Help Buying Used Motorcycle

ZIPPER · Post by **ZIPPER** » Sun Feb 27, 2005 8:27 pm

For years now I have batted around buying a motorcycle for street use. I think I am serious now. Right now I have a small Budget (around $1000) To buy a used bike. I have been searching the papers in hope of finding one that may need a little work.

I have no street experience, only a little off road on 125's. I do ride a mid sized ATV off road and love it. This has been the reason for wanting a road bike as I don't have enough time to get out to the ORV park with my freind to ride.

I do realize that a ATV and a bike are two different beasts. But I love that open air feeling.

I am not opposed to a bigger bike just afraid that I might never learn with one. I was also told that to take my motorcycle test I would most likely need a smaller bike to pass the skill test. BTW I don't want a sports bike like the a Ninja, just a standard or mid sized cruiser.

I am mechanically inclined, have a stocked garage and don't mind having to fix somthing to save alot of money. I do have a little expierience working on the ATV.
BTW I am 5'9" 180lbs. I will be mostly using this to go back and forth to work (a short 7 mi on good road) and some weekend short rides.

My questions are:
1. What size is best to learn on? Buy small and sell and lose money in a year or less, or bite the bullet and buy big and learn, then ride for few years?

2. What models do you suggest? I know I will be probably looking in the 80's and maybe even the 70's and that I would have to order parts online for them.

3. Mechanically, what things should I stay away from or try to find? I know alot of you have bikes and some are probably very knowledgeable on older bikes.

4. Do any of you know of any that might fit my needs? I am here in Spokane but I have a truck and trailer and like to travel.

Post by **bio** » Mon Feb 28, 2005 12:00 am

If you're looking for a disposabike... I have some experience with those.

If you can find a Kawasaki 454LTD, get it.

It's a 450cc street bike, light, easy to ride, yet will do 70 on the freeway with no problems. They're also in your price range.

As for taking the test, I seriously suggest you take the Motorcycle Safety Course (don't delay... call Westside Honda on Tuesday when they open). Sure, it costs money, but it will make your insurance cheaper AND all you have to do is go to the DMV with the card that says "I passed" and they give you a license (no test, nothing).

Post by **eddiecanuck** » Mon Feb 28, 2005 10:25 am

I'm with Bio on the safety class. Best money I've spent for riding. They supply the bike and that is what you train and test on. I had no experience riding bikes and I went through and passed the first time.

saki2mesue · Post by **saki2mesue** » Mon Feb 28, 2005 10:51 am

I know a guy that is selling his bike for 600 dollars. Runs great! mater of fact he was out riding it yesterday. It is a GS 500 E, I beleive. Will have to ask him again. He loves it but wants a slightly bigger bike.. Let me know if you are interested. Safety class is way to go. Not only do they school ya a ton they also supply the bike to practice and test on. Bio and I were in the same safety class.

It was a blast but rather cold when we took it.

Post by **bio** » Mon Feb 28, 2005 2:08 pm

That would be a great starter bike for $600 if it runs well!

Pigman · Post by **Pigman** » Mon Feb 28, 2005 2:21 pm

saki2mesue wrote: Bio and I were in the same safety class. It was a blast but rather cold when we took it.

But, wasn't that because you guys were naked?

Post by **bio** » Mon Feb 28, 2005 3:48 pm

Pigman wrote:But, wasn't that because you guys were naked?

Well, duh!!

How else are you supposed to be?

saki2mesue · Post by **saki2mesue** » Mon Feb 28, 2005 3:53 pm

It was a little nippely.

Post by **bio** » Mon Feb 28, 2005 4:24 pm

Sure... you were sticking out... I was experiencing shrinkage on a horiffic scale.

I was suddenly 7 years old again.

Pigman · Post by **Pigman** » Mon Feb 28, 2005 6:00 pm

Don't take much to turn the thread.. does it?

ZIPPER · Post by **ZIPPER** » Mon Feb 28, 2005 7:14 pm

saki2mesue wrote:I know a guy that is selling his bike for 600 dollars. Runs great! mater of fact he was out riding it yesterday. It is a GS 500 E, I beleive. Will have to ask him again.

That would be great.

Either send me a message through the fourm, or Bio has my phone number.

I will call westside from work as soon as they open tomorrow.

ZIPPER · Post by **ZIPPER** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 7:34 pm

Called Westside this morning. My course starts JUNE 3rd

. Thanks to everyone for the little push.

My girlfreind of 8 years decided that she wants to take the course now. When I went there after work to pay and pick up the packet I tried to sign her up for that day also. They had filled all of June since I called at 9 a.m. She was penciled in as a alternate.

Post by **bio** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 10:21 pm

That's why I said to call ASAP

They may open a few new classes (since the weather is so nice). This means that she might get in and do it before you do

ZIPPER · Post by **ZIPPER** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 10:42 pm

I think she just wants to do it toghether.

Lady J and I never seem to do much alone with all the kids activity's (and all the kids).

Remember, keep your eyes open for cheap bikes in good shape!!!

I found a 1980 striped down Goldwing 1100 that I really like(no fairing or bags), but I know it would be way to big to start with. I would however be able to keep up with you.

Post by **bio** » Wed Mar 02, 2005 11:16 am

Heh... it's easy to keep up with us.

We generally put-put around... in the 30 - 40 mph range. A lot of side roads with scenic value.