motorcycle

Anonymous-0 · Feb 6, 2009

I have been thinking about buying a motorcycle lately. My son and some of his friends have been encouraging me to join them on a trip to Montana this summer. Never owned one of my own but thought about it a few times. Was thinking I should get one with shaft drive. I always wanted a HD but I need your opinions on what to buy. Can anyone help me? Thanks

Vito · Feb 6, 2009

Ge a BMW.Wouldn't rattle your teeth out and easier to ride distance on.

Vito

Eastex Don · Feb 6, 2009

Bill, I have a 97 Road King and love it. Buy a bike that fits your riding style, ie short or long trips. If I was doing a lot of touring, I'd look hard at the Goldwing. Be sure and take the rider safety classes.

cadet trooper · Feb 6, 2009

Well if you want a shaft drive it won't be a Harley. I own an 02 Ultra Classic HD I don't know where you are from Montana but unless you've got plenty of backside padding or an iron backside you're going to need to get off of that bad girl between every 100 to 150 miles to get some feeling back in your butt their adjustable air shocks are hard to keep adjusted and you have to carry a pump and stop to do it.I guess the kid in me still loves it. I haven't ridden a softail so you might try one. Harley usually has a ride to try so personally that's what I'd do. All cruiser bikes usually weigh anywhere from 750 to 900 pounds depending on dressing and extras. Custom bikes (usually have the small front tire) Superglides, Wideglides,Deuces and V-rods weigh in around 600 pounds Sportsters usually around 450 I think. Personally I'd try all brands. I hear Harley wants to deal because last I heard they are planning on closing two of their plants because of lagging sales. Yes I'd probably buy another Harley it's about something you love to hate.I once had an ederly couple that I eat with from time to time come up to me and she asked what's the big deal about this Harley thing? I calmly said "Well maam it's kinda like having s?@ the first time with a new girlfriend "You never know what to expect but it's guaranteed you going to have fun!" She turned red and speechless the old gentleman broke out in a big laugh and said son you just made my day she started laughing and said Herb let's go home. It made my day too. Good Luck

PaBob · Feb 6, 2009

PLEASE, take a motorcycle safety course, NO matter how much riding you may or may not have done. I had five BMWs they are meant to be ridden, not looked at, or listened to. Be safe;

cadet trooper · Feb 6, 2009

AMEN PaBob!BTW, the Beamer is definitely a nice bike I've ridden with a few folks with them and they can definitely sneak up on you. Not too pricey the way I see it.

MarkB_MI · Feb 6, 2009

If you decide to buy a bike, by all means take the motorcycle safety classes. And make sure you have insurance that will cover you if you are temporarily disabled and can't work.

My wife dreamed of owning a motorcycle most of her life. When a neighbor put his Sportster up for sale, she bought it and I bought a Yamaha. One fall ended it for her. Not much of an accident, but she dislocated her right thumb, had to undergo painful surgery to fix it and was out of work for six months. (She's a hairdresser.) She decided then that it wasn't worth it.

I don't mean to put a damper on your dream. I enjoy riding myself. But it is an inherently dangerous activity. Get properly trained, wear proper gear (including a full-face helmet, no matter what your Harley buddies tell you), and drive defensively.

Larry59 · Feb 6, 2009

Ve sure to get one that when you sat on it. Both your feet touch flat on the pavement for equal bounce. Helps when setting at a stop light and other factors to. Safety! Plus don't buy a cheap made helmet either.

g mccool · Feb 6, 2009

I am H D all the way. When I skin my knuckle I ever bleed H D. I rode my first H D when I was 12 & am 54 now. But there are a lot of good rides out there. First try to determine what type of riding you will be doing. Touring or just going 15 miles to your local Dariy Queen. There is a big diferance in the ride you need. Then go set on some. If your not comfortable just setting on it. Move on. Think maintence. It will cost a lot if you can't do your own work. Then go & test ride some. You will know when it is your bike. It just feels right. Most important of all. Take a safety course!!!!!!!!!! You may think you are a good rider. Or you may think I will just take it easy for the first couple months. WRONG. If you learn just one thing in this course it could be the thing that saves you from a accident. You didn't ask about helmets but I'm going to give you my 2 cents. If & when you buy a helmet don't look at the price tag. Walk up & down the isle trying on helmets until you find one that fits perfect & I mean perfect. Still don't look at the price tag. Then walk to the sales counter & pay for it. Then & only then is when you find out how much it cost. If your helmet doesn't fit. You won't be comfortable with it on. Gerald

jose bagge · Feb 6, 2009

late 70s-early 80s BMW R series probably the most dependable distance cruisers ever made, and really very affordable now. I know lots of guys with 100K or more that have never had the heads off. Mine's a 77 R100RS

old · Feb 6, 2009

HDs are ok for show bikes but if you want to ride go with a BMW and you will never look back. Only thing you ever have to do with a BMW is the normal oil changes and tune up and tires and they will just keep on keeping on. Hds you better have a truck behind you full of tools. Hd is the only company I know fo that say to use lock-tite on ALL bolts.

Kestrel in CT · Feb 6, 2009

I'm 58 and bought my first bike last year, a HD Sportster after never before having an interest. My wife and friends finally talked me into it.

The Sportster is a great learner bike and a quick agile machine but
I recently traded up to an '09 Dyna FatBob, a bigger more road friendly model. I'm 6'1' 200 lbs. and it "fits" perfect.

To wear a helmet or not ? A personal decision really, but as my instructor said, "if not for yourself, wear it for someone else that might miss you if your gone."

But plenty of nice used bikes out there. Go for it. You'll be instantly cool.....if not a little poorer.
<img src =http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n48/ckestrel/JollyRoger.jpg>

Anonymous-0 · Feb 6, 2009

you have got a lot of good info so far. but BMW are good bikes but dealer support is poor. been to Alaska two times 99 and 04. 99 was with a 98 Gold wing and in 04 with a 02 Kawasaki Voyager X11. i don't care you will need dealer support at some point and the best out there is going to be Honda and the Gold Wing lots of 1500 out there and they will be a little cheeper then the BMW. i am not knocking any other bikes but when we travel we do 500 to 600 miles a day and you will want the comfort of a good touring bike and if you pull a trailer the Wing is the way to go. we put on 15,000 to 20,000 miles a year and at this time we have a 02 Voyager with 121,000 miles but just ordered a new 09 Wing

Anonymous-0 · Feb 7, 2009

If you've never had a bike before, it would be a good idea to start off with a smaller bike than a full size touring bike. I'd suggest something in the 650 to 750cc range. Not a sport bike though. Something with a more upright seating position will be better for longer trips. Have to agree on a Japanese bike for ease of service, parts, reliability and dealer support. Shaft drive is nice but having a chain isn't a big deal. Once you have some experience, then you could look into a larger bike. They can be intimidating, especially as a first time bike. Taking a motorcycle training/safety course is the first thing to do. You might decide having a bike isn't for you. When you ride on the street, you have to always ride defensively and be really aware of everything that is going on around you. Not wearing a helmet is just plain stupid! You hit a tiny patch of gravel or someone cuts you off and down you go. With a helmet, you have a good chance of getting up again. Without a helmet, not so much. Always wear decent footwear and clothing. A leather motorcycle jacket with padded elbows and such is the best, even if it's 100 deg. outside. Road rash hurts! Dave

Wardner · Feb 7, 2009

I got a shaft drive Harley. Mine is similar (has the rare disc wheels) to the $30,000 bike just sold on eBay.

Let me know if you are interested. LOL
XA shaft drive H D

Aberdale Farm · Feb 7, 2009

I agree with the BMW. I've been riding since 1972, and have been riding a BMW since 1990. Last summer I rode it more than my pickup! My wife and I rode it from Ohio to Utah and back last May. BMWs are good long distance cruisers.

And reliable too. My 1990 BMW (K100RS bought new) has gone almost 20 years with hardly more than normal oil changes and maintenance. The only repairs (other than tires, batteries, and brake pads) were a clutch cable replacement and a brake master cylinder rebuild. Maybe I've been lucky, but I've found BMW service to be as good as any.

You will likely get better fuel economy, longer range, and be less exhausted at the end of the day with a BMW compared to a Harley. (Based on riding with some of my Harley friends).

Good luck on whatever you decide. As far as I'm cncerned, they're all fun.

Dale

JOB · Feb 7, 2009

I would not buy anything that comes out of Japan, sometimes you have no choice, motorcycles you do. Remember they are the ones that killed 2500 sleeping sailors. Sort of like bin Ladens crew on 911. I would buy American or European. Here is a picture of my ride.

cjk · Feb 7, 2009

Ive been riding for almost 30 years. Current bikes are 2000 BMW R1100rt and an 07 Honda VFR. The best times Ive had were on a motorcycle.

It can be dangerous. I know people who have died on bikes. Some because they were stupid, others just unlucky. Wearing a helmet would have saved most of them. Get a good one and wear it.

A small bike will be easier to learn on. If you have never ridden anything I would get a small on/off road to learn on. They are light, cheap and dont have enough power to get you into trouble. Move to a bigger bike as your skill improves.

Buy used.

1. There will be a lot of TOYS for sale with this economy.
2. You WILL drop it as you learn and ding it up.

BMW's are nice for long rides. The shaft drive is low maintenance but when it fails $$$$.
HD's belt drive seems to be very durable, maintenance free and relatively cheap to replace.
Chains will need adjustment and lube every couple K miles. No big deal unless you ride a lot.

Honda makes an excellent bike also. Maytag of the bike world in my opinion.

Loud pipes do not save lives, they just annoy people.
And lastly, ride like you are invisible.

Be safe out there.

Sidekick · Feb 7, 2009

You've gotten some really good advice so far but I'll add mine.

Take a riders course. It is worth every penny to a new rider.
You will really learn a lot. Your first bike should not be a big
one. Trust me, the little 250cc or equivalent machine that you
will learn on in the riders course is nothing like an 800lb roadbike.
Don't buy a new or expensive bike until you know that you really
like to ride. Buying a $15,000 road hog only to discover that it hurts
your back or that you just really don't enjoy it doesn't make sense.
Ride on a smaller used machine until you get an idea of what kind of rider you really are. Don't get hung up on Harley's. They are beautiful.
and quality rides but there are a lot of other choices. You may find out
that a midsize tourer is more your speed. I have a 1500 Vulcan that
I seldom ride and a KLR650 that gets ridden even in the winter. Find
what YOU like and explore that avenue. Oh yeah, wear your gear. Ever seen someone who dumped it on hot asphalt while wearing shorts, t-shirt and flip flops? You don't want to be that guy.
I'd stick with a 750cc cruiser for a first one. Powerful enough that you won't get bored with it too soon but not ridiculously fast either. Good luck and don't be afraid to ask advice from experienced riders. They can save you some money and maybe even a little skin.

Anonymous-0 · Feb 7, 2009

I've had bikes all my life, couldnt tell ya how many but all kinds. Never had much luck with my Euro bikes except the Beemer, and as awkward as the opposed 2 cyl. bikes look theyre actually quite nimble and good long range machines. As far as bang for the buck you cant beat the jap bikes, Ive had probably 15+ over the years, BUT...theyre complex! you pretty much need a MC mechanic to fix them and parts arent cheap at all. Ive got a HD now and it'll probably be my last bike, I love it but I wouldnt want to go cross-country on it mostly cause Im gettin older and dont have the stamina. If I were you Id get a mid size jap cruiser thats in good shape, take a MC safety course and get as many rural seat miles as I could. You have to learn to handle the bike well to survive, before you tackle congested areas or long trips. The classes are good but theres no substitute for experience. Good Luck and have fun!...OCG
PS..hope this pic comes thru.
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t314/oldcraneguy/IM000909.jpg[/IMG]]Untitled URL Link

plow hand · Feb 7, 2009

Honda Gold Wing interstate....... 1982 on up .............a fine tuned machine, standard with all the bags..

Anonymous-0 · Feb 7, 2009

You have been given some good information. If you havent rode before you may find it intimidating at first. You will need some road time before taking off long distance. I like Honda for reliability. Probably would avoid chain drive. Belt drive bikes are ok. Heavier bikes are better for long distance. Lighter for around town, etc. Like cars, each has its niches.

ldj · Feb 7, 2009

I am 70 years old. Rode motorcycles ever since 12 years old. Couple years ago I got to thinking about all the traffic after I saw car rear ended. What if that had been a motorcycle. The rider would have been dead. I just sold mine. Do I miss them, Yes. Will I get another, no.

greygoat · Feb 7, 2009

Relief is spelled r-o-l-a-i-d-s
Motorcycle is spelled H-a-r-l-e-y
anything else is spelled R-i-c-e-g-r-i-n-d-e-r
(Unless you"re very rich-shaftdrive BMW)

Anonymous-0 · Feb 7, 2009

I've ridden H-D for thirty years now, have never had to have a truck full of tools follow me anywhere. What happened, did you get tired of pouting?

Anonymous-0 · Feb 7, 2009

Harley-Davidson.

plow hand · Feb 7, 2009

I suggested a Honda gold wing..... but there is nothing like a Harley..... and if you speak nice to me.... I may even show you a picture of my wife in a 2 piece on my Heritage (Ivory and turqoise in color) A Harley is the only bike I will ever own..

jlmtractor · Feb 7, 2009

Honda's and all the other brand bikes are nice, but they dont hold there resale value like a Harley, so if you ever plan on selling on down the road drop the extra coin for a harley, plus they sound fantastic!

KIP in MX · Feb 7, 2009

If you plan on long trips, choose an opposed 2, 4, 6 cyl or 4 cyl inline engine. Twin V engines are fine for short trips, but I wouldn't want to ride a bike for hours or days with one.

old · Feb 7, 2009

Nice looking ump. Is that a 750 or a 650. Been to long since I was around any of the umps. At one time I owned a pair of tiger 200, 1959s sure wish I still had them

JOB · Feb 7, 2009

71, 650 TR6 Bought new in California and rode to Minnesota.

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