Motorcycles

[.bishop]

70s bikes are awesome, but unless you buy one fully restored and the way you like it, you'll have to commit to doing a lot of work and maintennace to get them running right.

just cause they are old nad cheap, and a honda, doesnt mean those carbs will be your friend.

 

[.bishop]

Originally Posted by j

If you have never ridden a bike before, sign up and take the MSF beginner course. Search this thread for 'msf' for more beginner tips, but I firmly believe everyone should start there.

here's a good post from another forum:

I. Need a motorcycle license? Check out your local DMV to find out more information. Also, call up 1-800-CC-RIDER or check out http://www.msf-usa.org/.

II. You are most likely NOT too tall/short/fat/skinny/ugly/good-looking/etc to ride a bike.

A. If you're unsure if a bike will fit you, then go sit on one. That's the easiest way to find out whether or not you should be riding it.

B. If you've still got your heart set on a bike, even though it's too short, then there are always ways to shorten the ride height.

III. There are no bad beginner bikes. It all depends on how much respect you have for the bike and how much control you have over your ego. You will find that bikes with smaller engines and/or twins have throttles that are MUCH easier to modulate. Grabbing a handful of throttle won't get you into trouble as quickly as a big 1000cc bike. That being said, look into getting an older ('80s and '90s) bike, mostly because insurance premiums are lower and there is more aftermarket support available.

IV. Buying a bike - you're not just spending money on a motorcycle. You also have to buy insurance, PROPER gear that fits (if you're unsure, go try on some gear!), and have a little money on the side for incidentals (new tires, battery, whatever), just in case.

A. Financing - No, you're not going to get as good of a financing deal through a motorcycle dealership than an automobile dealership. There is less overhead for dealerships, and more people are likely to default on a motorcycle loan.

B. Try a credit union if you have access. They can usually get you lower rates.

C. If you absolutely must use a credit card, then be prepared to pay it off quickly. CC's usually have very high interest rates.

V. You WILL drop the bike. It may be at a standstill or while moving, even at 5mph. Be prepared! A cheaper bike will be less costly to repair and proper gear will help to prevent you from getting injuries. Plenty of people on this board have the battle scars to prove it.


VI. Insurance - You have basically two choices: liability or full coverage. No matter what you ask or we reply, you should ask your insurance agent for a quote. Just because I'm paying $xxx for insurance does not mean you'll get the same rate. It depends on what bike you ride, where you live, your age, and various other factors. If you're financing, you NEED to have full coverage! Just ask around on this board...a few members' bikes were stolen, but they still have to make payments.

Does this answer all your questions? If not, then maybe you shouldn't be asking it! But seriously, this should answer most of your questions. If not, please ask, but at least make an attempt at the "Search" feature.


http://www.clarity.net/adam/buying-bike.html

 

[shoreman1782]

Originally Posted by .bishop

70s bikes are awesome, but unless you buy one fully restored and the way you like it, you'll have to commit to doing a lot of work and maintennace to get them running right.

just cause they are old nad cheap, and a honda, doesnt mean those carbs will be your friend.

And since I have zero mechanical inclination and no one to teach me anything, I'll probably just stick with my bicycle

 

[Harold falcon]

Originally Posted by shoreman1782

And since I have zero mechanical inclination and no one to teach me anything, I'll probably just stick with my bicycle

It's not that bad. There are a lot of resources on the web to help you out with these kinds of things.

 

[Rambo]

Originally Posted by gnatty8

The new Sportster superlows look way cool, and retro in the way a Bonneville does:

I really like the look on this. Sort of a 50's retro vibe. Seems like something the S&D guys with their bowling shirts would ride. But I can get past that.

 

[dron]

Originally Posted by shoreman1782

And since I have zero mechanical inclination and no one to teach me anything, I'll probably just stick with my bicycle

no no. do it man its great fun and you will learn as you go.
i bought this about 2 months ago without having the license or any idea about how a motor works:

so far i have broken more than i have fixed on it, but i think i'm getting better and i will have the license in a good weeks time.

 

[CDFS]

I am the new owner a Dr 'Big' 800s since about two weeks. Tonight i rode about 50k. Tomorrow I'll ride another 145k (about 90 miles). This would be great, except for the unreliability of the engine when slowing down to almost zero.

In these circumstances, I still look forward to it. (I'm a card carrying member of the Dutch AAA.)

When I get my hand on a camera, I'll make some pictures.

 

[Rambo]

Congrats on the new bike

 

[CDFS]

Thanks!

 

[captmomo]

tw200

 

[itsjustadrian]

Originally Posted by rohde88

Just the poser factor and the fact you can't throw a rock without hitting a Triumph down in SoCal....
Poser factor...? Could you please elaborate on that?
And as far as beginning to ride, what are some other bikes to consider then if Triumph's are that much looked down upon.

 

[Agnacious]

Originally Posted by Salad

Good save! Left to right: My Honda '75 CB400F, my homeboy's '72 Honda CL350, my bro's gf's 250 Ninja and my bro's immaculate, frame up fully restored '76 Yamaha RD400.
My father has a CL450, it has that exhaust pipe configuration which was supposed to make it a cross between an off road and street bike if I recall. I think the last time he rode it was in 1980 or so and has sat it in shed for the last 30 years. He lost the battle with my mother to ever ride it again and she lost the battle of him ever selling it.

 

[oneeightyseven]

I'm kopping a Harley boizzzzz! Prob an 883 sportster for now, since its my first bike. Maybe I'll move up to something else when I'm bored.

 

[gnatty8]

Originally Posted by itsjustadrian

Poser factor...? Could you please elaborate on that?
And as far as beginning to ride, what are some other bikes to consider then if Triumph's are that much looked down upon.

I would not worry too much about poser factor, seems like a silly reason to rule out what is a fantastic motorcycle. Buy what you like and what fits you well.

Originally Posted by oneeightyseven

I'm kopping a Harley boizzzzz! Prob an 883 sportster for now, since its my first bike. Maybe I'll move up to something else when I'm bored.

Good choice, which Sportster are you getting? The Iron 883 is a very cool bike, but then, I guess I am biased..

 

[oneeightyseven]

Originally Posted by gnatty8

I would not worry too much about poser factor, seems like a silly reason to rule out what is a fantastic motorcycle. Buy what you like and what fits you well. Good choice, which Sportster are you getting? The Iron 883 is a very cool bike, but then, I guess I am biased..

thats the one haha I wanna custom it a bit tho. Change the bars, straight pipes, maybe even wrap the pipes. What colour do you have ? Edit: nvm saw yours, nice bike!!