Please give me advice for a first motorcycle

[Magnum]

I am looking to buy a motorcycle, it will be my first one. There are some very specific things I am looking for.

1) I am a tall guy, 6'2" and 230 pounds, a tiny bike is not an option.
2) I want a bike that will be used 90% on the road, and 10% off-road.
3) I want to be able to ride on the freeway, and not have to redline to maintain 60mph.
4) A large gas tank is important for me. I would like to take long weekend trips.
5) I would like to buy used, hopefully under $2000 since I am new to motorcycles and don't want to spend $8000 on something that might sit in the corner of the garage collecting dust. If I could find something for $1000 I would be very, very happy.

I loved the articles I have read here. But can someone translate cc to cubic inches in a car, or liters. I know what a 5.0 liter engine can do. I know what a 305 can do (same as the 5.0). So I know what to expect when looking at those numbers. I have no idea what to expect from a 200cc or 500cc or 600cc engine.

My other question is, at what point does is a motorcycle considered old. For example, I stay away from cars with over 70,000 miles. Do motorcycle engines have a shorter life than car engines?

I am a complete newbie. Have mercy

[Sev]

The problem with comparing a bike to a car is that there are such a wide variety of bikes.
You can start with the cruisers which are usually built around a v-twin with a set back, relaxed style of riding. They are low revving high torque engines, with most of their power availible around city speeds.
From there we move into the standards or UJM's which have an upright seating position, with your feet underneath you. Built around either a v-twin or in-line 2 or in-line 4 these typically have more power in the midrange, but are capable of just about anything.
You are probably look for some form of standard. This seems like the best possible bike for you to get, they usually have good range, there are lots of them out there for sale.

From there we progress to a sportsbike, inline four, high revving! Very fast, typically a 6 speed even. These are the bikes that you'll see in races. Honestly, they're tough to handle, and can be pretty dangerous to a learner.

The higher revving the engine, typically the less time it will last. You'll find there aren't usually a lot of bikes with more then 50 000 km availible for private sale, but a well maintained bike can last for a very long time. I'd shy away from them though.

As it stands, nearly any bike can outperfom a car. My old bike, an LS650 was a small 1 cylinder bike with at most 33hp could outpull a mustang to the speed limit. After that he shot past me, but I'd stopped accelerating.

A bike is one hell of a machine, head out there look for a late 80's or early 90's standard. You should be able to find a fairly cheap one, make sure you go over it carefully though. A bent or broken frame pretty much indicates a writeoff. All the familiar car buying stuff comes back when you're shopping.

[Lion_Lady]

I am looking to buy a motorcycle, it will be my first one. There are some very specific things I am looking for.

1) I am a tall guy, 6'2" and 230 pounds, a tiny bike is not an option.
2) I want a bike that will be used 90% on the road, and 10% off-road.3) I want to be able to ride on the freeway, and not have to redline to maintain 60mph.
4) A large gas tank is important for me. I would like to take long weekend trips.
5) I would like to buy used, hopefully under $2000 since I am new to motorcycles and don't want to spend $8000 on something that might sit in the corner of the garage collecting dust. If I could find something for $1000 I would be very, very happy.

I loved the articles I have read here. But can someone translate cc to cubic inches in a car, or liters. I know what a 5.0 liter engine can do. I know what a 305 can do (same as the 5.0). So I know what to expect when looking at those numbers. I have no idea what to expect from a 200cc or 500cc or 600cc engine.

My other question is, at what point does is a motorcycle considered old. For example, I stay away from cars with over 70,000 miles. Do motorcycle engines have a shorter life than car engines?

I am a complete newbie. Have mercy

AT your height and 'desire' I'd start out looking at dual sports. Suzuki VStrom is one choice,

You might also have a look at the BMW GS's (650, 1100 or 1150cc) the BMW's will be in MUCH better shape with high miles than any other bike... they say a BMW at 60K is just getting broken in.

You don't mention whether or not you've ridden before or if you're signed up for the MSF Basic Rider's Course or the HD Rider's Edge. If not, then I strongly recommend you get signed up asap. Worth the money, no question.

P

[Magnum]

Hi Sevulturus. Thanks for your post.

So you would not consider cc when making a buying choice? It is not as important as how much gas the motorcycle can hold. I know one thing I want to be able to do is take weekend vacations, to drive far away (300-400 miles), and I don't want to stop 10 times to get just one gallon of gas.

What is the smallest engine size that can get up to 60 mph for highway driving? Is a 100cc too small?

[Magnum]

I am looking to buy a motorcycle, it will be my first one. There are some very specific things I am looking for.

1) I am a tall guy, 6'2" and 230 pounds, a tiny bike is not an option.
2) I want a bike that will be used 90% on the road, and 10% off-road.3) I want to be able to ride on the freeway, and not have to redline to maintain 60mph.
4) A large gas tank is important for me. I would like to take long weekend trips.
5) I would like to buy used, hopefully under $2000 since I am new to motorcycles and don't want to spend $8000 on something that might sit in the corner of the garage collecting dust. If I could find something for $1000 I would be very, very happy.

I loved the articles I have read here. But can someone translate cc to cubic inches in a car, or liters. I know what a 5.0 liter engine can do. I know what a 305 can do (same as the 5.0). So I know what to expect when looking at those numbers. I have no idea what to expect from a 200cc or 500cc or 600cc engine.

My other question is, at what point does is a motorcycle considered old. For example, I stay away from cars with over 70,000 miles. Do motorcycle engines have a shorter life than car engines?

I am a complete newbie. Have mercy

AT your height and 'desire' I'd start out looking at dual sports. Suzuki VStrom is one choice,

You might also have a look at the BMW GS's (650, 1100 or 1150cc) the BMW's will be in MUCH better shape with high miles than any other bike... they say a BMW at 60K is just getting broken in.

You don't mention whether or not you've ridden before or if you're signed up for the MSF Basic Rider's Course or the HD Rider's Edge. If not, then I strongly recommend you get signed up asap. Worth the money, no question.

P

Hi P

I did a search for the class, but all the ones that are supported by my state are booked for the whole year!! It is too bad, because in my state everyone who passes the class does not have to take the written test.

I've never ridden before. But it looks like fun. And I like the idea of saving some money on gas.

I saw a BMW and those bikes look beautiful, a little expensive, but nice. I like how they have the expandable backpack on the back, so it is possible to pack some clothing and supplies and head out for a weekend.

[Lion_Lady]

Fill in your profile... if we know what state you're in, folks can give you some local tips to get into an earlier class.

In MD, you can show up early at any of the scheduled classes and get your name on the 'stand by' list. You get a lottery number. Arrive ready to pay and ready to ride.

Any of the registered students automatically forfeits their space if they are late for class - NO EXCUSES allowed. Lottery #s are drawn for the number of unfilled spaces. . . this eliminates the mayhem of 'first come first in.'

If rain is forecast for a scheduled class weekend, folks are more likely to not show up... you've got a better chance at a spot AND you'll learn how to ride in wet conditions (class goes on, unless there is lightning), a double bonus.

Contact your local community colleges... many of them offer the MSF classes as well.

Pam

[huh]

1000$ is bottom of the barral. you wont find much at that range.
sounds like a suzuki dl650 v-strom is what your looking for.
new goes for just 6599$ but you can buy used of course. if you can find one

[Sev]

Hi Sevulturus. Thanks for your post.

So you would not consider cc when making a buying choice? It is not as important as how much gas the motorcycle can hold. I know one thing I want to be able to do is take weekend vacations, to drive far away (300-400 miles), and I don't want to stop 10 times to get just one gallon of gas.

What is the smallest engine size that can get up to 60 mph for highway driving? Is a 100cc too small?

The engine size always makes a difference, but the difference it makes depends on the engine type. A 600cc cruiser will generate about 40hp, while a 600 cc sportsbike can put out upwards of 120hp and has brakes on the front that you can stand the bike up on.
The v-strom sounds like a great bike for you though, start looking for used ones. And take the MSF course, it'll save your life.

[vixen65]

Hi,

I agree with huh, a DL vstrom 650 or 1000 sounds ideal for you.
I have the 650, blue of course, I'm 5'8, lots of lb's and LOVE my Benny. Lots of fun to ride and handles v.well in any situation.

Good luck with whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll enjoy it!!

San.