Life Motorcycle advice... - Page 5

**Fire Me Boy!** · 05-09-2009, 10:40 AM

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).

**Fire Me Boy!** · 07-13-2009, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lzen

How much do they want for the 06 Shadow 750? What does it have on it? Saddlebags, windshield, highway pegs, etc.?

I bought my 2005 Shadow with 8800 (if memory serves) miles for $4300. Vulcans are around the same price range. Seems to me that $3200 for a 12 year old bike with 22k on it is a little high. You should offer them less. Say "I'll give you $2500 today". They can either take it or leave it.

I figured on CL, I'd offer them $2K if I decided to go that route. I really like what I'm reading about it, and it's a beautiful looking bike. The Shadow has 1,400 miles, no windshield but does have saddlebags. Also helps that I know the owner.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lzen

Yeah, those are 4k brand new. But they are small and not much power. How big are you? Does your wife plan to ride on it with you? Most people on here told me a Yamaha VStar 650 or something around that is a great size with which to start. Now that I have ridden mine for a few months, I agree with that.

I'm 5-10 and about 230. Kinda figured the rebel would probably be a bit small. I know the power on it will be light, but primary use will be going to and from work, which tops out at 55 mph if I get on the bypass. Otherwise, tops out at 45.

**Lzen** · 07-13-2009, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fire Me Boy!

I figured on CL, I'd offer them $2K if I decided to go that route. I really like what I'm reading about it, and it's a beautiful looking bike. The Shadow has 1,400 miles, no windshield but does have saddlebags. Also helps that I know the owner.

What are they wanting for the Shadow?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fire Me Boy!

5-10 and about 230. Kinda figured the rebel would probably be a bit small. I know the power on it will be light, but primary use will be going to and from work, which tops out at 55 mph if I get on the bypass. Otherwise, tops out at 45.

Yeah, I would say that Rebel is definitely too small for you.

**Lzen** · 07-13-2009, 10:09 AM

Lol, I just noticed this at the top of this thread.

Quote:

Congratulations Lzen for breaking 25,000 posts! You clearly have too much time on your hands...

Clearly, I do have too much time on my hands.

**Fire Me Boy!** · 07-13-2009, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lzen

What are they wanting for the Shadow?

Yeah, I would say that Rebel is definitely too small for you.

She's wanting $4,500 for the Shadow. Might be able to get her down to $4K, but she's offering to work with me on getting it off her hands since she's a coworker, and someone did the same thing for her on her first bike. Difference is on a $2K bike I'd be able to pay outright. On something more expensive, I'd have to wait or work something out financially.

Was wondering about the 250cc. That's what I rode this weekend on the training range, and it felt pretty good, but we spent most of the weekend in 2nd gear, touched a little into 3rd, but never opened it up at all.

wild1 · 07-13-2009, 10:37 AM

250cc is more than enough to carry an adult of any size 55mph.

**pr_capone** · 07-13-2009, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wild1

250cc is more than enough to carry an adult of any size 55mph.

I have had a 250cc bike up to 116.

That said, I would never have one as my primary bike ever again. there simply is not enough power in that engine to get you out of a bad situation if needed.

wild1 · 07-13-2009, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pr_capone

I have had a 250cc bike up to 116.

That said, I would never have one as my primary bike ever again. there simply is not enough power in that engine to get you out of a bad situation if needed.

there may have been situations in history where an engine's power saved someone and whacking the throttle was the best option to avoid that, but it's a one in a million situation. it's out of the same school where "i had to lay it down" comes from. it is something a person says to make them feel better about their performance in a situation but it's not true.

Dayze · 07-13-2009, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crashride

I just want to chime in real quick and tell you I think either bike you choose is a great choice for your first bike. I also want to thank you for being smart and deciding to make your first choice for a bike a good one. A lot of guys bite off more than they can chew and hurt themselves or others. Will you grow out of it? Sure. Get a new one after you have got all the noob out of your riding, and are a master of that bike. Which will take longer than you think.
As far as the bike, the goldwing is a little bit heavier. If your strong then you cant go wrong either choice. Personally I lean towards the vulcan. Ride safe sir.

This happened to me on Saturday night about 11pm on 435.
Dude just ‘came on over’ into my lane;
I usually ride with the bike in the power band for this reason; a simple twist of the throttle and I was by him in no time. He didn’t even see me until iwas past him.

This is also why I ride a bit more spirited in traffic – maybe 5-10 MPH faster than traffic (not rush hour mind you) so I don’t end up in some jacka** blindspot.

**Lzen** · 07-13-2009, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fire Me Boy!

She's wanting $4,500 for the Shadow. Might be able to get her down to $4K, but she's offering to work with me on getting it off her hands since she's a coworker, and someone did the same thing for her on her first bike. Difference is on a $2K bike I'd be able to pay outright. On something more expensive, I'd have to wait or work something out financially.

Was wondering about the 250cc. That's what I rode this weekend on the training range, and it felt pretty good, but we spent most of the weekend in 2nd gear, touched a little into 3rd, but never opened it up at all.

That's a good price for a 2006 Shadow with only 1400 miles. BTW, saddlebags tend to add about $300 to the value.

The reason I say the Rebel is too small is A) the size is small (especially for a 230lb guy) and B) the get up and go won't be that great. If you plan to ride in traffic, that could be an issue.

**pr_capone** · 07-13-2009, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wild1

there may have been situations in history where an engine's power saved someone and whacking the throttle was the best option to avoid that, but it's a one in a million situation. it's out of the same school where "i had to lay it down" comes from. it is something a person says to make them feel better about their performance in a situation but it's not true.

see below

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dayze

This happened to me on Saturday night about 11pm on 435.
Dude just ‘came on over’ into my lane;
I usually ride with the bike in the power band for this reason; a simple twist of the throttle and I was by him in no time. He didn’t even see me until iwas past him.

I have more than a few stories that sound the exact same.

Radar Chief · 07-13-2009, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fire Me Boy!

I'm wondering if it might be wise for me to spend less money on a smaller bike with plans to upgrade when I outgrow it. Spend less money knowing that at some point there's a decent chance I'll drop it or something. Seen some Honda Rebels (2008/2009 models, 250cc) for pretty damn cheap.

That’s actually a decent plan and Rebels are good looking bikes.
One would be great for around town with a little bit of highway time sprinkled in here and there but don’t get one for traveling interstates. Maintaining the speeds necessary to keep up with traffic would be stressing that little 250cc motor.
Another one to consider, a Yamaha Virago 535, had a friend with one when I was stationed in Germany. Good little cruiser style bike that actually handled pretty well.

wild1 · 07-13-2009, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pr_capone

see below

I have more than a few stories that sound the exact same.

common sense tells us that braking puts distance between you and a car going the same direction faster than accelerating does.

Radar Chief · 07-13-2009, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dayze

This happened to me on Saturday night about 11pm on 435.
Dude just ‘came on over’ into my lane;
I usually ride with the bike in the power band for this reason; a simple twist of the throttle and I was by him in no time. He didn’t even see me until iwas past him.

This is also why I ride a bit more spirited in traffic – maybe 5-10 MPH faster than traffic (not rush hour mind you) so I don’t end up in some jacka** blindspot.

Agreed. On a motorcycle your advantage is you have speed and agility over everything else around you. The best way to make use of that is to get out in front of people and be seen. Dicking around in someone’s blind spot is a good way to wind up eating curb.

ferrarispider95 · 07-13-2009, 01:02 PM

Here is what I am riding during the summer. Definitely not what you are looking for, but it is a blast.

It is drz400 and run in the low to mid 90s, plenty of power, and a blast to take off road.

The one shown has more street tires, I have 80/20 dual purpose tires for street/trail.

**pr_capone** · 07-13-2009, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wild1

common sense tells us that braking puts distance between you and a car going the same direction faster than accelerating does.

A car can break faster than a car can and be WAY more stable. They cannot, generally speaking, keep up with the acceleration of a bike.

When in trouble on the road, it is preferable to wick the throttle to get past any danger as opposed to stomp on the break in a panic and run the risk of braking too hard with your back break and having the rear tire come around on you or having the car break with you and still come in your lane.

05-09-2009, 10:40 AM
Fire Me Boy! Cast Iron Jedi Join Date: Nov 2004 Casino cash: $9999900 VARSITY	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).
Posts: 35,253

07-13-2009, 10:37 AM	#65
wild1 MVP Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: 31040 Casino cash: $10004900	250cc is more than enough to carry an adult of any size 55mph.
Posts: 6,935

07-13-2009, 01:02 PM	#74
ferrarispider95 She reads at a sophomore level Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: KANSAS Casino cash: $10004945	Here is what I am riding during the summer. Definitely not what you are looking for, but it is a blast. It is drz400 and run in the low to mid 90s, plenty of power, and a blast to take off road. The one shown has more street tires, I have 80/20 dual purpose tires for street/trail. __________________ www.steerplanet.com Show Steers Directory and Forum www.emporiaks.org Free Emporia, KS Apartment Rental Listings
Posts: 1,493