Gonna Buy a Motorcycle
 

Well, after two years of escalating gas prices and hard, hard thinking, I've applied for a loan (which I've been told I will get) for $2,500.00, and I'm going to buy a used motorcycle. There's a few decent looking buys on craigslist here, including this stunningly beautiful classic '76 Honda CB 550 Super Sport. I fear its already, gone though.

I'm also pondering an '81 Yamaha 650 Maxim with 50k miles on it. It looks pretty decent from the pics the guy sent (which I don't have on the laptop). I really like that model as it is a shaft drive, and they are well built and reliable machines from all accounts I've found over the years. I rode a couple back in the day, and they are really comfy, plenty light, well balanced and have more than adequate power for myself and a rider.

There's also a couple of newer (like '98) Suzuki 650 cruisers, big single cylinder bikes that wouldn't be terrible for the money. I'm also looking at a couple of 650 Honda Shadow V-twins that are lower miles and in beautiful conditon...but I *so* prefer the mid-displacement four cylinder bikes.

Anyone have any advice before I make up my mind?

Oh...and here's that Honda 550. So droolingly beautiful, but it has a sport height seat, and I want the cruiser seat with its lower ass to ground height.

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/mcy/1092981743.html

How the bike was treated is probably the biggest factor. But buying a bike that's older gives you a chance to check the general reliability of a particular bike or engine. Keep in mind you have to weigh the multi-cylinders means more parts to service/replace, vs the boner factor. :rolleyes:

So are you saying that I might be better off giving more serious consideration to the V-twins? 'Cause one of those gives me major wood.

My ex has a used 650 yamaha. It's fucking BEAUTIFUL. Shit, I wish I still had that picture on my desktop so I could post it for you. Anyway, he's completely obsessed with motorcycles now. The gas is outrageously cheap. He's on his 2nd bike now, he totalled the 1st one in a freak accident. The new one is much better though. He is always working on it, and riding it, and talking about it...

It looks like a great bike. But as a daily driver? I don't know. It almost looks to nice to drive to work and leave where someone is going to steal it, esp if it is a classic bike. And then how would you feel about leaving it out in the weather, rain, snow, etc, that inadvertantly shows up? I would recommend against it only because it is to nice to use as a second bike. And the other thing to consider is parts. They can be hard to come by if you need a repair.

I would recomend something that is a bit more late model. 650 is about the break point for good gas milage. Once you get into the 750's and up you are going to find that your gas mileage will go down with weight and power. I would stick with the Honda's and Yamaha's because of reliability and parts. Good luck and let us know what you do.

A fellow rider.

Elspode, I've ridden a fair bit. My Shadow 750 got great mileage and looked and sounded good. If you're looking at a Suzuki Savage, however, don't. It has paper gaskets and should you ride it hard, they will leak. I know a guy who bought one new in Virginia, broke it in, then rode it to Jacksonville, FL. We had to pull the engine and replace all the gaskets to fix the leaks. It's a basic learner bike, to be disposed of when you're done with it.

The Maxim, is a good bike with decent reliability reports, good looks and sound and price is great for a beginner. I'd go with the shaft drive over a chain for the maintenance and the fact that the chain tends to throw grease on your bike whereas the shaft does not. If you go shaft, remember to check the lash (free play in the shaft) before you buy. Too much lash can give you a hard startoff or even break teeth in the gears.

And post pics of your choice!

Reliability and maintenance are prime concerns, so stay away from the super high tech toys they build for the bragging rights of people that are riding once a month.

Absolutely, garage queens are beautiful, but high worry/maintenance. If you covet it, so will others. There is much to be said for a rat bike. :D

I've previously used a motorcycle for basic transportation; also, I've done several cross country (coast to coast) trips, some with a passenger. I've ridden through deserts and mountains, sand and snow, and have sewn a few curves together. My minimum threshold for long distance riding, especially with a passenger, is 750cc with 4 cylinders. Safety is the primary concern. Regardless of how defensively you drive and who has the right of way, you need enough responsive power to get out of the way of heavier enclosed vehicles. Additionally, there is a marked difference in comfort between a 4 cylinder engine and a 2 cylinder thumper as you rack up the hours on a long trip.

If you're primarily riding alone on short commutes and/or joyriding with a passenger on short trips during light traffic times; then, a 550cc - 650cc will suffice and the number of cylinders becomes less important.

Just be sure to buy enough bike for its intended use or you'll later be disappointed regardless of its initial appeal. ;)

Additionally, even if you have driven in the past, take the state sanctioned Motorcycle Safety Course. You can get the info from your state DMV website. It may save your life and it will improve your chances on a bike. I took it and had a 20 year break in riding. I know how to ride a bike but the course teaches you how to drive one in traffic. It is only one weekend and they supply the bikes. When you complete it you get to forgo the state motorcycle test to get your 2-wheel license.

Oh, and as someone told me, "Ride your own ride", and, "Drive like everyone in a car or truck is trying to hit you."

NO NO NO! Motorcycles are too dangerous, do not buy one. Great now I'm going to be dreaming of horrible bloody motorcycle crashes.

They have a very widely renowned program at one of the local community colleges, and I *will* be taking it. Additionally, there is a distinct possibility that I will get one of those LED strobe beacons to stick on my helmet. :-)

I'm now looking at this unit. More pricey, but newer, much lower miles, and pretty sweet. Also a V twin, per Bruce's admonition about "more cylinders equals more repair cost down the road."

1) I won't ride fast.
2) I am the most paranoid driver you've ever met.

I rode for years back in the 80's and never came close to an accident. I leave many vehicle lengths between me and the vehicle ahead. I scan intersections from blocks away. I practice panic stops. I am a very confident and non-risktaking rider.

Very true, rest areas are your friend on a small bike. I'm pretty sure Elspode in looking at commuting and local hops, though.

Better choice on that one, it has most of the stuff you are going to want to buy for it anyway. I do love that old Honda. Wish I could drive up there and add it to my toy collection. Wife wouldn't stand for it. :)

Besides the "no metal cage surrounding you" issue, motorcycles have a lot less grip on the road. Car tires have ~16 square inches road contact each or ~64 square inches of contact with the road. The average motorcycle tire has 3 or 4 square inches each. That means that anything that reduces friction - leaves, sand, gravel, even dust can cause you to go down in a hurry.

On the other hand, I've got a friend in Seattle (where it rains six months out of the year) who does his daily commute on motorcycle and never had a serious accident. You just have to pay more attention when you're driving a cycle.

That '76 Honda is pretty rad, would love to get one of those.

I used to get the "you'll kill yourself on a motorcycle!" argument, too, but I'd usually respond with: no, there is a far greater chance that YOU, as a car driver, will kill me. The MSF course is not only fun but worth the time. I like a bike small enough to handle easily and big enough to get me out of harm's way. That size would be different for people that are larger or smaller, so it's hard to give advice to unknown other. My Virago was right for me. Wear your gear and keep a sharp eye on traffic & roadway, and 'keep the rubber side down'. And oh yeah, I'm jealous! I wish I still had my bike.

I want a motorcycle...

...but I'm afraid of my mom.

Either way you are :yeldead:

A driving instructor emphasised the phrase "I shouldn't be in this grave! I had right of way!"

The fact that it is the car driver's fault would be small consolation for being killed or crippled.

That said, you know what you're doing, and a totally risk-free life is not worth having. So ... VROOM! VROOM! GO FOR IT! (carefully).

Now looking at an '82 Kaw 550 LTD with under 10k on the clock. I had an '82 440, not an LTD, and it was a great bike. This will have more than enough power as a commuter bike, has the low seat height and reach back handlebars for comfort and stability (lower center of gravity and all), and looks to be cherry.

I'm stoked. The other stuff I have been pondering has been sold while I was waiting for the check. I have the check now, but have to get it into the bank and wait for it to clear. Sigh.

And the Winner is...
 

The '82 Kaw 550 LTD. I hope to pick it up Saturday afternoon in Lawrence. Tomorrow night, helmet shopping.

Cool bike. I hate you.

A vroom vroom with room room for two ... how foresighted!

Cow & Saki... let the good times roll. :thumb2:

Oh goody, you picked one of the taller bikes that short-legged me couldn't hope to ride - without a training wheel, I mean. Get a great helmet and have fun. I'm still envious.

True, but I'm going to make a great ghost! :p
And I wanted to remind those 4-wheel drivers that surviving a collision between bike & car doesn't mean they were 'right'. Don't think I convinced any, though.

No, no. The LTD is a cruiser. Seat height is quite low for that era, and the bike is very light and responsive. No worries, even for shorties.

Got my helmet today. Will post pic later.

Cool bike, Els. Ride safely.

And don't forget to carry a toothpick. :D

Great Esplode! Congrats. Don't put off that Motorcycle Safety course please. Have fun. Drive like everyone is trying to hit you. See, Evaluate, Execute. Keep your distance from the cagers. Left turners are one of your biggest risks. Watch the front tires of cars for movement to see if they see you; drivers can stare right at you and not see you. Have fun.

Thanks for the cautionary information, folks. Keep it coming. Any help keeping my head out of my ass, and therefore off of the pavement, is always welcome.

Going to Lawrence this afternoon to pick it up, but may end up trucking it back. 25 mph winds, rain popping up here and there, and generally not a really happy first ride day.

Me and the bike are home safe and sound. 47 mile ride from Lawrence to Raytown. Everything is in order on it save for the brake light not working...that's a biggie, but at least not crucial during the daytime. Got passed by a Kansas Highway Patrolman with out so much as a glance from him, despite no license plate.

Here she is...

.

Congratulations. Yeah, brake light is a priority, but shouldn't be difficult or expensive. Good luck with the mobs of hot women wanting some of your throbbing between their legs. ;)

Looks cool, Els.

More advice? One bit that stuck with me from the MSF course was that the tires will track your eyes, so one should look at the path around an obstruction in the road, not at the problem itself, or the tendency is to hit it and that's not good. And assume nobody can see/hear you.

I like it!

You may consider a small wind screen for your comfort and an additional flashing break light for your safety.

Looks like a bunch of fun. Enjoy.

I forgot to mention: keep the rubber side down. ;)

Good advice, actually it's the same when driving a car. That's why some people run into cars that are safely pulled off the side of the road. If you fixate on it you'll probably hit it.

Definitely looking at adding both. I am probably going to go with a taillight that adds to the back of the helmet, and wirelessly receives signals from the brake light, and also a flashing array above the license plate.

Not sure how easy it will be to find a windscreen for a bike this old, though.

You are not allowed to drive a Kawasaki with a Honda keyring. Ninjas will drop out of trees and well... you don't want to know.

Srsly tho - nice ride - wish I had one.

I promise that a new keyfob will be the first item of customization.

I was pretty leary of the whole idea, but damn I love riding a bike. I definatly want him to keep safe!!
We looked at a bright pink helmet for me. It has roses and barbed wire for decorations lol.

http://www.classiccruiser.com/products.asp?item=738236

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/acc...son/index.html

http://www.bikerhiway.com/

http://www.streetglo.net/

May you all ride safely enough to someday ride like this:

Florida Biker and His Babe
Attachment 22817

Some ideas for helmets.

So is my husband. None of that helped him when he was struck from behind while stopped at a red light! Thankfully he wears full protective gear head to toe, and remembered to let go of the bike when it went screeching out from under him. Walked away without so much as a bruise. It could've been so much worse -- a motorcycle cop was killed in exactly the same way, when he was thrown into the intersection and hit by oncoming traffic. KEEP THE SHINY SIDE UP! :D

I love your idea about the brake light on the back of the helmet. I had no idea there was any such thing. I'll have to look those up and see about getting the hubster to use one. He also got a strobe adapter for his headlamps, which I also recommend.

If you do plan on riding with a passenger, especially on a longer road trip, I cannot recommend an in-helmet intercom system more. We took the bike up Pacific Coast Highway from Los Angeles to San Francisco a few years ago, and it was a godsend to be able to talk to each other along the way.

Enjoy!

A guy here in the KC metro area was just killed by being rearended. It does happen. I check my mirrors when stopping to see if it looks like the person behind me isn't aware.

Most importantly in that situation is never to take your bike out of first gear, don't ever get to close to the car in front of you, and every time I stop I am looking for a quick escape spot next to or between the cars in front of me. That way if someone comes in to quick I can move to that spot quickly. You will see a lot of guys come to stops in those situations and put the bike into neutral. Don't do that. I also always stop to the far right of any vehicle so that I am looking right into their side view mirror and they know I am there.

Don't forget that pedestrians may be blind to you too. I was almost hit by a motorcycle when I was a kid (it was completely and totally my fault, but still.)

the only time i ever dropped mine was in a parking lot.....i was a winter rider, and there was frost on top of my back tire. i gunned it out of the parking spot, and it high sided me. came down on my shin and gave me a 'massive hematoma'

one time, a bee flew up my shorts, and I NEARLY fell off when it stung me.

my advice, since that seems to be the theme here......watch the eyes of the cage drivers in the side mirrors, and expect that they will do the most fucked up thing at the exactly wrong time, and plan your escape route.....constantly.

otherwise....enjoy that ride, baby!

Most of that is irrelevant when you're the first vehicle in line at the light, which my husband was. Being in first or neutral would also have been irrelevant.

None of that changes the importance of the tip. It is important to have a place to go when at a full stop so hopefully you can glance in your rear view mirror and bale if you get the chance.

Here is another tip from a pretty cool blog.

http://demenshea.com/blog/?p=1138

Good stuff, all of that. Keep it comin'.

Gonna buy me one of those keychains!

Els, has anyone mentioned that you'll shoot your eye out yet?

Tip from a biker: keep an eye on the head of the person in the car in front of you. You may notice them leaning down to tune the radio, texting, something stupid like that, and you know to steer well clear.

Keep 3 to 4 seconds from the rear of any vehicle in front of you. More if you are traveling at higher speeds. I will watch a car pass a stationary object on the side of the road and count, One Thousand, Two Thousand, Three Thousand, Four Thousand and see how long it takes for me to pass it. If I am faster on it I try to slow.

I also shift from the right to the left depending on how traffic is in front of me. If there are few cars or cars moving slowly I tend to the right so that on coming cars can see me before they try to pass the cars in front of them, which would put them in your lane coming at you. If the on coming traffic is light, I tend to the left so the cars you are following can see you.

Every time you approach an intersection with cars waiting to enter, or an area with cars waiting to turn into the traffic, cover your front break and rear break with your hand and foot respectively in anticipation of the need for emergency breaking. Continually scan and always expect them to do the unnatural and unexpected. Assume they can't see you, always.

What a pain in the ass. I'm not getting one of these things.