Used motorcycles

NT! · #1 10-11-2006, 10:45 AM

I'm looking for a small, used motorcycle to ride around a busy city, mostly to get back and forth to card games and the like.

I am in the process of learning to ride and get my license.

Please mention particular brands and model years that are among the best values. Right now I am looking mostly at older Hondas and Yamahas in the 450 - 600 cc range.

Spellmen · #2 10-12-2006, 01:58 AM

I'm in the same boat, although I'm also looking for something to transition to a sportbike. I am looking to pick up a used 93Katana 600 for 1k but am also looking at some Ninjas. What type of bike are you looking for? Something sporty? Touring?

Shadowrun · #3 10-12-2006, 03:12 AM

first you really have to know what kind you want
for a newbie in bikes i would say a cruiser can you see youeself in one//?

NT! · #4 10-12-2006, 02:48 PM

i'm thinking of more of a classic cruiser type bike. not really into the crotch rockets and whatnot.

Neko · #5 10-12-2006, 04:34 PM

NT...

These aren't really cruisers (they're called standards) but IMO this style is the best to learn on and most confidence inspiring.

The suzuki GS500 is a great bike to start on and they can be found very cheap. No expensive plastic to replace if you drop it and they are easy to maintain yourself.

Honda Nighthawk's are also great bikes!

BTW, glad to see you starting out on a reasonable sized motorcycle. You are just about guarenteed to become a more profficient motorcyclist than a newb who starts on a GSX1200YZRRXXHayaninja and the ilk.

FoxVR6 · #6 10-12-2006, 10:23 PM

Suzuki SV650... /thread

chopstick · #7 10-13-2006, 12:28 PM

ex250

Buy a used one from a recent model year for $1500, learn to ride on it, drop it a few times, then sell it for $1500 if/when you decide to move on to a bigger or different bike. It looks sporty, but it's really a standard.

Neko · #8 10-13-2006, 01:12 PM

[ QUOTE ]
ex250

Buy a used one from a recent model year for $1500, learn to ride on it, drop it a few times, then sell it for $1500 if/when you decide to move on to a bigger or different bike. It looks sporty, but it's really a standard.

[/ QUOTE ]

I would 2nd this nomination too. Probably one of the best values in motorcycling. Eff the haters that think a 250 is too small.

illeagle · #9 10-13-2006, 02:02 PM

I'll second the Honda Nighthawk rec. My first bike was a 2000 CB750. Very low maintenance and you should be able to do much of the basic maintenance yourself.

n.s. · #10 10-13-2006, 02:07 PM

Another vote here for getting a small beater bike to start on. A 250 is plenty to get around in a busy city (hell, a 50cc would probably be good enough if you are talking about mostly heavy traffic), and when you drop it you will appreciate the fact that it doesn't break your leg due to sheer wieght.

Here's an example of an inexperienced rider on a bigger bike than he can handle.