# I'm thinking about getting a motorcycle... **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 4, 2003, 6:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-thinking-about-getting-a-motorcycle/192843 "2003-08-04T06:17:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Freiheit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e8c25b/32.png) [@Freiheit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freiheit)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2003, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-thinking-about-getting-a-motorcycle/192843/41 "2003-08-06T03:58:35Z")
I don’t think I saw anyone mention the Buell Blast. I’ve read a lot of articles and talked with a few people, and I plan on getting one of those as my first bike. (Buellish bikes are the direction I’m going in.) Johnny, (or anybody,) what do you think about Buells or Blasts specifically? btw, I’m about five-eight and one eighty- or ninety-something. ---
**Author:** ![flood](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bbe5ce/32.png) [@flood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flood)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2003, 6:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-thinking-about-getting-a-motorcycle/192843/42 "2003-08-06T06:40:49Z")
What about a used GSXR 600? Or should I invest in another brand that is easier to maintain (like **Turbo Dog** said a Honda or Yamaha)? I know that whatever I get in the future will be used (no question about that from what I’ve read so far). So, what would my best bet on a sport bike be? ---
**Author:** ![Turbo\_Dog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ce73a5/32.png) [@Turbo\_Dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turbo_Dog)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2003, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-thinking-about-getting-a-motorcycle/192843/43 "2003-08-06T13:56:51Z")
I’ve seen the Buell Blasts, and talked to a few people and they seem to be a decent beginner bike, even with their share of trouble areas. Personally though, I don’t know why anybody would buy something new knowing that they will most likely be getting rid of in a year. It is apparantly quite easy to outgrow a Blast. I still suggest saving your money and buying a used bike that you might actually wind up keeping for years. I also know a lot of Harley riders, and I’m always listening to the problems they have. When you pay that much for a bike, it sure as hell shouldn’t leak and break as much as they do. Anything connected with HD makes me worry. Spend half the money and get twice the bike with another brand over the Beull Blast. I’m not saying that they are bad, but that you can get much better for your dollar. flood, just try a couple out and find one that fits you and that you like. You can find various size Ninjas out there for a good price, which among sport bikers, is a very good bike. A friend has had his Katana for years and loves it, but says that anything over an hour means serious back pain the next day. It all comes down to personal preferance. ---
**Author:** ![Turbo\_Dog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ce73a5/32.png) [@Turbo\_Dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turbo_Dog)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2003, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-thinking-about-getting-a-motorcycle/192843/44 "2003-08-06T14:18:07Z")
Also, flood, one of my earlier statements was a bit misleading. There is nothing inherently wrong with Suzuki. They are a well made bike, but to me they just break a bit more often than the other two. Plenty of Suzukis have never been in the shop. My biggest beef with them is that when they do break, their parts seem to cost 2 to 3 times as much as comparable parts on other bikes. If you find a nice Suzuki that you like, don’t let my personal preference on brands turn you away. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2003, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-thinking-about-getting-a-motorcycle/192843/45 "2003-08-06T17:09:44Z")
> [@](#): > > The one type of bike I do know to look out for are the Harley Davidsons made in the 1970s by AMC. Quality control was very poor. Correction. The company that made Harleys in the 1970s was \*_AMF_. (Or “A[sub]M[/sub]F”, I guess.) I think they’re mostly known for making bowling balls. ---
**Author:** ![Freiheit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e8c25b/32.png) [@Freiheit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freiheit)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2003, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-thinking-about-getting-a-motorcycle/192843/46 "2003-08-06T19:10:41Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Turbo Dog \* > \*\*Personally though, I don’t know why anybody would buy something new knowing that they will most likely be getting rid of in a year. Spend half the money and get twice the bike with another brand over the Beull Blast. I’m not saying that they are bad, but that you can get much better for your dollar. > \*\* I don’t think I would get a new one. I figure, yeah, I’d get rid of it in a year, then buy something more long-term. On eBay Motors, I see them at $1,025.00 $1,425.00 $1,675.00 ---
**Author:** ![Freiheit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e8c25b/32.png) [@Freiheit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freiheit)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2003, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-thinking-about-getting-a-motorcycle/192843/47 "2003-08-06T19:20:15Z")
whoops…hit the button on accident. Those prices go up to 23000. Some of them are new auctions, of course. For these prices, is the Blast a bad choice? ---
**Author:** ![Spiny\_Norman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de0a6/32.png) [@Spiny\_Norman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiny_Norman)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2003, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-thinking-about-getting-a-motorcycle/192843/48 "2003-08-06T23:58:26Z")
**flood** , I don’t know you from Adam and for all I know you may be the next road racing superstar talent, but speaking in a general sense: A GSX-R 600 is a _lot_ of motorcycle for a first bike. The 600 cc supersport class is where the competition in R&D is, and the bikes (GSX-R 600, R6, ZX-6R Ninja, CBR 600) have turned into brutal machines, all of them with well over 100 HP in very light frames. They are really designed for the racetrack with just the necessary amenities to make them street legal. They are wicked fast, have awesome potential and are very much not good learning tools. Plus they cost a mint to drop. Sorry to be a wet blanket, but there you have it. ---
**Author:** ![Coldfire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a587f6/32.png) [@Coldfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coldfire)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-thinking-about-getting-a-motorcycle/192843/49 "2003-08-07T00:45:25Z")
I think Suzuki also makes the GSX 600 F or something, a more touring oriented version of the GSX-R. Maybe that would be an idea? I’m flattered at **wmulax93** ’s praise towards me, but in reality, I’ve only been riding for about 2 years. 🙂 All this bike talk makes me want to buy something new, too! And of course, Johnny linked to an FJR-1300 again. Argh. The temptation. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Coldfire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a587f6/32.png) [@Coldfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coldfire)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-thinking-about-getting-a-motorcycle/192843/50 "2003-08-07T00:48:22Z")
Here, it’s called a [600 Katana](http://www.suzukicycles.com/sr-20/sportstreet/fs_kat600.htm) in the US, apparently. This one’s a 2000, they don’t make them anymore, or so it seems. But they might be available second hand: a friend of mine has one, and says it’s quite “meek” compared to the GSX-R. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-thinking-about-getting-a-motorcycle/192843/51 "2003-08-07T00:58:43Z")
> [@](#): > > And of course, Johnny linked to an FJR-1300 again. Argh. The temptation. 🙂 [**Coldfire** : The best way to avoid temptation is to yield to it! 😉](http://www.yamaha-motor.com/products/unitinfo.asp?lid=2&lc=mcy&cid=27&mid=180) [sub]FJ1300.[/sub] [Not that I would even _think_ of tempting you to buy a new bike.](http://www.yamaha-motor.com/products/unitinfo.asp?lid=2&lc=mcy&cid=27&mid=180) [sub]FJ1300.[/sub] [Even one as cool as the](http://www.yamaha-motor.com/products/unitinfo.asp?lid=2&lc=mcy&cid=27&mid=180) [sub]FJ1300[/sub]. [sub]FJ1300.[/sub] 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Coldfire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a587f6/32.png) [@Coldfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coldfire)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-thinking-about-getting-a-motorcycle/192843/52 "2003-08-07T01:04:24Z")
Stop it! 😃 [sub]Damn, it’s purty…[/sub] ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-thinking-about-getting-a-motorcycle/192843/53 "2003-08-07T01:17:54Z")
[Stop what?](http://www.yamaha-motor.com/products/unitinfo.asp?lid=2&lc=mcy&cid=27&mid=180)😕 Okay, serious now. The FJR1300 (sorry, I forgot the “R” up there) is a very nice and very capable bike. But it is _not_ a beginner’s bike. **Clogboy** is – what? Six-feet-something? – and has been riding for a couple of years on twisty European roads. It would be a good choice for him. (If he can keep the wind from knocking it over when it’s parked. 😉😛 ) But the **flood** would do well to stick to a used bike without a lot of plastic on it. I think a good choice would be a 250cc just to learn on (and keep for fun, or sell when it – very quickly – becomes too small), or a 600cc standard. I’d even look at a 750cc Honda Nighthawk since it’s a fairly tame bike that does a lot of things well. Suzuki has the GE500E which is like a sport bike without fairings – not a lot of plastic to crunch. It is a little “sprightly” though, so it may not be an ideal choice. On the other hand, you won’t outgrow it very quickly. And of course a used Seca II is a good choice. 😉 But it does have that $500 piece of plastic on the front, which may or may not be a problem. ---
**Author:** ![flood](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bbe5ce/32.png) [@flood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flood)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-thinking-about-getting-a-motorcycle/192843/54 "2003-08-07T01:39:33Z")
Oh ok, I was misled by your first post **Spiny Norman**. So then, I should be looking for a used bike, under 600cc with less than 100hp? What other sport bikes fit this criteria and how much would I expect to be paying (for a used one of course). What about the Suzuki Bandit 600s? ---
**Author:** ![county](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce7236/32.png) [@county](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/county)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-thinking-about-getting-a-motorcycle/192843/55 "2003-08-07T02:22:16Z")
came into this late - if you are over 30 years old and have never ridden, you might not want to start now if you are over 40 years old and have never ridden; don’t start now ---
**Author:** ![DadWagonDriver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/edb3f5/32.png) [@DadWagonDriver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DadWagonDriver)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-thinking-about-getting-a-motorcycle/192843/56 "2003-08-07T02:57:36Z")
**Johnny** , sorry if I made you feel old 😉 If it makes you feel better, I just turned 22, and if you’ve been riding since you were 6, that _could_ make you 28. **Coldie** , two years in Yurp is like five here, I think. Something with the exchange rate… Also, the GSX600F Katana is still made, is still cheap, and is still a great motorcycle, especially for beginners (600cc of early 1990’s technology). I sat on one at the dealership, it’s like sitting on a couch. As for me, I think this coming spring (since there’s so little riding time left here in Michigan) I might by my buddy’s 1983 VF750F Interceptor. At $600, I can’t beat it. All it needs is tires and TLC. Hell, if I get it, I may have to ride out to US-1 and take a trip down the left coast with my dad (although his H-D Springer Softail is no distance machine.) All right, I’m tired and rambling, so good night, all. ---
**Author:** ![Spiny\_Norman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de0a6/32.png) [@Spiny\_Norman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiny_Norman)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 6:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-thinking-about-getting-a-motorcycle/192843/57 "2003-08-07T06:59:36Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by flood \* > \*\*Oh ok, I was misled by your first post **Spiny Norman**. So then, I should be looking for a used bike, under 600cc with less than 100hp? What other sport bikes fit this criteria and how much would I expect to be paying (for a used one of course). What about the Suzuki Bandit 600s? \*\* You know, I just re-read that post and I can tell where it might have mislead you, sorry about that. 2nd language and all that. Good sport/street bikes:[Bandit 600 S](http://www.suzukicycles.com/sr_03/sportstreet/fs_gsf600s.htm) , [SV650S](http://www.suzukicycles.com/sr_03/sportstreet/fs_sv650s.htm) and - I forgot about that one, sorry - the [Katana 600](http://www.suzukicycles.com/sr_03/sportstreet/fs_gsx600f.htm) . All three are fine bikes (I’ve never ridden the Katana, though), they are listed in increasing “sportitude”. You’ll notice that the SV650S and the Bandit only comes with a half-fairing - if you prefer a more “clothed” look, you can put on a lower fairing for 100-200 bucks. I did so on my Bandit to make it a 3/4 fairing, and I’ve seen the same done for the SV650S, both look great. (More plastic to break, though!) I loved my Bandit to pieces, rode it for three years - it was with me in Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, Holland & Luxemburg. They’ve sexed up its looks since then, by the way. Oh, and I dropped it twice. Expensive… As for pricing, I’m not in the used-cycle market, but all this talk has made me curious - I might pick up a Cycle Trader tomorrow 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![flood](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bbe5ce/32.png) [@flood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flood)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 7:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-thinking-about-getting-a-motorcycle/192843/58 "2003-08-07T07:33:12Z")
Looking through eBay motors, I saw that alot of the GSXR 600’s were going for at least a grand less than the MSRP. Now, I know what you meant **Spiny** (after going through that post again). 120 hp is alot of power I suspect. How many horses does the Katana get? I believe it was 65 hp for the Bandit. I really don’t like the look to the SV 650 (maybe the SV 650S but I’m also looking for that “clothed” look ;)). ---
**Author:** ![flood](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bbe5ce/32.png) [@flood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flood)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 7:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-thinking-about-getting-a-motorcycle/192843/59 "2003-08-07T07:35:24Z")
Wow, just finished reading that last post…it was really incoherent. I kinda jumped from one thing to another. Just goes to show you what happens when you type and become distracted. ---
**Author:** ![flood](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bbe5ce/32.png) [@flood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flood)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2003, 7:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-thinking-about-getting-a-motorcycle/192843/60 "2003-08-07T07:40:15Z")
I think we’ve got a [winner](http://www.suzukicycles.com/sr_03/youth/fs_jr50.htm) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-thinking-about-getting-a-motorcycle/192843.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-thinking-about-getting-a-motorcycle/192843.md?page=4)