Hey all

[Stangin83]

Just thought i'd introduce myself, My name is Russ and i'm 23 years old. I live in Panama City, Florida. I am just getting into motorcycles, i'm going to take the safety course in about 2 weeks and then i'll be in the market for my first bike.

Here's my dilemma. I bartend at a place that's about 5 miles from my condo. I am trying to decide between just getting a cheap moped (~150cc) and make it as dorky as possible... or get a small touring bike. I have always loved the idea of cruising back roads through the pines or along the Atlantic coastlines... My biggest dream is cruising down Highway 1 in California along the water... but as I said those are dreams.

Right now i'm a bartender and I work 60-80 hours/week during the summer, then in the fall i'll be a full time college student.

I'd like to hear some peoples opinions... between the ~150cc moped only to go to/from work (around 1 grand new) or a small used touring bike (I can't seem to find any under about $3,000 which would instigate a loan)

[2OldHondas4Me]

Have you tried looking on Craigslist? Triple-W dot craigslist dot org. I'm not sure if Panama City has it's own site of if you'd have to peruse the more-populace cities' sites like Miami, Tampa, Orlando, etc. but you can always find inexpensive bikes there.

I would say follow your heart and dreams, as well as what fits your build and what fits your budget. I stand 6'0" and weigh about 270. My first "trainer" bike was an 83 Yamaha Maxim. It was a small, light cruiser type that was good for learning on. The very first bike I was riding though was a 78 Honda CX-500 Silverwing, which I still have. It's a whole lot bigger, heavier, and more powerful than the Maxim, but I'm now a whole lot more comfortable on it. Riding the Maxim for about 6 months really helped. So much so that I also have a 79 that's built like a Moto-Guzzi, only bigger. I'm also in the process of rebuilding my next bike, which is a 78 Kawasaki KZ-650. I'm gonna "old school" it so it looks like an old Indian or Harley bobber.

I like the older Japanese bikes because they tend to be fairly cheap and easy to modify to whatever you want them to be. Eventually, I'm going to work up to a big azz chopper. But if you think you'd look "geeky" on a moped, don't go that route.

[2OldHondas4Me]

In fact, I just checked Craigs, and if you go to Triple-W-dot-Pensacola-dot-craigslist-dot-org, I just saw a really nice 81 Honda CB900 for only $1700. If I wasn't about 3700 miles from it, I'd buy it. It's a really nice looking bike!
Take a look...

[Stangin83]

Sounds nice and looks really nice... but isn't a 900 a lil much for a beginner?

[CB750F]

My opinion is avoid some of the lesser known brands of 150cc mopeds. If it ain't at a dealer that stocks parts and does service don't buy it or you may find yourself up the creek without a paddle when it comes time to get service work or parts for it. Just some friendly advice there.

You should be able to find 600cc or less bike that's older and in decent shape for less than 2 grand. You'll be farther ahead and people won't look at ya weird. Get some cheap saddle bags and you got a touring bike.

[Stangin83]

I decided on getting a real bike... I was thinking before of actually spending a decent amount on one getting a pretty nice one...then after talking to some bikers (it's bike week down here in Panama City now and i'm a bartender so I got a lot of people to talk to and suggestions) I am going to search to get a cheapo touring bike... because everyone's told me i'll probably lay it down and I don't want to mess up an expensive nice looking bike.

thanks for the input.
-Russ

[Uesque]

How about a 600-750 standard with some soft bags? It's in your price range, and will last you a few years.