- This topic has 7 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 15 years, 7 months ago by WeaponZero.
Bay Area Newbie
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September 1, 2008 at 6:29 am #2007sammymanParticipant
I am looking for a bike here in the Bay Area. I live in Oakland, and commute to Oakland (~7 miles). I have been researching both the Honda Rebel, and the 08 Ninja 250r. I would love to get a Ninja, but the prices are crazy for used bikes, and I am not interested in paying $6k for a new bike. I am 6’2″ and 180 lbs so I think the rebel might be small for me. Also, I am not crazy about cruiser styles.
Are there any bikes that are 250cc size and don’t have fairings, but are not cruisers? I love Ducati Monsters, but won’t go to a 600 until I am more experienced. Any other bikes I should consider that are somewhat stylish, upright, non-fairing beginner bikes?
Thanks!
September 1, 2008 at 6:34 am #11498megaspazParticipantHow about a pre-08 ninja 250? or a ninja 500? If you got the time to practice and aren’t going to be disappointed with dropping your bebbe, you could go for an SV650, 650R, or the Ducati Monster. If you go new, you’ll be shelling out at least 6K. If you go used, I’ve seen 07 sv650s’s go for about 4500 used on craig’s list.
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If there’s anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now…September 1, 2008 at 8:12 am #11500sammymanParticipantI would like to get an older ducati monster 620, and some of them are reasonably cheap. The reason I am hesitant is that I want to be as safe as possible, and a lot of people say the ducati’s are too big for beginners. Maybe the ninja 500 would be a good compromise, but I imagine I would later buy the ducati later anyway because I like its naked look a lot better. The SV650 is real nice too. I saw a yellow one yesterday and I really liked the way it looked.
September 1, 2008 at 5:12 pm #11508RabParticipantRead through previous threads and you’ll find out everything you need to know. After that, it’s up to you…
Also, remember that your first bike almost certainly won’t be your last.
September 1, 2008 at 7:38 pm #11512slipknot61ParticipantSince your in the bay area, i am not sure if you have found the bay area riders forum or “barf”. Might help you locate some local guys to ride with when you get comfortable. Here is the link http://www.bayarearidersforum.com
September 1, 2008 at 8:08 pm #11513megaspazParticipantAnother bay area forum is SBR – South Bay Riders
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If there’s anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now…September 2, 2008 at 2:59 am #11529AmorylParticipantBARF! thats great! almost as funny as seattle’s South Lake Union Transit Take a ride on it!
September 10, 2008 at 3:44 pm #11924WeaponZeroParticipantOlder Honda Nighthawks from the ’80s (back when they were shaft drive) would be an excellent choice for you I think. They ranged anywhere from 500-750cc depending on year and model. The 650 ones are regarded as the best from that era, I think.
There is also a Nighthawk 250 that has been made since 1991 and is still currently being made today. It’s a fine bike for what it is but I’m a little bit weary of the fact that it has drum brakes in both front and rear, when the Rebel gets a disc up front…
The older, pre-fairing Suzuki GS500s would be an excellent choice.
Also, I might add that I bought my 2000 SV650 used for $3000. If you’re considering an SV650, they came out in 1999 and the first generation models (1999-2002) were carbureted rather than fuel injected, but had better brakes and SUPPOSEDLY a better frame, though I cannot confirm this. Newer ones (2003-current) are fuel injected and many suspension components built for the GSXR line of motorcycles will bolt right on to the new chassis with no fabrication needed of any kind. So if all you’re after is a sporting ride, you’ll likely never feel the need to upgrade from an SV650 to a bigger bike unless you clock a lot of highway miles.
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