research, MSF, now bike shopping!

[svi40]

Ok, where in the world do I start?

About 2 months ago, after seeing both bike weeks go by here in my hometown of Myrtle Beach for the umpteenth time, I decided that the itch to get a motorcycle HAD to be scratched. OK,....now what? Google "motorcycle forum". Guess what came up.

I got on this forum and read just about everything I could get my hands on. At first I was leaning towards something like a Bandit 600 or SV650. That thought wasn't completely extinguished but I added the usual EX250/500 and GS500 to the line. Now,...what can I afford? A new EX250 sure did look tempting. Anyway, before I made any serious decisions, I signed up for the MSF course and took that this past weekend.

Anyone who is on the fence about taking the course, get off of it. Go ahead and take it, its a blast! My experience at the class was very positive. Of course there is a little bit of blathering about common sense stuff as to be expected, but for the most part I learned quite a bit. Remember, I have ZERO experience with a bike. After the classroom instruction we were out on the range and no problems whatsoever. I mean NONE, it was like I was meant to be on the thing. I was riding a well used, but pretty neat little Suzuki GN250.

So after the course, I decided to get a little advice on bikes from the instructor. I told him that I was seriously considering an EX250. "Those are really fun bikes, but to be honest, after seeing you on the motorcycle this weekend, I wouldn't count out a 600."
Well, this was a bit of a suprise, I mentioned the SV650 and he said I would be fine on that, but "what it really comes down to is what you feel comfortable on". Of course the second I got home I start figuring out if i can afford a spankin new SV650.

Luckily,....or sadly...I can't. Even if I could, I don't think that I would buy one. I decided that the best bike for me would be a 500 of some sort. I feel confident I could safely handle an SV650, but the 500 just has too many things going for it. Cost, fuel efficiency, insurance, forgiveness to my newbness, you name it. Knowing me as well as I do, I'm sure my tastes will change once I start learning more about bikes anyway. Better to have them change now than when I'm making payments on a $6K bike!

So,....I've found a GS500. It's a 2001 w/ 2Kmiles on it. Clear title blah blah blah and he's asking $2500. Well, it has been dropped (by his gf). There are scratches on the front fender and the clutch lever was broken but since replaced. Overall very good shape. The man sounds like an older guy and he says he has several other bikes. Also, he put crash bars on it since then but no other mods have been made. Does this sound like a fair deal? I'm going to check out the bike this weekend, any words of wisdom?

Sorry to be a bit longwinded but I guess I just had a bunch to say!

Thanks again!

[bok]

not sure what region you are in *edit* i'm a eedjit says Myrtle right there *, but it sounds like a decent bike to learn on and one where you won't be devastated if you drop it or ding it up good.

check the craigslist for your area and any bluebook sort of thing you can get your hands on. if the price is in the right range then maybe see if he'll take 10% off or the low end of the blue book.

Chat him up about looking for your first bike but don't let on how eager you are about it, who knows he might get all reminiscent about his first bike and give you a deal on it to "help a new rider out".

[MotoF150]

its always a good idea to check the insurance rates for the type of bike you want before you buy it, like crotch rocket bikes have a much higher rate.

[VermilionX]

gixxer600 K6!



hehe... well anyway, the SV650S would be a good choice and you seem to have good throttle control and attitude that your insturctor had confidence to recommend you a 600 RR bike.

and of course, make it like this...

[kellanv]

a used 500 is fine. You'll be much more comfortable learning on that than a brand new 650. Keep it for a season then jump up to somethin if you want.

We cant all be as cool as Verm here....

Stay away from a 600...

[ericeverson]

It sounds like a good deal to me. I’ve always liked the GS as a beginner bike because it has a very standard riding position like that of a Honda Nighthawk. The GS has always looked more aggressive to me than the Nighthawk. I think the bike will definitely wet your appetite for motorcycling and will allow you to build your confidence quickly. I like the 500’s better than the 250’s for beginners because they allow you to graduate to a bigger bike with more ease. Instead of transitioning from a 250 to a 750, the power ratios are much more comparable when moving from a 500cc bile to a 750cc bike. You’ll have to post the pics once you pick her up.

Cheers,
Eric

[svi40]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm really looking forward to this weekend. I remember seeing a sort of checklist around that pointed out things to look for when buying a used bike, anyone know what I'm talking about?

Thanks again!

[KarateChick]

There's a Used MC Buyer's Guide on the home page Here

Is this what you meant? Good luck with it all!

[svi40]

There's a Used MC Buyer's Guide on the home page Here

Is this what you meant? Good luck with it all!

No, thats not quite it. It was more of a checklist of what to look for when buying a used bike.... thanks though.