Gojira,
Sweet Googly Moogly!!!
Damn that 65 Panhead is the most beautiful bike I have ever seen. Classic!!!
I want a bike so bad I can hardly stand it. It may be just the cool factor, or a mid-life crisis thing, but I want one really really bad.
However, I don’t know how to ride one, and I’m not sure what to buy.
I don’t want a zip-bike (do they call themn that anymore?), nor do I want a Rice Burner knock off of a Harley.
Where is a good starting point for a newbie? New? Used? Some of the custom chopper guys have fairly competitive prices compared to Indian, or Harley.
Just wondering, as I don’t want to walk into a dealer with newbie smell all over me. I’ve found that that can cause a feeding frenzy.
[quote]rainjack wrote:
I want a bike so bad I can hardly stand it. It may be just the cool factor, or a mid-life crisis thing, but I want one really really bad.
However, I don’t know how to ride one, and I’m not sure what to buy.
I don’t want a zip-bike (do they call themn that anymore?), nor do I want a Rice Burner knock off of a Harley.
Where is a good starting point for a newbie? New? Used? Some of the custom chopper guys have fairly competitive prices compared to Indian, or Harley.
Just wondering, as I don’t want to walk into a dealer with newbie smell all over me. I’ve found that that can cause a feeding frenzy.[/quote]
Well, it really depends on you. Sounds like you’re not into speed, so a crotch rocket is out. The choppers may look cool now, but their resale value ain’t that great. It all depends on how well they were done. And if you are a novice, a chopper is not the place to start. Get something comfortable for you to ride so that you become confident on two wheels and get some miles under your belt. Another issue is how mechanically bent you are. If you don’t know the difference between a swing arm and a connecting rod, you may want to buy something new so that it will be under warranty while you learn basic motorcycle mechanics. If you are confident with a wrench in your hand then I would heartily recommend going vintage. Why? Here are a few good reasons:
- A vintage bike increases in value as the years go by.
- Vintage bikes are based on simpler technology and can actually be worked on by someone without a computer.
- Cool factor. You want respect? Instead of being just another new Harley owner, show up on an antique piece of iron.
- It’s a labor of love. Restore one of these babies and it’s yours, all yours.
- Riding it. Nuff said.
O.K., so I’m a little biased.
[quote]rainjack wrote:
I want a bike so bad I can hardly stand it. It may be just the cool factor, or a mid-life crisis thing, but I want one really really bad.
However, I don’t know how to ride one, and I’m not sure what to buy.
I don’t want a zip-bike (do they call themn that anymore?), nor do I want a Rice Burner knock off of a Harley.
Where is a good starting point for a newbie? New? Used? Some of the custom chopper guys have fairly competitive prices compared to Indian, or Harley.
Just wondering, as I don’t want to walk into a dealer with newbie smell all over me. I’ve found that that can cause a feeding frenzy.[/quote]
I suggest borrowing or renting a bike for a few rides if you’ve never ridden before just to see if you like it. HD dealers have bike rentals if you think you like HDs. You should find out real quick if it’s something you enjoy, and therefore would be willing to spend money on.
Before you get that far you need to learn to ride and get cycle endorsed. Again, many HD dealers have a beginners course called Rider’s Edge. You’ll learn to ride on a Buell Blast, which a good bike to learn on since it’s hard to stall or rev or out. It’s a bit pricey, I think about $300. In Wisconsin (where I am) you’re driving test is waived though and all you have to do is take the written, then you’re motorcycle endorsed. It’s probably similar in your state. Also check technical colleges in your area, they often have motorcycle courses that do the same thing and are much cheaper.
[quote]FMF wrote:
michaelv wrote:
TwistedLocal, the list of bikes you mention should include checking out one of the new Ninja ZX-6Rs. They’re amazing bikes. Swing by and give one a look. But all of them you listed would be a helluva lot of fun, no doubt.
The new ZX6R is a great bike. I wanted one, but my wife talked me into a cruiser this time. I just put a down payment on a black BMW R1200C with Corbin bags.
My last bike was a ZX9R. [/quote]
Oh, sounds nice! But I’m going to give you some very practical advice that will make your life more enjoyable: get both. Your wife will understand in time!
on what RJ asked…is it a good idea for a new rider to start “small” or does it matter?
You know, if he or I were to start on a new HD cruiser, might that be a little big, while something along the lines of a Honda 750 might be better?
Or does it even matter?
[quote]rainjack wrote:
I want a bike so bad I can hardly stand it… However, I don’t know how to ride one, and I’m not sure what to buy.[/quote]
Rainjack, first go take an MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) Beginner’s rider course. They should be offered through the DOT in your state (though probably operated independently).
Then, ask some friends what to get. Better if you know someone you can ride with. Once you’ve been on a bike in the MSF course, you will be confident enough to go ahead and get started!
Gojira, will you marry me? It doesn’t matter if you’re already married. I’ll share. As long as he’ll share the bikes!
Thanks Gojira,
You’re right, I’m not into speed. I have no desire to own a crotch rocket. It’s not that I don’t know how to ride at all, I’ve just never been a ‘bike guy’.
You mentioned vintage bikes. What constitutes ‘vintage’ in the biking world? I can appreciate your love of the classics, as I have quite a penchant for 60’s muscle cars - a '67 GTO, and a Shelby Cobra Kit Car make up my christmas wish list.
Mechanical inclination is not a problem for me either. But I don’t know if I want to start off with just a frame and a crate motor.
I don’t know that I want to jump straight into the hardcore vintage scene. At the same time, I don’t want to waste my time and money on ‘starter bikes’.
Now what do you reccomend?
[quote]michaelv wrote:
Gojira, will you marry me? It doesn’t matter if you’re already married. I’ll share. As long as he’ll share the bikes![/quote]
so what you’re saying is that you’re a bike whore?
ahh…I can understand completely.
http://images.t-nation.com/forum_images/./1/.1111862874191.Polished_installed_002.jpg
This is my bike “Buzz”. She does not get ridden nearly enough. A 2002 Victory V92C. Lots of stump pulling torque and more than enough horses for “go way fast”.
2002 Orange County T-Rex Rigid Chopper
Piece of shit, it took me two years to work all the kinks and shitty fabrication out of it. For a while, every ride cost me about $100 in repairs.
That all said, I got shit straight now and it’s a blast. Jaws drop when it rolls into town.
[quote]rainjack wrote:
Thanks Gojira,
You’re right, I’m not into speed. I have no desire to own a crotch rocket. It’s not that I don’t know how to ride at all, I’ve just never been a ‘bike guy’.
You mentioned vintage bikes. What constitutes ‘vintage’ in the biking world? I can appreciate your love of the classics, as I have quite a penchant for 60’s muscle cars - a '67 GTO, and a Shelby Cobra Kit Car make up my christmas wish list.
Mechanical inclination is not a problem for me either. But I don’t know if I want to start off with just a frame and a crate motor.
I don’t know that I want to jump straight into the hardcore vintage scene. At the same time, I don’t want to waste my time and money on ‘starter bikes’.
Now what do you reccomend?
[/quote]
Well. it depends on if you are an experienced rider or not. If not, then take the excellent advice previously given and take the motorcycle safety course (I wish this was mandatory) and get your endorsement. The start with something cheap and comfy until your get confident about riding (you can pick up some great deals on used bikes in the spring). The problem a lot of folks make is that they go out and buy a big Harley and are scared to ride it. So they never ride, so they never get over their fear.
If you’ve got experience and want something old, then start researching. It is not as costly as you may think. I just saw a number of 1950 panheads (complete) for under $15,000.
But if you are a novice, you should get some experience first and find out what you like. Who knows, if you’re into muscle cars youmay find yourself drooling over the new Triumph Rocket:
http://www.triumph.co.uk/uk/263.aspx
2003 Honda 600rr.
[quote]sully’s wrote:
She does not get ridden nearly enough. [/quote]
No kidding!
…can I come over?
[quote]michaelv wrote:
Gojira, will you marry me? It doesn’t matter if you’re already married. I’ll share. As long as he’ll share the bikes!
Joe Weider wrote:
so what you’re saying is that you’re a bike whore?
[/quote]
Is that a bad thing? 
01 Suzuki SV650S
[quote]michaelv wrote:
michaelv wrote:
Gojira, will you marry me? It doesn’t matter if you’re already married. I’ll share. As long as he’ll share the bikes!
Joe Weider wrote:
so what you’re saying is that you’re a bike whore?
Is that a bad thing? :-)[/quote]
no.
I’d be one, if I thought I could get anything out of it besides some old cracked frame BMX from wal-mart.