Bikeless Babe

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amberLola · #1 Unread post by **amberLola** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 5:47 am

Nope, don't have one but I sure do luv to ride em'

I'm from Florida and looking forward to the bike show coming this month.

I play the lottery often....a bike's the first thing I'd buy with my winnings

Mon Apr 02, 2007 5:49 am

Don't worry about not having a bike. I was a member here for years before I bought my first one.

As for having to win the lottery, after reading through the beginner's guide, stickies and other threads, you may find that you don't have to wait that long.

amberLola · #3 Unread post by **amberLola** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 5:55 am

hmmmm just getting my feet wet here.

Thanks! I will check those out. Does that mean there's a freebie?

I had my eye on one $17,000. Ouch!

Probably couldn't ride it anyhow.

jonnythan · #4 Unread post by **jonnythan** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 6:02 am

My total investment in my cruiser is about $2000, including MSF class, new tires, gear, gas, etc.

It's best to begin on a cheap, used beater bike.

Better to have a cheap Japanese cruiser than no bike at all!

amberLola · #5 Unread post by **amberLola** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 6:13 am

got a point there..hence me

$2000 is more than reasonable and workable.

Guess it's a matter of doing some homework and bringing an experienced rider along the day of purchase.

Well at least I'll be able to sit on some this coming bike show.

Thanks

flw · #6 Unread post by **flw** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 6:26 am

You didn't ask but just so you know $1,000 get you spare parts. Not a bike that you send more time riding than fixing ( cost of parts not included as I assume you do all the labor yourself).

Even $2,000 for a sport bike or cruiser seems abit low unless you are mechanically incline or have more money for paid repairs. Unless a small dirt bike. On small dual purpose bikes, you see a cost bump.

Keep your eyes because there always seems to be a bike caught in a divorce or other situation that drives the price way down.

jonnythan · #7 Unread post by **jonnythan** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 6:38 am

flw wrote:You didn't ask but just so you know $1,000 get you spare parts. Not a bike that you send more time riding than fixing ( cost of parts not included as I assume you do all the labor yourself).

Even $2,000 for a sport bike or cruiser seems abit low unless you are mechanically incline or have more money for paid repairs. Unless a small dirt bike. On small dual purpose bikes, you see a cost bump.

Keep your eyes because there always seems to be a bike caught in a divorce or other situation that drives the price way down.

Huh.

I spent $800 on my bike. Only repair I've done to it is replace a $40 voltage regulator. Would have been maybe $200 to get a shop to do it, bringing the total cost of the bike to $1000.

Runs beautifully

amberLola · #8 Unread post by **amberLola** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 6:38 am

no definitely not. I if were I'd probably be able to work on my car

What's a resonable price then? New or used. From the posts I've read thus far, it's best to go with a used one. Insurance is a big factor as well.

Guess I ought to work on taking the course, passing the exam and then focus on getting a bike.

Ooops I didn't mention that part did I?

Will keep in mind all suggestions and advice WHEN not if I get my first bike.

jonnythan · #9 Unread post by **jonnythan** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 6:51 am

amberLola wrote:no definitely not. I if were I'd probably be able to work on my car

What's a resonable price then? New or used. From the posts I've read thus far, it's best to go with a used one. Insurance is a big factor as well.

Guess I ought to work on taking the course, passing the exam and then focus on getting a bike.

Ooops I didn't mention that part did I?

Will keep in mind all suggestions and advice WHEN not if I get my first bike.

Start looking on your local Craigslist and you will get an idea what kind of price you can expect to pay for what.

$2000 will probably get you almost any kind of used beginner-friendly you want. You can spend more but you don't have to for a first bike. After you use it for a couple of years you can toss it back on the market for about the same price you paid.

flw · #10 Unread post by **flw** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 6:59 am

After reconsideration, a 1,000 starter/older bike that runs with no needs new clutch, tires etc... would be alright.

But how often do you find working bikes for $1,000 that don't need something, usually either expensive or hard to get. Which is why it's $1,000. These bike are out there but I hear about them a lot more than I ever see one or know someone with one online or in person.

Also most riders I know (online or off) don't do their own maintenance, except oil changes. So the $40 part just turned into a tow fee plus time to disassemble, repair and reassemble. Unless its a naked bike without electrical issues.