Hmm, I think I should buy a bike. Which one?

D

dotVIBE

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Lately I've started fantasizing about buying a motorsickle. God knows why. But the bug seems to be biting hard, and i've been saving up for a few months now, and now i'm starting to onder.......

So, i need some advice. I've never ridden before, but i sorta know what i want and i'm not vehicularly challenged, nor am a i speedfreak boyracer.
I'm a biggish dude, and i want something with an an engine, like a 750cc or so. I'm looking for something like a GSX-R, CBR, a Fireblade would have been cool, but that's a lotta bike.
Most importantly, I'm looking for something comfortable and durable, a sports tourer type deal. I'd buy 2nd hand, early 2000 or very late 90's.

Yeah, that's more or less it. Watchoo guys think?
 
Hold on to your horses before going for a 700...

Best to go for 250-300cc and get used to it before going for the big stuff.

A bike is totally different than a car, and if you don't know what you're doing, you can end up dead.
 
Now I knew someone was going to say that, and it's probably good advice. I'm well aware of how dangerous these vehicles are, espescially at speed, espescially with all the idiots on our roads.

The sad truth is, i suffer from a few unfortunate character defects. One of these is impatience. Another is lack of funds for 2 motorcycles. Another? Pride. The kind of 6'1" 130kilo dude on 250cc lawnmower zzzzzzzz thing not too cool kinda thing.

no jokes about pride coming before the fall, please.
 
dotVIBE said:
Now I knew someone was going to say that, and it's probably good advice. I'm well aware of how dangerous these vehicles are, espescially at speed, espescially with all the idiots on our roads.

The sad truth is, i suffer from a few unfortunate character defects. One of these is impatience. Another is lack of funds for 2 motorcycles. Another? Pride. The kind of 6'1" 130kilo dude on 250cc lawnmower zzzzzzzz thing not too cool kinda thing.

no jokes about pride coming before the fall, please.
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Don;t be scared for falling, people saying that has never owend a bike.

I broke 3 fingers and tore a ligament 2 months ago from an accident that was my own fault. Before that I have never had an accident. If you fall on a bike, it is your own fault ;)

Go get one, it will change your life forever :)
 
Look at getting a Kawasaki er6. Very nice 600cc bike - they're an all round sort of bike, so in other words, a lot more comfy to ride than a sports bike, but a bit less razor sharp. This is the bike I would get if I wasn't too scared to get a bike. Also, they're great for new riders coz they come with ABS, which I think can save your ass in a lot of situations.
 
dotVIBE said:
Pride. The kind of 6'1" 130kilo dude on 250cc lawnmower zzzzzzzz thing not too cool kinda thing.
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like this ? except an even smaller bike
fatbike.gif
 
Hmmm, the Kawa ER6-F does look like a good option. What do you guys think?
 
Get a BMW F650 GS or a Kawasaki KLR 650, if you have the money go for a bigger BMW. You can get them for not too bad second hand.
 
dotVIBE said:
I'm looking for something like a GSX-R, CBR, a Fireblade would have been cool, but that's a lotta bike.
Most importantly, I'm looking for something comfortable and durable, a sports tourer type deal.
Click to expand...

mmmkay?
 
Keeper said:
Kawasaaaki R1
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mmm its the Yamaha R1 ;)

I'm a big oke and started on a 1000cc.

I would suggest start with nothing less than a 900.

Any bike can be a killer if not treated with respect.
Be easy on the throttle.
Go to a few dealers and sit on a few bikes and get a feel for them, without even starting them up.
Seating position, how easily the legs are reaching the ground, when laying down on the tank.
These are things to consider.
There's a hectic difference between a tourer and a sports bike's feel and you will have to check which is going to be suitable for your build, requirements and personal style.

So get yourself a 900, but before then perhaps even go for lessons or mess around on (if you'll find someone to help you out :p ) someone else's smaller bike. Then step up to your purchase once you're happy.

Like I said, any bike or car for that matter can be a deathtrap - whether it be you the driver, or the external factors around you.
Treat the throttle with respect, the road and other road users.
Biking made me more alert on the road, whether I'm on a bike or in a car - after spending years on a bike - you learn to appreciate all facets of the road when you get back into your car.

Be safe and keep a cool head - does not matter which engine size you start off with ;)

Good luck and have fun.
 
dotVIBE said:
I'm a biggish dude, and i want something with an an engine, like a 750cc or so. I'm looking for something like a GSX-R, CBR, a Fireblade would have been cool, but that's a lotta bike.
Most importantly, I'm looking for something comfortable and durable, a sports tourer type deal. I'd buy 2nd hand, early 2000 or very late 90's.
Click to expand...
Although it might depend on your definition of "comfortable" I don't think a typical superbike really fits the description.. ;)

I have a FZR750 and I find it fairly comfortable but considering it's a 1989 superbike it's not nearly as "low down" as the more modern bikes.. (meaning that you don't really have to lean far forward). I suppose it also depends on what sort of distance you expect to travel.. The longest stint I've done yet is PE to Grahamstown (+- 130KM) and I did stop for a stretch halfway..

There some nice options along the lines of a Honda Translap or a Africa Twin - my brother is thinking of getting one of these actually, they have a reputation for extreme durability .. nice thing about these type of bikes is they can do semi offroad as well.

Btw.. I'm also a large sort of guy and I also have a 180cc Vespa.. :o :D (Can do 120Km/h with me on it :eek:).

I don't think it's necessarily a bad idea to start on a large bike especially if you're a bit older.. But I think you should realise that the idea of "taking it easy" at first is easier said than done.. When you have 100 or more horsepower at your disposal and some nut in his Golf with shiny mags pulls up next to you at the traffic lights and starts revving his motor it's kind of hard to not want to show him up.. :o :D
Shake&Bake said:
mmm its the Yamaha R1 ;)
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Yea.. I was gonna point that out too..
It's an awesome bike, if I had a lot of green ones to spend on a bike I think the R1 would be my choice.. :D
 
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