recommendations for a beginner
 

I have a friend, not mechanically inclined, interested in learning to ride and buying a first bike. Being a vintage buff myself, I haven't kept up with what's been happening in the past couple of decades. Any recommendations for a bike for street-only, afternoon rides plus the occasional 350mile ride to the cost, mostly solo but occasionally two-up. Definitely not interested in going fast and canyon carving (good thing, with the noticeable absence of canyons here on the east coast...), but not looking for a touring bike, since he's wanting something reasonably light and manageable around town. Thoughts?

Wow, that's a loaded question... sounds like something in the 500cc range is what he's looking for. Suzuki still makes the GS-500 standard, Kawasaki has it's vernerable Ninja EX-500 still and Honda probably has something similar. Perhaps something like that? If 500 ccs is too much then go with Kawasaki's EX-250 Ninja. Great little bike, perfect starter, yet quite capable of putting on the miles.

I'll second WooHoo on his thoughts. Of course there are always street bike options, check to see if Honda still makes the Rebel 250. Yamaha used to make a Virago or something like a 350 - 400cc range street bike. I would just hit the dealers or their respective websites then shop used unless you really need a new bike.

Also, please recommend to him he takes the local Motorcycle Safety Course. Most supply bikes and it's great training.

If I were him I would skip the smaller displacement, since he would outgrow it quickly. A great beginner bike that'll last for years would be a Suzuki SV650. It's light, handles great, and has enough torque to get the blood flowing. It's not too strong to surprise you though, so it would be good for a starting rider, and for more experienced ones.

I got real close to buying an '04 SV650 but then ran into a 96 Vmax for a wee bit less money. It's like new, and well, there's nothing quite like a Vmax...

That's why I always recommend buying used when first riding. Then you can sell it and get a new bike once you are more aquainted with riding.

the SV-650 is a great all-arounder. nice bike. good starter and a good keeper.

Thanks all; great information
 

I'll pass it on. (Plus, I'll check on the Suzy 650 myself; I've always liked torque!

Alan

I would have found one like this!http://www.hondahornet.co.uk/600spec.html

This is starting to be painful
 

I'm starting to crave newer bikes. This is not good. I'm poor enough already! But the Suzuki 650 and Honda Hornet (CB600F) have a great deal of appeal! I'll pass this info along to Paul, my friend who is more officially in the market.

Sporty 883. Dime a dozen, not too expensive, and its still a Harley.

Buy American... the job you save may be your own.

Besides, Hogs hold their value!

lots of Hondas (and probably other brands) are made by union workers in Ohio

True... True... Honda's got an ATV plant about 15 miles from here. Still, their profits go overseas and unless you get a car from them, the resell value depreciates at a nice rate.

The days of "buy American" are over. Most parts the Americans use are from overseas anyway....

Its a global economy now whether we like it or not. Harley's hold their value for the most part, but so do some of the Jap bikes (Hyabusa for one).

My brother and I were raised by a "Harley or nothing" father. My younger brother has two Jap bikes. His run as well as mine does. His can do things mine can't and vice versa.

Its just a matter of style (and taste) in my opinion.

I prefer American built myself but I won't put anyone down for riding something else. In my oppinion, as long as they are are 2 wheels, or 3, and are enjoying themselves then I'm all for it. Although I can do without some of these punk kids riding the crotch rockets like they are invincible and killing themselves.

Belo
 

I've ridden the 883, and while still a harley, they just don't have the same "feel" to them. The ones I rode were all from the early 80's so things may have changed a bit, but their center of gravity feels off to me. I feel like a monkey perched on top of a football if ya get my drift.
Best regards to all, no matter what they prefer to ride, just don't get froggy...
Chessie

Monkey and a football...

I used that line myself on this very forum not a month ago.

Great minds and all that..... :D

damn Belo
 

Do I have to go back and check all your posts? I hate sounding like I'm rippin off someones lines... and I have a feeling you an me have jumped in and out of some of the same fires before!

well I'm going for a vodka and cranberry now, barkeep... make it Absoulute and give me a double... want something Belo? I think we have some things to discuss, and a nice Brandy for you would be just the trick with all that nasty white stuff outside your door.
Chessie
(taking a break from the ghostwriting... shush... don't let the Mistress hear us!)
;D

There is no copywrite infringement here! :)

Well, generally to ease my mind from the cold I'll take a Corona, however, I see this endevour is a sophisticated one, so make mine the Louis XIII.



Slowly kneels by the fire.....

It's all good. I personally won't be happy unless I die having owned a bike from every country. I better get busy buying some new bikes....

Is Iowa considered another country???? If so, have I got a Fatboy for you!!! :D

Well, this thread certainly took an unexpected turn
 

At the risk of being ostracized by everyone, here are some thoughts:

If you are buying a used bike here in the states, NONE of the "profits" are going elsewhere. That train has long since gone.

I echo the observations on what is "American" these days. Harley, I must say, is as thoroughly American as they come, or at least was last time I checked. On the other hand, until threatened by Japanese competition, they made bikes of questionable design and build quality. Ditto the British, though they came even closer to extinction. For the most part, before the Honda 750/4 (and in many cases since) the brilliance of the Japanese has been in taking the work of others and making well-built versions with many of the originals' design flaws corrected. Which is why I ride an SR500. I say such engineering and work ethics should be rewarded.

As a Christian, I have never really understood why it is more important for me to eat, or to have a job, than it is for persons in other countries.

As for kids killing themselves on hyperbikes, I may be a Christian, but I also believe in natural selection...

Hmmm, Looks like I'm being takin too seriously. Not lookin for a flame war and sorry for any misconceptions guys.

My recommendations to new riders is to but a mid range size bike used for 1,000 to 1,500 and ride it a couple of months then sell it for what you have in it and get what you want. Alos reccomend they rent and ride the bikes they are thinking of getting.

your Louis XIII has arrived
 

Belo, your taste in Brandy is quite delicious...
I had to go all the way to Fins Bois, Bons Bois to find the stuff, now that's a trip in it's self!

So for you big boy, only the finest will do, gently served in a fine crystal snifter. Amidst the glow of the fire your brandy will appear with a Cuban or Santo Domingan mahogany color. It will warm you down to your toes: gently, and slowly spreading it's warmth throughout you as you sit next to the rosy glow of the mansion's hearth, snuggeled deeply in the sultan like silk pillows arranged about the floor for your comfort.



Now since you have caused me to travel so far for this fine libation, I too will share in your delight, and swish the brandy in a snifter of my own before we salute the other fine members of this forum board and talk about the fires of the past that have brought us to this place.

MMM, that is the stuff dreams are made of.
Chessie

No bike that I know of is a 100% any country, not even Harley Davidson. The economics involved in the made here owned there. With parts from here, here, and here conversation is too long to go into. If you are buying a bike to ride and own, buy what you like. If you are buying one too real sell that’s another ball game all by its self. I ride a Sportster because that what I like. If you plan on riding buy the bike that you like and reasons for liking a bike is another conversation as well. The main thing is to just ride something! Stay Safe and Take Care.

P.S. Somebody buy Phat-Boy’s bike :)

Chessie, I like your style.

Ironically, I was walking through the local Walmart the other day and guess what I saw in the liquor section? A bottle of sir Louis in a locked cabinet. :eek: Price tag $1000, which is reasonable too!

Next time I'll pick one up for us.

damn !!!!!!!!!!!!
I can drink alot of JD before thinkng of Louis
WOW!!!!!!!! Spensive stuff

You're absolutely correct guy's. There is no bikes I know of that are 100% any country either. Most of the accessories you buy, especially from a Harley dealership, are stamped "made in (take your pick)". The manufacturers in the US have different ways of getting around the "Made in" sticker", one being using a sub part in an assembly, therefore allowing the Made in USA monkier.

That's why I backed over myself and said that I was being taken too seriously. My trying to be somewhat humorous seemed to have backfired. I totally agree that you should buy what you like. Truth being told, had there been a dealership closer than a state away, I'd be riding a Triumph Speedmaster right now. British company tied to Japanese intrest if I remember reading correctly after a fire destroyed most of their manufacturing facilitys. Again, sorry to get you guys dander up.

Fine Brandy and JD
 

Going to France was no hardship Belo, it's the ride that counts. While going to the local Wal-Mart can be an adventure, (dodging bluehaired ol ladies with dubious driving premits, waiting at the crosswalk in front of the building... watching as the jerks run the stopsign and almost run those bluehaired old ladies down,,,) The next time I take a journey in search of something fantastic, I'll let you know in advance, so you can arrange some time off. We'll take the corprate jet, load the bikes and take off for an afternoon.


As the Mistess's personal secratary, book keeper, buisness manager, confidant and friend, I have her compleate support in all of my activities... so a trip to France, or any other place in the world is of no particular importance to her.
So get your passport and let's go riding the world.

Ok now let's get back to the library, the warm glow of the fire in the hearth, the crystal snifters, the brandy, and the stories...

And Tom, the mansion carries a large stock of spririts, JD with the original alcohol content... (not the twice watered down stuff available to you today...), stop by anytime, the party never ends at the mansion.

Chessie