- This topic has 6 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 15 years, 1 month ago by Kellisanth.
Suggestions on a bike?
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March 5, 2009 at 2:33 am #2585Swami77Participant
I’m completely new to motorcycles and I was wondering what kind of bike to get.
I’m 6’2″ and between 185 and 200 pounds. I don’t really care about sport bike vs. cruiser; I like ninjas and the cbr line, sportsters and rebels.
I’ll probably ride 70% city, but I want the capability of highway riding.
Much thanks in advance.
March 5, 2009 at 3:07 am #16912Jon D.ParticipantRead the bike reviews, there are quite a few on this site from members with discussion that follows. Take the info that you will get from there to narrow down to a select few. Once you come to that point you can research other forums and reviews to narrow down more. Continue to ask those of us here, any questions you might have about your choices as you continue on. First and foremost take an MSF or equivalent course. That alone will give you some insight as to what you might want to purchase. Ride safe and God bless. Jon D.
March 5, 2009 at 1:49 pm #16924bryan1980ParticipantWith your riding mix, any 250cc twin will work fine. Cruisers (Rebel, V-Star/Virago 250), standard (Nighthawk), or sport (Ninja 250). The Ninja is really more of a sport/standard, it has a fairly upright riding position. IMHO, I’d pick the Ninja if I were you. In addition to being a great city bike, it’s also the most freeway capable out of the ones I mentioned.
March 5, 2009 at 1:56 pm #16925Sangria7ParticipantBest thing is go actually see them in person and sit on them….
March 6, 2009 at 12:25 am #16939KellisanthParticipantYep, that I agree with what Sangria7 said.
More so if some dealers won’t let you sit on their bikes in the showroom (or have signs saying “Do NOT sit on Bikes” such as Champion Cycle, *sigh*).
If you wanna see how they fit/feel (and maybe ride), look at some of the various motorcycle shows that might show up in your area. Like, recently here in Chicago, there was the IMS Motorcycle Show. Definitely great to see all the various makes and models, see how they look and feel and talk with some of the Reps. Or get pics of the Booth babes. :blush:
Here’s the link to the IMS: http://www.motorcycleshows.com/
Another option, although a bit more limited, would be to check out some of the rally’s. Like the Daytona Rally which is going on this week in Florida.
March 6, 2009 at 1:26 am #16942SantaCruzRiderParticipantI’m sure there are exceptions, but I’ve been to plenty of shops with “No Sitting on Bikes” signs, and every one of them let me sit on the bikes I wanted to. This includes Harley dealers.
The signs are usually there to keep window shoppers from climbing all over the merchandise, scratching paint with their belt buckles, smudging chrome with their fingerprints and smacking taillights with their feet while they learn how to dismount. The trick is to talk to a sales guy, tell him you’re looking to buy a bike and that a friend said you should check out model X. Let him tell you all about it, then say that it looks awesome, but you’re a bit concerned about the ergos. Ask a couple different ways about comfort and before you know it, it’s “well, why don’t you sit on it and see how it feels.” Now you just need to try to do so without scratching paint with your belt buckle, smudging chrome with your fingerprints and smacking a taillight with your right foot.
Even the local Ferrari dealer gives test drives (unless you drive up in an old beater and wearing a Hooters t-shirt). )March 6, 2009 at 2:03 am #16943KellisanthParticipantOoooh! Never thought of it that way, SCR! I’ll give that a try next time. Thanks for giving some ideas on how to get around that lil’ problem. I usually follow the signages and don’t question them. Don’t always think outside the box. Will have to work on that in the future.
Not many Kawasaki dealers near me in the City, thus rather limited on location and distance.
And I dress properly! (hides the corona t-shirt, flip-flops)
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