Motorcycles...

Almost Enough · 06-10-2009, 12:29 PM

So I'm considering getting a motorcycle in the near future. Are there any motorcycle owners on the forum that would consider throwing some wisdom this way?

I'm specifically looking towards getting an older (60's to 70's) Triumph. I've seen quite a few going between $2,000 and $5,000.

I don't want anything huge, but I do want to be able to make it down the freeway with the thing. I'm not necessarily engine savvy, but my father is, and he would be THRILLED to work on an older bike. He's going to be helping me out on my venture as well.

Budget-wise is open. I'd like to keep it under $3,000. I'm more looking to drop about a grand on a bike and put some love into it to get it running again. I'm in northern California, but I'm more than willing to make a road trip to the surrounding states (i.e. Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, southern California).

So...any information or wisdom on the board?

What5647 · 06-10-2009, 03:19 PM

I would love to have a motorbike. To me, it's one of the best means of transportation, the best mix of economy, performance, and fun factor.

Thing is, traffic in my area is terrible, and the drivers are worse. I get cut off enough in my car, and have had far too many "didn't see me" close calls in my car. So, I don't think it would be wise to ride a bike around here.

**redbaron** · 06-10-2009, 04:06 PM

unless you have the skill, knowhow and ability to diagnose & repair on the side of the road, 30+ year old bikes are a bad choice, especially british ones.

I say that having started on a 79 KZ400, and being deeply in love with bsa/norton/triumph/enfields and the cafe racer ethos.

That being said, they're a lot more work, a lot more finicky, and not terribly easy on the whole for a new rider. Most cafe bikes have handlebars designed for going fast, not for optimum handling, pathetic brakes, terrible tires, and flexy steel frames.

as much as I'd love one, they're better served as a second "hobby" bike. Not to mention that you will almost undoubtedly drop your first bike, and dropping a nice vintage cafe bike is just sad.

I'd recommend something along the lines of the kawi ninja 250/500 or the Suzi GS500. If you have some experience already and can't be seen on such "cheesy" (but fun) bikes, suzi SV650 or kawi ninja 650 (NOT 6R or 636!) are an ok choice.

First wisdom for a new rider:

1) Take the MSF class (Motorcycle Safety Foundation)
2) buy a quality helmet
3) buy quality gloves & boots
4) buy jacket & pants for the type of weather you ride in most frequently

If you can't afford the class, the gear and the insurance on the bike, you can't afford to ride. It's some of the most fun, most rewarding time I've ever had on the road, but there's a lot more to it. While it is more dangerous, it's something that you can mitigate, but the price of safety is eternal vigilance. If you find yourself to be the type of person that zones out driving...

That all being said, don't get caught up getting your dream bike for your first one, since it'll get beat up and you'll feel bad. Don't ride with people who won't let you ride at your own pace, and don't hang out with snobs who make fun of your bike for not being macho/1337 enough.

My bike is patently ridiculous and I still have had more grin inspiring plain old FUN on tiny, incredibly slow beginner bikes.

gtrdave · 06-10-2009, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redbaron

First wisdom for a new rider:

1) Take the MSF class (Motorcycle Safety Foundation)
2) buy a quality helmet
3) buy quality gloves & boots
4) buy jacket & pants for the type of weather you ride in most frequently

If you can't afford the class, the gear and the insurance on the bike, you can't afford to ride. It's some of the most fun, most rewarding time I've ever had on the road, but there's a lot more to it. While it is more dangerous, it's something that you can mitigate, but the price of safety is eternal vigilance. If you find yourself to be the type of person that zones out driving...

All that quoted for truth.

I've been back riding now for a little over a year after a 30 year absence (I crashed when I was a kid and never got back on until last year) and it is a BLAST, but it comes with a pretty hefty level of responsibility to ride like a mature person.
Take the Motorcycle Safety Course in your state, use their bike (if applicable) and then make your decision on a first bike.
Like redbaron said, a 30 year old Euro bike may not be the wisest of choices unless you are mechanically inclined and like to practice that inclination on a regular basis...

Tim Possible · 06-10-2009, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redbaron

I'd recommend something along the lines of the kawi ninja 250/500 or the Suzi GS500. If you have some experience already and can't be seen on such "cheesy" (but fun) bikes, suzi SV650 or kawi ninja 650 (NOT 6R or 636!) are an ok choice.

First wisdom for a new rider:

1) Take the MSF class (Motorcycle Safety Foundation)
2) buy a quality helmet
3) buy quality gloves & boots
4) buy jacket & pants for the type of weather you ride in most frequently

If you can't afford the class, the gear and the insurance on the bike, you can't afford to ride. It's some of the most fun, most rewarding time I've ever had on the road, but there's a lot more to it. While it is more dangerous, it's something that you can mitigate, but the price of safety is eternal vigilance. If you find yourself to be the type of person that zones out driving...

Ditto, ditto, ditto, and ditto.

mattslope · 06-10-2009, 06:37 PM

I am not a fan of motorcycle safety gear, but I admit I agree with Redbaron regardless. And, as the person who purchased aforementioned Kaw (COW) KZ400, buy a quality bike. Your budget allows for a new bike. Have you considered a dual purpose? I've found that there is a freedom in being able to explore dirt trails and twisty blacktop at will. Just a thought.

**redbaron** · 06-11-2009, 09:16 AM

Matt,

The reason that I have come to espouse safety gear more and more over the years has nothing to do with myself as a rider, but rather has everything to do with all the idiots in cars. If I weren't going to potentially get creamed all the time I wouldn't worry as much since most gear only protects against abrasion. The notable exceptions are boots and helmets. One keeps your brain happy and the other one keeps your foot from getting mangled in some pretty special ways.

That being said, the new gear that's out there ranges from warm & dry at 15* f all the way up to lighter & cooler than shorts and a t-shirt at 100*

There's certainly not the crappy "freeze in the winter/bake in the summer" choice that there used to be.

I want a supermotard and a spare set of wheels with dirt tires.

mattslope · 06-11-2009, 10:45 AM

Andrew,

Safety is an illusion.

That said, I appreciate that you are encouraging the kids to help their hand-wringing mothers sleep at night with the comfort of mock safety.

What5647 · 06-11-2009, 12:07 PM

Yeah...you can be safer, but you'll never be safe.

Like the Russian hunting guide said when asked if it was safe to use a certain rifle:

"Eez gon, Eez not safe!"

That being said, I've seen road rash, and I don't want it. So if I were to start to ride I'd wear safety gear to reduce the risk of getting it.

Almost Enough · 06-11-2009, 09:47 PM

Thanks for the input guys!

I am not personally mechanic savvy, but my dad is, and I am a quick learner.

I understand the point of not picking up an older bike first, but to be honest, they're awesome, and have always been on my wish list.

What about other older bikes, like the old Hondas? I saw a similar old Honda 350 today that was gorgeous. Is it mainly that style of bike, or specifically triumphs that might not be a good idea for a first timer?

Btw, I have ridden dirt bikes numerous times, if that makes a difference.

I'm not trying to make an argument or anything, just curious.

mattslope · 06-12-2009, 12:42 AM

The make doesn't affect the age of fuel lines, tires, shocks, etc. An old Honda is just as much a project as a Kaw, Triumph or Norton. The difference is in the availability of parts.

And you appear to have the budget to buy a new version of a classic Triumph Bonneville (new fuel, clutch and brake lines).

**redbaron** · 06-12-2009, 02:03 PM

which would be infinitely more reliable, ride better, stop better, etc. Plus it keeps the classic look. The triumph bonneville/america/thruxton are all awesome.

Matt: when I took the tumble on johns CBR I didn't end up with any road rash, but my riding pants did.

Also, impossible to ride year round without good gear or you'll absolutely freeze/drown. You should see the one piece "romper suit" that I bought for winter time. When I go out to dinner I get it its own chair.