I am hoping to be able to buy a new bike about this time next year. I’ve read the ‘Before you buy a 600+’ article. Here are my thoughts, relative to me, on this article:
False Logic: I had bought into this, but now see the error of my ways.
Vanity Arguments: Doesn’t really apply, other than I love the way BMW bikes look, and if there is a good beginner bike from BMW, I’d prefer it. But I will go with the bike that makes the most sense, no matter who makes it.
You be the judge: Doesn’t apply. I’m about 5’9”, 190lbs. Depressingly average.
Decision Justification:
I’ll take it easy: Ok, I’m convinced. I’ll get a smaller bike.
Careful Driver: This really does apply to me. I drive in traffic four days a week, 10 hours a day, as my job. I’ve had the Smith System driving course, and it’s helped me a LOT. But I’m not perfect, and I know it. Hopefully I know enough.
Fast Car Driver: Heh. I drive a minivan. And an F250 van for work. I was in the military, and I’ve driven LOTS of vehicles. This does mean that I’ve learned to be very cautious until I have learned the characteristics of whatever I am driving. The closest experience I have to motorcycles, other than a little bike experience from 17 years ago, is horse riding. I’m great at that. But I doubt it translates well.
So . . . I’m hoping to find some tailored advice to help me come up with a ‘Top X’ list. I don’t care if it’s 5, 10, or whatever, just so long as it’s a smarter list than I can do on my own.
So . . . I’m 36, 5’9”, 190lbs. I could ride a bike w/o looking down to shift as of 17 years ago, but haven’t ridden since. The bike I had then was practically given to me, and I couldn’t keep the darn thing running more than a few hours at a time. It was a low cc bike, but I don’t remember now. I never even bothered to put a tag on it b/c it wouldn’t run long enough. But I did drive it in the neighborhood some. All under 30mph.
As I have a take home company vehicle, and a minivan, this is purely a ‘when I want to’ bike.
I want something to ‘sit up’ on. I don’t want to lay on the fuel tank. I don’t expect to go more than 90mph ever (and only that on the interstate when the right music is on
). Or maybe if I slip into an alternate reality and have to save the world. 
Eventually, I want my g/f to ride with me, and she requires back support. So I need something with a seat that two can fit on, and have a back rest for. But this might be for my 2nd bike.
Oh, I DON’T know the jargon for bikes yet. Cruiser/Standard/Dual Sport doesn’t mean much to me, yet.
That’s all I can think of for now, so please feel free to shoot holes in my ego. It’s used to it.
Ty
