Help me decide on a motorcycle - off topic thread!
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Smokin
Joined: Jun 2006
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Help me decide on a motorcycle - off topic thread!
Ok guys and gals,
This has absolutely nothing to do with PSD's, but you all are a very smart group of people, some of you into motorcycles, I figured i'd as your opinion.
In light of fuel prices, I've been seriously thinking about buying a street bike as my daily commuter. My boss doesn't care if I wear jeans to work and my hair looks like hell most of the time anyway, so I figure what the heck?
But - none of my friends are motorcycle people, and I don't quite know where to start.
On Craigslist around here, I can get a Honda 250 Rebel with 4,000 miles for about $1,700 bucks. I've also seen some Harley Sportsters for around $3,500 bucks and even saw a Yamaha 650cc Maxim for $900 bucks.
I am a smallish person, so it needs to be a smaller bike and not super heavy in case I lay it on it's side. I grew up riding dirtbikes, but that's a whole different ballgame...so I'd like a beginner-ish bike, with some go-fast possibilities since I seem to have issues keeping off the throttle.
I'd like to stay away from the Ninja-style bikes, or scooters of any kind. I'd prefer a more traditional style.
Interested in any opinions, input!!
This has absolutely nothing to do with PSD's, but you all are a very smart group of people, some of you into motorcycles, I figured i'd as your opinion.
In light of fuel prices, I've been seriously thinking about buying a street bike as my daily commuter. My boss doesn't care if I wear jeans to work and my hair looks like hell most of the time anyway, so I figure what the heck?
But - none of my friends are motorcycle people, and I don't quite know where to start.
On Craigslist around here, I can get a Honda 250 Rebel with 4,000 miles for about $1,700 bucks. I've also seen some Harley Sportsters for around $3,500 bucks and even saw a Yamaha 650cc Maxim for $900 bucks.
I am a smallish person, so it needs to be a smaller bike and not super heavy in case I lay it on it's side. I grew up riding dirtbikes, but that's a whole different ballgame...so I'd like a beginner-ish bike, with some go-fast possibilities since I seem to have issues keeping off the throttle.
I'd like to stay away from the Ninja-style bikes, or scooters of any kind. I'd prefer a more traditional style.
Interested in any opinions, input!!
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 39
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From: Savannah
All the bike you listed are small bikes. Not sure how much you are going to be on the highway, the rebel 250 is not a bike i would want to ride on the highway very much the other two would be okay. I think the Harley (883 or 1200) which is a great bike, would be my choice for a female rider. Maybe this helps some.
PMS: an obsession
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Kamloops
Harleys and the Sportsters mentioned above are at all time low prices around here new from the dealers. The value withholds on Harleys too, while everything else seems to depreciate like the rest of the auto world. This is a great time to become a Harley owner for sure. My fiance rides a Sportster 883 low, and she loves it.
PSD Addict
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 731
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From: Michigan
I would go with the sporster or the Maxim. What year is the Maxim? Harleys do hold their value best.
But first what is your experiance? Is this your first? (bike
) Have you ever ridden any motorcycle, I saw your pics on fourwheeler so I'm assuming you are "into it". Also, as asked previously, what kind of roads?
The rebel is an awesome first bike, perfect learner. But as mentioned, not on the highway. If it's your first street bike, cheapest possible might be your best bet.
Dual purpose bikes are great, on/off road but I have found that after a while, the novelty wears off, you don't go off-roading much on your way to and from work, and you get tired of knobbys on the street pretty quick.
One last note, Harleys are kind of like PSD, some people don't understand it, never will. But some people, as soon as they get on one, they get it, something clicks inside them and they're hooked. I rode Jap Bikes all my life, but none have given me the feeling my Harley has. There's no logic to it, it can't be explained, to people that don't 'get it', you can't explain it to them.
Here's my Baby!!
But first what is your experiance? Is this your first? (bike
) Have you ever ridden any motorcycle, I saw your pics on fourwheeler so I'm assuming you are "into it". Also, as asked previously, what kind of roads?The rebel is an awesome first bike, perfect learner. But as mentioned, not on the highway. If it's your first street bike, cheapest possible might be your best bet.
Dual purpose bikes are great, on/off road but I have found that after a while, the novelty wears off, you don't go off-roading much on your way to and from work, and you get tired of knobbys on the street pretty quick.
One last note, Harleys are kind of like PSD, some people don't understand it, never will. But some people, as soon as they get on one, they get it, something clicks inside them and they're hooked. I rode Jap Bikes all my life, but none have given me the feeling my Harley has. There's no logic to it, it can't be explained, to people that don't 'get it', you can't explain it to them.
Here's my Baby!!
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Smokin
Joined: Jun 2006
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Hi guys,
thanx for the input. Well as it turns out, I think I might be able to ****** up that '97 Rebel for about a thousand bucks. I don't need a highway rider, just a backroads back and fourth to work type of bike (all paved roads). I was also thinking along the lines of fuel economy...if I leave the truck at home during the week, i'll be able to pay for the bike in just my fuel savings.
This will be my first street bike. I was raised on dirtbikes (used to have a Yami 225TT back in HS). I've crashed a dirtbike more times than i'd like to admit, jumpin ***** and bein fancy...I'd rather not ride a dirtbike to work.
That Maxim was an 80's style, an 85 I think. Had kind of a lot of miles on it. I like the sportsters but I'll end up paying closer to $5,000 for one.
thanx for the input. Well as it turns out, I think I might be able to ****** up that '97 Rebel for about a thousand bucks. I don't need a highway rider, just a backroads back and fourth to work type of bike (all paved roads). I was also thinking along the lines of fuel economy...if I leave the truck at home during the week, i'll be able to pay for the bike in just my fuel savings.
This will be my first street bike. I was raised on dirtbikes (used to have a Yami 225TT back in HS). I've crashed a dirtbike more times than i'd like to admit, jumpin ***** and bein fancy...I'd rather not ride a dirtbike to work.
That Maxim was an 80's style, an 85 I think. Had kind of a lot of miles on it. I like the sportsters but I'll end up paying closer to $5,000 for one.
Snowboard season cometh..
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,406
Likes: 1
From: Gulf Coast of Florida
Harleys will cost you - both for buy in, and maintenance. Sorry if this offends the Harley contingent here, but this is from talking to Harley guys & gals that have ridden them for 20yrs+ each, the one's I'm buddies with, and one's I've ridden with...
Rebel 250 - should be great for mileage, cheap parts, and yep, it's a Honda - basic maintenance and it's likely to reliable like an anvil
You may want to think about the dual-purpose, especially for your lifestyle (by that I mean up in the mountains, etc.) - again, a Japanese bike with routine maintenance can be awesome
Personal choice - 85 -86 Honda Nighthawk 650 - I owned one and they are great. Shaft-drive so no chain to adjust/wear out - hydraulic valves, so no adjustment intervals. Air/oil cooled, so very simple engine. Plus if you ever did need to hit the highway, they'll do 90mph+ comfortably....except for getting blasted by the wind!!
Call me if you want Lisa - been riding for 25years+ and rebuilt my first motorcycle engine at 11. There's plenty out there that know more, ride better, etc.... but i'm local! LOL
Rebel 250 - should be great for mileage, cheap parts, and yep, it's a Honda - basic maintenance and it's likely to reliable like an anvil
You may want to think about the dual-purpose, especially for your lifestyle (by that I mean up in the mountains, etc.) - again, a Japanese bike with routine maintenance can be awesome
Personal choice - 85 -86 Honda Nighthawk 650 - I owned one and they are great. Shaft-drive so no chain to adjust/wear out - hydraulic valves, so no adjustment intervals. Air/oil cooled, so very simple engine. Plus if you ever did need to hit the highway, they'll do 90mph+ comfortably....except for getting blasted by the wind!!
Call me if you want Lisa - been riding for 25years+ and rebuilt my first motorcycle engine at 11. There's plenty out there that know more, ride better, etc.... but i'm local! LOL
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Newport, WA
I've been thinking the same thing as you about getting a bike, but if I go for it (which means if my wife will let me ) I'll be doing a dual sport type bike, but I'm a dirt bike guy so I'm more comfy on that style bike (currently riding an 06 YZ 450F- woot! )
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Thread Starter
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Smokin
Joined: Jun 2006
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Rebel 250 - should be great for mileage, cheap parts, and yep, it's a Honda - basic maintenance and it's likely to reliable like an anvil
Personal choice - 85 -86 Honda Nighthawk 650 - I owned one and they are great. Shaft-drive so no chain to adjust/wear out - hydraulic valves, so no adjustment intervals. Air/oil cooled, so very simple engine. Plus if you ever did need to hit the highway, they'll do 90mph+ comfortably....except for getting blasted by the wind!!
Two Honda Nighthawks here in Denver...and HOLY NIGHT RIDER check out those guages. lol
I tend to agree on the Harley statement. My old roommate had three Harleys and they were constant maintenance, constantly leakin oil everywhere. They do have a "coolness" too them, though, that I have to admit to.
I'd like something that's simple enough I can work on, too.
Snowboard season cometh..
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,406
Likes: 1
From: Gulf Coast of Florida
That was my first thought too, only a Yamaha instead of a Suzuki I've been thinking the same thing as you about getting a bike, but if I go for it (which means if my wife will let me ) I'll be doing a dual sport type bike, but I'm a dirt bike guy so I'm more comfy on that style bike (currently riding an 06 YZ 450F- woot! )
I've been thinking the same thing as you about getting a bike, but if I go for it (which means if my wife will let me ) I'll be doing a dual sport type bike, but I'm a dirt bike guy so I'm more comfy on that style bike (currently riding an 06 YZ 450F- woot! )I wonder how easy it would be to get plates on a trials bike here in CO.... I can see Lisa ride up & over traffic...literally!!! HAHAHAHAHA
FTE Legend
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 37,887
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From: North Central Rural Sask.
I have an old cb 200 that I used to rip around on at the farm when i was growing up. The top speed was right around 60 mph, and it would last forever on a tank of fuel. i have noticed you can get a cb in larger sizes, and they are usually pretty cheap too.
The downside is they arent the prettiest looking bike (imo).
Only downside I can see to that rebel your looking at would be if you had to take it anywhere where you had to go fast, it might be a little slow getting there compared to a larger bike.
Im not much for those ninja style bikes either, but ive done some research on them and they are great for economy and power!
The downside is they arent the prettiest looking bike (imo).
Only downside I can see to that rebel your looking at would be if you had to take it anywhere where you had to go fast, it might be a little slow getting there compared to a larger bike.
Im not much for those ninja style bikes either, but ive done some research on them and they are great for economy and power!
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Smokin
Joined: Jun 2006
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& the part of the whole point in getting the Rebel is to keep me OUT of trouble! Trouble comes lookin' for me, I don't need to be making it any easier.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 28,298
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From: BLT, MN
I do not personally know the details on the Rebel but I bet it would do just fine at highway speeds. And as others have said, its a Honda-bulletproof with basic maintenance. Stay away from the Harley. Sorry Harley dudes.
FTE Legend
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 37,887
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From: North Central Rural Sask.
If it was me looking for a bike i would try and enduro. ive been keeping an eye open for a yamaha xt600, or a honda xr500 from the late 80's to mid 90's because they are reasonably priced and still look pretty good. I think an on/off road bike could be a ton of fun, and get good economy!
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Smokin
Joined: Jun 2006
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Here's the Rebel..
1997 Honda 250 Rebel
I bluebooked it, it's only worth $1,000...so if not this one than something similar.
1997 Honda 250 Rebel
I bluebooked it, it's only worth $1,000...so if not this one than something similar.