Need some advice from you BIKERS!

[Aaron Yarbough]

JD, you are rite to reccomend a 1000cc if you are an experienced rider and you are planning to carry a passenger. One of the worst things you could do is put yourself and your passenger in danger because the bike is not designed to adequately carry the load. Inregards to expense, I think you could be looking at a bit more than $4000 but something in that range is feasible. Most importatnly, take your time and find something that you sincerely like no matter what brand it is. WAIT, did I just say that? What I really meant to say was to find you a nice Honda that you really like and you can't go wrong

 

[rich stevens 2]

Yamaha V Stars or Kawi Vulcans....check them out you can't go wrong...I've had both. Even the 650 V Star will be enough for two up riding.....

 

[Dan Long]

If you search around you can find really good deals on the 98-04 BMW K1200RS. I've got a 98 with 83,000 miles on it and it still runs like new. It's a Sport Touring bike with 130hp, so it likes to play, but it can also get out and cruise all day if that's what you want. It comes with removable hard cases, heated handgrips and an adjustable windshield, seat, handlebars and footpegs so you can set it up to your preferences. Original MSRP was about $17K, but they can be had for $5-8K pretty regularly.

 

[kil roy]

if you haven't been on a bike in 30 years regularly

i wouldn't recommend anything bigger than a 500-650

depending on how big you are.



being away from a bike for that long and not working your way

back in to it is asking for trouble.

i would look for an 80s style cruiser. v30 magna,cx 500, cx650 or ltd454

just to get your body back in to the swing of riding then move up to

700-750 or even 1000cc if you think you can handle it after about 6 months.



bikes have changed a lot since the early 80s not only power to weight but

braking ability.

 

[richard staron]

First, you should go and take the MSF safety course (even if you still have your motorcycle license.) AND, ALWAYS wear the proper gear. Don't whine about it being to hot to wear your protective gear. Sweat is better than rash. Here's a tip: fingerless gloves and a vest with patches and fringe don't count as protective gear.



If you do plan to do a bunch of two-up riding, then a bigger bike is the way to go, not only for power but for room and suspension that can handle that capacity. A noob can still handle a big cruiser fine, as long as you ride smart and within your limits. Of course, the staying within your limits rule applies to everyone. BUT, I digress . . . .



I also agree with taking a nice long look at some of the new standard (aka naked bikes) 600's, like the FZ6 or especially the kawasaki Ninja 650. Don't let the "Ninja" part of the name scare you - it's not a screamin' sport bike. It's a nice standard with a comfy riding position, parallel twin, and it goes for $6,500 new. I've seen guys using these at track days too, and it can hang with the SV650.



Now, about this "Loud pipes save lives" stuff . . . the only folks who abide by that mantra are members of the butt-jewelry family (so named for their penchant of having lots of shiny things to adorn their posteriors), known by the latin moniker of Humanis Peonis (human peacock). Aside from displaying their plummage encrusted machines, they have peculiar habits that seemingly fly in the face of logic. Riding (often poorly) extremely loud shiny bikes (make alot of noise but don't go anywhere fast), usually with no protective gear (see above), and mostly bar-hopping all day long. And, usually they travel in herds of ten or more. Then, having traveled 300 miles and downed a six-pack, they will emphatically lecture any rider who is not a part of their herd about how to ride safely.



Come on, that was funny! Lighten up, people. (preemptive response to the anticipated flak from those lacking a sense of humor)



Sure, I have a sweet slip-on exhaust, and it is louder than the stock can, but Holy Busted Eardrums, Batman - a majority of these creatures (in my experience) have pipes that are waaaay too loud, and it's thanks to them that state and local governments are passing legislation to ban aftermarket pipes from the street. I now step down from my soapbox . . . .



-Richard from Houston