Looking into getting my first (starter) bike, what to look f

[gsus]

I'm getting a decent bonus from work, almost $1000, so I'm looking to get a cheap starter bike with that. I'm looking into getting a cruiser that once I've learned how to ride, I can use to commute to and from work or school. I've been searching for local bikes for the last month or so and found several 'repeat' bikes for under $1750. I've found (all pretty much 80's bikes) Honda Nighthawks, Honda Rebels, Suzuki GS750/GS1100, Kawasaki kx650/750, Yamaha Maxim & Yamaha Virago. Out of all of those the ones that have really stuck out to me are the Suzuki GS750/1100's ($600-$1650), Yamaha Maxim/Virago ($750-$1500). I have little to no knowledge about motorcycles (but I want to learn!), so I've come on here to see what bikes you think should be avoided, or if any common issues are known with these bikes.

Also what are some things to look for when going out to see these bikes? What are some questions that I should ask (and what answer should I expect?)

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[Lion_Lady]

First, read the stickies. Look into taking a riding course.

P

[Somemonkey]

I'm getting a decent bonus from work, almost $1000, so I'm looking to get a cheap starter bike with that. I'm looking into getting a cruiser that once I've learned how to ride, I can use to commute to and from work or school. I've been searching for local bikes for the last month or so and found several 'repeat' bikes for under $1750. I've found (all pretty much 80's bikes) Honda Nighthawks, Honda Rebels, Suzuki GS750/GS1100, Kawasaki kx650/750, Yamaha Maxim & Yamaha Virago. Out of all of those the ones that have really stuck out to me are the Suzuki GS750/1100's ($600-$1650), Yamaha Maxim/Virago ($750-$1500). I have little to no knowledge about motorcycles (but I want to learn!), so I've come on here to see what bikes you think should be avoided, or if any common issues are known with these bikes.

Also what are some things to look for when going out to see these bikes? What are some questions that I should ask (and what answer should I expect?)

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

First, if you go in there asking a bunch of questions about buying a bike for yourself, they're going to smell new meat and try to take advantage of you. Of course this might not be true for all places but It was that way for me. I would first suggest trying to find someone through cycle trader or in your neighborhood. Most times you'll get a better deal from an individual than you would a cycle shop.
If you choose to go to a dealer looking for a bike, don't let them talk you into financing a new one. Stick to your guns and don't let them get your personal information from you like a SS# or even your phone number. I might not be as smart as the average joe because this is the exact mistake I made. I went in there asking how much I qualified for on a loan and the sales guy got really excited. I didn't buy a bike that day but a week later I got a Honda credit card in the mail for $8000. Bastards had opened an account for me.
Look around in the trader magazines or online before buying anything from a cycle shop.
If you want to just go to a shop to see what bike fits you, feel free. They'll most likely tell you not to go under 750cc's because in a year you'll be craving more power. This might be true but keep in mind they're trying to sell the most expensive cycle they can. If you're only going to ride around town, 550cc's is plenty in my opinion.
I can't stress enough how important it is to check out prices online and in magazines. This will give you a much better idea of what used bikes are really selling for. The dealer will almost always charge more. You may also want to check out kelly blue book online.

Whatever you do, good luck to ya!

1976 Honda cb550

[warnerwh]

If you read the sticky about first bikes for beginners you'll be getting some excellent advice. Bikes like that Suzuki GS1100 is a great way to kill and or mutilate yourself in a hurry. Anything over about 600cc can be too much for a beginner real easily.

Riding a bike is not like driving a car at all. Taking the MSF course is a wonderful way to get the basics in your head. I wish they had this course in the seventies as it's a great way to break a new person in.

I'd get a used Shadow from the 80's. Virago's or any other brand and cruiser style are fine too. You could go to the 750 class if you are fairly strong and responsible. They're very reliable and I think bargains for the money. The 600cc race bikes have so much power it's a great way to get killed, really. Also when you decide you want something different you'll be able to get your money or close to it back. First time riders typically drop their bikes and/or run off the road or something so damage on an older bike doesn't devaluate it much.

Take the MSF course and buy a good full face helmet. Prices vary but anything DOT approved or DOT and Snell approved is fine. The more expensive ones are more comfortable and breath better.

You're on the right track. Once you ride you may find you love it. It's a pleasure you really need to experience as it's very difficult to say in words. Bottom line though is safety first.

[gsus]

Thanks for the replies guys! I'll definately be checking out the stickies on my free time. I've gone to the MSF website to find a fairly local place that holds these courses, I found one thats only a few minutes away. However, I was unable to find exactly what it is that you do in these courses? Is it just a 15hour sit down motorcycle safety program, or do thet actually put you on a bike? They also didn't state how much these courses tend to run... can someone fill me in oh how much these courses can run?

The only friend that I have, that once owned a motorcycle (04 R6)... doesn't really know much aside from being able to ride them. He bought his bike brand new to avoid having to lookout for faults in a used bike. So unfortunately I'm somewhat on my own there.

I've been searching my local craigslist for bikes and found what appears to be a nice looking 85 Yamaha Virago (700cc) for $750. I might consider getting it, if the owner is willing to meet me halfway or deliver it to me (he's 80 miles away)... of course that is assuming everything else checks out fine on the bike. I'll definitely check out all the stickies before I meet or talk to the owner though.