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Get a good bike:look at more than the chrome.Nov 23 '00 Write an essay on this topic.After buying a few motorcycles in my day,I've bought strictly used and have had mixed results in what I've gotten,and how they've lasted/performed overall.....Here's a few guidelines of what to get or look for before slapping down the greens for a "new used bike". 1)Is it big/small enough for you?Every rider is a different size,stature and skill level so (unlike in love),SIZE MATTERS!If a bike is too tall for you,you might not be able to control it the way you should.When sitting on the driver section of the seat,you should be able to touch both feet to the ground with a slight bend in both knees.That way you know that you won't topple once you stop.Center of gravity should also be fairly low as well for the same reasons (much like those tests you see for SOME 4-wheel drive vehicles).As for engine size,you also don't want to have more power than you need,it's insane.You want to have enough power to get you out of trouble when needed,but not so much that it gets you into trouble.For most first time riders a 350-650cc is more than sufficient for most depending on your size. 2)Is it easy to fix on the roadside?One of the worst things that can happen is to be stranded with the handy tool kit on the side of the road,and not be able to have a quick fix for MOST things quickly available.On my first bike (a Suzuki gs-550,1978 model),bubblegum and bailing wire was enough to get me back on the road in most cases,liberally sprinkled with a bit of common sense.On my second on road bike (an 83 Yamaha 650-maxim),there were much more "electronics" on the bike,and little accessory goodies that could go wrong,and did.Of course a good program of preventative maintenance,and knowledge of the bike is important.Know your bike from front to back:every nut,bolt and screw.It only proves to be a godsend in the long haul. 3)How much riding experience have you got?If you are a "newbie" on a bike,keep the bike small and easy to handle.That Gold-Wing or Harly is probably too massive to learn on,try riding in the bush on cousin Ernie's Honda-50 for a little while until you have a good handle on riding,and then slowly work up to the size that's comfortable for you. 4)In all things you do on a bike,use the KISS method (Keep It Simple,Stupid) of EVERYTHING you do out there.Keep an eye on the road and the weather to be sure that the bike you have keeps you coming back for more riding,instead of being ridden on by other drivers.  |
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