[drnick]

I’ve had my motorcycle license for 2 years, but last year was my first full season of riding. I spent the beginning part of the season riding my brothers 1982 yamaha XJ650 I got pretty accustom to this bike and size, (a lil different then the 250 rebel I used at the class) but after a few months my brother took his bike back and I was forced to use my fathers 1994 yamaha virago. I do NOT like this bike at all… I’m not if it just has some mechanical problems, but I could never get a good feel for the clutch and throttle on this bike.

so this season, I finally decided to get my own bike. I want to get something fairly new (2000 or newer) and looking to spend around $2,000-$3,000

I’m looking for something in the 500cc-600cc range, I’m looking for something that will be very low maintenance, easy to handle and comfortable to ride. I’d also like something that might allow a passenger (I mean come on.. why have a bike if you can’t give a girl a ride, right?)

any thoughts or suggestions as to what I might be looking at? my big problem is you can’t really test drive a bike (at least not that I’m aware of). I just want something I’ll be happy with for a few years and not have much trouble with.

thanks!

[Jay T]

You can get them a couple of years old for around $2k-2500. Most of the time they have very low mileage. In a season or so when you have more money saved, you will be able to get most of your money back out of the Blast. The 500cc will drag two up, unless you likem big. Get into some dealers and take all sorts of stuff out for test rides. Even if you think it is dorky looking, it may really be the ride of your life. The other motorcycle I am seeing a little of would be quite a bit older Kawasaki KLR650. What a FUN ride that is.

Jay T.
http://www.ridesafe.today.com

[nau_lax21]

“The 500cc will drag two up, unless you likem big.” lol dude that was pretty funny

anyways as far as low maintenance and 500-600cc goes, I ride a gs500f and that seems to fit the description of what you’re looking for. Also the ninja 500 and 650, or the sv650 would be worth taking a look at. and if you’re buying used (from a private party) tell them that you require a test ride before you consider a purchase.

[Jay T]

You should be able to find 2yo SV650 all over the place for around $3k-3500 unless you wait to late in the season, that will go up a little and the SV is the JAZZ.

Jay T.
http://www.ridesafe.today.com

[Clay Dowling]

I love the look of these bikes, although I don’t know if you can get it very cheaply.

[drnick]

thanks for your suggestions.

Jay T,… I actually laughed out loud at my desk while reading “the 500cc will drag two up, unless you like em big”

my only problem with the blast, after talking to a friend, is that if there is a problem, they can be expensive to fix. he suggested i stay away from american bikes (and hes a harley owner!) I’m not really into the sport bike scene (don’t see myself on a ninja anytime soon) but the blast did sort of look like a combo between the two (or at least a sport bike i could see myself riding)

the Vulcan 500 is something i’ve been looking at, still haven’t gotten to sit on one yet (hopefully this weekend) my friend also suggested V-star classic 650 or a slightly older honda shadow VT600 or VT700.

thanks!

[Jay T]

are butt men. Legs, hell I got legs. Sorry, a sick movie reference there. The Vulcan is also a fun ride. They ALL are, really. I just picked up an ancient XL350 for summer commuting. Not so big as the 650, where I would be tempted to ride it on a road trip instead of the HD. I have never really looked into maintenance cost of the Blast. It is a HD derivative and as such, you should be able to take it to a non-dealer shop. That may make the maintenance cost a little lower. Try them all, even the dorky looking ones. Never know where you will find that nugget.

Jay T.
http://www.ridesafe.today.com

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