I'm strongly considering either a sport or sport/touring bike in the 500cc range. I'm looking around and finding bikes in the $5k range new, like this one:

Suzuki GS500F

If I can find a gently used one, I'd go that route to save the bucks.

This will be a starter bike. I have basically no road experience and don't want to go get a big cruiser right off the bat. Besides, the idea here is gas mileage and fun transportation, not cross country runs on a hog. I'm not addicted to speed either - something that will comfortably go 70mph is good enough for me. I've got the Camaro if I really feel the need to go fast. I'm just looking for opinions out there from those who ride.

Also, if anyone has a line on a decent used bike in Phoenix metro, post up. I'm thinking about hopping some dealerships this weekend, maybe sooner.

The Suzuki SV600 is a great midweight bike and should be cheap to insure since it is a "standard" and not a "sport" bike. Not sure about the classification of the SV600(s).

quote:

Originally posted by vlsgmc:
The Suzuki SV600 is a great midweight bike and should be cheap to insure since it is a "standard" and not a "sport" bike. Not sure about the classification of the SV600(s).

You mean sv650.

My first streetbike was a ninja500. Awesome beginner bike, able to hold its own on the highway, but still forgiving. You can find them gently used in the 3k range, or abused for 1750 like I did

I beat the hell out of the bike, and it asked for more. Can't think of a better 1st street bike, especially if you're interested in going the sport route later down the road.

Whatever you pickout, please keep it shiny side up so I can collect on our bet.

Make sure you budget for some good boots, gloves, pants and jacket.

You will fall eventually.

Did the MSF course stress/ talk about getting into a rearwheel skid- andwhat happens to bike and rider if rider lets off the rearbrake( if the bike is leaned over)?

what about "covering" the front brake?

Yes, I ment the SV650.

If you enjoy riding dirt bikes and don't spend too much time at highway speeds, a supermoto style bike might be to your liking. I was recently considering getting a Suzuki DR-Z400 for cummuting. I like the upright riding position and it should get much better gas milage than my current bike.

I don't know if I'd start on an sv650 with no background at all in riding. But some people have started on bigger, faster bikes and have had no problems...

I had my ninja 500 for 6 months, had a background in riding dirt when I was younger, and still made some rookie mistakes that would have been worse on a bike with more power.

That being said, I'm a huge fan of the sv, have owned 3 so far (as well as a gsxr 600 and a kawasaki 636). The smiles/buck ratio can't be beat, and the cheap mods you can do to them are endless.

All good choices. You might consider a Honda 600 or 750 V twin as well. Their kind of 3/4 size cruisers and will handle highway speeds around town easely. If you spend ANY time on the highway commuting a heavier bike is actually your friend. For local around the neighborhood I like something like the Kawasaki 125 Intimidator. It's a 1/2 size cruiser that is extremely easy to ride and very forgiving. If your going to do any highway riding I suggest a minimum of a 500cc twin. Here's a site for armored jackets, gloves etc. Its called motorcyclesuperstore.com if the link doesn't work.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/

Look for Joe Rocket Phoenix-5 jackets and Pheonix-3 gloves. All armored and designed for the heat in PHOENIX! Very comfortable even when its hot. I've cruised around in my Joe Rocket gear with temp around 105 up here and as long as you're moving its comfortable.

Kawasaki also makes a Vulcan 500 that is kind of an old school side by side twin. It would work well for the kind of riding you want to do. Problem with new intermediate sized bikes is that dealers are completely sold out of the desirable models. If you can find a well kept and serviced low mile bike in your price/size range used seriously consider it cause it won't be available for very long.

http://forum.ih8mud.com/az-copper-state-cruisers/232210...-honda-transalp.html

Guy I know, but I know nothing about the bike. Never even heard of one, but I'm a big Honda believer. Looks like a cool beginner bike, but might be a bit old. Phil is a freak when it comes to maintenance though. Second to no one I know.

-Spike

Any thoughts on the link I posted? I went and sat on one today and it was comfortable. 500cc.

I like the fact that it has an oil cooler standard, and is just a twin- that makes it easy to sync the carbs.

Chain drive means you'll have to pay attention to greasing and proper tensioning every few hundred/few thousand miles. Couldn't find info if it was an O-ring chain, or not. The latter tend to go longer between retensioning/ last longer.

FAiring is nice to keep the bugs off your clothing. And the big tank should get you 250 + miles before refueling.

Did the MSF course stress/ talk about getting into a rearwheel skid- andwhat happens to bike and rider if rider lets off the rearbrake( if the bike is leaned over)?

what about "covering" the front brake?

Did you have any "slow" races?

My course absolutely covered rear wheel skid and the risk of a high-side departure from the bike. If your in a rear wheel skid you stay with it til your stopped. You MIGHT be able to unload the brake if the rear wheel and front are perfectly in line. But who wants to chance a high side drop.

quote:

Originally posted by Senior:
... But who wants to chance a high side launch.

Fixed it for you

Andy.. You need something unique..

If a 40mph top speed is acceptable, you could get one of these 2wd motorcycles,
A Rokon Ranger 2x2:
http://www.rokon-europe.co.uk/


or a turbo-diesel motorcycle:
http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2007/09/27/neander-tu...cycle-is-introduced/
I bet this thing is a REAL HOOT to ride!!!


Or just a plain diesel motorcycle:
Track T-800CDI
http://www.automotto.org/entry/trackstar-t-800cdi-world...diesel-powered-bike/


I wonder what kinda fuel economy the diesels get.. You gotta admit, its a cool idea for a motorcycle. Would be extremely efficient.

Personally, though.. I think you should get one of these:

Vintage Cyclone:


Or a 1920 Indian boardtrack racer:


Or a 1912 Indian board track racer:


You gotta admit.. those guys had gonads of steel to ride those things above 100 mph on bicycle components.