What kind of motorcycle should I get?

Question

I learned to drive a motorcycle when I visited India (youtube: India driving) where the bikes typically ranged from 100cc-450cc. My first motorcycle there was a 150cc, but I rented and drove motorcycles up to 350cc. While i was there i faced almost every traffic, weather and road condition you can imagine. Now that i am back in the US and have moved to California, I am very very excited to get a Motorcycle! I've signed up for the safety course to help w/ insurance costs, and so that I can get liscenced and test drive bikes when i start shopping for one.

I am interested in buying a used motorcycle that will have longevity as well as resale value. I am 6', 175lbs and 22 years old. I live in the San Jose and want a motorcycle that accomodates everyday riding as well as road-trips. I want to be able to ride my motorcycle to work, to the gym, to San Francisco, to LA, etc. etc. Needless to say, riding comfort is important. What should i get?

Answer 1

for the type of riding u plan to do, to do it with most comfort, u need a cruiser at least in the 1350cc range (dyna wide glide with a tc88 engine). for a very long trip via interstate, u'd be most comfortable on a heavier bike like the size of a heritage or a vulcan. for long trips, i'd recommend having a windshield on the bike; the windblast will wear u down after about 150 miles. and get a good seat....a seat that sucks will feel like a hard slab after 80 miles.

Answer 2

Wow! What is the ideal bike, you ask. There is no one bike that can do it all. Some come close.
Being a Suzuki fan I'd recommend a Bandit 1200 or Bandit 1200 S. They're comfortable, big enough, and reliable. It's a traditional style; sometimes called a naked bike, since the engine is exposed, and not covered by a fairing.
Since you're 6' you don't need a low rider in order to get both feet on the ground at a stop light.
As a side note, my friend has the regular bandit (non-S version) and it has over 108,000 miles on it. He has ridden it over 1000 miles in just under 24 hours on at least one occasion, thus enabling him to be a member of the Iron Butt Association. The bike is never washed. If it's a good day to clean the bike, then it's a good day to go riding, instead.

Answer 3

If you're looking to do a fair amount of highway miles then you should get a bike with at last a 1000cc engine. Since you're looking at a lot of city miles too, I'd recommend something liquid cooled. Shaft or belt drive is less maintenance than chain.

Personally, I'd say your best bet is a Honda Shadow model, or even a VTX. They are all shaft drive and liquid cooled in the 1100+ cc range. Nice bikes and very comfortable. I personally own a VTX 1300 with saddlebags and a windshield. Great bike.

The newer Harleys are much better in terms of reliability. So if you decide on a Harley, get something that has an Evolution, or a TwinCam engine. Also the V-Rod is a nice bike and has a liquid cooled engine.

Answer 4

First you need to narrow down what type bike you want.Old New ,sport ,cruiser etc. then the most important thing is the bike must fit you or you wont want to ride it.Second is price. many bikes can be had for reduced price with cash offers.If you dont know anything about bikes take it to a mechanic.After you have narrowed things down to 1 or 2 bikes.Ive been riding for 55years had more bikes and cars than i can count,now i make my bikes fit me the way i like them. Honda. Harley .Will keep there value i would suggest a cruise bike about 1800cc 6 or 5 speed big fuel tanks side bags and a very comfortable seat. good luck l spillman

Answer 5

I'd say get a small one,250 to 450, no 600's or bigger.
Really learn how to ride it, and how to fall, cuz everyone does.
there's nothing worse from my standpoint (been riding since 1978) than a young person on a bike that will go from 0 to 60 in 2.2 seconds and them not knowing how to handle it. In fact i saw someone die on a bike for just that reason.

if you're smart, you'll take up motocross bikes, the dirt is much softer than asphalt.

Edit: A Harley would be a great bike for a beginner! has good resale too.

Answer 6

Granted, this is mostly because they are what fell in my lap, but I like the older Honda CBs for all around use. They are comfortable, parts are still available (I bought engine gaskets for an '82 650, they were in stock, no waiting). 650cc on up will handle the highway and work great in town. I'm not really familiar with anything newer than 1984, there must be something else out there too. But since these are still around, and available, they deserve consideration. Nobody makes a good general purpose ride anymore, it seems to be one end or the other, speed or comfort.

Answer 7

Motorcycles aren't known for resale value, but if you're buying used to begin with, you just might get some. Harleys are known for having resale value, and they last a long time (mostly 'cause some Harley lover will do a restoration on something that should probably be left to rust in peace, LOL).

You're looking for a Harley touring model then. Maybe a little heavy for your everyday commute, but you do want to ride in style.

Answer 8

As much as I love a Harley, they're a high dollar game. Even if you get a used one plan for maintenance costs. If you have a pretty long commute, you can beat a Harley for the ride. If you're stopping and starting in traffic Suzuki might be best.

Answer 9

You are going to need a cruiser with a windshield to comfortably make long trips. Bigger bikes are not affected by the wind from other vehicles as much that matters on the highway. That gives you a bunch of options.

Answer 10

First, take the MSF Basic Rider Course. It just might save your life, and no matter how long you've been riding, if you've never taken it you will learn something. Then buy a used Japanese bike in the 600-750 cc range, and I don't mean crotch rocket. You don't need to think about fast for quite a while.