OK, I asked about this a few days back in another thread, and, other than getting one comment ragging on me, I got no response, I am considering buying a bike for a commuter, and could get this one for dirt cheap..bid is at $600 now
any input as to how well made or suitability for someone just learning to ride?
keep the "wuss-bike" comments to yourselves, I want serious opinions. I cant find much about Baja bikes on the net. I called the guys and the broken taillight is the only real problem with it, starts and runs "ok".....

Baja Phoenix 250 Motorcycle
233cc, four-stroke engine
17.68 hp with push-button electric start
Manual clutch five-speed transmission
Telescopic fork front suspension
Dual shock rear suspension
Hydraulic disc front brakes
Rear drum brakes
Front tires 110/90-16
Rear tires 130/90-15
Length: 84.64" Width: 33.07" Height: 42.32"
Net weight 337 lbs
Front headlights and rear brake lights
Cosmetic damage


Purple Wave Wichita
Derby, Kansas

Serial or VIN
LE8P1NLC871100174

Pictures at http://www.purplewaveauction.net/cgi...2/1207/showall

edit: i have NO experience on a bike, this would be a first for me( experience level zero!)

 

I don't know anything about the Baja, but I rode a little Yamaha for a number of years. It was a 400 cc twin and was fine for zipping around town, but really didn't have enough power for the highway. It would top out about 85 mph and run along at 60 just fine, but there wasn't much power in reserve for merging or passing. Also, the slipstream from a semi would slap it around pretty good. On the up side, it got about 60 MPG.

Also, I'm about 6 ft. tall, and the Yamaha's frame was just too small to be comfortable for a long ride. Kept hitting my knees with the bars.

If it were me, I'd look for something in a 600 cc air cooled twin. Stay with a street type cruiser and away from the crotch rocket style. Light enough to be easy to handle for a beginner, but with enough power to be safe in traffic.

 

It would be good to learn on, You could probably make it around town or in the neighborhood, If you plan on riding on the freeway it is too small. As far as the cosmetic damage it will be okay. You won't feel as bad when you drop it. If you can get it a good price and be able to learn on it, I would say go for it, You can always sell it later after you learn and feel confident on it. You might want to check on a motorcycle traing course, They will show you a lot of things to do and how to ride. A lot of people go buy a big bike that never even sat on one, and they drop it or crash because it is too big for a begginer. I think you are smart for starting out small. As far as the bike, i have never heard of it so i can't whether it's a good one or not.

 

233cc is real small for driving around. It will be gutless. I had a Honda 200cc a long time ago, used it for city driving. Just rember the new Honda scooters have something like 240cc. I agree with the other post 600cc would be my choice. I am afraid you will find out why it's for sale once you drive it.

 

its a tax seizure auction..

it would mainly be for getting to and from work, 8 miles of interstate and another 15 of 55-40mph mixed hwy and city driving

 

I agree on the size as well. My wife has a 200cc Suzuki that I used to take to work once in a while. The fastest I had to go was 45MPH anything faster would not have been comfortable. I had it up to 65 once and the motor was screaming in 5th gear.

It gets really good mileage, if I were to guess it was probably 60 MPG in the city.

Is the Baja one of the Chinese made models? Maybe they have improved but a few years ago when they first came out longevity was an issue and so was parts.

 

Too small and light for the highway

Might be ok to learn on and around the neighborhood but too small of an engine for out on the road. The other thing is being an odd brand like that is low resale, could be hard to get rid of, and parts availability. I would look for a name brand Honda/Kaw/Yam/Susuki in the 550cc and up range cruiser style would be good. The thing to look for when starting out is one you can sit on comfortably with your feet flat on the ground. My first road bike was a kawasaki 400 triple road it from june until october then bought a 900 kaw over the winter great bike. If you buy a mid size bike and find you like to ride you should be happy for a few years and if not it should not be too hard to resell.

Watch out when learning to ride for dirt/stones/debris on the road when turning corners or stopping. Your front brake gives your best stopping power as long as the road is clean but it will put you on the ground quick if the traction is not there. Always expect everybody to pull out in front of you and be ready to stop or avoid them.
Not trying to scare you just the way it is and yes i still ride an 1100f

 

Might be a good bike to ride around the farm, Chris .... but I wouldn't advise using it on the highway unless that is a really dead stretch of road. People don't watch out for bikes as it is ... and when they are moving slowly, it makes it that much harder to keep from running you over.

You could get some valuable riding experience on it by putting around in the pastures and dirt roads though. I'd say if you can swing it and plan on something bigger later ... do it !!!

Cheers,
PISTOL

 

The 8 miles will be slow. I just looked at the Bike, I don't know if i would buy a bike without hearing it run or seeing it. People will tell you anything to sell something. I think the size would be okay except for the 8 miles. Also it being an offbrand you may have trouble finding parts for it. The kawasaki 500 vulcan is a good bike and it's not too small for a short ride on the freeway. Now you would'nt want to ride it a real long distance.

 

http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/DRZ400SMK8

here is the bike ya need to get!! I have some buddies who rock this thing, fun to run, can keep up on the highway (but its built for da turrrrrns) and gets good MPG, obviously a little priceier than the one you are looking at, but it sits like a normal pedal bike, you would have an easier time adjusting!

if you get it and dont want it, send it my way!

 

OK, thanks guys, I think i will pass on it..
it just seemed a good price for a bike, something that I may or may not be interested in riding, and a cheaper way of getting to and from work than the grey ghost...

and it seemed better thant eh alternative, soemthing like this $400 beauty

 

http://pamsellscars2.com/images/84VIRAGO.jpg
Yamaha Virago 700...
asking $900, and is owned by a cousins bro-in-law , who I trust to be honest about it..

 

I trust you are a pretty strong guy, so handling a bike you've never had experience with should be fine. A 700 would be great for a beginner and good enough for a daily commuter/ weekend rider also. You have more of a comfort range to grow on a bike like this, and its almost a steal for that price...

 

Great! I think I can haggle him dowonfrom that too....

 

The 700 would be a good starter bike. The biggest thing I dont like about riding on the interstate is the big trucks blowing by you, as there is alot of turbulance.

The first bike in the thread IMO would have been too lite and you may get hurt from being blown off the road when one of those big rigs go by you.

Good luck with whatever you decide.