How did you decide which bike to buy?

Question

I am curious to know how people arrive at their decision to buy all the different kinds of bikes you see out there.

Personally, I own a CBR 600 F4 now because of a few factors:

I like the look of sport bikes
I like the acceleration
I didn't feel I needed more engine than that, especially coming off a 250
It was yellow...bought for taste and visibility
The CBR 600 "fit" me better than a ZX6R and came highly recommended from friends

What were your reasons for buying your bikes?

Answer 1

You made some good choices
The bike should fit you. It should not have more or less power than you need. It should be a color and style you like
I bought my Triumph Rocket III because its the biggest engine anyone puts in a production bike at 2,294 CC
I also liked the fact that it goes zero to so in 2.8 seconds
Also the price was right, and it got lots of looks

Answer 2

1996 Kawi Eliminator 600. I knew nothing about bikes or what I wanted from them (except speed - knew I wanted that). Also had to consider my height - 5'3 - which limited me. The dealer told me if I wanted speed the twins were out, so that elminated the Vulcan and the Suzuki whatsit I was also considering. So I got a bike with a low seat height and a V4 engine.

By 2000, I knew that I wanted a bike for which I could buy some accessories and that was fast(er). Still had to have a low seat height. I got a 98 Magna - VF750 with a 28" seat height which I had dropped nearly 2" more.

In 2004 I decided it was time to FINALLY get the sport bike I'd always wanted - and feared. I was considering the ZZR600 - at that time it had a low seat height - 28-29". But I happened to come across a 6RR that had been lowered. This bike was lighter and I found the peg position to be more amenable. So I went to my own dealership and they talked me into the 6R instead (small difference).

I had to have it lowered of course, and I put on some Convertibars to make it more comfy. But that's where I'm currently at.

My requirements have always been speed - at least the potential of it even if I usually tend to drive sedately. Low seat height is a requirement as well, and I do feel more confident on a lighter weight bike. I love the sport bike handling - I'll never want to ride a "cow" street bike again until I'm really old and decrepit! lol

While my lack of perfect physical condition - and small size - mean that the 6 can tend to get uncomfortable for me after a bit, I decided that it was much more important to have FUN riding. So if that means short fun rides vs. long boring ones, I'll take the fun.

Answer 3

I originally wanted to get an ATV but there aren't enough trails around where I live (near Chicago) to make it worth it. I decided to go with a dual sport motorcycle so that I could ride it on the streets but also take it on the trails or to the sanddunes in Michigan.
I ended up getting the Kawasaki KLR650. It's not the fastest bike ever or the prettiest but it's still quick, can handle highway speeds without breaking a sweat, gets 50 mpg, is very cheap to insure (~150 a year for liability) and is built really tough. Plus it was very cheap. I got one used with 5000 miles for $2800.

Answer 4

I wanted a bike I could use for commuting plus weekend scratching etc. After searching on the net for some time my choice was an FJ1200 Yamaha. Enough power and speed with a sensible seating position. Personally I use it every day rain shine and whatever, also the preious bike was an XS1100 and it gave me great service, barring the fact that it tried to kill me every now and then. The FJ goes well handles well , stops well and has a relatively low seat height.

Answer 5

I just recently bought an '07 1200 Nightster. I have been looking at Harley's for 3 months, but decided on this bike for several reasons. The most important was that it got my attention. I have to like the look. The bike also fits me great and will be easy to customize. I also have a drag bike that is being built for me, but that is much easier to choose since it can be built around me. It's all about what you like and nobody else can decide that for you.

Answer 6

You need to be able to control the bike. Dont let it drive you. I am a small girl, and my first bike was a Kawasaki 750. I couldn't put my feet on the ground or push it with out the clutch feathered. So I did a lot of research an found that I liked the Suzuki gs500. I can reach the ground and move it with out trying. Now when I ride, I am a lot more confident and safer.

Answer 7

1980 model Honda CB750K.
I like Hondas, especially CBs. They fit me.
The 750 was a move up from a CB650 Custom.
This one was already equipped with fairing (Windjammer), lowers, and detatchable hard bags. Looks good on the bike and perfect for me. I'm a real big fan of Craig Vetter's stuff.
And the price was good.

Answer 8

1. 1978 Honda XL350. Friend picked it out for me. I wanted a moped. This was a better choice.
2. 1986 Honda Nighthawk 450. I needed a motorcycle to commute to work. This was for sale.
3. 1986 Kawasaki Police 1000. Police motorcycles look cool. This is the only motorcycle I picked out for myself :)
4. 1985 Yamaha Virago 700. It was given to me. The price was right :)

Answer 9

i bought my 83 v65 magna because i remember wanting one when the just came out i also remember going to the shop and looking at all of the totalled ones they were a fast cruiser still are but i was too young not enough money and my dad knew better than to buy me one and if i would have gotten it then i probably wouldn,t be telling you this
i also liked the interceptors but not quite as much

Answer 10

well, i wanted to learn how to ride and for the street i wanted a sportbike or similar.
first bike ~ gs500e, because the price was good and it let me put my feet on the ground.

Upgraded to an 03 R6, because it "fits" me(02 and older the tank was still to wide to let me put my feet on the ground, same with anything suzuki up until 05? i think?, honda/kaw werent options).. the after thoughts are reliability, and performace, its looks are a plesant afterthought. and... price...

last summer i got my first dirt bike, i chose a yamaha ttr-125 for its veristility and reliablitly.