|
Since my vstar has major problems I intend to sell it this summer if I can, and replace it with something smaller and lighter. However I still do like to tour long distance. Thinking about a Vstrom. The 650s and 1000s don't seem to have much of a price delta between them. I heard the 1000s are considerably heavier and have some fueling idiosyncrasies - is it as bad as I hear? I assume the 1000 turns more comfortable revs on the highway?
|
#
?
Jul 28, 2011 17:05
|
|
|
|
| # ? May 16, 2024 06:35 |
|
|
cannonballs posted:I've heard the same thing about the Bonnie's and I absolutely LOVE the way they look. I guess my eye falls more for the classic/retro look rather than the sportbike, but as I said, I'm pretty openminded. Then I guess the only question is (i) are you worried about being able to pick it up and (ii) do you mind a little bit of fur on your exposed aluminium? The Monster 696 has less shininess, weighs only ~165kg, has tiny proportions and sharper handling. It's a less relaxing ride however.
|
|
#
?
Jul 28, 2011 17:06
|
|
|
cannonballs posted:I've heard the same thing about the Bonnie's and I absolutely LOVE the way they look. I guess my eye falls more for the classic/retro look rather than the sportbike, but as I said, I'm pretty openminded. Have you thought about buying a used 70s-80s UJM?
|
|
#
?
Jul 28, 2011 17:36
|
|
|
AncientTV posted:Have you thought about buying a used 70s-80s UJM? I have not! But thanks for the recommendation!
|
|
#
?
Jul 28, 2011 17:42
|
|
|
If you're going for an older bike like that, you'll want to be open to wrenching on it. It probably won't be a nightmare of garage work, but the possibility is there even for the more reliable bikes after that long.
|
|
#
?
Jul 28, 2011 17:48
|
|
|
Bixington posted:If you're going for an older bike like that, you'll want to be open to wrenching on it. It probably won't be a nightmare of garage work, but the possibility is there even for the more reliable bikes after that long. excellent point and an important one; I'm not mechanically-inclined and none of my friends currently ride, so older bikes are probably not the best fit for me. I do prefer something newer that *should* require less garage work.
|
|
#
?
Jul 28, 2011 17:53
|
|
|
Saga posted:Thinking of picking up a 2006 model Husky TC450 to use for MX practice, recreational enduros and possibly putting a plate on it for very occasional trail use (since we don't really have a lot of legal, accessible trails in the area). Supposedly needs nothing doing, looks cosmetically tidy and that's one of the years with the Ohlins at the back. Why would you buy this over a Japanese make? Is it cheaper?
|
|
#
?
Jul 28, 2011 17:54
|
|
|
You guys are gonna make me do this again?  You should buy a used, Ninja 250 that's been dropped. Why? As a new rider, your priorities for owning a motorcycle should cover the following: Cheap. Reliable. Freeway Capable. Light weight. Low seat height. Forgiving. Upright position. Extensive/inexpensive spares market. Aftermarket support for mild modifications. Easy to work on. Easily Resellable. Not going to drop significantly in value if you drop it or ride it for a few years. Good community support. Cheap because you don't have any experience on a bike yet, so you need to rack up miles. Reliable and freeway capable so you can rack up those miles, while being forgiving of your newbie mistakes. Light weight and low seat height will make it easier to handle at low speed, where most new rider drops occur. Forgiving so that when you make newbie mistakes it won't dump you on your rear end. Upright seating position for better control over the bike. A good spares market so when you do drop it, you're not waiting for parts from italy or hunting for old parts to get your bike back on the road. Aftermarket support for light modifications, in case you want a different windshield, sprockets, etc. Easy to work on because most riders like to get their hands dirty, and it's better to work on something that isn't totally oddball. Easily resellable and good value because you might ride it for 5k and discover you'd much rather be on a standard/supersport/cruiser/tourer/dualsport/supermoto/moped/scooter. Good community support so when you run into newbie problems, you've got solid resources to turn to (This one is less important because we've got a lot of great mechanics and riders here to help you out). When it comes down to it, the bike that rises to the top of that list is the Ninja 250. There are other bikes out there that are nearly as good, but between the Ninja250 FAQ, and fact that there are thousands upon thousands of them out there, with the latest model revision, the older ones are stupid cheap now, you can't beat the bike with a stick. Your first bike should introduce you to riding at minimal cost, with a strong community to support you while you learn the basics. The ninja 250 is perfect for that, especially if you don't have much experience with manual transmissions. Buy the cheap bike that you can thrash, forget to lube the chain on, drop at stop signs, and sell in a few days when you're done with it. It's your first bike, the whole point is it shouldn't be your last...it's your gateway bike, to give you the skills, comfort, and experience on a motorcycle to buy what you really want, at minimal cost. Put in 5k on your 250, or 10k, and then go buy your Bonnie. You'll be a more comfortable, confident rider by starting on a small bike you really feel like you can control, and that will carry over to the next bike you ride. why have I never written up a newbie buyer guide to save myself writing all of this all the time
|
|
#
?
Jul 28, 2011 17:59
|
|
|
Z3n posted:why have I never written up a newbie buyer guide to save myself writing all of this all the time I was going to ask why we don't have a sticky for all this poo poo.
|
|
#
?
Jul 28, 2011 18:06
|
|
|
Z3n posted:You guys are gonna make me do this again? Sorry I really appreciate your insight though. It make sense and a 250 does seem like a smarter decision to start with even compared to a 650. You pretty much hit the nail on the head with your post. Thanks!
|
|
#
?
Jul 28, 2011 18:08
|
|
|
cannonballs posted:Sorry It's not you, it's all of those other assholes not falling in line with the CA hivemind!  Kidding, there's plenty of differing opinions out there on what's acceptable. I just lean very heavily towards encouraging riders to get some experience on a bike that's very forgiving, and will allow them to learn the controls of a motorcycle without feeling scared or intimidated. For a new rider, the difference between a close call and a crash is just knowing that the bike is capable of a lot, and having the comfort and confidence to use the controls properly. If you've got some offroad motorcycle experience, or in the case of some of my friends, extensive mountain biking experience, then my recommendations change a bit. But considering we're talking about this over the internet, I can't see you ride, I can't coach you beyond bike choice, I've always felt like it's most prudent to encourage new riders to start on the 250. clutchpuck posted:Since my vstar has major problems I intend to sell it this summer if I can, and replace it with something smaller and lighter. However I still do like to tour long distance. I'd get the 650, personally...if you're gonna be using it as even a mild trailie up fire roads or what have you, then you're going to want the lighter one, and the engine is nice and fun and comfortable at freeway speeds. The additional torques in the 1k isn't worth the weight and bulk. Of course, this is coming from a supermoto rider, so this probably isn't a surprise.  If you want the smaller and lighter experience, definitely go for the 650.
Z3n fucked around with this message at 18:17 on Jul 28, 2011 |
|
#
?
Jul 28, 2011 18:14
|
|
|
I think the problem is everyone who's a new rider sees the constant Ninja 250, SV650, FZ6, etc recommendations and thinks, 'ya, that's them, but this is me!'. Zen could no doubt pull 90% of his recommendation posts and stickey them at the top of the thread, but everyone wants individual treatment. I'm not better, I believe I wanted a Husqvarna 610SM as a first bike. 
|
|
#
?
Jul 28, 2011 18:31
|
|
|
n8r posted:Why would you buy this over a Japanese make? Is it cheaper? Yes. 1500 asking (1350/1400 out the door?) for a 2006 in what looks like good cosmetic condition, with a quality Ohlins out back. Japanese four strokes tend to cost more here - that price might buy you a KXF/RMZ250 or an RMZ, but a good-running CRF/WR/YZF is more like 2000 at least. The Husky isn't light like a 250 2t, but I'm coming from my ~130kg KDX, so at 111kg it should ride like a 125 GP bike by comparison. Now that I've fixed the KDX, it will be worth about a grand as a trail bike, so I don't want to spend a lot more than that. Aside from the good shock, I understand it's supposed to be a durable (by competition standards) lump that's easy to do work on and that it comes with some other quality parts, like that arrow full titanium system (a factory part and supposedly quiet to boot), magura hydraulic clutch etc. It's a lot of power (c. 52hp) and I would ideally have a 2008+ WR250F but for the price, but from the sound of it it's slower revving than Japanese bikes with a wide power band, so it should suit MX, enduro and occasional trail riding weekends (if I rig up a horn and a licence plate bracket). You should be able to just shortshift and lug it if you don't want to go brain out and break poo poo. And there's even a kit e-starter from the TE that you can fit. But that's all based on reading reviews and some of the thumpertalk/adv threads. Hence I was wondering if anyone had heard anything that would suggest it was a lousy buy. Certain bikes you google and the problems crop up pretty quickly - older 'bergs and CCMs where everything breaks, YZF250s that won't start etc - but there doesn't appear to be anything negative about the Husky, other than that the forks aren't the greatest.
|
|
#
?
Jul 28, 2011 20:29
|
|
|
How tight is your singletrack? Up in WA, anything more than a 250 would just be a monster handful, I have no idea how Gallous does it on his 690 E. But I've generally heard good things about modern Huskys. My friend has a 510 he's pretty happy with (on it's second rebuild, although I think the shop hosed it up).
|
|
#
?
Jul 28, 2011 21:08
|
|
|
Z3n posted:How tight is your singletrack? Up in WA, anything more than a 250 would just be a monster handful, I have no idea how Gallous does it on his 690 E. But I've generally heard good things about modern Huskys. My friend has a 510 he's pretty happy with (on it's second rebuild, although I think the shop hosed it up). The 450 is a shorter stroke version of the 510 motor, AFAIK. I don't suppose you could ask your buddy what a good one is supposed to sound like (aside from no loud banging noises)? Going to see it Sunday probably. Most of my riding won't be trails - one reason why I'm probably getting out of the KDX. We just don't have enough legal riding around here - it would be a case of taking it to Wales or the Welsh marches once in a blue moon to do some day rides with a pal. Around here it will be MX practice days plus enduros basically. Enduro bikes with lighting kits etc. seem to add 300-800 to the value of the bike, so I'd have to accept a fairly well-beaten 10 year old bike to get one of those. Since I don't have any need to ride a dirtbike to and from work and have my own trailer, I figure I might as well get a pure competition bike and just keep the valve clearances within spec and the oil clean.
|
|
#
?
Jul 28, 2011 21:51
|
|
|
cannonballs posted:I've heard the same thing about the Bonnie's and I absolutely LOVE the way they look. I guess my eye falls more for the classic/retro look rather than the sportbike, but as I said, I'm pretty openminded. If you're looking more for a newer model, but older style, there's the TU250. It's fuel injected, is a standard and has an older look to it, the only problem is it's fairly new so finding a used one in your area might be difficult.
|
|
#
?
Jul 28, 2011 22:13
|
|
|
BradleyJamers posted:If you're looking more for a newer model, but older style, there's the TU250. It's fuel injected, is a standard and has an older look to it, the only problem is it's fairly new so finding a used one in your area might be difficult. Twinshock trials conversion...I can see it now.
|
|
#
?
Jul 28, 2011 22:23
|
|
|
Saga posted:The 450 is a shorter stroke version of the 510 motor, AFAIK. I don't suppose you could ask your buddy what a good one is supposed to sound like (aside from no loud banging noises)? Going to see it Sunday probably. I say go for it. Cheap, 450 power, what can go wrong? don't pull a needknees or a zool plz
|
|
#
?
Jul 28, 2011 22:26
|
|
|
Z3n posted:I say go for it. Cheap, 450 power, what can go wrong?  in my defense the 450's retarded power didn't have much if anything to do with my wreck, it was my inability to land!
|
|
#
?
Jul 28, 2011 22:33
|
|
|
So I'm taking my MSF in two weeks (woop), and looking to buy my first bike soon as well. Since I don't know that much about bike maintenance yet, I wonder if CA could tell me what it thinks of this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1985...b1#ht_517wt_862 I've read almost nothing about the Saber, but the price seems reasonable for the age and condition. The seller is up front about the gas tank issue, but what kind of work exactly is required to fix it? I'm not going to be depending on the bike for transportation, so I'm fine with it being out of commission for a little while.
|
|
#
?
Jul 28, 2011 22:57
|
|
|
The V45 VF engine makes a boatload of power, somewhere around 100 horsies - it is a fast bike. And the bike is not a super light modern sporty deal, older bikes like that tend to carry a little more heft. Also, if you ever have carb troubles which you probably will if there is fuel tank trouble requiring sealant, those VF engines are a pain to deal with or very expensive - take your pick. If you are interested in that model in particular, you should be VERY picky about overall condition, running order, etc. As far as potential problems and overall ease of maintenance goes, you should be looking for a bike with 1-2 cylinders. Taking into account how powerful that Sabre is, and how old it is [which will tend to lead to a lot of downtime], if you are looking for a starter bike, I recommend looking elsewhere. Your focus should be on riding, not fixing.
|
|
#
?
Jul 28, 2011 23:16
|
|
|
That's a nice saber but did they get the v4 oiling issues worked out on that gen? I wouldn't say its a good choice for a starter. Too much power, heavy, old and potentially unreliable as a result.
|
|
#
?
Jul 29, 2011 00:24
|
|
|
Okay, that's what I suspected after a bit of googling. I like the style though, and the price is about what I was looking to spend. The model I was really looking for is an early 80's Suzuki GS series - I've seen a number of 650s I really liked, but I think that's an inline 4. I don't know if I can be talked out of one at this point, but why should I be looking for a 1-2 cylinder bike? A GS650 should be a lighter and less powerful bike than the Sabre, right?
|
|
#
?
Jul 29, 2011 01:59
|
|
|
CA peeps, buy my bike (see marketplace thread). 
|
|
#
?
Jul 29, 2011 02:14
|
|
|
Schottingham posted:Okay, that's what I suspected after a bit of googling. I like the style though, and the price is about what I was looking to spend. The fewer cylinders, the easier it is to work on. That's all. It'll also tend to be lighter and lower overall HP against displacement, with more power at the bottom end where you can use it instead.
|
|
#
?
Jul 29, 2011 02:45
|
|
|
Z3n posted:I say go for it. Cheap, 450 power, what can go wrong? Yeah, that's my only concern. I might inadvertently use more than 5,000 rpm and die! [<--- not actually irony, more mild hyperbole] Well, or take off over a jump inadvertently crossed up and out of position and get smacked into the ground so hard only my ankles are still visible. e: or crash so hard I crash backwards like needknees! 
Saga fucked around with this message at 10:01 on Jul 29, 2011 |
|
#
?
Jul 29, 2011 06:44
|
|
|
cannonballs posted:excellent point and an important one; I'm not mechanically-inclined and none of my friends currently ride, so older bikes are probably not the best fit for me. I do prefer something newer that *should* require less garage work. I'm a bit late but on top of the Ninja 250, also consider the Ninja 500, been around just about as long as the 250, more power than the 250 but totally manageable. Also Suzuki GS500 which is what I started on is a great bike too, especially if you prefer a one piece handlebar over clipons, a little less powerful than the Ninja 500 but it's pretty bulletproof and the engine has been around since 1989.
|
|
#
?
Jul 29, 2011 09:56
|
|
|
Is this bike actually as short and as stubby as it looks? http://hamilton.kijiji.ca/c-ViewAd?AdId=300342271
|
|
#
?
Jul 29, 2011 14:06
|
|
|
Ziploc posted:Is this bike actually as short and as stubby as it looks? No, there's something going on with the rear suspension. The swingarm should be sitting like this: 
|
|
#
?
Jul 29, 2011 14:13
|
|
|
It could be because it is sitting on the center stand. I can't believe he wants $2,900 for a bike with a 'homebuilt' title. Which I'm assuming is a rebuilt title. I think I'll still go see it as I've never seen a CB1 before. This is also on the list of go-sees: http://hamilton.kijiji.ca/c-ViewAd?AdId=301065895
|
|
#
?
Jul 29, 2011 14:26
|
|
|
Ziploc posted:It could be because it is sitting on the center stand. I can't believe he wants $2,900 for a bike with a 'homebuilt' title. Which I'm assuming is a rebuilt title. That doesn't have a centrestand. If it's on a salvage title the owner's clearly bodged something to get it rolling.
|
|
#
?
Jul 29, 2011 14:37
|
|
|
I have a line on a 1934 Harley Davidson VL in barely running order (running on zipties, tape and prayers)... At £6000 it's expensive but considering a well restored one pushes £15k... I can't tell whether this is a land mine or a pot of gold I'm tripping over...
|
|
#
?
Jul 29, 2011 16:27
|
|
|
ReelBigLizard posted:I have a line on a 1934 Harley Davidson VL in barely running order (running on zipties, tape and prayers)... Landmine. infraboy posted:I'm a bit late but on top of the Ninja 250, also consider the Ninja 500, been around just about as long as the 250, more power than the 250 but totally manageable. Also Suzuki GS500 which is what I started on is a great bike too, especially if you prefer a one piece handlebar over clipons, a little less powerful than the Ninja 500 but it's pretty bulletproof and the engine has been around since 1989. Ninja 500 weighs ~100 pounds more than a Ninja 250. The GS500 is out because of that stupid 4k mile valve adjustment, and newbs tend to forget those, and then you end up burning valves, and the bike won't idle but it "Just needs a carb clean!".
|
|
#
?
Jul 29, 2011 16:33
|
|
|
ReelBigLizard posted:I have a line on a 1934 Harley Davidson VL in barely running order (running on zipties, tape and prayers)... A really pretty landmine that no one else has, limited to Sunday excursions on secondary roads. Consider that this was the era of the total loss oil system, which is everything it implies. And it was the middle of the Great Depression, when annual production was at an all time low--rarity cuts both ways. Hobby for life, basically.
|
|
#
?
Jul 29, 2011 18:32
|
|
|
So like a landmine with gold shrapnel? I think I'm going to have a look at it and see just how bad it is. I know the guy, he might take an offer.
|
|
#
?
Jul 29, 2011 22:34
|
|
|
ReelBigLizard posted:So like a landmine with gold shrapnel? Buy it, put KTM 690 engine in the frame, part out the rest.
|
|
#
?
Jul 29, 2011 22:37
|
|
|
What do you guys think of these Ninja 250's? I sent the usual emails and asked about the title in the second so I don't have any more info than they posted yet. I have a 2005 kawasaki ninja 250 for sale that needs some work- it quite running last year and i do not have the time or knowledge to fix it. The bike is in overall good condition-has always been garaged. It has just over 32k miles on it-most of which are freeway. The bike has aftermarket sprockets, one size bigger main jets on the carbs, heated handgrips, upgraded headlight bulb, custom baffles for better sound/performance, and a custom luggage rack. I have the title in hand for the first serious cash offer-CASH ONLY PLEASE. you will need a truck or trailer to haul it home as it does not currently run. I am sure with the right know-how this bike could be up and running in no time. I tested the ignition coils-replaced the ic ignitor-replaced spark plugs to no avail. It has been sitting for almost a year so the battery is likely dead but with a good charge it will turn over. Please call **************** for more info- am asking $500 firm. and the other i have a 98 ninja that has 1600 miles on it the catch is a was in an accident with it and the front end got wrecked, everthing is in really good shape besides plastics and the gauges. text me or email me if your intrested, i need to get some cash for it asking $800 thanks I really want a bike that doesn't need work, but it seems like either one of these would be worth the effort so long they are not just completely wrecked.
|
|
#
?
Jul 30, 2011 00:53
|
|
|
I'd offer 500 on the second one. Check that the forks aren't bent, they bend easy. The first one seems too high mileage to really go for.
|
|
#
?
Jul 30, 2011 00:59
|
|
|
Is there a good way to check forks besides just looking at them? Should I bring straight edge of some sort like a carpenters square or the edge of a note book?
|
|
#
?
Jul 30, 2011 02:36
|
|
|
|
| # ? May 16, 2024 06:35 |
|
|
Z3n posted:I'd offer 500 on the second one. Check that the forks aren't bent, they bend easy. The first one seems too high mileage to really go for. Too high mileage at 32k? If it was maintained at all it should be good for another 30k at least. I bet 30k miles is more than 90% of the motorcycle owners in America will ride in their lifetime.
|
|
#
?
Jul 30, 2011 03:00
|
|
