Is this a horrible idea? Also, a question or two

[kellanv]

So I'm currently in the process or preparing to become a "real" motorbike rider. I've had some experience just messing around on dirtbikes/enduros and a moped or two(shhh dont tell anyone) but I'm workin on stepping up to the real thing. I'm 22 and my orginal intention was to take the MSF course(I'm signed up and waiting) then find a suitable beginning bike like a GS500 or even maybe a SV650. I've been discussing the whole thing with my dad lately and he's mostly supportive(he used to ride a ton, I'm tryin to get him back into it possibly).

HOWEVER my dad came up with an idea that I'm curious about how it would work out as far as practicality. We own an older('81) 185cc Honda Enduro that has basically been untouched for years. It has roughly 2100 miles on it. From what I can tell, its in good shape minus tires, fluids, battery, cables chains etc...the normal stuff that needs semi regular maintenance/replacement. My dad said that if I agreed to wait until purchasing a bike, that he would fix up the enduro(with some more street-appropriate tires) and I could ride that for maybe 6months or so in order to get a better feel for everything. After that point, I will have saved up over half of the cost of a new bike, and I might have different options.

So what do ya'll think? To me it sounds kindof nice just because its minimal initial cost to me, and I wouldnt have to worry at all about dropping a nice shiny bike while getting my bearings riding around here. One thing I'm not sure about is will I be able to work on countersteering and a little bit of sport-bike style riding in the meantime or would it be dangerous/difficult. Is a 2-stroke 185cc bike enough for most riding? I wouldnt be taking it on the freeway but I would think around town and a little bit of slower spirited riding wouldnt be so bad.

Second question. I'm a relatively quick learner, with a decent amount of experience on 2 wheels in traffic already(I'm a cyclist and ride in traffic a lot). Assuming I wait around 6months and take the MSF and really get a feel for the whole riding thing, would it be reasonable to maybe look at some 600cc bikes at that point? Seems tho with the powerband like on an enduro I'd get at least a little bit used "touchy" throttles etc.

And I guess third question is I really like naked sport bikes. Theres something that just appeals to me. One bike I've always drooled over are the Ducati Monster 620s(dark or regular, doesnt matter) Would that be too much for a second bike? And what are the down sides of buying a bike like that. I know maintenance could be more, as well as parts, but how much more are we talking about? Are they generally reliable?

I appreciate any help I can get!

Thanks....

-Kellan

[Lion_Lady]

Before you agree to this proposal, have dad investigate parts availability for that 25 year old enduro.

Many shops simply will not even take in anything over 15 or so years, for work, because parts availability falls way off at about 10 years of age.

My guess is that this 'deal' is really no deal at all. Sounds good in your head, but in actual workability. . . NOT.

Don't think 2 stroke engines are street legal either. But then, again, it must be old enough to be grandfathered as far as emissions go.

P

[earwig]

I think your father has a good idea, I don't think a 600 is too much for a 2nd bike... and check out Buell motorcycles if you are into naked sport bikes.... they rule.

[VermilionX]

And I guess third question is I really like naked sport bikes. Theres something that just appeals to me. One bike I've always drooled over are the Ducati Monster 620s(dark or regular, doesnt matter) Would that be too much for a second bike? And what are the down sides of buying a bike like that. I know maintenance could be more, as well as parts, but how much more are we talking about? Are they generally reliable?

I appreciate any help I can get!

Thanks....

-Kellan

it's not uncommon for people to start on ducati 620 monsters. it's more than ok for a 2nd bike.

[kellanv]

Yeah I was worried about the parts thing, however, as far as we know it ran perfectly fine way back when. As far as I know it just needs new lines, tires, chain, cables which as far as I know are relatively universal. Am I wrong?

[Kal]

They arent.

I had non-standard bars on my CG, it took 4 attempts to find a clutch cable to fit, and even then it needed some 'creativity'

However parts that would fit the enduro (you mean a trail bike yes?) may well be fitted to Bikes still in production. If not then they will be available as special order items, I've seen worse and more obscure bikes brought back from the dead.

Time and creativity would put the Bike back on the road, no doubt, but it would mean effort and time - so if your Dad and you can commit to the project then go for it. If not, don't even start it, just buy something already set up.

For comparison purposes a 125 will do 65-70mph, so a 185 should be more than enough for horsing around on.

Questions,

Does it still have front/rear lights, indicators and horn?

How easy is it to pick up 2stroke oil near you?

[kellanv]

yeah it has the headlight and tail light...currently no turn signals but if those cant be found its not a huge deal(hand signals will work as long as I dont ride at night)

2stroke oil isnt a big deal either.

Yeah it would be nice if this would work but its kinda hard to tell at the moment.

[Kal]

Okays, get the motor turned over, make sure it is still in a fit state to run before investing in any parts.

If it is, then investigate what it will cost to get all the parts you need.

As long as the wiring for the indicators are still attached, hen after market inidcators wont cost you a fortune. Indicators pretty much are universal, I have proof of this on the trike

Don't rely on hand signals, many drivers get confused by indicators as it is, having them work out that you are hand signalling would take extra brain power that many cagers don't have.

[kellanv]

I just checked and the model is an XL185S...small bike..could be fun tho

Are chains somewhat universal or are they somethin else specific to a bike/style

[Kal]

There are a lot of different specifications of chains, however it should be fairly easy to pick one up for the bike...