Thinking of getting a bike

[SuperDave456]

So from what I am reading there are 2 methods of thought.

1. Start with a bike that can do around town stuff, typically a 250cc on Craigs List, then after you are comfortable move up to something more powerful. You won't be able to do much highway stuff as you will get wiped around by the wind and you don't have the Horsepower to get much above 70mph.

2. Get something mid-sized and not to worry about the 250cc class. You can do more stuff on the highway but you will also have to be much more careful as wheelies and crazy torque are available on demand.

I would like something I can use to commute to work on. However, the fact that some of these bikes you can sneeze and lose control due to the crazy power/weight ratio compared to cars is kind of frightening.

I would love to purchase ONE BIKE and call it a day. Becoming an old [censored] with crazy high mileage on his one daily commuter. (Except when raining or freezing out.)

What type of issues would I get from a 250 cruiser? Once I am comfortable with it around town is it capable of doing highway miles?
From what yall are telling me I will really have to beat on it to get it up to highway speeds. I know bikes are designed for high RPM's but what type of engine problems would/could result in using a 250 to do such tasks?

Thanks for the advice. I'm finding this fascinating and a lot of fun just shopping around learning new stuff.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: SuperDave456
However, the fact that some of these bikes you can sneeze and lose control due to the crazy power/weight ratio compared to cars is kind of frightening.

I think that's an exaggeration. If you're about to sneeze, just squeeze the clutch lever to temporarily disengage the engine and let off the accelerator and nothing bad will happen.

Quote:

I would love to purchase ONE BIKE and call it a day. Becoming an old [censored] with crazy high mileage on his one daily commuter. (Except when raining or freezing out.)

If you don't want to upgrade within a year or two, or whenever you gain more confidence, then I'd say go for at least a 500cc bike. Otherwise, you'll outgrow the 250cc pretty fast.

Quote:

What type of issues would I get from a 250 cruiser? Once I am comfortable with it around town is it capable of doing highway miles?

It really depends on what your definition of "highway miles" is. My GZ250 would hold 65 mph no problem and I did ride it to work a few times. But if you need to get out of somebody's way quickly, you just won't be able to do this on a 250cc bike. The acceleration is just not there anymore at that speed. Besides, if the traffic around you moves at 70-75 mph, then you put-putting at 65 mph will cause everyone to try to pass you, which creates more danger for you.

Quote:

From what yall are telling me I will really have to beat on it to get it up to highway speeds. I know bikes are designed for high RPM's but what type of engine problems would/could result in using a 250 to do such tasks?

Cruising at 65 mph for extended periods of time should not really pose any issues. And you probably won't go faster than that because:
A) it'd take forever to get up there, if at all
B) you'd be scared of wind and semis passing by blowing you around due to the bike's low weight.


http://www.chuckhawks.com/good_first_motorcycles.htm

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: SuperDave456
Becoming an old [censored] with crazy high mileage on his one daily commuter.

Also, don't think that riding a bike to work will save you money in the long run. There are many maintenance items that need to be done on a bike more frequently, such as brake pads/discs, valve adjustments, oil changes, etc. This may cost you more than the decrease in value of your daily commuter due to higher mileage.

 

[BigCahuna]

It's hard recommending a bike for someone. Kinda like telling you what type of women you'll like. If your just starting to ride, vs having some experience that will help in your selection. I always tell a new never ridden before rider, to get a used bike. Depends on how big a person you are also. Like I said in a earlier post you'll feel alot worse dropping a brand new bike then you will a 10 year old one. Things happen and you don't plan to do it ,it just happens. As far as size goes, depends on how your going to use it and how much your looking to pay. There's lots of choices out there to pick from so, next time you see a bike that gets you all hot and bothered talk to the person how owns it. You'll get alot of info that way to help you decide if you should go small or bump it up to a 650cc or bigger.I found out years ago I like having a windshield and bags to carry things instead of using bungee cords and loosing stuff.You may not. If your trying to shop around for the best price,it can be confusing. What I do is go to the KBB , NADA, then EBAY listings. Look at the completed EBAY listings, then get the average price paid using those numbers. Remember the book prices are retail ASKING prices, not what the bikes actual worth. Have fun looking.,,