[Elias]

I concur with most of this, but disagree with the cons of buying new, and it might just apply to me. This is because I am going to pay with cash, so there will be no financing. As for the break-in and debugging: I agree, the break in might be lame, but as it will be my first bike I don’t think I will have a problem following the break in recommendations. I think that debugging will happen on most every bike. In fact, I think it will probably occur more when buying a used bike. I think “debugging” is actually a benefit of buying new, because the bugs will most likely be under warranty.

Yes, at this point I am leaning toward buying new. But the reason I started this thread is because I have never bought a brand spanking new vehicle, and have always been told to buy used. But as I weigh the two options, it seems like buying used will only save me like $500 at the most…at least for the bike I want (2009 650R). This is because there are very few (I can’t find any) used 2009 650R’s on the market.

I’m thinking maybe I’ll buy a used 250 or 500 for now, and then sell and move up after there are a few used 2009 650R’s on the market.

[Elias]

Nice Boulevard! That is definitely one of my favorite looking cruisers. I like the blacked out look, especially those wheels. Congrats

[Elias]

Here are the one’s I’m getting…I’m covered

http://www.rideicon.com/product_details.jsp?category=1978&id=7889

[Elias]

+1 bicycle

Get out on a bicycle and ride the streets (bike lane even). Learn how traffic ignores you, how it flows differently as compared to driving a cage. This improves your situational awareness, as well as muscle memory. Granted, riding a moto is going to be much different, but riding street is where I trained myself, and it translated to acing the MSF course for me.

[Elias]

Spot on…yeah I don’t plan on riding rain ever either…luckily I don’t have to worry about it too much here in AZ. Cool site BTW

[Elias]

AZ at 30? HAHAHA, they should redo the test on the streets, not in the classroom! Half of the drivers here haven’t even taken a drivers test! (For unmentioned, but obvious, reasons…)

[Elias]

Yo! Eternal, make that list already!

…I crack myself up

[Elias]

EBBBAAAAAYYYYYYYY

http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&q=shift+streetfighter+hybrid&scoring=p&sa=N&start=20

Congrats on the bike! Is it your first? Let me know how it goes, I’m looking at the 650r p-twin for my first!!!!

[Elias]

I just did mine!

[Elias]

Haha, i like that last bit. Well, let’s just say I’ve had some setbacks that haven’t allowed me to get a bike yet. This ‘limbo’ time has forced me to do research and dream about it. In all this research and dreaming, I decided to prepare myself as best as I possibly can, by learning from other people’s mistakes, and learn how to be a safe rider before I even get a bike. I’m not too afraid to ride (the MSF was 98% fun, 2% fear), but I am definitely well prepared to be a safe rider. Hell, I aced the MSF tests, with no major prior motorcycle experience. My fear and I are ready.

[Elias]

I love the Lightning! Before I joined this site, it was actually the bike I was planning on buying! Why not anymore? Because I’m a beginner. But you’re not a beginner, and that makes me jealous. Ok, that said, based on my research I think it would be a great and fun bike. It’s very centered and well-balanced, and I’ve heard good things from people that ride them. Plus, they sound amazing! But in lieu of all this, there are some things that you should be expecting. First, I’ve noticed that Harley dealerships are not keen on their sporty cousins. So expect it to be a hassle to find one and buy one (if you go from a dealership). Even if you go in and ask for a Buell (and if they have one), they will steer you toward a Sportster. Second, I haven’t heard rave reviews of how HD dealerships treat Buell owners when they bring in the bikes for service, accessories or whatever. So just expect an all-around bad experience at the actual dealership. This is not universal, but it is MOST of the time. Third, the lightning is a small bike. I don’t know your build, but I am 6′ 160 and my friends told me it looked like I was riding a pocket bike. Fourth, I’ve heard that parts for it can be expensive. Why? Idk. I would expect them to be cheaper, since it’s American built (and Buell’s are the only American built sport bikes I might add). So, if you can get past the dealer, small size, and maintenance costs, go for it. If I thought I could handle a 900, I wouldn’t let any of those things stop me from getting one. You join a very unique and interesting minority of bikers when you get a Buell. I used to be a part of BuellForums.com before I decided not to get one. Go check it out, a lot of good info over there from actual people who ride them.

[Elias]

Awesome. At least there is a glimmer of hope! Hopefully Saki has the same engineering focus as Zuki

[Elias]

I doubt water is the issue. As long as you’re not hosing down your air intake directly, or soaking your filter right before you start, your bike won’t have water problems. Bikes are built to ride in the rain. In a most elementary sense, your bike is either not getting enough gas, air or spark. Check the intake for clogs, maybe a mouse crawled in there somehow and died lol. Then follow your fuel line. Is it carb’d? If yes, pull the fuel line out of the carb and make sure gas comes flowing out. Check for leaks everywhere, especially fuel and oil. Does your bike have a temp gauge or light? Was it running hot when you were experiencing the problem? Take your plugs out and inspect them (and the wiring) if all else fails.

Or take it to the shop…or Munch’s place.

[Elias]

Just curious why there is a “category” column, if every point is uncategorized. Ben planning ahead maybe? Click the “Users By Points” link in the right column under your name and you’ll see what I mean…

[Elias]

Thank you all for the comments. It’s relieving to know that this feeling is somewhat common. “This feeling” is referring to the sensation felt when swallowing the sobering fear of how dangerous motorcycle crashes are in order to enjoy a safe ride. Some of you recommended that if you are scared of riding, then you shouldn’t ride. But I’m a beginner, and what beginner isn’t going to be scared the first time on the street? I don’t tell myself things that will make me feel better about how dangerous riding is. In fact, I’m going to constantly remind myself how dangerous it is. And in doing this, I hope that I have some fear to sober me up (figuratively, not literally) and put my head in the game (sorry Munch, I know riding is not a sport). I am not afraid of the bike at all, I’m just aware of what can happen if I choose to ride it, and that is where the fear comes from.

[Author]

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