1999 Honda Magna

gtrdave · 07-07-2009, 08:14 AM

I've got a friend at church who is offering up his '99 Honda Magna motorcycle for sale @ $2500.
It looks like the one in the attached pic.
It's got around 10k miles on it, has the awesome V-45 engine, comes with the passenger seat, backrest and saddle bags and is in perfect condition.
I'm SERIOUSLY considering it, but I just spent major $$$ on a new mountain bike (Cannondale 29er), so I'd probably have to sell my Burgman 400 scooter to get it.
I love my scooter...as practical as can be and a joy to ride...but it's no motorcycle and not nearly as cool as the Honda.
Oh, what to do?

mulletman · 07-07-2009, 01:52 PM

If I were you, I'd buy the Honda.

mattslope · 07-07-2009, 03:58 PM

Which would get better fuel economy; the scooter or motorcycle?
Which will have a higher resale?
Which has lower maintenance costs?
Which doesn't require you kiss boys?

gtrdave · 07-09-2009, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattslope

Which would get better fuel economy; the scooter or motorcycle?
Which will have a higher resale?
Which has lower maintenance costs?
Which doesn't require you kiss boys?

1. The scooter
2. debatable...probably equal until fuel prices rise again, then the scooter wins
3. reliable Honda vs. reliable Suzuki...it's a toss-up
4. There are gay motorcyclists and straight scooter riders...I fall into the latter category

Makotoseven · 07-09-2009, 08:31 AM

scooters are scooters. they're just as dangerous as motorcycles but aren't cool at all. i keep staring at the new kawi 250R but i can't rationalize getting it just yet. "but honey 60mpg" "but honey truck creams you at stoplight and im all alone no thanks"

womp womp.

gtrdave · 07-09-2009, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Makotoseven

scooters are scooters. they're just as dangerous as motorcycles but aren't cool at all.

I disagree. There's a crop of scooters that most definitely count as cool. Mine is in there as is the Suzuki Burgman 650, Honda Silverwing, Yamaha Majesty, Aprilla Mana 850 and Yamaha Tmax. Each of them will top out at over 100mph, cruise long-distance 2-up with no problem, handle twisties with the agility between a cruiser and a sportbike, get 45-65mpg, and has built-in storage that a motorcycle could only dream of.
So, while my scooter isn't 'as cool' as a Honda Magna, it might be cooler than a disposable nancy-boy bike like the Ninja 250.

**redbaron** · 07-09-2009, 11:02 AM

they only count as cool because you aren't riding real motorcycles yet.

I still wave at anyone on two wheels, don't get me wrong. But a new sexy 08 ninja 250 is vastly cooler than any scooter. better cornering clearance, lighter, light worlds better handling, etc.

gtrdave · 07-09-2009, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redbaron

they only count as cool because you aren't riding real motorcycles yet.

I still wave at anyone on two wheels, don't get me wrong. But a new sexy 08 ninja 250 is vastly cooler than any scooter. better cornering clearance, lighter, light worlds better handling, etc.

...and, for me, a horrible commuter (my main bike use) and horrible 2-up bike (my third bike use).
As a personal/pleasure vehicle, a 250R would be a fun bike on short rides, but I have no desire to ride around wearing a backpack nor to be hunched over like a flying monkey on wheels.
The Magna, otoh, at least comes with saddle bags, passenger backrest and upright seating, making it both somewhat practical and more comfortable for the rider and passenger than a Ninja, imho.
I looked at a new '08 250R as well as an '07 250R and '05 500R before I got my Burgman and while they would be fun Jr. sportbikes, they would serve no other purpose for me other than solo riding, carrying nothing.

I know that you're probably confusing a Burgman or any of the other scooters I previously mentioned with a Vespa or Metropolitan or Vino and so on...those little-cc bikes that are well-suited to the flip-flop-wearing espresso-sipping beach resort and cobblestone street cruising crowd...but most of the super-scooter riders that I've met either switched from a cycle to the scooter or they have a complimentary cycle in addition to the scoot, which is probably the route I'm going to go as family funds allow.

mulletman · 07-09-2009, 12:15 PM

If you're going to keep the scooter, and get a second bike.... no use doing it halfway:

gtrdave · 07-09-2009, 12:51 PM

As much fun as that looks, being associated with something that's commonly referred to as a "Gixxer" on the street doesn't appeal to me at all.

mulletman · 07-09-2009, 01:05 PM

Alright.... how about this, then?

**redbaron** · 07-09-2009, 03:29 PM

ninja 250's don't share the monkey lovin' a football riding position of their big brothers- the 250 is basically an upright/standard class bike for what it's worth.

And I know what the burgmans are like, i've seen 'em. They're big, heavy, don't handle well compared to a real motorcycle and are slowwwwwwww.

Compared to a vespa etc they're terrific, and I'll admit that for convenience and utility they far surpass a standard bike.

I would rather have a bike with hard luggage than a scoot though, because i like turning. Let's just say that my tires require no BBQ sauce.