Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I get many emails each day from both riders and non-riders worldwide. I just got this one in my inbox and thought you all here could give your opinions to help him out as well.





Hello,

My name is Chad, I am considering buying a bike in the near future, so
I have been doing some researching online. So far your website has been the
most helpful. So I was hoping I could get your opinion on what would be the
best bike for my purposes.

Obviously I want something reliable, but I'd also like something with
really good MPG, a large gas tank, and a comfortable ride. I intend to use
it mostly for long trips. Having a good amount of power would be nice, but
totally unessecary, and as you have said in your newbie guide if the engine
is pressed too hard for HP you will end up with frequent repair bills. Also
I would like it to have a little weight to it, so as I do not get blown
around the lanes by strong winds or anything of that sort, but not so heavy
it's seriously cutting into the MPG, that is what I'm mostly focusing on I
think.

I have never driven a motorcycle before, so I don't know if I would like
a cruiser or sport style more. Honestly I think I would be more comfortable
riding in the sport style posistion, but understand that a cruiser is more
likely to be designed for my purposes, but of course I will never really
know until I try it, which I intend to before I buy anything. So if you
could suggest at least one of each type that would be greatly helpful. So
far the one that has caught my eye the most is the Suzuki GS500.

I also have some genral questions concerning the outfitting of a bike.
Can you put a windshield and 'air damn?', or whatever that front piece of
'fiberglass?' is, on any bike? What about saddle bags? Leather or
fiberglass, preferably in my mind fiberglass, so that it might be possible
to lock them.

Thank you for your help and your website.

(my own personal responce):

Hi Chad,

Thanks for writing and for the great complements on the website. We all try very hard to make it useful, helpful and friendly.

I've posted your question here in the New Bikers forum so others can offer their opinions to help you out too.

To answer some of your questions if you could help me out a little that would be great.

A. Long trips... How long in distance/time? Terrain?

B. What percentage of riding do you think you will do: Highway/City/Off-the-beaten-path

C. How tall and heavy are you? (inseam?)

D. The majority of motorcycles have really good MPG ratings. How far do you want to go on a tank of gas?

The Suzuki GS500 is a very good choice for an all purpose type of bike that is good for new riders, inexpensive to buy and fix, isn't too heavy, is reliable and also fuel efficent and can be a good "do-it-all" type of bike. If you are going off-road (dirt) a lot, the GS may not be the best bike, but it will do. As you move away from a "do-it-all" type of bike you have pros and cons that you have to consider as your bike gets more specialized.

I personally recommend starting on a "do-it-all" type of bike as it will allow you to grow and find out what type and style of riding YOU like to do and you can make a GOOD decision on what specialized bike you want from there. It's not fun being stuck on a bike that doesn't suit your riding style or needs.

Outfitting a motorcycle is pretty easy. Bags, windshield, exhausts (etc) can all be purchased in model specific or "universal" fit types. A windshild and touring bags is a worthwhile addition if you are planning on touring even though they have some negatives (aerodynamics mostly).

Have you sat on different bikes at a local dealership? Any appeal to you (GS500...)

Don't forget about gear too. A good helmet, jacket, gloves and pair of boots can save your hide.

Regardless of what bike you do chose, don't forget about a (MSF) Motorcycle Safety Riding Course. It is DEFINATELY worth the time, money and effort.

Mike.

Maybe a Katana 600? It has some power and a more upright seating position. I guess it would depend on his size. The ninja 500 also has a decent seating position, I think better than the GS500. The katana is heavier, which might make spilling it easier while you learn. It also has a full fairing, something else to think about.

In this case I wouldnt recommend a SV650, because you will need to mod it for long trips. Stuff like a gel seat and clip-on risers, would be a couple of examples. I do love my SV650s, though.

Also, get frame sliders, if your bike has a fairing. As far as gear goes, a leather jacket is a must. Get a decent one, and make sure it fits tight, you dont want the padding moving around on you. Gook luck!

This is a very nice Yamaha VStar 650 silverado which as seen is $9800 Cnd. I'm thinking of getting one as well. It is light and easy to handle (so the manufacturer says). I like the fact that there are several options already on the bike compared to others that'll run you 12k for the same setup.

Wow...I don't think I could put this much thought into buying a bike in a situation when I didn't have one...I'd just wanna find SOMETHING...lol

IMO buy whatever looks good and feels good to you....at the end of the day that's all that matters...gas mileage and tank size make no matter as long as you got a huge grin on your face when you open that baby up on a long stretch of road.

Just my 2 cents...spend it wisely.