[jamaicabound]

(10-14-2014 02:41 PM)Wreckingball Wrote:  

(10-14-2014 07:23 AM)Fisto Wrote:  

(10-14-2014 07:18 AM)lowside Wrote:  

I got a motorcycle recently, it's a crotch rocket (suzuki gsxr 600 '08), chicks dig it. Maybe I can help. I'm reading:

- 3-6k
- no cruiser
- no supersport
- not too powerful
- tough
- cool

but then you listed an 06 yamaha R1, which is:

- a supersport
- very powerful
- not a beginner bike

The FZ8 is the bike that ticks all your boxes. Price on the one you listed seems a bit high even considering all the mods, given its high mileage. You should be able to find a cheaper one, stock, no mods, with less miles. Also check out the Suzuki GSR 750 or the Kawasaki Z750, if we're already talking naked bikes. Beware the lack of wind protection on those. Don't know if you're planning a lot of highway riding.

Yeah the R1 doesn't fit my criteria but it's hard not to notice. Just a sharp looking bike.

I looked at that versys and I have to say the look of the bike is not for me.

I'll check into these other bikes you mentioned.

I wish there was a modern bike that had the look of a cafe racer but with updated tech.

The R1 is not a bike to be trifled with. A small change on your wrist position may mean that you end up on the floor. Don't get an R1 if you don't have enough biking experience.

Not only from a safety perspective but really unless you live out in the desert or go to the track nobody really needs an R1 your paying higher insurance premiums and getting worse gas mileage for power your never going to be able to take full advantage of either.

[Duke Castile]

Don't worry I'm not getting an R1.

Right now I'm looking at;

Nighthawk 750

Cleveland Cycle Werks (I like the Heist model but no one can ride with you)

CBR 500R

FZ -8

And that SV650

I emailed the guy with the FZ-8 and I think he would come down on the price. I really like the look of that bike and what I've read about it as well. Apparently has great ergonomics and has plenty of room to grow your skill.

The Heist has a great look and seems comfortable. That price tag is very attractive as well but since it only has that single seat I think I would get the Ace which has the look of a cafe race.

[Mojorisin808]

I owned a 2008 KTM 640 LC4 a few years back. I'm 6'4, and it was the only bike I sampled that I felt comfortable on.

   

[weambulance]

IMO the only bikes from that list a relatively inexperienced rider should be on are the CBR500R or the Ace. The Ace would be a fine beginner bike but you'd probably want something else within months, unless you never get over 40 mph.

The Heist honestly looks like it would suck to ride for more than a few miles in the city. Hardtail, fairly severe rake angle, no thanks.

The FZ8, SV650, and Nighthawk 750 are all overpowered for an inexperienced rider.

I don't know if you like the style, but I love my 2002 BMW F650GS (changed to the G650GS in 2008). In my opinion it's the perfect all-around bike and not too powerful for a mature but relatively inexperienced rider with some self control.

[Laurifer]

(10-14-2014 09:34 PM)Mojorisin808 Wrote:  

I owned a 2008 KTM 640 LC4 a few years back. I'm 6'4, and it was the only bike I sampled that I felt comfortable on.

Holy shit, that bike looks incredibly bad ass.

I love KTMs.

[el mechanico]

[attachment=22174]

Have you thought about taking this route?

[weambulance]

(10-15-2014 09:24 AM)el mechanico Wrote:  

Have you thought about taking this route?

Great recommendation. Nice amount of power, not too heavy, and shaft driven so you don't have to dick around with adjusting and lubing the chain. Can't believe I didn't think of the BMW airheads.

I'm not too sure about parts availability, though; that's something to look into.

[cmrocks]

How about a Ducati Monster?

They started making them in 1993 so they can be had at all price ranges. You can definitely find one for under $3,000.

Contrary to what people might tell you, they are extremely reliable. They have an oil cooled, v-twin motor which is perfect for around the city. It doesn't rev out really high and it makes a ton of power and torque at low rpms which is nice for the city. They also sound better than anything else out there. Another cool thing about the Monster is the aftermarket and custom scene for them is huge if that's something that you're interested in.

Edit: I've owned three Ducati's over my life (848, Hypermotard, M1100S); two of which had the air cooled motor in question. Never had a mechanical problem with any of them.

This is a newer one with some modifications which is listed at $5,500 but it's overpriced. The seller will never get that much. He thinks the modifications make it worth more than it is. This one is a 2006.



Here's one that's a bit older, 1996, and sold for $4,000 in 2011.

[Frontenac]

Anyone have experience with old Brit bikes, like Nortons, BSA's, and Triumphs? I know they require a lot more wrenching and attention than Jap bikes, but man are they cool.

A 750 or 850 Commando like this is my dream machine.

[el mechanico]

(10-15-2014 10:13 AM)Frontenac Wrote:  

Anyone have experience with old Brit bikes, like Nortons, BSA's, and Triumphs? I know they require a lot more wrenching and attention than Jap bikes, but man are they cool.

A 750 or 850 Commando like this is my dream machine.

I had one.

I'll start posting my suggestions from vegas craigslist..

http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/mcy/4714238245.html
http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/mcy/4713489445.html


http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/mcy/4693814927.html

http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/mcy/4711354099.html
^ Fuck yeah
http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/mcy/4692506506.html

The reason I'm picking taller bikes is Fistos size. The lower ones will make him "moped" or a dork.

http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/mcy/4683443488.html
^ Awesome
http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/mcy/4694595906.html

[Duke Castile]

That bmw is sick!

Those pics of the Monster look really cool. I saw another one on CL that looked really ugly so I kind of moved on. I'll revisit.

[Rutting Elephant]

(10-14-2014 08:52 PM)Fisto Wrote:  

Cleveland Cycle Werks (I like the Heist model but no one can ride with you)

The Heist has a great look and seems comfortable. That price tag is very attractive as well but since it only has that single seat I think I would get the Ace which has the look of a cafe race.

They've expanded recently to Indonesia, so I second a request for opinions on Cleveland Werks. They're releasing a 500cc model here next year, but for practical purpose I have been very happy with the Indian-made Bajaj Pulsar 250 so that's more power and price than I need. For contrasting styles, Cleveland is really appealing.

[el mechanico]

Cleveland cycle uses tho same junk Chinese parts those scooters you see broken down all over use.

Lifan engines.

Also the one Fisto likes is like 12hp

[Duke Castile]

(10-15-2014 12:41 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

Cleveland cycle uses tho same junk Chinese parts those scooters you see broken down all over use.

Lifan engines.

Also the one Fisto likes is like 12hp

psssssh

[el mechanico]

(10-15-2014 01:01 PM)Fisto Wrote:  

(10-15-2014 12:41 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

Cleveland cycle uses tho same junk Chinese parts those scooters you see broken down all over use.

Lifan engines.

Also the one Fisto likes is like 12hp

psssssh

http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/moto...60078.html

Seat height is 25 inches. Do you know what you'll look like on that?

[Duke Castile]

Hey you know I trust your judgement.

[el mechanico]

Also when you think you like a bike watch youtube videos of people riding.

[sammybiker]

OP: What are your goals here...what are you trying to achieve? Getting from point A to point B? Thrill? Touring?

There should be a local riders group that gets together for rides, coffee meetups, pizza nights, etc. I would catch up with yours, get to know the guys and sit on a variety of different bikes.

Better yet, when you do pick something up and once you prove you're not an idiot, you may have the opportunity to trade around with your buddies and really figure what you like.

You don't know until you know

I've been riding dirt for the last 16 years and sport bikes for the last 12. Pretty much had just about everything at one point or another. My recent addiction is doing long haul trips on sportbikes - put 14k miles on a little R6 last summer, touring through the Northern states, British Columbia, Alberta & Alaska. Often, my bike is my only vehicle.

Bottom line, do it...if you end up loving it, there will be few things in life that can come close.

[Duke Castile]

Thanks for that Sammy.

Right now my needs are from point a to b but I want to become proficient as a rider with a higher than normal level of skill.

I have greatly enjoyed the trips I've taken so far and I think that would be even more fulfilling as my skill level increases.

[MrXY]

Really liking this thread. I'm in the market myself to buy one this winter.

[sammybiker]

Winter is the best season for deals!

[Chivas989]

I vote for the Suzuki TU250X

[Duke Castile]

Check this out http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/mcy/4671637816.html

[lowside]

Sv650 is definitely a nice bike, get it. I personally really like the naked.

[el mechanico]

(10-16-2014 10:29 AM)lowside Wrote:  

Sv650 is definitely a nice bike, get it. I personally really like the naked.

You're going to be crowded on it.