Thinking about getting a bike

[Flametop]

I grew up on motorcycles and had a dozen or so in my younger years. I've been through a few shops lately and I'm about to be able to choose between a bike and a boat. I was just wondering what you bike guys here thought would be my best deal on a bike (in the cruiser/standard style....not crotch rockets). I'd like to hold the cost to around 6.5k new or used if possible. I'd like to buy new, but I know that if I take my time, I might find a decent used bike with low miles and in good shape. I've been out of it so long that I don't know who's making good product and what to stay away from. Any help would be greatly welcomed.
And I'm not looking to run with the pack or impress any one. I just want to ride and have a good time.

[zeegler]

If you insist on new, your option are VERY limited at that price range.

The Suzuki Boulevard C50 or M50 might fit the bill, or the Honda VT750C or D.

I like the Boulevard M109R, but that is double the price of the M50.

Used is definitely your best bet. With all the yuppies buying bikes, there are tons of good deals on used, low mileage bikes out there.

[mm2002]

Check out the Yamaha V-Star 650's. You should be able to get a nice 05 in your price range. I think they are a lot of bike for the $. And don't let the "650" size fool ya, they're not a little bike.

[Flametop]

Yeah, I know the price range is pretty limiting, but I've seen a few 05's that caught my eye. I'll probably be buying used though. That V-Star is the kind of bike I'm looking for. And I have no problem with a 650, that's really about the size I want. Like I said before, I don't care to impress anyone with it, just looking to have fun. One of the local shops has a Honda 05 650(forgot model) for a bit over six thousand. I like the bike, so I was going to go back and get the model, then do some used searching to see if any are to be had.

[~K~]

650 I beleive falls into a lower insurance class also ..so it'll save you there too

[Flametop]

650 I beleive falls into a lower insurance class also ..so it's save you there too

Something I never even thought about. That would be a nice bonus.

[horns666]

I was raised in a "biker" house so to speak ..Poppa was the Prez of the Coffin Cheaters...Bikes/Choppers was/is my dad's life!!

I'm MUCH too candy ass to get on one myself..Not that I can't ride a bike..it's just that I don't put too much faith in other people's driving capabilties.... they truly suck ass, even when sober.

That's why I gotta Cobra..it's my Harley with four wheels..a "bit" safer I guess..not much tho..

Good luck...be safe!!

Bill

[khabibissell]

If it is your first bike in a while, get something small (600 or less).

Take the safety course

ALWAYS wear your gear

When you are riding, never get complacent, and always think the other guy is going to do something stupid.

Be seen!

Be safe!

Good luck!

I bought my first street bike last summer, an '05 Yamaha FZ6. It is sort of a mix between a standard and a crotch rocket (upright seating position, half fairing, slightly detuned R6 motor). Sounds like you are looking for more of a cruiser, but I have to highly recommend this bike. It has more than enough power to provide thrills if you lean into it (I've hit 60 mph in first at the redline), but very docile under normal riding conditions. It is light, handles great, and is fuel injected too. Check one out. I got mine for under $7K OTD with an extra 2 yr warranty.

[Flametop]

Thanks for the replies guys. I think I'll do alright. I lived on bikes daily for about twelve years earlier in my life. I'm not too proud or too stupid to wear a helmet either. It saved my life once(1' sink holes on streets should not be allowed). At 42, my thrills will come just riding on a kick-ass summer day. The most dangerous thing I will be doing is riding on the same roads with the cell phone users and Imax sunglass wearers.

[khabibissell]

I didn't catch that you had previous experience. Yeah, you should be fine then.

One thing I like to do is read through the street forums, because inevitably you will read about crashes, giving you something to think about when similar situations arise while you are riding. Keeps you on your toes.

Riding a bike is serious business. I don't understand why so many people ride like asses, do stunts in traffic, not wearing gear, etc...

[RacerX]

Get this one, Flame!

http://www.medialunchbox.com/Funny-V...ker-Stunt.html

[Flametop]

Well, I'm picking up one of these in black in about an hour. A guy had it a month so it was 5785.00 drive out. I'll snap some shots of mine if anyone wants a look. Whatcha think? Did I do good??
http://www.rockwallhonda.com/new_veh...21606&PicNum=5

[StukaJU87]

Looks beautiful. Good luck with it.

[RacerX]

Can't go wrong w/ a Honda.



Eh, that one looks even MORE like a Hardley than the Yamaha

Have fun, dude!

Uh, you DO have all proper equipment?

[~K~]

My 2nd bike was a shadow vlx .. Nice bike..did me well ..sold that to buy my 1st harley