Looking into getting my first (starter) bike, what to look for?

1788 Views 8 Replies 5 Participants Last post by orion, Aug 29, 2007

gsus

Discussion Starter · Jul 2, 2007

I'm getting a decent bonus from work, almost $1000, so I'm looking to get a cheap starter bike with that. I'm looking into getting a cruiser that once I've learned how to ride, I can use to commute to and from work or school. I've been searching for local bikes for the last month or so and found several 'repeat' bikes for under $1750. I've found (all pretty much 80's bikes) Honda Nighthawks, Honda Rebels, Suzuki GS750/GS1100, Kawasaki kx650/750, Yamaha Maxim & Yamaha Virago. Out of all of those the ones that have really stuck out to me are the Suzuki GS750/1100's ($600-$1650), Yamaha Maxim/Virago ($750-$1500). I have little to no knowledge about motorcycles (but I want to learn!), so I've come on here to see what bikes you think should be avoided, or if any common issues are known with these bikes.

Also what are some things to look for when going out to see these bikes? What are some questions that I should ask (and what answer should I expect?)

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

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esspee51

· #2 · Jul 2, 2007 (Edited)

First Bike Buyer

Congradulations, and welcome to the motorcycling community. If you are looking for a starter bike, stay away from the larger bikes 800cc+. you need to learn on a bike you can control. I always recommend to the newcomers to try and stay with a bike in the 500cc - 700cc range. small and light enough to learn on, big enough to ride the highways. Don't buy the first bike you look at, look at as many as you can to get an idea of what is out there, then decide which is best for you. Make sure the bike is running good and is in good condition. There is nothing worse than buying a bike, then having to put a boat load of money into it to make it road-worthy. If you have a freind or relative that has some riding experience talk to him or her, ask for their advise, and have them look with you. And take a motorcycle safety course, you will never regret it.

If you want a good source for finding a good motorcycle that is affordable try Craig's List for your area.

GOOD LUCK, Remember if you have any questions, people on this forum are more than happy to help.

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gsus

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jul 3, 2007

Thanks for the welcome! Hopefully when I do take the plunge and buy my motorcycle, I didn't miss anything and it works fine.
I've actually found a 85 Yamaha Virago (700cc) that appears to be in good condition, but it's 80 miles away. Not quite sure how I would get it home if I were to buy it. I'm waiting til i get my bonus in before contacting the guy, hopefully the bike will still be around until then.

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esspee51

· #4 · Jul 3, 2007

starter bike

The easiest way to get the bike home is to have somebody ride it home for you. If you have a few freinds, you can load it into a trailer or even the back of a pickup. You can either rent or even use make shift wooden ramps to load it. A snowmobile, atv, or motorcycle trailers (also can be rented) work best because they are lower to the ground and sometimes have ramps built in. They also have tie-downs to secure the bike

A Virago is a good choice I think, a 700cc is a good size, and personally I think they look sharp.

Have Fun and keep us informed.

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· #5 · Jul 3, 2007

Look at the mid-80's Honda Shadows, we have an 85 500, and it's a really good bike. The same engine in the Honda Ascot of that era, which looks more like a dirt tracker than a cruiser, but is another reliable and stylish ride. Both are shaft drive, so maintenance is low.

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esspee51

· #6 · Jul 6, 2007

gsus said:
Thanks for the welcome! Hopefully when I do take the plunge and buy my motorcycle, I didn't miss anything and it works fine.
I've actually found a 85 Yamaha Virago (700cc) that appears to be in good condition, but it's 80 miles away. Not quite sure how I would get it home if I were to buy it. I'm waiting til i get my bonus in before contacting the guy, hopefully the bike will still be around until then.

You will do just fne, your first bike is kinda like your first kiss - you'll never forget it.

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Octane

· #7 · Jul 6, 2007

Any older, small displacement cruiser would work fine. You arent going to get much for $1000 though.

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CB750F

· #8 · Jul 7, 2007

You arent going to get much for $1000 though.

That's the truth right there, though sometimes you do get lucky. Every week I look through all the local papers for a bargain. It's real rare to find ones cheap enough to be able to buy and flip for a few bucks.

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orion

· #9 · Aug 29, 2007

noob yami rider here from atlanta. i caught a yami535 in great condition on cycletrader.com for 1100!! not sure of the miles and all that stuff, but its worth the look.

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