on it and they wanted 1650. Who knows what gremlins will pop up, and what has been done in that 35,000 mile time span. I am mechanically inclined, but Id still be worried about loving something up. I'm just gonna keep on shopping till I find a better deal.
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Mar 24, 2011 03:14
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xd posted:I was wondering if this was a scam. sounds too good to be true. There's an R1 that keeps popping up in my local craigslist for 1900 that's an obvious scam, this one I don't know... looks fishy.
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Mar 24, 2011 03:41
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I've been talking with the owners of these bikes (both the same distance from me; just in opposite directions): 2001 GS500 $1650 1992 GS500 $1200 Both have been dropped once, have clean titles and both owners seem to be on top of maintenance. However, according to their owners, the 92 needs a new head light and tires and the 01 would eventually need a new chain and front fork shocks "recharged" (I know you can rebuild them or replace them, but recharge I've never heard of). Now the 01 owner says the valves are hydraulic and thus never need adjustment; is this true? Based on this; which bike should I go with/go to first? I'd like to see both before making a decision, but the 92 owner is moving and wants the bike gone by Sunday.
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Mar 24, 2011 05:40
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Ethox posted:Ive seen 500's in nice shape with new tires for 1200. One 05 had 3,000 miles on it and they wanted 1650. Who knows what gremlins will pop up, and what has been done in that 35,000 mile time span. I am mechanically inclined, but Id still be worried about loving something up. I'm just gonna keep on shopping till I find a better deal. If your market for 500s is that good, then yeah, by all means, wait. Out here they tend to be priced a bit higher. Commodore 64, don't buy the first one. The owner's an idiot, the valves must be done fairly regularly on those bikes or else they burn valves. I'd say show up with 900-1000$ to the second one, you know you've kinda got him over a barrel.
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Mar 24, 2011 06:19
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I'm looking to get my first bike, and was wondering if you guys think the price for this XL250 is fair and/or if you have any input on XL250s in general. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/honda-xl250-5399-original-miles-super-nice-/160562576254?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item2562467b7e#ht_500wt_1182
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Mar 24, 2011 19:26
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How do gs500's and ninja 500's stack up to each other?
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Mar 24, 2011 20:36
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Fuzzy Pipe Wrench posted:How do gs500's and ninja 500's stack up to each other? GS500 has two valves per cylinder, Ninja 500 has four and more refinement and power because of it. I'd go for the Ninja. EDIT: vvv Of course, I forgot that tiny little detail 
KozmoNaut fucked around with this message at 22:29 on Mar 24, 2011 |
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Mar 24, 2011 20:54
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Also the GS is aircooled and the Ninja is water cooled.
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Mar 24, 2011 21:42
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I remember some moto rag pitting them against each other, and (based on the mid-00's generation, I think) the EX ended up having a bit more power and better brakes. Not really something you would notice as a novice, but the differences are there.
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Mar 24, 2011 23:10
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It's first bike time. I've bicycled to work last summer, but due to a schedule change I need something there that will get me there in a reasonable time without sucking down a ton of gas. Since the wiki isn't there anymore for good first bikes, I'm looking for something and googling it later. These look promising, tell me what you think. http://boise.craigslist.org/mcy/2280969764.html http://boise.craigslist.org/mcy/2284357046.html http://boise.craigslist.org/mcy/2282563540.html savesthedayrocks fucked around with this message at 02:40 on Mar 25, 2011 |
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Mar 25, 2011 02:10
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I've been thinking about getting a newer bike form what I've got now (new job yay!), and stumbled across this one for sale at a local dealer: http://www.cycletrader.com/find/listing/2009-Suzuki-GS500F--97510031 Its an 09 but I went and checked it out in person briefly, and it only has 15 miles on it. The price on it is only a little more than people are asking for several year old models around here, and I'm betting that I can get almost that price for it during the summer if I'm not feeling it later on. I'm still definitely a new rider, I'm just looking for something newer than my current ride.
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Mar 25, 2011 07:02
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oXDemosthenesXo posted:I've been thinking about getting a newer bike form what I've got now (new job yay!), and stumbled across this one for sale at a local dealer: http://www.cycletrader.com/find/listing/2009-Suzuki-GS500F--97510031 $3,400 is MSRP with the deal Suzuki is doing through the end of the month, which is 1k off quite a few of their bikes. I've seen some for 3k and a couple at even under 3k, which is crazy. You do have to factor in tax, and fees they will tack on, so ask about the out the door price. If you can get it for $3400 out the door, that would be a pretty good deal. I think the GS500 is the hidden starter bike. Lots of people mention 250s to people new to motorcycling, the ninja 250, the soon to be CBR250 and the various cruiser 250s for those who don't think they'll like a sport bike. The GS is overlooked, which is good if you want one, since there are tons of leftover models that can go for cheap if you want a new one.
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Mar 25, 2011 21:55
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I like my GS500 a lot, even if you upgrade later it still makes a great commuter bike to keep along with other bikes. Also how stupid would this be? http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=362127 I'm considering offering him 2000$
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Mar 28, 2011 05:05
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BradleyJamers posted:Good GS500 advice. Well some dipshit knocked my current bike over while it was parked some time this weekend, so I'll be distracted with fixing the odds and ends on that for a little while. Goddamn street parking. At only seems to have done some light cosmetic damage, but since the fall broke the clutch lever I can't ride it.
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Mar 29, 2011 02:44
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So I've been thinking about buying a motorcycle to commute to work now that gas is ridiculous and won't be cheaper any time soon. It's about a 25 mile commute one way and it's all highway. What would be a good, reliable, cheap starter bike for my needs? I have no idea where to even start looking. Also, would it be at all possible to get something for $1,000-$1,500, or am I asking for way too much? What kind of gas mileage would I see? Also, how hot does riding get? Dress code here is business casual, in the summer I typically wear a polo shirt and dress slacks.
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Mar 29, 2011 16:49
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Grenyarnia posted:So I've been thinking about buying a motorcycle to commute to work now that gas is ridiculous and won't be cheaper any time soon. It's about a 25 mile commute one way and it's all highway. If you read this thread, you will get the usual suspects. But... A '90s Kawasaki EX500 / a/k/a "Ninja 500". You can still buy them new, but an old one is as cheap as you want, down to maybe $500 (but the market in your area may be different). ~60mpg Fairly warm, but textile (as opposed to leather) gear with lots of ventilation will help. Plus if you're on the highway going 55-80mph, you're going to stay cool. Carry your clothes to work and change in the toilet, assuming your bosses have no stick up their butt about you entering the premises with bike gear on.
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Mar 29, 2011 17:14
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Saga posted:If you read this thread, you will get the usual suspects. But... Thanks for the reply. I should have clarified but I'm not interested in sport bikes. They look too uncomfortable. Any suggestions for cheap cruisers (is that what they are even called? I don't know any of the motorcycle terms.) I'll go ahead and read back through the thread though. Edit: is 250cc sufficient for my needs or will I want to kill myself when going up a hill. Edit 2: This is the kind of bike I'd be interested in: http://baltimore.craigslist.org/mcy/2289731672.html Butt Soup Barnes fucked around with this message at 17:21 on Mar 29, 2011 |
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Mar 29, 2011 17:17
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Grenyarnia posted:I should have clarified but I'm not interested in sport bikes. They look too uncomfortable. Any suggestions for cheap cruisers (is that what they are even called? I don't know any of the motorcycle terms.) Don't let looks deceive you, some bikes that look sporty have quite upright and comfortable ergonomics. quote:Edit: is 250cc sufficient for my needs or will I want to kill myself when going up a hill. How big/tall/heavy are you? For commuting through city traffic and not venturing onto highways etc., 250cc should be plenty. Heck, a 125cc or 150cc scooter would have more than enough power and you wouldn't have to worry about shifting gears in stop-and-go traffic. It's your first bike and you're going to use it mostly for commuting. Get something relatively cheap with less than 40hp, no fairings to mess up and simple enough mechanics that you can keep it going yourself cheaply. Otherwise you'll probably only break even at best compared to driving a car. I think a small-capacity scooter should suit you fine. 4-stroke scooters get ridiculous mileage.
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Mar 29, 2011 17:48
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You probably do not want a Rebel 250 if you're going to be using your bike on the highway. The Rebel makes about 17hp and is totally tapped out at 65mph or so. However, that's not to say all 250cc are inadequate - the Ninja 250 makes almost twice the power and is much more usable on the highway. If you want a cruiser, you can get a small Suzuku TU250 (but even that can only manage 75 or so) or you can get something more midsize like a Yamaha V-Star 650. Pretty much any cruiser that is 800cc or less will be rideable for a new rider. I'd also recommend that you just do your own research on good beginner motorcycles because you'll probably find a lot more bikes out there than you thought existed, and this question has been discussed ad nauseum. At the very least, look up the different basic kinds of motorcycles (sportbike, cruiser, dual sport, dirtbike, standard, touring).
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Mar 29, 2011 17:48
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I'd say after the MSF go sit on a Ninja 250, it's not the sport crouch riding position or anything. Honda nighthawk 250 if you want something that looks like a UJM also, but that taps out at 80ish I think so depending on what city you're in that could be a deal breaker.
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Mar 29, 2011 18:01
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How about a naked SV650? Assuming you take the MSF and have some self control.
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Mar 29, 2011 18:35
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Grenyarnia posted:Thanks for the reply. (I assume you're in the bmore area...) http://frederick.craigslist.org/mcy/2236319123.html I learned to ride on one of these and still have it...just need to get the drat carbs worked out this year, or buy an SV650. It's shaft drive so you won't have to worry about a chain. Carbs are easy to take off/apart and clean and you can still find parts for them from a bunch of places. They are also big/heavy and sturdy enough to feel good on the highway doing 65-70 all day. I paid 850 for mine 9 years ago. e: That one even has highway pegs it looks like. Plinkey fucked around with this message at 20:30 on Mar 29, 2011 |
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Mar 29, 2011 20:27
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Grenyarnia posted:Thanks for the reply. The EX500 isn't a sportsbike - at least not by modern standards. Its riding position is far more comfortable than a cruiser. Cruisers typically require you to loft your arms in the air while bending your back at a fairly acute angle (legs and arms both pointing towards the front of the bike). Basically you're bent like a bannana. Look at Dennis Hopper's bike - arms held up high, no back support, legs forward  Ouch. Very ouch on the highway when 80mph wind is trying to pull your backwards off the bike. The EX has you basically sitting with your weight going down your spine, slightly inclined forward to offset the wind blast coming over the screen. Pretty much like one of those weird posture chairs from the end of the 80s. Completely random GIS result, but this has to be a goon...   Or the deviantart/WW comedy version, but this pretty much shows you the difference*:  Comfy! The 500 will have a fair bit more power for easy freeway/highway/motorway/whateva riding. It will be happier in traffic moving at 80-ish. * Now, ASE class of 2011 - note the cloud of smoke. This will be because the rider forgot a critical wheel spacer when reinstalling the rear wheel. The flames helpfully illustrate what happens when you improperly refit carb floats and they REALLY stick open. Note the right foot position and lack of braking action, indicating that the rider has not realised the rear brake master cylinder is completely empty.
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Mar 29, 2011 22:17
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Saga posted:* Now, ASE class of 2011 - note the cloud of smoke. This will be because the rider forgot a critical wheel spacer when reinstalling the rear wheel. The flames helpfully illustrate what happens when you improperly refit carb floats and they REALLY stick open. Note the right foot position and lack of braking action, indicating that the rider has not realised the rear brake master cylinder is completely empty. That looks like a drum brake to me, no MC needed.
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Mar 29, 2011 23:41
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SaNChEzZ posted:That looks like a drum brake to me, no MC needed. Duh yes, it was late at night. Sorry. 2 points to Gryffindor. I should have said, observe the position of the brake rod pivot which does not actually move the brake rod when the brake lever is depressed. I also like the fact that the forks have completely snapped in half and are presumably held in place with duct tape
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Mar 30, 2011 06:38
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