Who here rides motorcycles? I'm buying one.

[Downtown Hound]

I've got a budget of about $9,000. At this point I'm leaning towards the Yamaha V-Star 1100. Any other suggestions out there? Harley's are a little more than I'd like to spend right now.

[Ptah]

1. How much experience do you have?

Don't forget helmet, leathers, foot wear, etc.

:shrug:

[Downtown Hound]

2. I had a Yamaha Secca 750

about 8 years ago. I rode it for about 1 year. Nevertheless, I decided to take lessons this time around and go by the book. I've got two helmets, but leathers and footwear are going to have to be further purchases.

[Ptah]

5. Well, if you survived a year on the street,

you know how fast shit can happen.

Keep the shiny side UP! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Robb]

3. I unsuccessfully tried to start a DU moto group

Perhaps, as gas rises, the trend will continue.

In the meantime, welcome to the 2-wheeled world (again, it sounds like). Step one: motorcycle safety course. Step two: spend, spend, spend on safety gear. Nothing makes a $300 helmet look cheap like one night in the hospital. ;)

I'm not a street biker, more a dual-sport kinda guy, but riders I know like the V-stroms as well. :shrug:

Myself, if money were no object: KTM Adventure, best of both worlds.

[Downtown Hound]

6. It looks like a great bike

But it's a few thousand more than I'd like to spend. As for the motorcycle classes, I've already enrolled. Thanks!

[Robb]

10. More advice:

Set back your budget enough for real riding boots, and at least something for your spine. Ask anyone who's gone off a bike, worth every penny!

[k_jerome]

12. KTM's are sweet...

i have been on some dual sport rides, and always envy the guys that have them. i also envy the BMW dual sports, but would be paranoid about laying it over.

[In_The_Wind]

4. I used to ride a motorcycle. Now I ride a Trike. It's awesome!

Are you looking at new or used?

[Downtown Hound]

8. I'm open to used

But it has to be in really good condition. I'm going to be using this as my primary mode of transportation, to and from work each day. That means it has to be reliable.

[maveric]

7. Can you get a used bike like this for $9000.00?

Or are you set on new?
This baby is a classic.

[Downtown Hound]

9. I'm not dead set on new

But as beautiful as that bike is, it looks a little small for me. I'm a big guy, 6'4" tall and 215 lbs. My minimum size for a bike would probably be a 750. Is that a 750 or larger?

[maveric]

11. I believe that had them in 750 and 850.

I may be mistaken though.

[Major Hogwash]

13. 9 Grand! Holy guacamole, that's more than my first car cost!!

Riding a Harley is like nothing else.

Get what you can afford, then dream bigger.

Who was the cycle manufacturer that used as an ad "Wrap your legs around something exciting" many years ago?

Wasn't that Honda?

[Downtown Hound]

15. I think that was Honda

I like Harley's, but they are very expensive. And in my opinion, a little too expensive. You pay for the brand when you buy a Harley, not necessarily performance. That's not to say that Harley's don't have excellent performance, but they are overpriced in my book. Still, if I had the money, would I get one? Hell yes!

[w8liftinglady]

14. I ride on the back of one...does that count?

a '91 harley heritage softail...

[Downtown Hound]

16. Sure it counts

As long as you got a feel for it, which I imagine you do.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

17. It's been a while, but I rode for years

My favorite was the Kawasaki Vulcan. It comes in a few sizes and styles, but I liked the classic 750.



Its best features are a shaft drive that transfers almost 100% of the engine's power to the rubber, and it's water-cooled. It's light, quick, and it has precise steering. It's a cruiser, not a road rocket. It's also within your price range.

[Downtown Hound]

18. It looks good

Honda has a similar model, the Shadow Spirit 750. Both of these are catching my eye. Excellent performance and price.