Good Starter Motorcycle
I think I can... I think...
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Texas (DFW area)
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Charleston SC
YEP, protect ya noggin.
FWIW, i got a "3 season" jacket, it's a tourmaster,
armor in elbow, back, shoulder.
outer layer zips off to leave mesh & armor,
inner layer (raincoat) zips out also
you can't beat it, but it's $$$
i feel much more confident with it on
FWIW, i got a "3 season" jacket, it's a tourmaster,
armor in elbow, back, shoulder.
outer layer zips off to leave mesh & armor,
inner layer (raincoat) zips out also
you can't beat it, but it's $$$
i feel much more confident with it on
DTR's Night Watchman & Poet Laureate
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Lyndon KS
interesting thread and good timing!!
I have been thinking the same thing about getting a bike, and have been looking at a couple of Nighthawks on EBay.. they look Ok, but I haven’t been sure about how good they would be for a no-experience, poor balanced accident prone beginner.....
'specially thought about a 740 "2 speed automatic" that’s listed. I am thinking of trying to stay under $1200 bucks.....I wont ride it that much
I have been thinking the same thing about getting a bike, and have been looking at a couple of Nighthawks on EBay.. they look Ok, but I haven’t been sure about how good they would be for a no-experience, poor balanced accident prone beginner.....
'specially thought about a 740 "2 speed automatic" that’s listed. I am thinking of trying to stay under $1200 bucks.....I wont ride it that much
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From: near Magnolia, Tx.
A Goldwing .... for a beginner bike ??
Chris .... you'd look a little funny with a saddle strapped to a motorcycle. As long as your legs are, the stirrups would be dragging on the pavement
.
Cheers,
PISTOL
Chris .... you'd look a little funny with a saddle strapped to a motorcycle. As long as your legs are, the stirrups would be dragging on the pavement
.Cheers,
PISTOL
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Meriden Connecticut
Actually,he said he had some seat time.The wing has a low center of gravity and would be a great first bike since he said he knows how to ride already.
There are plenty of them around and he could strip it if he does not want all of the bling.Don't forget that the Honda Valkyrie is really just a stripped down sporty version of a GoldWing.Ron G
There are plenty of them around and he could strip it if he does not want all of the bling.Don't forget that the Honda Valkyrie is really just a stripped down sporty version of a GoldWing.Ron G
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From: near Magnolia, Tx.
Not much seat time, Ron ... but if he was to find a good motorcyle riding course, it wouldn't take long before he would be ready to move up to a good hiway bike like the ones you suggested.
I rode an old Kawasaki dresser one year in high school and I liked it... definately a cadillac compared to my sportsters, just not as cool
.Cheers,
PISTOL
)
DTR's Night Watchman & Poet Laureate
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From: Lyndon KS
Thread Starter
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From: montville,nj
I am definetly going to take the rider safety course that is offered at the local community college in order to get my license and learn about riding defensively. As far as a helmet goes, I will NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!!!!
I won't buy a new bike because if I ride this year and don't like it, I don't want to take a huge hit when I get rid of it. I think a good, used bike will be perfect for now and maybe in a few years I will get a new one. Thanks guys for all the help.
I won't buy a new bike because if I ride this year and don't like it, I don't want to take a huge hit when I get rid of it. I think a good, used bike will be perfect for now and maybe in a few years I will get a new one. Thanks guys for all the help.
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From: Canton, GA
Buy a used 2000-2001 Harley 883 Sportster. They are really fun and easy to handle and in a year you can turn around and sell it for what you paid for it. If you need more "go" you can get a 1200 Sportster. Same frame, bigger engine.
Then you can get a Road King with ape hangars and all the goodies...
Then you can get a Road King with ape hangars and all the goodies...
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From: Tomball, Texas
For a beginners bike make it used and cheap. With your size I wouldn't go below a 500cc thumper or twin.
After a year or so of experience then get a bike that you want.
And be sure to take the MSF riding course.
MikeyB
After a year or so of experience then get a bike that you want.
And be sure to take the MSF riding course.
MikeyB
I think I can... I think...
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Texas (DFW area)
I believe I remember seeing a KTM Dual sport bike. I think around a 650cc
It would be kind of big for the dirt but would be a really nimble machine on the road. Great for dodging cars that aren't watching out for bikes!!
It would be kind of big for the dirt but would be a really nimble machine on the road. Great for dodging cars that aren't watching out for bikes!!
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From: Spokane, WA
It's too bad you haven't been able to form an opinion yet.
Seriously, a 250 is an excellent choice for someone to learn to ride in their neighborhood. Get the feel of things. But then if he wants to ride on the highway he'll have to move up to at least a 650. I don't think it's necessarily a good idea for someone with no experience to buy a bike and immediately start riding it to work, and especially a Harley with all it's weight. Get a light bike and learn to ride it. A DRZ 400 Suzuki would be way fun and great to learn on. The best place to learn to ride is off road on a dirt bike. Then if he wants to go faster on the highway, get a bigger street bike.
John
Seriously, a 250 is an excellent choice for someone to learn to ride in their neighborhood. Get the feel of things. But then if he wants to ride on the highway he'll have to move up to at least a 650. I don't think it's necessarily a good idea for someone with no experience to buy a bike and immediately start riding it to work, and especially a Harley with all it's weight. Get a light bike and learn to ride it. A DRZ 400 Suzuki would be way fun and great to learn on. The best place to learn to ride is off road on a dirt bike. Then if he wants to go faster on the highway, get a bigger street bike.
John
But, if a guy had to start on the street and didn't wanna drop harley money or look lame on the jap type cruisers straight to the Suzuki Bandit he goes or something similar. Way more comfortable.
If I'm not riding fast on a crotch rocket I'm not all that comfortable......or happy
. But they sure look cool though and the MPH per dollar really ain't gonna be beat in the sportbike realm.Have fun choosing