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When I lasted looked at Ducatis the thing that got me was how short the valve check & adjust intervals are and how manpower-intensive / expensive it is to do them. Timing belts, too. The older bikes are worse than the newer ones. If you do think you want to go Ducati, check the maintenance schedules and get an idea of the cost of ownership.
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Nov 19, 2013 08:19
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does anyone have any experience with Aprilia SL1000 Falcos? Seems good ones can be had very cheap now, cheap enough that it looks like a bad idea. They look like a very nice alternative to, say, a VFR800 and I always kind of liked the look of them.
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Nov 19, 2013 16:04
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Linedance posted:does anyone have any experience with Aprilia SL1000 Falcos? Seems good ones can be had very cheap now, cheap enough that it looks like a bad idea. They look like a very nice alternative to, say, a VFR800 and I always kind of liked the look of them. A couple guys on the US side of CA have had them (and liked them). NSaP was it? I also liked them when they first came out, but I don't personally think they're a good buy unless a mate is throwing one your way for very cheap. Not very many were sold here, and while there is parts commonality with the Mk1 Mille/Tuono, it is not 100%. In their wisdom, Aprilia gave the Falco a cheaped-out version of the already unloved Sachs shock from its relatives. And unlike the regular Mille/Tuono, Mille R Ohlins shocks are not a direct bolt-on because they also used a different linkage. Second hand plastics also not likely to be easy to find. The bikes are actually nicely put together, with a low parts count, great materials and excellent general reliability (read, unlike the 916), but they are all old now and feature a 90s EFI system, so electrical and electronic poo poo can and does randomly go bad. You can have duff ECUs, digidashs, hall effect sensor for the speedo (drives off the rear disc carrier) etc. Due to an under-spec'd battery and a high-comp. twin (so says the internet), the Rotax can destroy its starter solenoid. They're also good at eating the starter sprag clutch and anything nearby. Parts generally are pricey and unless you have a decent dealer nearby (unlikely, as apparently they were/are poo poo to their network) expect a 10-day lead time for anything other than e-bay consumables. In the Tuono and Mille applications at least, off-motorway mileage from the Rotax is bad. My Tuono gave about 33mpg combined - that's with a good stretch of A road and not going above 80mph. I was able to get 40+mpg on the M40, but to me, this makes it the Rotax a strange choice for a sport-tourer. It also doesn't have the right character. Due probably to struggling with emissions with 90s technology, the mark 1 motor doesn't have a great powerband unless you put the obligatory can and B map on and go one down on the front. But when you do, it's like a sledgehammer and basically wheelies constantly up to about 80mph. Also not helping is the tall stock gearing and hand-killing clutch pull, which make any extended town work a pain in the, er, hand. Both the Mille and Tuono are very comfortable bikes for taller riders, so if you like the idea of an Aprilia, it makes more sense to get whichever of those suits your riding conditions best (i.e. half or full fairing) rather than the Falco. There are shitloads of Milles and Tuonos out there, so you can buy on condition and pick up one with all the extras you want (and there is some wild poo poo out there, plus the Factory and SP models). More to the point, you also then have the option of getting a mark 2 bike. The mark 2 Mille and Tuono are categorically superior to all the Mark 1 bikes in everything but looks and wind protection. Lighter cases, powerband fixed by modern electronics and an improved front end. The Mark 2 Tuonos are pricey (07/08 bikes), but 2003 Milles are now very affordable. If you want a cheap Italian twin for commuting and touring, the unloved 750SS EFI model might actually make more sense. Much less likely to get you nicked and the 2-valve motor should sip petrol. Similar prices to the Falco.
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Nov 19, 2013 18:11
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Saga posted:A couple guys on the US side of CA have had them (and liked them). NSaP was it? I also liked them when they first came out, but I don't personally think they're a good buy unless a mate is throwing one your way for very cheap. Thanks, that's some great info. I've just seen a few for around the £2k mark that don't look trashed. I've got a good local Aprilia shop/dealer, but even they struggle to get parts from Italy. I'm learning that owning a Ducati isn't much better though, you need to use a specialist or dealer because nobody has the right tools to do a service, or the special diagnostic box to reset the little wrench symbol. I'll never learn though, someone is selling a Brutale 750 for £3500 locally and I may have to tie myself to the mast to resist that siren song. Finger Prince fucked around with this message at 18:32 on Nov 19, 2013 |
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Nov 19, 2013 18:29
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I had a Falco - I still regret selling it. Great bikes.
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Nov 19, 2013 20:58
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http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sf...4211368300.html Non-running 2001 ninja 500 for $750. If it ran when put away, a simple case of oil change, fresh gas and carb clean should sort it out, right? I've done plenty of motorcycle work in the past so I'm not afraid. I'm just trying to get the bst deal I can. Somebody else has an ultra meticulously maintained ninja 500 for $2500 and that's out of my price range. http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sg...4206467962.html Should I make the stretch for this meticulously maintained one, go with the other one I looked at a few weeks ago with some cosmetic issues? Or the fixer upper? How can I evaluate the non-runner that has tags for some reason? What things should I look for?
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Nov 25, 2013 07:57
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I wouldn't not want to own a pristine ninja 500 nor a non running ninja 500.
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Nov 26, 2013 02:27
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That sentence is really doing my head in. Are you saying you want to own a pristine ninja 500 and a non-running ninja 500?
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Nov 26, 2013 02:31
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I think he just said he does want to own a Ninja 500 but I can't believe that's what he meant. Surely not, n8r.
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Nov 26, 2013 02:36
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I think he wants a grom 
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Nov 26, 2013 02:41
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My desire to not own a Ninja 500 is so strong it drove me to double negatives.
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Nov 26, 2013 02:41
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Use a triple and it's all good. You wouldn't never want to own no Ninja 500s.
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Nov 26, 2013 02:53
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I don't have a bike yet, but I might be able to get one in the next few months (between 3-8 months). I may be moving to a new state next month and this new state offers the MSF for $50 which gets you the endorsement as well. That's much better than my previous two states where it costs $300 and for one state, you don't get an endorsement. For that price I could take it whenever I want. Is it a bad idea to take a few months before I plan on buying anything? Would I be better off waiting until closer to the purchase date? Last time I posted, you guys talked me into getting a KLR 650. I could probably afford to buy new with cash, and in general I like buying new (I like knowing the vehicle history), but I'll probably look at used. What is considered high millage for a bike? I'd hate to spend $2000 for a beater that breaks down after a few months.
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Nov 26, 2013 16:13
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I took my class a couple months before I bought my bike and it was fine. Read Proficient Motorcycling in between to keep the info fresh in your head. The class is very helpful, but the info only stuck once I was out there actually riding. As for buying the bike, if I were you I'd buy in December to take advantage of off season prices on used bikes. Don't buy a new one until you've ridden a beater for a year or two and know how to ride.
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Nov 26, 2013 17:29
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Haggins posted:I'd hate to spend $2000 for a beater that breaks down after a few months. What you want is to spend $2000 on a beater that you can sell for $2000 after a few months.
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Nov 26, 2013 17:35
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epalm posted:What you want is to spend $2000 on a beater that you can sell for $2000 after a few months. Yeah that's the plan. I'm just wondering what kind of condition should I be looking for in that range. KLRs seem to be all over the place price wise with only a few in the 2k range and the majority around $3500+ (based on my casual observations this week and on 00's+ models).
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Nov 26, 2013 18:42
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Just for kicks, I looked at a 2011 DRZ in my area. It had sat for 4-5 weeks, so there was some white smoke out the exhaust for a few minutes, which I'm assuming is just some water condensation burning off. This in itself is probably fine, I think, but what it drew my attention to was the white smoke shooting downward out of a small hole in the bottom of the exhaust pipe, just above the rear tire. While it sat warming up, the top of the tire ended up with moisture on it. What up with that? No visible rust in the area. I took a short video which I'll upload when I have a wifi connection.
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Nov 30, 2013 22:47
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Most mufflers have drainage holes somewhere in the bottom so that any condensed water vapor from the engine doesn't build up inside and cause the whole muffler to rust through. Exhaust will obviously also come out because it's a hole. Could it be that?
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Nov 30, 2013 22:49
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Right that's what I'm asking, the hole looked uniformly round, like maybe it was supposed to be there...can anyone confirm this?
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Nov 30, 2013 23:01
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epalm posted:Right that's what I'm asking, the hole looked uniformly round, like maybe it was supposed to be there...can anyone confirm this? It's a drain. My 2008 and my buddies 2000 or maybe 2002 has it. It had me miffed for a second until I saw his. Fwiw I only notice mine when it hasn't been started in a while or it's really cold.
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Nov 30, 2013 23:12
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If anyone is bored I'm trying to help a dude find a starter bike in the New Orleans area. He's leaning more towards mid-sized standards, which there don't seem to be many of. Otherwise he was thinking mid sized cruiser maybe. I told him to buy this: http://neworleans.craigslist.org/mcy/4170895402.html  But he's got the "I'll get bored with it" mentality so I don't think it'll fly.
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Dec 2, 2013 19:18
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That's a really good price for a new gen if the PO did proper maintenance. Around here that would probably be listed at $2,500. Does he know how easy it is to sell once you are "bored with it"?
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Dec 2, 2013 19:31
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I know, I told him it was worth 2500 easy mid summer provided the owner isn't hiding anything major but he wasn't having it.
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Dec 2, 2013 19:38
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nsaP posted:But he's got the "I'll get bored with it" mentality so I don't think it'll fly. Tell him he can put a ZX-6R engine in it real easy.
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Dec 2, 2013 20:02
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n8r posted:My desire to not own a Ninja 500 is so strong it drove me to double negatives. It's a perfectly adequate bike. 
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Dec 2, 2013 21:21
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I can confirm that is a killer deal on a ninja in the new orleans area, I paid more for a busted up pre-gen, though i did buy it in the summer. I think there are just less sport bikes around here, and maybe more idiots, so prices are high for decent bikes.
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Dec 2, 2013 23:18
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Looking for some input. I've been riding a Shadow 750 variant for two years. It's my first bike, and while I've enjoyed the hell out of my time with it I'm looking to get into something a little sportier. My body type (5'11", 220lbs) leans me more towards a standard as opposed to straight sports bike. I haven't test ridden any yet and am just compiling a list to check out. I'm currently looking at: Honda CBR500R / CB500F - These seem tailor made for starter 'sport' guys like me. I hear the CBR sits more like a standard than a fully aggressive-stanced sport bike. Hell of a steal for the cost and ABS is always a bonus. Triumph Street Triple - Pricier, but I've read they're one of the best all-rounders available. Kawasaki FZ-09 - Cheaper than the Triumph, but reviews say choppy power delivery, which sorta puts me on edge especially since every review shines on about how easy wheelies are with it. As a first time sports rider, sounds daunting. If I've missed any please let me know. Quick notes, I'm looking for new not used, and sub $10k.
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Dec 3, 2013 01:00
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Springfield Fatts posted:Looking for some input. I've been riding a Shadow 750 variant for two years. It's my first bike, and while I've enjoyed the hell out of my time with it I'm looking to get into something a little sportier. My body type (5'11", 220lbs) leans me more towards a standard as opposed to straight sports bike. I haven't test ridden any yet and am just compiling a list to check out. I'm currently looking at: Having now ridden a striple, I can say that it isn't exactly a smoothie on the throttle either. It came across as a very easy to use, but very snappy and flighty bike. I'd recommend the cb just because the performance leap isn't enormous, and because you'll get to try a bike with fairings and see what it's like.
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Dec 3, 2013 01:57
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Springfield Fatts posted:Looking for some input. I've been riding a Shadow 750 variant for two years. It's my first bike, and while I've enjoyed the hell out of my time with it I'm looking to get into something a little sportier. My body type (5'11", 220lbs) leans me more towards a standard as opposed to straight sports bike. I haven't test ridden any yet and am just compiling a list to check out. I'm currently looking at: I love the Kawasaki Ninja 650, it's my commute/allround bike. 2013+ has the option of ABS. The seat on the latest gen is awesome as well. Near identical posture as the Hondas, a bit more power. MSRP is about 8 with ABS, you can get it a few hundred cheaper without even trying. Definitely one to consider if you're looking in the midrange standard market.
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Dec 3, 2013 03:19
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I honestly don't know where people get this kneejerk reaction against 250s. Two people I know started asking me about motorcycling, saying they were interested in it, and asked what bike they should get. I said they should take the MSF course and then start looking at things like Ninja 250s. The first guy got this really pained, sort of disgusted look and said "well, come on, if you're a chick, maybe" and the second said "uh, well gently caress you too!" in a joking but not entirely joking way. First guy ended up buying a brand new Ninja 650, which I guess isn't a *terrible* choice, though I did tell him specifically not to buy something new; the second person is of the "yeah I'd just go so fast that I'd kill myself, I could never get a motorcycle" crowd so I don't imagine he'll ever actually get the nerve to sit on one. I mean, literally every motorcycle is a dangerous, noisy, vibrating mass of steel, full of fire and explosions, mounted directly below your nuts. They're all macho machines. I wouldn't think that a motorcycle could be perceived as an actual insult just because it isn't the fastest one on the block. Oh well.
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Dec 3, 2013 06:55
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Springfield Fatts posted:Looking for some input. I've been riding a Shadow 750 variant for two years. It's my first bike, and while I've enjoyed the hell out of my time with it I'm looking to get into something a little sportier. My body type (5'11", 220lbs) leans me more towards a standard as opposed to straight sports bike. I haven't test ridden any yet and am just compiling a list to check out. I'm currently looking at: Honda CB500X or Kawi Versys could be also be options if you want to sit a little more upright. SV650 / SVF650 are also great standards. (Wait, did Suzuki really (effectively) bring back the SV650 and drop the ABS option?)
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Dec 3, 2013 08:01
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Sagebrush posted:I honestly don't know where people get this kneejerk reaction against 250s. Two people I know started asking me about motorcycling, saying they were interested in it, and asked what bike they should get. I said they should take the MSF course and then start looking at things like Ninja 250s. The first guy got this really pained, sort of disgusted look and said "well, come on, if you're a chick, maybe" and the second said "uh, well gently caress you too!" in a joking but not entirely joking way. The 883 Sportsters are the "girly" one in the Harley world. You should hear that crews disdain for it when you mention it.
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Dec 3, 2013 08:32
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Thanks for the input, guys. I hadn't considered the Ninja 650 because I had written it off as "too sporty" but I'll certainly add it to the list of consideration.
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Dec 3, 2013 15:13
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I have the CBR500R and love it. It's my first bike and only one I've ridden (outside of msf) so I can't compare it to anything, but it does sit upright which is great. I thought it was great to start out on.
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Dec 3, 2013 15:57
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Shimrod posted:The 883 Sportsters are the "girly" one in the Harley world. You should hear that crews disdain for it when you mention it.
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Dec 3, 2013 16:04
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 Hi there, I'm interested in your bike. Hi, Not really selling it. I posted to see if I get any interested parties.(7 days later) Hey, just checking in. Have you decided on selling your bike? Depending on offer, sure. Ok, then I'd like to come take a look at it. Are you free sometime this week?(7 days later) You're not really selling your bike are you Busy with exams/ buyers aren't willing to pay asking price. I can't make you an offer without seeing it in person. If you have time, let me know if you're free sometime this week for half an hour. I can probably meet at the gas station on sunday sometime.That's right. Let's meet at the gas station 
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Dec 3, 2013 21:46
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Please go to the gas station to meet this generous person and take lots of pictures of everything. Especially this person. Say it's for insurance purposes.
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Dec 3, 2013 21:51
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Long time lurker, first time (CA) poster. I'm thinking of going to look at a second-hand Suzuki Marauder 125 tomorrow. It's an '06, and is going for about £1,200 (but I'll see how far down I can knock it.) What's the consensus on this rather pretty bike? I had one before for a few months, and loved the poo poo out of it, but then again it's the only bike I've been on. Is there anything negative I should be wary of about this model?
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Dec 9, 2013 02:00
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They've been around for a long time and are a drat simple bike, so check the usual stuff and you should be good. You can get more bike for the same amount of money, but if you like it, then go for it.
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Dec 9, 2013 02:22
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Yoshimo posted:Long time lurker, first time (CA) poster. Avoid if you plan on doing any highway riding
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Dec 9, 2013 03:19
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