Total Motorcycle Community Forums

So I'm currently in the process or preparing to become a "real" motorbike rider. I've had some experience just messing around on dirtbikes/enduros and a moped or two(shhh dont tell anyone) but I'm workin on stepping up to the real thing. I'm 22 and my orginal intention was to take the MSF course(I'm signed up and waiting) then find a suitable beginning bike like a GS500 or even maybe a SV650. I've been discussing the whole thing with my dad lately and he's mostly supportive(he used to ride a ton, I'm tryin to get him back into it possibly).

HOWEVER my dad came up with an idea that I'm curious about how it would work out as far as practicality. We own an older('81) 185cc Honda Enduro that has basically been untouched for years. It has roughly 2100 miles on it. From what I can tell, its in good shape minus tires, fluids, battery, cables chains etc...the normal stuff that needs semi regular maintenance/replacement. My dad said that if I agreed to wait until purchasing a bike, that he would fix up the enduro(with some more street-appropriate tires) and I could ride that for maybe 6months or so in order to get a better feel for everything. After that point, I will have saved up over half of the cost of a new bike, and I might have different options.

So what do ya'll think? To me it sounds kindof nice just because its minimal initial cost to me, and I wouldnt have to worry at all about dropping a nice shiny bike while getting my bearings riding around here. One thing I'm not sure about is will I be able to work on countersteering and a little bit of sport-bike style riding in the meantime or would it be dangerous/difficult. Is a 2-stroke 185cc bike enough for most riding? I wouldnt be taking it on the freeway but I would think around town and a little bit of slower spirited riding wouldnt be so bad.

Second question. I'm a relatively quick learner, with a decent amount of experience on 2 wheels in traffic already(I'm a cyclist and ride in traffic a lot). Assuming I wait around 6months and take the MSF and really get a feel for the whole riding thing, would it be reasonable to maybe look at some 600cc bikes at that point? Seems tho with the powerband like on an enduro I'd get at least a little bit used "touchy" throttles etc.

And I guess third question is I really like naked sport bikes. Theres something that just appeals to me. One bike I've always drooled over are the Ducati Monster 620s(dark or regular, doesnt matter) Would that be too much for a second bike? And what are the down sides of buying a bike like that. I know maintenance could be more, as well as parts, but how much more are we talking about? Are they generally reliable?

I appreciate any help I can get!

Thanks....

-Kellan

Before you agree to this proposal, have dad investigate parts availability for that 25 year old enduro.

Many shops simply will not even take in anything over 15 or so years, for work, because parts availability falls way off at about 10 years of age.

My guess is that this 'deal' is really no deal at all. Sounds good in your head, but in actual workability. . . NOT.

Don't think 2 stroke engines are street legal either. But then, again, it must be old enough to be grandfathered as far as emissions go.

P

I think your father has a good idea, I don't think a 600 is too much for a 2nd bike... and check out Buell motorcycles if you are into naked sport bikes.... they rule.

kellanv wrote: And I guess third question is I really like naked sport bikes. Theres something that just appeals to me. One bike I've always drooled over are the Ducati Monster 620s(dark or regular, doesnt matter) Would that be too much for a second bike? And what are the down sides of buying a bike like that. I know maintenance could be more, as well as parts, but how much more are we talking about? Are they generally reliable?

I appreciate any help I can get!

Thanks....

-Kellan

it's not uncommon for people to start on ducati 620 monsters. it's more than ok for a 2nd bike.

Yeah I was worried about the parts thing, however, as far as we know it ran perfectly fine way back when. As far as I know it just needs new lines, tires, chain, cables which as far as I know are relatively universal. Am I wrong?

yeah it has the headlight and tail light...currently no turn signals but if those cant be found its not a huge deal(hand signals will work as long as I dont ride at night)

2stroke oil isnt a big deal either.

Yeah it would be nice if this would work but its kinda hard to tell at the moment.

I just checked and the model is an XL185S...small bike..could be fun tho

Are chains somewhat universal or are they somethin else specific to a bike/style