New Rider? Maybe not?
Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 4:12 pm
Hey guys. Lots of input needed here for a first time buyer, but not a first time rider.
First off, I was reading the 'beginners' thread there about the cruisers. I honestly believe that you guys are dead on. But what if someone like me happens to have a little background?
Growing up, I road honda 125's, mopeds, etc. So if I got on a 250 - 400, I honestly think I'd fall asleep driving to work. hahahah
But here's the thing..... Last year a buddy of mine bought a used Harley. Nice bike, has an 88 cu. inch engine. So he brings it over to my house (I made him promise me he'd let me ride
), and when I got on, I could tell that my previous experience wasn't going to mean a whole lot. It was definitely a whole other animal than what I was used to. Lets be honest, you can surely get hurt on a dirt bike, but sitting on that thing made me imagine pains that I never had dumping a small Honda before. hahahahah
So I took it out for a spin. Wow... shakey doesn't begin to cover it. I slowly putted around town, got a little use to making turns again. Was feeling good. Then got on the highway and opened that throttle wide! WHOOOO HOOOO!!!
I handled it 'ok', considering the big bend I was going around. Maybe not the best... but I'd say I did pretty darn good considering the last time I rode was on a dirt bike..... 15+ years ago, and I was doing over 90 in no time. Yeah.... never knew those beasts had that kind of acceleration. hahah. Consider this lesson LEARNED!
So now I'm itching to get a bike, and we happen to have a used bike place near where I live. Unfortunately, the credit aint none too good, but I was approved for a very small amount.
They happen to have a 1995 Suzuki Marauder 1400, with 13000 miles. Looks ok, and comes with windshield (very important since I commute to work), saddle bags, and has the back seat rest. They want $3300.
So, questions are (since I don't know anything at all about THAT bike)
Would that particular bike be worth the money?
Am I getting in over my head here since I haven't ridden in a while?
Your guys' input is greatly appreciated!

First off, I was reading the 'beginners' thread there about the cruisers. I honestly believe that you guys are dead on. But what if someone like me happens to have a little background?
Growing up, I road honda 125's, mopeds, etc. So if I got on a 250 - 400, I honestly think I'd fall asleep driving to work. hahahah
But here's the thing..... Last year a buddy of mine bought a used Harley. Nice bike, has an 88 cu. inch engine. So he brings it over to my house (I made him promise me he'd let me ride

So I took it out for a spin. Wow... shakey doesn't begin to cover it. I slowly putted around town, got a little use to making turns again. Was feeling good. Then got on the highway and opened that throttle wide! WHOOOO HOOOO!!!
I handled it 'ok', considering the big bend I was going around. Maybe not the best... but I'd say I did pretty darn good considering the last time I rode was on a dirt bike..... 15+ years ago, and I was doing over 90 in no time. Yeah.... never knew those beasts had that kind of acceleration. hahah. Consider this lesson LEARNED!
So now I'm itching to get a bike, and we happen to have a used bike place near where I live. Unfortunately, the credit aint none too good, but I was approved for a very small amount.
They happen to have a 1995 Suzuki Marauder 1400, with 13000 miles. Looks ok, and comes with windshield (very important since I commute to work), saddle bags, and has the back seat rest. They want $3300.
So, questions are (since I don't know anything at all about THAT bike)
Would that particular bike be worth the money?
Am I getting in over my head here since I haven't ridden in a while?
Your guys' input is greatly appreciated!