Why?, not What?, is the question to ask when buying a motorcycle.
Aug 30 '00
Why do you want a new motorcycle? That is the question. For veteran cyclists, the answers are easy; more power, more comfort, better looking, etc. But for the novice, it is all-important to selecting the right ride. Even if you will not tell the salesman why (embarrassment?), be honest with yourself. Here are a few general answers new riders have for the "why" question:
"I gonna ride with the mirrors facing in, just to see how good I look. I'll be buying the best looking bike with matching wallet, jacket, helmet and key fob. Give me wax, wheel cleaner and the 5000 PSI power washer."
"I just watched Fabritzio Wheelenzia win the Italian GP on Speedvision. I need to buy that same bike. No, I have not ridden, but I know what I want. And before I pick the bike up, you can change the exhaust, carbs, tires and the windscreen (to purple, of course). Motorcycle digest says this will add 57 horsepower and I'll need it to do 9.8 in the 1/4 mile!
"Ironbutt Peterson and I leave for Alaska on Tuesday. The Intercontinantal 2000 looks like the bike for me. Its got short wave radio, cup holders, winch, intercom, GPS, and 1400 pounds of torque. Oh, and I will need a flat bed to take it home.
Im not sure why, but it looks like fun.
Ive exaggerated just a little, but there is a few things each of these new riders should know before setting out to buy.
1. You can buy a bike that is Too Small or Too Large. Larger touring and cruiser motorcycle can top out at between 700 and 800 pounds. If you tip over and your name is not Reggie White, better call a tow truck. Driving to work and school may not require a big, heavy vehicle that is hard to park in a small spot. Small motorcycles are not suitable, or enjoyable, for long distance highway use. A bike that seems easy to ride when new, cam seem badly underpowered and dull after one month. Salesmen in dealerships continually sell vehicles that are too small to women. I know a woman (54, 125 pounds) who drag races a Suzuki 1200 Bandit (over 500 pounds, 120 horsepower). Check seat height, seat width, weight, and balance before you buy.
2. Modern sportbikes are unbelievably fast. The brakes are incredibly strong. They handle quicker then you can think, like a roller coaster on two wheels. Do Not Start With A Open Class Bike (750 and Up). One motorcycle company had a new 1200 model come out this last year. A local dealership had every one sold crash. Choose wisely, grasshopper.
3. Big cruisers and sportbikes cost 10000+ these days. Big Bucks means financing. Financing means mandatory full coverage insurance. In some areas, especially large urban centers, young riders or riders with less then stellar driving history will not be able to secure insurance. You have to check this before going shopping. Salesmen are there to sell. They will waste hours of your time if they think you have the slightest chance of buying. Rates for insurance vary widely between companies and are different for every model (in most states).
My recommendation for a starter bike would be something like a SV650 Suzuki or a EX 500 Kawasaki. The seating position is not too radical, they have good power and is maneuverable at low speed. Cruisers have a larger selection for newcomers. The Honda Shadow, Kawasaki Vulcan 500 or 800 and Yamaha XV650 are great choices. Try to test drive before you buy, dealers in most states will allow it if you have a license (forget it in New York).
Hope to see you on the road!
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