I want to get my first motorcycle. I will be finished tonight with the MSF course. I have been looking at a used Honda Shadow, but it is $3500. By the time I save for it, I am afraid I will have lost valuable time training. Should I get an older, cheaper bike to learn better and save for another bike, or should I save now and buy a Shadow?
2007-05-25 02:51:27 · 11 answers · asked by WannagoAF 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
An older Honda or Kawasaki four cylinder bike is actually going to be the better more solid bike. I never liked the shadow. My girlfriend bought a Honda 1000 four cylinder for $1500, you can find these bikes all day long.
Later these bikes morphed into the crotch rockets of today.
The Harley clones are dumbed down technology. Just look for low mileage and stock and from a guy you know took care of it. I have good luck with cycletrader.com but check craigslist.com too.
2007-05-25 03:40:43 · answer #1 · answered by ninebadthings 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Shadow isn't a bad first bike. I started on a $1,100 Honda CX500. The trouble with a bike that's old enough to buy beer is that a lot of them are pretty worn out, so be careful. I had to replace the front springs shortly after getting it, and when I got a new job with a 40 mile commute the repairs started driving me crazy. Some people have had better luck with old bikes than I did; just make very sure everything is working well because it's generally cheaper to get a bike in peak shape than to fix up one that isn't. I'd recommend having an experienced motorcyclist friend check out any old used bikes you look at.
But, like several other people pointed out, you can get a used Rebel in good shape for half what you're looking to pay for the Shadow.
2007-05-26 02:12:40 · answer #2 · answered by Mad Scientist Matt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This may sound crazy to you but I bucked up and bought a '03 Road King for my first bike. Now I'm not any little guy but that dosen't matter. I had never rode, never took a msf course and didn't have a clue as to what I was doing. But I'm still alive and I'm glad I got what I wanted to get right off the start. Get what you want now, don't wait. If you want to pay that price for a Honda, try looking at a used Sportster. You'll be suprised what is out there for less than 5000. Good luck and be safe.
2007-05-26 11:43:43 · answer #3 · answered by Ben 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would buy a cheaper bike for now and continue to save. Depending on how long it'll take you to save. You could probably buy a used bike that won't lose a whole lot of value if you just have it a year.
2007-05-25 04:56:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have to agree with ben. my first bike was an o7 heritage that i bought befor signing up for my motor cycle safty class. if it was me id take your money and go buy a new sportster. ride it a few months and trade it in on the bike you want. buy used you have to work on used, buy new and you work less. in the end the money is still spent. a new sporster will run you about 6500. starting out. my heritage cost me 22500. but in five years of riding, i will still be able to get about 14000. for it. not to many other bikes have that kind of holding value
2007-05-28 16:17:59 · answer #5 · answered by Hollow 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well i would always suggest u to go for used bikes coz its just the beginning, as in future u can always save for ur new bike while havin fun in ur current bike.
If wanna go for cruiser style, its ur choice but Honda Hornet is a naked bike which comes in all section like 250cc to 900cc whose parts are easily available and amazing bike for a starter.Handles well but its not a cruiser bike.
Just give it a try n i m sure u'll love it.
Enjoy!
2007-05-25 03:28:59 · answer #6 · answered by joeyspiky 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I Am Also a first time rider, i have one of those expensive handy dandy bikes that are fast. i have the need for speed. sure the bike is fast...but not very handy....it is a Habusa 1300, 1300 CC and it is hella fast. cost me like 12,000..... if u want speed and no handy work, this is the bike for you....but it is a BIG price tag.
2007-05-25 05:30:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy a used junker-clunker. Get it checked out before you buy, so you don't get ripped off spending money to fix it.
This way you won't loose to much money if you happen to drop it in a parking lot.
In the meantime, you'll be gaining experience while saving for your dream bike.
2007-05-25 12:15:29 · answer #8 · answered by guardrailjim 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
find something ...anything within your price range and keep riding the best way to feel comfortable on a motorcycle is to get out there and ride. build on the skills you learn from the rider safety course experiance is the best teacher...
2007-05-25 04:48:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
suggest you buy a used Honda Rebel 250. You can find a good one cheap. they are reliable, and easy to ride, and easier to sell
2007-05-25 05:46:12 · answer #10 · answered by Bill 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋