Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Glad I stumbled onto this site. Lots of info

Used to ride many years ago, coming back now that the kids are out!! 48 yrs old 6' 220lbs

Looking for some ideas on a good used bike to use for my first summer. Will probably use it for some commuting (35 miles each way) as well as weekend afternoon rides. Will be riding as a single (wife wont ride).

Looking to spend 1000 to 2000 for this first bike. Next year , after getting re-oriented to riding, I will be buying my brother's HD that has been sitting for 4 years.

Give me some ideas folks!!

Check Craigs List or eBay and make it snappy. In a month you may see the prices go up due to spring fever, speaking of which I am out the door going riding within the next 15 minutes.

I'd sneak that Harley out of the garage and ride it ~today~ like you stole it. ha ha.

Oh Welcome...

Hi! Welcome!!

Actually, any used motorcycle will do. So long as it runs. You've already got the HD in line, right? You only need something that looks decent, runs well and is comfortable for you. There are so many bikes out there. . . just about any cruiser in the 600-950 cc range should fit the bill. I'll recommend that you try to find something that isn't over 600 lbs. Be wary of too old (more than 15 years old will be near impossible to find a shop that will service it).

Just needs to pass a safety inspection. (Even if is isn't required in your state, always smart with a used motorcycle).

Once you get your bike, sign up for an ERC (Experience Riders Course) - check this site for the nearest: www.msf-usa.org You take the course on your own motorcycle. It is a great way to brush up skills, while having fun!!

You're a member of demographic for the fastest growing segment of motorcycle fatalities in the US: age 40+ returning/new riders.

Not to scare you, but please consider a couple facts: Motorcycle technology has improved in performance manyfold since you last rode. Brakes are better, bikes are faster, and companion traffic is bigger, heavier, and moving faster than back in the day. Then there's the effect that birthdays have on one's reaction and response time.

P

Maybe you can 'rent' your brother's HD (unless it is some giant monstrosity like my bike). If you pay him $25 bucks a ride and you manage to ride 50 times that's like $1250.

This way you can get it riding on the road - work out the bumps and stuff like that and have him apply the $1250 (or whatever it is) towards your purchase of his current bike.

Not sure how insurance or anything like that would work, but I know some of the folks here have good advice regarding bikes that have sat for a while. Batteries and carb maintenance and gas tank sediment are definitely on the list.

RhadamYgg

Bought a 1986 Kawi 454 from a college kid that had it one year Got it for 800 and he threw in a new front tire It has 18k on it.

Talked to the original owner who had it since new Never any problems

This should get me through the first year

GCM1031 wrote:Bought a 1986 Kawi 454 from a college kid that had it one year Got it for 800 and he threw in a new front tire It has 18k on it.

Talked to the original owner who had it since new Never any problems

This should get me through the first year

That sounds very cool. Good luck!

Did you take the MSF BRC course?

RhadamYgg

Taking it in April

Too cold here still Upstate NY

GCM1031 wrote:Taking it in April

Too cold here still Upstate NY

I can only imagine. It is cold enough down here in NJ/NYC area. I might get to ride in to work on Tuesday, though.

RhadamYgg

(more than 15 years old will be near impossible to find a shop that will service it).

Say what? Maybe with a Stealership but almost any custom shop will work on older bikes, many will only work on older bikes.

There are three shops in the town where I live and all will work on any 36 and up BT be it knuck, pan, shovel, or evo as well as real (pre 53) Indians. Only two will touch any Sportster or Brit bike. Only one (mine) will work on Airheads, however most BMW dealers will work on anything /2 and up.

There is also a shop in Denver advertising in craigslist that will only work on pre 85 Hondas.

yesterday there was a 80ish Yamaha 400 (running and clean title) on craigslist for $350