Motorcycle advice...
 

Thinking about getting my first bike... looking fairly cheap, not into speed-demon type stuff.



Just some advice about a 1993 Kawasaki Vulcan (left) or a '78 Goldwing (right).

http://images.craigslist.org/3k63m03...bce4aa167e.jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/3k83me3...72baf717ff.jpg

I'd go with the 93. They made a lot of improvements in those 15 years. It also looks a lot lighter.

Edit: unless you're going to have somebody on the back of it a lot. The Goldwing obviously looks much more comfortable for passengers.

The Kawasaki is a 6-speed with 33K miles - is that good for a cycle? Is this a good beginner's bike? I know nothing.

I've owned two Vulcans, and they were/are great bikes. Mine were the 750, shaft-driven V-twins and I put about 50k miles on each. Smooth acceleration (because they are shaft-driven), easy to balance (because they have a low center of gravity) and the stock seat is very comforable for driver and passenger.

It is difficult to tell from that image- what size is the Vulcan in the photo?

The Vulcan is a 500.

33k is not bad, at all. In my experience bikes don't start shaking themselves apart until after 50k miles, which is why I usually sell them when they hit that mark. Well, I say usually- I have only owned 4 motorcycles.

I also found a 1991 Vulcan 500 with just under 20K miles. Water cooled with belt drive and a 6 speed transmission.

Single cylinder? That is probably a bit small, unless you are very light. I suggest you look around for a 750... you will outgrow that 500 pretty quick.

I think the 15 year age difference will be more important for maintenance than the mileage. A lot of people believe Hondas to be more reliable than Kawasakis though.

The Kaw is going to be more agile and easier to manuever. The Honda is 600 pounds and the Kaw is 400. For a first bike, I'd probably go with the Vulcan if it were me.

Gold wing all the way...you'll outgrow that 500...that Gold Wing will glide down the highway...

I'm not real light, but I think I'm done growing. :)

I'm really not looking for a lot of power or speed. I've been toodling around town on a little 49cc scooter and really enjoy it. And my wife's car is toast, so I was thinking about giving her the Explorer and me getting a bike.

But I'm not looking to take this thing on the interstate - we're talking driving to and from work, the occasional 30-mile ride out of town or something. No touring since my wife has no desire whatsoever.

Vespa...:D

Heh... if only! :) No, it's a $400 POS I bought from a guy on Craigslist.

The thing is fun, but it tops out around 30 mph.

The Goldwing is 1000 cc.

....
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/5999/sportster.jpg

Cheap... as in, $2K or lower for a first bike. I won't spend a lot of money to find out whether or not it's something I want to continue.