Am I going about this properly?

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Chris8187 · Sat Jun 17, 2006 2:50 am

zarakand wrote:Essentially, don't buy anything till the MSF course. Do you automatically get a license in your state after completion? If that's the case, then with the license you can now test drive the different bikes. That's the route I would go.

That is a good idea, but I wonder how many people can actually wait that long. I had to wait atleast 2 months for my MSF course, so I just bought everything before hand, since I knew what I wanted. For me, I'm very happy with what I've got right now, so I guess you could say I'm lucky for having no buyer's remorse.

Darth Snootchie · Sat Jun 17, 2006 6:29 am

Nope, I'm going to wait until I have my course done before purchasing any bike. It's only a month away.

Technically, I could buy a bike right now, I have my learners permit. Lurking at this site and at others has convinced me I'm over my head at this point.

I guess I'll wait until I take the course before I do any more window shopping for bikes. I suppose when the time comes I could consider modifying a 250cc with different handlebars to make it fit better, if that's the best way to go. If I decide otherwise, I suppose I can assume from this discussion that so far my choices aren't too crazy?

Is used really preferable? I'm unsure of this, of what nature are the repairs required that make used bikes cheaper to repair compared to new bikes? Are repairs on used bikes less expensive than a '05 or and '06 model? I'm assuming that damages have to be repaired regardless of it being a new or used bike...or am I being naive here (not counting cosmetic damage)?

Thanks for the input.

Paul

#13 Unread post by **zarakand** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 7:02 am

A lot of people prefer used since it is assumed you will either a.) drop the bike or b.) want to sell it after one season. In those cases you don't take a real financial hit with a used bike, besides a few hundred dollars at most. As far as repairs, there are great used bikes out there that need none. Some need something as simple as an oil change. Used doesn't mean project bike at all.

On the other hand, I prefer new even though it's a poorer financial decision. I have no understanding of mechanical things or any interest in learning, so even the slightest thing I have to fix seems like a nightmare to me. I prefer knowing exactly what's happened to my bikes ect. It's silly and you pay quite a bit more $$ for it.

Choose whatever you're more comfortable with.

Shorts · #14 Unread post by **Shorts** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 12:12 pm

Chris8187 wrote:That is a good idea, but I wonder how many people can actually wait that long. I had to wait atleast 2 months for my MSF course, so I just bought everything before hand, since I knew what I wanted. For me, I'm very happy with what I've got right now, so I guess you could say I'm lucky for having no buyer's remorse.

If you're military, it also depends on where you're stationed. Here in JPN (and maybe the rest of PAC) MSF students must provide their own bike. If guys aren't sure what they want, they'll usually borrow their buddies bike to practice, then buy the exact same bike the buddy has.

Or, if you're like me, BYOB to MSF is a good thing as any bike will need to be modified so I could ride. So, I couldn't just walk into class and pick one of theirs to use. Besides, having your own bike before the class allows practice time for MSF manuevers.

It can go either way, really the rider's preference. I think I'd want to ride several bikes before I decide, kinda like test driving cars, but that isn't always possible.

Kim · #15 Unread post by **Kim** » Mon Jun 19, 2006 7:39 am

Scoutmedic wrote:The C and M Boulevards are very similar. Mainly just styling differences. "M" is "Muscle", "C" is "Custom". The fenders are different and, honestly, I can't remember anything else off hand. The "S" is "Sport" by the way. There's a quite a bit of difference between the S and the other two. I know there's a site to pull up motorcycles side by side to compare but, I couldn't find it.

Good Luck in your search.

I don't know about the descriptions above but it's basically:

M = what used to be Maurader
C = what used to be Volusia
S = what used to be Intruder (S50) and Savage (S40)

#16 Unread post by **bok** » Mon Jun 19, 2006 8:06 am

i got a 750 shadow spirit as my first bike so it's by no means too big to start on...i'd definitely recommend used as a starter bike just because your first year you are more likely to drop it or have a minor brain fart that causes some minor/cosmetic damage.

Shiv · #17 Unread post by **Shiv** » Mon Jun 19, 2006 4:00 pm

Just noting that you shouldn't discount all 250s in one chop.

The Rebel is a clown car, however, a Ninja 250 for a 5' 11" person (me) with a 32" inseam fit pretty damn well and felt like it could zip pretty good. If it didn't have such a struggle getting highway speeds (70+) I'd get one.

I may just end up getting one anyways. I can't find a Ninja 500 anywhere, not even to sit on.

dieziege · #18 Unread post by **dieziege** » Mon Jun 19, 2006 4:27 pm

Ninja 250 Struggle to highway speeds? Whatever you rode was busted.

Mine will be at 85+(showing over 90 on the silly inaccurate speedo or 86 on my GPS) at the end of a standard freeway onramp with out "really" pushing it. That's on an up-hill freeway onramp. There is one of those on my commute, fairly steep hill merging onto a 70MPH "limit" interstate where traffic is usually 80-85MPH...no problem...I often have to hit the brakes at the top of the ramp 'cause I'm going faster than traffic. The only "mod"? I added bulbs to the empty tail light lenses, and I replaced the small windshield with a bigger sheet of lexan. Other than that she's bone stock.

Of course, I'm not shy about using the full RPM range. Unlike a lot of cars that feel like they are about to blow up if you go above 5000RPM... by comparison the ninjette is smooth, happy, and pulling hard at 13,000RPM. It is definitely a bike that needs its rev limiter.

vulcanguy · Tue Jun 20, 2006 2:06 am

Take a look at the Vulcan VN750. I'm 6'1" 200lb. The bike has moderate forward controls. Weighs 483, has shaft drive, water cooled and every gauge and feature you could want. Kawi has been making the same bike
since 1986, that should speak for itself. However I am biased as I bought the bike as a first bike. In 1998 and have been riding it ever since. The bike can run with all the big boys.

MetricRider · Tue Jun 20, 2006 5:13 am

I've got a 97 Vulcan 800 Classic as my first bike, and I love it. Very responsive, with about 500 lbs and a low center of gravity, I can really get it into the turns and can keep up with the group just about anywhere. No problem at highway speeds, and pretty comfortable fit, and I'm 6'1", 250lbs. The throttle response is good, so I have never felt that I couldn't control the bike, but I still feel like I have plenty of power at my disposal. I did sit on a Volusia/C50 and liked the fit/feel of it better, but couldn't find one used anywhere near me.