[eric]

Hi, members. I’m a new rider (except for a Helix about 20 years ago), but I’m looking forward to getting into motorcycling.

I hope I can get some advice on the best models of used bikes for me. We live in the beautiful hilly area of the Upper Valley on the border between Vermont and New Hampshire, so it’s a popular cruising area, and I’m tired of watching everyone else have all the fun while I’m in a car.

I’m tall (6’2″) average weight for my height (190 lb), and not as strong or nimble as in my younger days (I’m eligible for social security). I hope to find a bike for commuting and around town, and the occasional weekend ride in the countryside with my wife as passenger (she’s a lightweight) up to maybe 300 mi total in a day but usually much less. I don’t intend to race or to ride off-road, but there are plenty of dirt and gravel roads around here. I don’t ever intend to ride faster than 75mph. My highest priorities are safety and reliability first, then cost, gas mileage and comfort, and looks are last priority. High speed (above 75 mph) and track capabilities don’t count at all.

So, what bike do you think matches my desires best? Shadow? Vulcan? Beemer? What size engine, what years? Are early 1980’s bikes with low mileage too old for me to consider? Should I forget about a “real” motorcycle and get another Helix (please don’t say “yes”!) Your advice will be much appreciated!

Eric

[briderdt]

At least it’s not a Helix!

All joking aside, it’s not a bad idea — they come in a 650 engine size.

Really, though, it depends on what you’re comfortable with. You mentioned a couple cruisers, and a standard or two…

I’d recommend, though, to take the MSF Basic Rider training first, and THEN decide on the bike you like. You might decide that a DRZ400 is the best bike for yourself.

[TrialsRider]

The fact that you even know that BMW makes motorcycles speaks volumes You did not mention cost limitations but did mention safety and reliability. Buy yourself a nice Beemer and consider it a lifetime bike, something you can leave to your kids, grand-kids or if you don’t have any of those, you can leave it to me, I plan to ride until i’m at least 80

[Gary856]

For around town and back country roads, especially for people with easy access to dirt trails, and occassional passenger carrying, a dual sport like a Suzuki DR650 would be very nice. Cheap, simple, reliable, robust, light and nimble; pure joy of riding.

If you want more power, more pavement than off pavement, longer distance touring and carrying a passener more, a Suzuki DL650 (Vstrom) is a highly rated as a sport-adventrue bike.

[Jeff in Kentucky]

For you and a passenger, for a beginner on gravel and dirt roads, this would be the safest:

http://motorcycles.about.com/od/scooterreviews/gr/Piaggio_MP3_Rev.htm

If you have the money, a new bike is a lot more reliable and has more safety, especially since the brakes are in perfect condition and the wiring is in new condition. You can save a lot of money with a used motorcycle, but it is best to have an experienced rider try it out to look for major problems, then have a mechanic go over it after buying it, if not before buying it.

[A]

I’m 5’9″, 150 lb. I started riding with a 1999 BMW F650:

It was a used bike at a good price, cheap to operate, minimal maintenance, rock solid engine, bought it with 19,000+ mi., sold it 13 months later at 31,000+ mi.

[madjak30]

The Suzuki V-Strom (wee-strom) DL650 is a great bike to look at. The seat height will be better for you at 32″, and is very good at two up…I’m pretty sure it will be my next bike. It is the most comfortable bike I have sat on yet…

The Kawasaki Versys is another bike that I am looking at…quite comparible to the V-Strom, just a little more sporting and a slightly taller seat height. Not quite as good for two up though.

I would also consider a Kawasaki KLR650, cheap, reliable, fuel efficient and good for gravel and dirt roads. Can also be used for touring, just don’t expect high speed touring…

Depending on budget, the BMW F800GS looks nice (along the same lines). Same for the Ducati Multistrada. But I don’t know how good they would be for a new, or returning rider…more power…

Good luck!

[WeaponZero]

Given that your only prior riding experience was with a scooter and that was only 20 years ago, I would say that you pretty much fall under the same category as someone who is brand new to riding. That being said…

It sounds to me like your tastes are leaning you more toward the cruiser side of things. Cruisers are great at highway speeds but are cumbersome at “around town” speeds. I would recommend bikes like the F650GS and Suzuki DL650 V-Strom mentioned above, as well as the Kawasaki Versys (IMO probably the best of the bunch).

If, however, you are insistent on a cruiser, I strongly recommend the Yamaha V-Star 650. I would even say that the Honda Shadow 750 is worth looking into but it’s really straddling the line as far as what is and what isn’t suitable for a beginner.

[Munch]

hmmm….. cumbersome at around town speeds. Couldn’t disagree with you more. If your talking chopper with excessive rake… .yea they are nasty to try and turn . But your average everyday cruiser can easily handle anything in town. Very much an ill conceived notion, my guess is either made by non cruiser riders or those that don’t know yet how to ride.

[Jeff in Kentucky]

The shaft drive on this version of the Honda 750 lowers the power quite a bit. I sat on one, and I liked it, if you like or can get used to the feet forward cruiser footpegs:

http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/honda/2010-honda-shadow-phantom-ar79512.html

[Author]

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