Newb looking at bikes

[Dystopian]

Well, I turn 18 in 1 month and I have decided that I have wanted a motorcycle. I like to go to the Harley dealer and check out their selection. I decided the biggest Harley I could want is a 1200 Sportster because I really don't need to go much faster. But something happened yesterday, I think I turned towards the Hondas. Is the Shadow the equivalent of the Sportster?

Well, that's years away though, buying a brand new bike, if ever. I'm more interested in finding older bikes, as in pre-90's. I want one that I can work on myself, not something I have to take to a mechanic for anything simple. The problem is, my budget is incredibly tight. I have about a $1000 limit and I can still find a few bikes for that. My question is, what should I watch out for at this price? Many of the bikes I see have problems with the carburetor. The one I am currently liking is a Honda 750 for $900. It needs carb work, but other than that, it's supposed to be fine.

$900 O.B.O. black 1980 750r honda for sale good tires, new battery. The bike has about 13000 miles on it. the carbs need cleaned but it will start and run. I have a clear title for it to.

That is his direct statement. Do you think this is genuine and is it going to kill me on my first run? I also found a Yamaha DT80 Enduro for $450, but I can't find anything about the specs, it needs the carb rebuilt, and it has no title. Plus, I'm not exactly fit, 6'2" and about 250.

The only thing that sways my decision right now is price. I do not, however, like the crotch rocket type bikes, I find them very uncomfortable and have an unnatural sitting position.

I have proper boots (Harley Riding boots), and an Open Road leather jacket, but it's a tad small (I can't touch my elbows together in it). Is that unsafe for riding?

And my last question, are any of the bikes I've talked about prime targets for thieves? I'm talking of the Rebel, GoldWing, Sportster, Shadow, 750, dt80. Being young, I also don't want to pay arms and legs for insurance and go with liability. Setting it down wouldn't worry me so much on older bikes, which is another reason for to look for them, but still.

[dean owens]

i can't really tell you if that's a good deal. if the guy is honest and that's the only thing wrong with it it could be a good deal. i don't know how hard it is to get to the carbs on that bike.

but... i will say if you're looking for a solid dependable bike that is cheap and easy to work on i would look for a cx500, cx650, gl500, or gl650 (the gl's are also called silverwings). i'm biased because i have one, but these bikes are super easy to work on. and you can usually find one in working order for your price. if you want to learn a little more about them go to this site.

http://choppercharles.com/cs/

it's dedicated to them and you can learn everything you need to know about them.

good luck with your search.

[jonnythan]

The 750R is a race bike. I'd avoid it.

And, no, the Shadow is not the equivalent of a Sportster. The Sportster is a quasi-standard/cruiser with a high center of gravity originally intended for racing and dirt track racing.

The Shadow is more like a smaller version of a Dyna - low-slung cruiser with a more laid back riding position.