Looking for a bike....

[Maverix]

Well ever since I was a kid, I was always fascinated with dirt bikes and super bikes. My dad rides a VTX 1800. I'm almost 19, and I think it's about time that I got a crotch rocket of my own. I'm looking for a super bike with 600cc. I don't mind if it has 20k+ miles on it, and it must run for less than $2k on craigslist. Age of model doesn't matter.

So, my question is, what is something that I would be happy to ride in? I've already looked into CBR 600's and Ninja 250's but it's rare to come by a decent modern design that doesn't look to out dated. So I need to broaden my view a bit more.

[blndweasel]

Here's some advice... don't buy a bike based on how it looks, and don't fool yourself into thinking a 600cc is a "great beginner bike"

Get yourself a ninja 250 or SV 650... IMHO

[Maverix]

Yea, many people tell me that when they started, 600's was way to much for them when they started. So yea, I don't mind going with something smaller. This is just for starting.
What I really meant about the "outdated" part, was that I don't want a bike with spokes on it.

[blndweasel]

oh geez... yeah that won't be a problem.

I'd highly recommend a USED ninja 250, as it will hold value well. You'll outgrow it in 6 months or so, and can turn it around for the same price you paid for it.

Another option is the SV650, a great beginner to intermediate bike. Plenty of used ones out there, 2003 and up is fuel injected and very reliable. You could buy this new, but I would go used as they're good for 40K miles easily and most people don't ride them that long. Also, they have radial tires as opposed to bias tires on the ninja 250.

Another good midrange beginner bike is the Ninja 500. Most people who buy one of these seem to ride it for 4+ years. Or the GS500 Suzuki.

[Maverix]

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/826285187.html
A GS500 isn't so bad. And the deal looks pretty decent. I'll see if I can mark up a deal with my dad. I also need to take classes and get my license, which really shouldn't take me long at all. I hear, they make you ride a small hog lol.

[aceyx]

The only downside to the GS500 is that it's an air-cooled motor but that's not a huge concern unless traffic in your area is bad or if you plan on keeping it for a long time. The SV is a great bike and very popular as a race bike. Spare parts and mods are easy to come by.

An EX250 is my choice for a starter bike, but you will outgrow it within a year. However, like blndweasel said, you can flip it for about the same price you paid. A few friends have even made money off them.

Another thing to consider with these bikes is that the forums are quite helpful, mostly made up of newbies and older gentlemen unlike the douchebag squids you'll find at 600rr.net r6-forum and elsewhere.

[Maverix]

Well that's sorta a problem. Usually, if I need to drive short distances, I have to endure traffic a bit. But I normally don't drive more than 5-10 miles a day. But don't get me wrong. 5 miles takes me 10 minutes before I reach my destination because of all the traffic lights. But when I need to drive 30+ miles, I tend to face minimal amounts of traffic.

[96cali]

Overlooked classic: Honda Hawk GT from 1988-1990 (I think). First single sided swing arm in a mass produced bike, borrowed from Ducati. Soft front end, not over powered. Rare, naked sport bike. Google.

[Maverix]

Originally Posted by 96cali

Overlooked classic: Honda Hawk GT from 1988-1990 (I think). First single sided swing arm in a mass produced bike, borrowed from Ducati. Soft front end, not over powered. Rare, naked sport bike. Google.

So rare that I can't even find a bike in my area I'll keep looking everyday. But I do admit, they look beautiful.

Btw, my height is 5'6".

[Maverix]

I'm kinda skeptical about this:
http://www.sjpacific.zoovy.com/produ...&utm_campaign=

It's max speed is 75mph. Is this legit? I'm in love with the color and the design. Let me know what yall think. Your opinion's matter for once!

[aceyx]

I wouldn't put my worst enemy on that thing.

Stop worrying about what it/you look like, that's the last thing you have to worry about. The first thing is not dying.

[Maverix]

That's why I was considering a gsxr 200 instead of a 250. And this only has 45hp, with a max speed of 75mph. 250's usually get 105+mph. So I really can't be starting with too much power

[aceyx]

45hp is a lie, that can easily get you to ~125mph. If it tops out at 75 it's making around 20-25hp.

And there's no such thing as a GSXR200, the smallest they make is a 400 and it's not sold in the US.


The new EX250 looks pretty good, there are a ton of them with a little rash you can pick up cheap. There's also the Hyosung Comet 250, but you may lose money when you sell it (though you'll pick it up cheap).

[b.u.ti-ful]

I used to ride a GS500E and it was a great bike.

The only reason I sold it was because I started taking longer highway trips.

The GS500E was perfectly good on the highway, but after awhile I wanted something a little bigger with a fairing.

Also, I got a lot of helpful information at http://www.gstwin.com/

But really, the bike didn't need much attention.

[Maverix]

Originally Posted by b.u.ti-ful

I used to ride a GS500E and it was a great bike.

The only reason I sold it was because I started taking longer highway trips.

The GS500E was perfectly good on the highway, but after awhile I wanted something a little bigger with a fairing.

Also, I got a lot of helpful information at http://www.gstwin.com/

But really, the bike didn't need much attention.

Omg wow! the GS500E is beautiful. I really like it! I don't like the head light, but that could easily be fixed. But don't you think 500 is a bit to much? Is there a 250 version?