Nothing excites me. . . .

[Han Solo 1]

So my insurance nightmare is soon coming to an end. I'm expecting to have roughly $5500 to $6000 (claim payout + savings) to spend on a bike. I've already decided not to go back to the 250.

I'd say I'm torn, but that would imply that I want a few motorcycles very badly. The opposite is true. I'm not that wowed by the 300, given the mushy brakes and the fact that everything I've read indicates it's not light-years beyond the 250. I'm very "meh" about it.

I was looking at an HD Iron 883, but those things cost an arm and a leg, even after putting down $5k and having a good credit score.

Don't want to go too big (750 is probably my limit) because I don't want to kill myself, have super high insurance rates, or have a bike that is basically neutered because I'm not riding it to its full potential. Plus MPG is important to me.

Thinking either a 300, a used Shadow (those are dirt cheap, although the only one I really like, the Shadow Phantom, isn't), a Sportster, or an SV650. But the SV650 seems very boring.

Ugh. First World problems, I know, but still. I wish I was excited about something.

[rasta]

Victory or Triumph cruisers?

[ForceofWill]

If you have that much cash. I would personally buy a 250 and mod the **** out of it but that's what I like to do. 300 would be an option too if you like it.

I'm not a fan of the SV650's, not saying they're bad bikes I just can't get into them.

[Han Solo 1]

Those look decent. But to me, a cruiser is basically a cruiser. They all look the same to me. Not sure about handling, maybe I should go and test ride a few.

My first bike was a Rebel, and I hated it. It was like riding around on a chair.

But maybe other cruisers are different.

[ForceofWill]

Ever think about a used street triple?

[Sirref]

Check out the yamaha star bolt. It's basically the same thing as the 883 except better and a loan won't murder you as much as a harley loan would. 0%apr is possible with a perfect credit score but ~3-5% is most likely what you'll get.

Triumph's bikes are sexy and have ridiculously low insurance where I live.
http://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/bi...14/speedmaster
http://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/bi.../2014/thruxton
http://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/bi...t-triple-r-abs

Keep insurance in mind if you get a bike that you have payments on. Nothing would suck more than making payments on a stolen bike a year after it's been stolen.

all of these things used are simply better deals

[Bigballsofpaint]

FZ-6? Ninja 650? Heck even an FZ-8 now with the 9 out. 636, theres a bunch of bikes for that price, its all in what you want out of it.

[Sykes92]

My buddy has a HD Iron 883. He likes it but he wishes he went bigger (hes also just a bigger guy in general). Those bikes are smaller in person than they appear in photos haha. Almost liken it to a 250 compared to bigger sportbikes (physical size, not cc's)

[Sirref]

well the 883 was the smallest harley until the recent street 500/750s so the bike was designed with smaller people in mind.
-buell's don't count even though harley still owns the name buell.

[Aggrotech]

hondas 650f looks pretty kewl.
http://powersports.honda.com/2014/cbr650f.aspx

[Sykes92]

Originally Posted by Aggrotech

hondas 650f looks pretty kewl.
http://powersports.honda.com/2014/cbr650f.aspx

Oh sh... that's hot haha. I can't keep falling in love with all these new motorcycles. Blah.

[Sirref]

Originally Posted by Aggrotech

hondas 650f looks pretty kewl.
http://powersports.honda.com/2014/cbr650f.aspx

Seconded, that bike is in the running for the next bike I buy new when I graduate. Unless I come across a magically amazing bike on the used market someday. This is something that may actually happen, I know an old guy who has a heart condition and can't ride his '08 daytona 675 anymore (<3 triumph) I already ran the insurance numbers too (600/yr for both the daytona and my ninja full coverage including track days with rider insurance)

but seriously, as a jack of all trades I'd choose the new honda over the kawi or the sv 650s any day of the week and that's remembering the price tag difference.

[Sirref]

Originally Posted by Sykes92

Oh sh... that's hot haha. I can't keep falling in love with all these new motorcycles. Blah.

Just wait 10 years and find them all on the used market for the price of buying one new

[Han Solo 1]

The Triple R looks pretty nice.

I'm also considering waiting til June and grabbing up an HD Street 500 or 750. They look pretty sweet and I'll have more $$ by then.

But ever since my bike got stolen, I've been taking the damn bus to work every day, and it is getting old, even though it's only been about 3 weeks. I don't know if I can make it another 3 months of this.

[Whiskey]

Originally Posted by Han Solo 1

The Triple R looks pretty nice.

I'm also considering waiting til June and grabbing up an HD Street 500 or 750. They look pretty sweet and I'll have more $$ by then.

But ever since my bike got stolen, I've been taking the damn bus to work every day, and it is getting old, even though it's only been about 3 weeks. I don't know if I can make it another 3 months of this.

Sounds great too...

Seriously looking at one as my next machine, just need another grand or 2 in the shiny toy fund...

I'll just leave this here...

Link to original page on YouTube.

[alex.s]

have you actually ridden any of these bikes or are you just calling them boring because squids don't pop wheelies as often on them?

[dcj13]

So are you looking for a cruiser, a standard, or a sport bike?

[rasta]

Originally Posted by Aggrotech

hondas 650f looks pretty kewl.
http://powersports.honda.com/2014/cbr650f.aspx

Me likey. I might have to give that some strong consideration. Plus it's naked, so that will help insurance

[Sirref]

^ yea out of everything new that is a minimalist/functionalist's wet dream. I love how it can do literally everything well at its relatively low price point new. It's a true supersport bike designed with the road in mind instead of just the track. The thing looks beautiful too, it's only real competition is used cbr600rrs, 636s, and street triples (new&used) to me and those 3 bikes would make me keep my 300 for daily riding/commuting

[Aggrotech]

Originally Posted by Sirref

Seconded, that bike is in the running for the next bike I buy new when I graduate. Unless I come across a magically amazing bike on the used market someday. This is something that may actually happen, I know an old guy who has a heart condition and can't ride his '08 daytona 675 anymore (<3 triumph) I already ran the insurance numbers too (600/yr for both the daytona and my ninja full coverage including track days with rider insurance)

but seriously, as a jack of all trades I'd choose the new honda over the kawi or the sv 650s any day of the week and that's remembering the price tag difference.

Originally Posted by rasta

Me likey. I might have to give that some strong consideration. Plus it's naked, so that will help insurance

yeah i normally hate the GSXR headlight look but it actually looks alright on the 650f. Only thing that bothers me about it is how exposed the clutch cable is on the right side. seems like it could be an issue if you tipped it over on the right.

[ez12a]

+3 to the cbr650f...i will probably wait for a used one or jump onto a cbr500r in the meantime at some point.

[Sirref]

Originally Posted by ez12a

+3 to the cbr650f...i will probably wait for a used one or jump onto a cbr500r in the meantime at some point.

cbr500r is pretty bland, if you wait the 250 will satisfy you just as much. The only real difference is that you sit at lower rpms highway. It pulls about the same as a ninja 300 at a 60mph 6th gear roll on, though it'll get to 60 slightly quicker the difference isn't worth the price tag. The 250 isn't that much slower than either the 300 or the 500.

[JohnnyBravo]

I met some exciting people lately!

[Byakkotai]

I'm getting the crazies...kinda want the 650F just to try and drop as many of my spare 600RR parts in it as possible Won't be as excited to shell out the new bike munies though.

OP - $$$ = power to the player lol

[choneofakind]

Lightly used 300. Fix the brakes with pads and lines and such. Ride the crap out of it.


How much riding experience do you have han solo?

[JohnnyBravo]

I love my 300! I so wanna matching 636 for those drawer dropper days.

[rasta]

Originally Posted by Sirref

cbr500r is pretty bland, if you wait the 250 will satisfy you just as much. The only real difference is that you sit at lower rpms highway. It pulls about the same as a ninja 300 at a 60mph 6th gear roll on, though it'll get to 60 slightly quicker the difference isn't worth the price tag. The 250 isn't that much slower than either the 300 or the 500.

I would love to give a cbr500 a test ride. I haven't heard great things about it...many, if not most, people say the Ninja 300 is better for what I want, riding twisties. Hopefully someone around here puts one on craigslist so I can "test ride" it

[Byakkotai]

I have a feeling that dealers with used inventory will be more likely to allow you to test ride if you show up on your bike...just a theory.

[Aerio]

Zx6r

[dcj13]

Originally Posted by Byakkotai

I have a feeling that dealers with used inventory will be more likely to allow you to test ride if you show up on your bike...just a theory.

Private sellers will usually offer to let you test ride a bike if you show up on one. (Been my observation, anyway).

[rasta]

Originally Posted by Byakkotai

I have a feeling that dealers with used inventory will be more likely to allow you to test ride if you show up on your bike...just a theory.

Contra Costa Powersports in Concord said the only way I can ride one is if I buy one and return in within their mileage limit. Though I suppose that's not too different than the usual craigslist cash for test ride rule, eh?

[Sirref]

Originally Posted by rasta

Contra Costa Powersports in Concord said the only way I can ride one is if I buy one and return in within their mileage limit. Though I suppose that's not too different than the usual craigslist cash for test ride rule, eh?

In my experience it's cash in hand, but I didn't have a running bike either time I went through the craigslist market so there's that. If I were selling the condition would likely be cash in hand or I ride your bike with you to make sure you don't do something that's f*cking dumb on it, like ride it home and not come back.

[rasta]

I thought cash in hand meant cash in the seller's hand...?

[Sirref]

Originally Posted by rasta

I thought cash in hand meant cash in the seller's hand...?

that's what it does mean. if they ride I let it slide a bit so long as I know they can pay for it. I'm not the type to pocket the cash then call cops on them saying the bike was stolen, typically when bike shopping I bring a neutral proxy with me who holds the cash to avoid just that.

[Byakkotai]

Originally Posted by rasta

Contra Costa Powersports in Concord said the only way I can ride one is if I buy one and return in within their mileage limit. Though I suppose that's not too different than the usual craigslist cash for test ride rule, eh?

Sticky situation. Guess CCP just forced you to go demo a Triumph

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by Han Solo 1

Don't want to go too big (750 is probably my limit) because I don't want to kill myself, have super high insurance rates, or have a bike that is basically neutered because I'm not riding it to its full potential. Plus MPG is important to me.

I think you need to examine your reasoning carefully. The decision is made and that's cool, but the logic behind it doesn't really hold up.

You can kill yourself just as easily on a 250 as you can on a 750. The issue isn't the bike... it's self-control. If you ride a 250 like an idiot you'll wind up in the woods too. So are you one of those young testosterone-addled men who thinks with the small head instead of the big one? No? Then what makes you think a big bike is more likely to kill you? The bike doesn't launch by itself. Skynet isn't here.... yet.....

Not being able to ride a bike to its full potential? The VAST majority -- I'd guess 99 percent plus -- of riders can't even ride a 250 to its full potential. I know I can't. "Full potential" and getting an adrenaline rush from twisting the throttle are not the same thing. "Full potential" is riding a bike to the limits of traction without stepping over the edge. Anyone who's doing that on the street -- even on a 250 -- is more than likely to be riding at unsafe speeds and is CERTAINLY riding in an unsafe manner.

MPG -- Fair point, but my 750 still gets over 40 mpg.

Insurance -- good call. Insurance is WAY higher on a big sportbike.

I love my 750. I also loved my 250, but for different reasons.


Re wanting a Harley... I don't understand the appeal of cruisers myself, but that's just me. If the 300 leaves you cold and you don't want a bike that's "neutered," then what's the appeal of a big, fat, heavy bike that can't accelerate or handle? A 250/300 will ride rings around any cruiser.

[subxero]

There are so many different motorcycles out there, if no a single one of them tickles your fancy you need to get checked out.

I do understand a bit though. There are not to many motorcycles that I like so much that I feel I just have to have one, most would simply just be another motorcycle to me, sure different but not different enough. BUT there are a few more rare unique bikes that I really want to own and when I find the right one it will be in my garage

Broaden your search, look at every kind of bike you can find, you might just find one that feels right.

[Ducati999]

I agree with ADOUGLAS 100%. There is no bike which can be ridden on the street at 100%. I got the Ninja 250 so I had a bike which could be pushed more on the street while staying safe. The SV is not boring at all.Teast ride one and you will find why they are so popular. I have found the SV to be way more fun than my Ducati 999 simply because it is like the Ninja 250 (Kinda) The SV doesn't have a huge amount of power and you can ride more of it on the streets. When you take off you can grab 50-70% throttle and not lift the front tire, you can run around town in 3rd and 4th gear all day and bearly break a speed limit. When you get to the twisties you can push the bike to a fun level without running 50mph over the speed limit. My Ducati feels like its not moving below 70mph and it is way too dangerous to run over 7000 rpm in first or second. Listen to ADOUGLAS and what he is saying he and I have been riding for many years and have been where you are today. You must make your own decision we just don't want you to buy the wrong bike for the wrong reason.

You have to make the decision and live with what you buy so only you can make the right decision. Think long and hard before you decide and even make a list of what the bike needs to do for you. Don't make your decision on advertising but really try to test ride and read reviews and opinions from people who have owned/ridden the bikes then decide.

I would even be willing to let you test ride my SV if you live close enough. Best of luck with your decision.

[Han Solo 1]

Thanks for the replies, guys.

I'm not a squid looking to pop wheelies. I have about 10 years riding experience, but I've always ridden pretty responsibly, no racing, etc.

I honestly haven't ridden many bikes. Mostly 250's. As far as not wanting to kill myself, I just don't want something that will launch me into a tree if I go over a pothole and accidentally twist the throttle a bit too much.

I don't know, I have an appointment this weekend to ride some Harleys, and I will see what's what.

But honestly, I think part of the problem is that the ones that really appeal to me are out of my reach financially, like the 883 Iron, Zx6r, etc.

[alex.s]

after you get finished testing the harleys go find a ducati dealership and test ride the street fighter 848. it's pretty much the exact opposite of a harley in practically every way.