Psywar Posted May 23, 2010 Posted May 23, 2010 Hola! Last few years I have been considering buying myself a Motorcycle for the summer time to cruise around on, save on gas etc. First off - I have never driven/rode a bike before nor do I know much about them to be honest. I was kind of wondering if any of you had experiences with any of these Bikes I was looking at. Or with the Manufactures themselves how you would rate them etc. First Bike that came to mind when I began looking was the Kawasaki Ninja 650. Now the reason behind this is because that Candy Apple Green is like my Fav. Color. Lets be honest that bike is sexy looking. But I don't think it would be a practical first bike for me? Its 650cc - But I think it has a ton of Horsepower. Not that I am scared of going fast, that is definitely not the case at all. I am just not sure if this is a good bike to learn how to Ride on. Don't know though, anyone learn on one? The Bike I was considering buying is 2010 KLR 650 Dual Purpose (Kawasaki) http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/product-specifications.aspx?scid=14&id=415 Only think I do not like about the site is it does not show the HP rating on the bikes. Reason I like this one is it seems like a decent starter bike. It has a nice displacement at 650cc so it's not too small. The Price is right down my alley. I really am not looking to spend more then 9k on a bike. I was also looking at the Cruiser. Vulcan 900 series. http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/product-specifications.aspx?scid=7&id=425 Looks like a nice bike for everyday purpose. My dad told me to make sure that the Bike I get does not have a short stroke pistons because those bikes sound like there running at 10,000RPM continuous and he says it gets really annoying on long trips. Which from my experience driving cars and going fast, I always hated hearing the car @ a high RPM for a long period of time. So I could see that. I was also looking and the Yamaha's V-Star's. I looked at the Honda's but the Dual Purpose models were the only ones really in my price range, and I really dont like the way they look. Anyways.. What do you all think? Or Ride? Which brands to do you like best? Thanks for the info and tips in advance! I dont think I will have time to reply much today or tomorrow, so this may be open for a while. Thanks again all! -Chuck Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingdingeling Posted May 23, 2010 Posted May 23, 2010 Friend of mine rides a Suzuki SV650 and is extremely happy with it: http://suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/SV650/2008/SV650.aspx?category=standard Personally, I don't ride, but that Suzuki goes pretty well and makes a great noise! [Edit] The Suzuki Gladius also looks nice! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onion Posted May 23, 2010 Posted May 23, 2010 I've heard a lot of good things from the vulcan 900. My uncle has it and loves it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJR Posted May 23, 2010 Posted May 23, 2010 I would suggest buying an OFF ROAD bike, like a 125 or 250 and taking it out on the trails (dirt) first to get familiar with riding a bike. I rode dirt bikes for almost 10 years before getting a street bike (age 20) and with all the close calls I had on the street it was worth it. People on the road give bikes no respect, so learning how to throw around a bike when that little old lady pulls out in front of you might not be the best idea. Just my 2 cents. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjloki Posted May 23, 2010 Posted May 23, 2010 Hola! Last few years I have been considering buying myself a Motorcycle for the summer time to cruise around on, save on gas etc. First off - I have never driven/rode a bike before nor do I know much about them to be honest. I was kind of wondering if any of you had experiences with any of these Bikes I was looking at. Or with the Manufactures themselves how you would rate them etc. First Bike that came to mind when I began looking was the Kawasaki Ninja 650. Now the reason behind this is because that Candy Apple Green is like my Fav. Color. Lets be honest that bike is sexy looking. But I don't think it would be a practical first bike for me? Its 650cc - But I think it has a ton of Horsepower. Not that I am scared of going fast, that is definitely not the case at all. I am just not sure if this is a good bike to learn how to Ride on. Don't know though, anyone learn on one? The Bike I was considering buying is 2010 KLR 650 Dual Purpose (Kawasaki) http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/product-specifications.aspx?scid=14&id=415 Only think I do not like about the site is it does not show the HP rating on the bikes. Reason I like this one is it seems like a decent starter bike. It has a nice displacement at 650cc so it's not too small. The Price is right down my alley. I really am not looking to spend more then 9k on a bike. I was also looking at the Cruiser. Vulcan 900 series. http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/product-specifications.aspx?scid=7&id=425 Looks like a nice bike for everyday purpose. My dad told me to make sure that the Bike I get does not have a short stroke pistons because those bikes sound like there running at 10,000RPM continuous and he says it gets really annoying on long trips. Which from my experience driving cars and going fast, I always hated hearing the car @ a high RPM for a long period of time. So I could see that. I was also looking and the Yamaha's V-Star's. I looked at the Honda's but the Dual Purpose models were the only ones really in my price range, and I really dont like the way they look. Anyways.. What do you all think? Or Ride? Which brands to do you like best? Thanks for the info and tips in advance! I dont think I will have time to reply much today or tomorrow, so this may be open for a while. Thanks again all! -Chuck when i was a younger man in a different time, u.s. special forces used the klr650 as an advanced scout/recon vehicle because of it's superior all terrain agility and reliability...today i'm not sure what they use... having recently bought my 4th harley and having a more matured appreciation for the cruise, i really think you ought to seriously consider what all you are gonna do with your new motorcycle...saving gas and wear and tear is a good start...are ya gonna go off road? will you be cruising with friends? will you be carrying passengers? are you gonna make payments or buy it outright? there are many things to consider and factor in... ....i find it encouraging that you are concerned about your level of cycling experience... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bishop245 Posted May 23, 2010 Posted May 23, 2010 before you spend a lot on a bike get a cheap one to learn to ride like a used dirt bike or something to help you learn balance and turning. I started riding as a child but i don't ride anymore as I don't have the motorcycle endorsement on my cdl, or the other fact is that i don't own a bike nowadays. Spend a lil time learning on that then grab you a good bike to enjoy with out the fear of falling down on the new bike from a silly mistake . Make sure what ever bike you chose you can hold it up and pick it up if you fall over. You also want to be able to touch the ground good with both feet not just one. After all that ride and enjoy PS. When you start riding PAY ATTENTION to the fools around you because atleast 7 out of 10 people wont be looking for you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Psywar Posted May 23, 2010 Posted May 23, 2010 Sounds like a good plan, buy something cheap and learn on it first. That might be the best way to go, then after I am done with it, I can pass it on to my brother lol! As for uses on the Bike - I will pretty much only be using it to cruise around town. I was considering using it to make my bi-weekly trips to Tawas City on it. (3hr ride) As for a passenger, not really likely anytime soon. I will check ebay, and craigslist and drive around town and see if I can find anything cheap to mess around on and learn on for the time being as well! Oh and LOL at reaching the ground part. I might have to get a custom seat for this. Being 5' 7" n all! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sYstEmATiC Posted May 23, 2010 Posted May 23, 2010 Friend of mine rides a Suzuki SV650 and is extremely happy with it: http://suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/SV650/2008/SV650.aspx?category=standard Personally, I don't ride, but that Suzuki goes pretty well and makes a great noise! [Edit] The Suzuki Gladius also looks nice! I also have a friend with a an SV650 and he loves it. It doesn't quite have the power as some of the other sporty bikes of the same displacement (like the ninja/cbr/gxsr), which could make it a better beginner bike. The thing I like about it, is it has a lower tone to it similar to a ducati. I like this because as you said, the high rpm sound of some bikes get annoying. He has a naked model (no fenders) and it looks pretty sweet. You can buy them either way. Maybe this is worth taking a look at. I'm with RJR on this one. Cars have absolutely no respect for bikes and don't pay a damned bit of attention so be very careful. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Psywar Posted May 23, 2010 Posted May 23, 2010 Those Suzuki's are nice! I may have to drive down to the dealership and have a listen to all of them in action as well. Chances are I will end up changing the pipes on them anyways though for a nice deep "throaty" tone. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy_Nate Posted May 23, 2010 Posted May 23, 2010 I've been eyeing used KLR's on craigslist for some time now. They're single cylinder, good mileage, rugged...and ones that have been broken in are cheap on craigslist (motorcycles usually have pretty hefty restrictions on RPMs for the break in period). I'm definitely buying used for my first bike...you should seriously consider it as well. If you accidentally lay it down, well, it'll just hurt your pride and pocketbook less. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Psywar Posted May 23, 2010 Posted May 23, 2010 Yeah buying used is a nice thought. Only problem I am seeing around here though is most people want 1-3k for most of their cheaper used bikes around here. for 3k I can buy a new cheaper trainer bike. I am going to have to talk with my brother and his friends. I know they have to have bikes they all grew up on the backroads down here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy_Nate Posted May 23, 2010 Posted May 23, 2010 Yeah buying used is a nice thought. Only problem I am seeing around here though is most people want 1-3k for most of their cheaper used bikes around here. for 3k I can buy a new cheaper trainer bike. I am going to have to talk with my brother and his friends. I know they have to have bikes they all grew up on the backroads down here. Yeah...Ninja 250r's are like $3500 new... However, you've still gotta consider the differences in the tiers of bikes (cheap bikes must have cheap components for them to be feasible from a production standpoint). So, in order to get that trainer bike on par with a slightly used bike of a higher bracket...well, you get the point. I've been thinking about this for a while. As much as I'd like to buy a brand-spanking-new Kawi Versys...I'd be pissed if somebody cuts me off and I have to lay a brand new bike down because I'm not an experienced rider. At least with the KLR, you can handle getting run off the road Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now