New Biker with Bike Questions

[mgdavis]

Ear plugs are going to be your friend, no matter what you end up buying. My bike is relatively quiet, but it still gets uncomfortably loud once the wind noise kicks up.

All your 2 cylinder bikes should be more or less suitable for a new rider, though the DL650 in pretty tall and the SV makes just a bit more power than most recommend.

I would not recommend any of your 4 cylinder bikes to a new rider.l They all make significantly more power than an equivalent twin. The GSR600 makes over 86 hp!

[Wrider]

Yeah I feel your pain on the loud noises, when I work in clubs as a bouncer I always wear ear plugs or it hurts the whole night.
I'm still going with the GS500. It should be just fine for you and it should be relatively easy to find.

You're right though, they are expensive out there in California, might want to look into buying it elsewhere and shipping it or having a buddy with a truck pick it up for you.

[Grey Thumper]

Ear plugs are going to be your friend, no matter what you end up buying. My bike is relatively quiet, but it still gets uncomfortably loud once the wind noise kicks up.

+1

Beyond a certain speed (it's surprisingly low, like 40mph or something), the noise your engine makes will barely matter. It'll be completely drowned out by wind roar, which causes the most noise fatigue (and potential hearing damage). I highly recommend Howard Leight Max ear plugs. 33 dB of noise-reducing goodness.

[DavidL19]

Hey there,

I am new to riding myself and the Suzuki GS500E is my first and only bike. I got it used, it is a 2002. Though it was a gift so I am not sure how much it cost. I am a huge fan. It is easy to ride and very comfortable. Though I don't have much to compare it to I would recommend it.

If you do get a bike be safe especially if you haven't riden before. Take a class. Also know where you are going ahead of time and have a hell of time. Riding is so much fun. Try riding all day around a lake. I ride around Lake Michigan some weekends. I have my route that i tend to use on this site. Check it out.

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My route is the one by Chicago

[zefi]

Anyone know of any good sites or people to look for bikes. Im in San Diego (SoCal area).
All i see now around the 3.5k prices for the GS500 (which i can buy the "nice" expensive protective gear with that extra price)

Basically im keeping my eye out so once i buy i can find it quick and not pay for something expensive.

[Wrider]

You can go to kijiji or craigslist. Also check your local thifty nickel/American classifieds. That's where I find some good deals.

[MZ33]

Mostly, buying the bike you want for the price you want is a question of time and diligence. You will have to keep checking all those sites, and ebay, until what you are looking for shows up.

What is the maximum you want to spend on a bike? I see the Ninja 250 isn't on your list, but with handlebar risers on it, it may get you in the riding position you want.

[zefi]

Im avoiding the Ninja250 cause it is abnormally expensive, prob going to avoid the ninja all together due to its price.
I originally wanted something in the 1.5-2k range... but in the end cause where I live (San Diego) the max im going for is 2500 (being used prices avg to 3-3.5k where I live.... maybe ill be lucky)
Likely im going with the GS500.

Being there are two general choices of the GS500 (air cooled or oil cooled, depending on what year you get)

What is the real difference between Air Cooled and Oil Cooled. (I know about it is air cooled, and the other is oil cooled)
Long term implications like maintenance, cost of one vs the other, how often is the oil cooled changed, how is one compared to the other when you do all maintenance yourself, and which to get depending on where you live? and maybe even more info and what you recommend.

[jaskc78]

basically any extra cooling system other than just air blowing over the engine fins will allow for more precise engineering in the engine. these tighter tolerances equate to better performance because the engineers can more accurately predict what temperature the engine will be operating at. it'll also help to keep the engine cooler which will add some longevity to it.

basically the air cooled relies on air blowing across the engine to carry away excess heat. the oil cooler has basically a radiator up front but instead of anti-freeze and water, it circulates oil through it to cool it down before cycling it back through the engine. it doesn't change how often you have to change the oil or anything like that, and it will only add a quart or two to the total capacity. not a huge deal at all.

[mgdavis]

Generally speaking, air cooled < oil cooled. If you ever get stuck in a traffic jam on a warm day you'll be thankful for the oil cooler and wishing you had a radiator as well.