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I'm looking at purchasing a motorcycle in the near future, but as I have no experience with them, I'd like some recommendations from the motorcycle riding members here. I'm a new rider, so a bike that is easier to learn on would be ideal. I prefer American models, such as a Harley or Indian, or foreign bikes with similar styling. I'd prefer a used motorcycle, as my budget is up to $5000. I'd like a reliable bike, and need to use it on the local highways and freeways, so something like a 250cc or similar is out of the question.

Any suggestions? I'm completely new to the sport, so if there's other advice that you guys don't mind sharing (ways to get started, brands to avoid, etc.) that'd be great.

It could be different than it was before, but Harleys were know for their unreliability a number of decades ago.

$5000?

Forget a Harley for $5000, unless you want a 2003 or earlier Sportster. There is nothing wrong with them, depending on your size, but they are hard mounted engines and are small and considered by most riders to be "girl" bikes if something like that bugs you. You will feel the ride after you are off the bike.

As far as reliable, forget all the stories you hear and will hear about Harleys being maintenance machines. I have worked in the industry for over 5 years and have been riding since I was 15 and I will tell you straight up and without hesitation that those stories are flat out not true. Not anymore anyway. As Shinova commented while I was writing this, Harleys, when owned by AMF (Yes, the bowling pin company) were piles of shit. It is a testament to Harley salesmen and the Hells Angels around the country that the company survived the 70s and 80s when the bikes all had oil pans under them on the showroom floor.

Get a Japanese bike if you want good value for your money, but don't expect any kind of resale value. They also change designs and parts as often as I buy new socks, which is about once a month. It gets silly sometimes. The cruiser models designed to compete with HD aren't quite as bad as the sport bike divisions.

The European bikes are fine, but they are more on the expensive side and harder to get parts for as there are far less dealers than for the American and Japanese brands.

With your 5000 limit you will be looking at an entry level for most brands, which you may find either to small or underpowered or bikes getting close to 10 years old that are still in a reasonable condition.

Most bikes are freeway capable, even if you have to stay in the slow lanes, but what type of riding are you looking to do? Commuting daily? Leisure weekends? Do you want to be a 1% or a 99%? Looking to drag knee or drag ass?

Shinova wrote:It could be different than it was before, but Harleys were know for their unreliability a number of decades ago.

It is almost 100% different than it was before. I ride my Harley almost every day and everywhere that I need to be. I have broken down once, and it was because one of our techs used the wrong loctite on my compensating nut. Other than that I have been problem free on all the Harleys I have owned. And I ride the fuck out of my bikes.

The problems people have on Harleys made after 85 are 90% self inflicted. Either from not knowing what they are doing when working on them or riding the bikes far outside what they are designed to do. (You mean my fairing brackets will break if I go off curbs on my bagger?! My pulley bolts will break if I keep doing burnouts on my 600lb bike with my 300lbs ass on it?! My forks will bend if I go over dirt jumps?!) That said, you REALLY have to fuck up to break the damn things. The engines and transmissions are pretty bullet proof, the frames need car assistance to break. They have electrical problems, but they aren't any more frequent than any other vehicle on the road that has computers. Actually, that goes for any problems that crop up.

Oh yeah. Stay the fuck away from Indian.

Thanks for the replies guys.

@Hav:
Yeah I'm cool with used bkes, even a little older (2000 area). My mention of a Harley was more for the styling, and less for the brand.

In my searching I've seen a few bikes for sale that had engine sizes of 800-1200, and this seems to be a decent size to me. Granted these were not Harleys, but I'm not expecting really to get a Harley (though it would be nice). When I buy it, there'll be the chance that it will become my primary mode of transportation, which could include daily 1 hour commutes on the freeway.

Havok wrote: With your 5000 limit you will be looking at an entry level for most brands, which you may find either to small or underpowered or bikes getting close to 10 years old that are still in a reasonable condition.

How much would I have to look at spending to get a larger/large-ish 2003 or newer bike? What size of bike would you suggest for a beginning male who is interested in having some power?

Do you want to be a 1% or a 99%? Looking to drag knee or drag ass?

? I'm guessing the 1% is joining a motorcycle club, right? No, not right now. And i have no idea about the second part.

I ride a 2004 Dyna Sport (FXDXI). It comes stock with an 88ci engine (1450cc). However, Harleys are torque machines that don't go anywhere. Ok, so not completely true, but a Japanese 1450cc engine is NOT anything comparable to a HD 1450cc engine. (Japanese engines are far more efficient in producing power and their bikes are faster)

2003 and newer with good power? Maybe 6-8k. Not much more of a jump. If you don't mind financing, 5k makes a great down payment on a new bike of any brand. I will be selling my Dyna in about 2-3 months in this economy, and I will get between 10-12k for it. I paid 16k. You can get a brand new Dyna for about 13k right now. My model, the Sport, was in high demand when I got it in '04 and that was also the last year they made it. HD has dropped the price on the Dynas every year since I bought it though. The bastards!

I would say, as far as engine size... if you go Japanese, get a 750. Most people would say 600, but every single person I have ever met, new or old rider, in about 6 months, wished they had got the 750, or even 1000 models.

For Harley, I would say get the 88 or 96 (depending on the year) models. That is Harleys main engine. They use the same powerplant in the Dynas, Softails (DON'T buy one of these) and Touring medels. The Sportsters are cool bikes and the engine sizes are 883cc or 1200cc, which sounds plenty powerful, and would be if Harley didn't have the mindset... "We can make this part out of Aluminum. Hmm. Nah! Fuck it! Lets make it out of CAST IRON!!"

1%er are clubs, but the outlaw variety. Drugs, guns, prostitution etc. etc. The cool kids. 99%ers are the rest of the clubs and associations. They do everything they can to look like the cool kids, but fail... Hard. If you want more info on this aspect, PM me.

Knee dragers are racers. Ass dragers are just slow as fuck leisure riders.

Hmm, better avoid the 1% clubs. I'd get shot in the face in the matter of days. methinks

I'd like to finance and get a more expensive bike, but I'm only 19, and probably don't have the kind of credit built up to get a loan for one. While I do have a credit card, and I haven't fallen behind in payments ever (I make sure to pay off the whole credit card when a payment is due), I've only had it for 6 months, and this is my first big purchase independently.

What kind of bike is the Yamaha V star? I'm seeing a lot of them in my pice range, with some newer models such as this 2005, 1100 cc model. While the color is a little "meh" for me, I've seen a lot of bikes like this one for sale. Is it a bad bike?

Thanks for your help, Hav. Your replies have really helped me out.

The V Star is a Japanese V-Twin. It is a cruiser model designed to appeal to the American Harley rider. It is a "Softail". What I said NOT to get.

The Softail or soft tail is what Harley came up with to add rear suspension to their rigid, or hard tail (meaning no rear suspension) framed motorcycles. The suspension is hidden on the underside of the frame, behind the transmission box and in front of the rear wheel. Basically, they wanted to keep the look of the rigid, but give a far better ride. They accomplished that, but because the rigid ride sucked SO hard, it wasn't exactly a high bar to get over.

The V Star, as you can see, has a rear pivot point and that triangular rear fork. It is a softail design. I have never ridden a Japanese model softail, but I imagine it is just a shitty as an American one just due to the design, which itself sucks.

However, they look really fucking cool don't they? And as you are 19, your back and ass have years and years of abuse they are ready to take. If you think it looks cool, go for it. It is a solid bike.

P.S. You will get way more tail riding a Harley. Just sayin'.

P.P.S. No, I am not misspelling soft tail. "Softail" is the trademarked name for Harley' design and model line.

This is a Softail. Just like the V Star. See how there are no rear shocks, but you can see right behind the passenger peg that the frame is actually two pieces. The swingarm and the frame.


This is my bike. This is a Dyna. Notice how you can see the shocks. This style of frame is ALWAYS going to handle and ride better than any Softail. Most heavy cruisers use this configuration. Sport bikes usually have a mono shock tucked under the frame or rear frame.


If you want a badass Japanese bike get this...

The Yamaha V-Max. This thing was a beast when it came out in... 86 IIRC. It didn't change until last year. This is some cool Mad max shit right here. Good handling, great power, cheap, and easy to maintain. GREAT first bike. Any year is cool, as like I said, it was basically the same for over 20 years.

$5000 can buy you an older used BMW in good condition - have a mechanic check it out. BMW bikes that have been well-maintained can be great used-bike values. BMW is very good about supporting older models with parts, etc (something to do with German laws, I think). They tend to be pretty green bikes in terms of emissions, etc. and very, very good rides. We're pretty well set for BMW dealers and maintainers in SoCal; don't know where you are located but you'd have to look around and see who's nearby.

Anyway, I'm on my third BMW (kept trading up except for the one that got destroyed by a cager). I like 'em.

Mine:



A 2003 R1150GS, possibly the last bike I'll need to buy.

Hey Hav, quick question.

I mentioned your suggestion of a V-Max to a friend and he said he thought it had a power band, which can be hard for new riders to control. For this reason he suggested I try something elseat the start. Is this a valid concern?

@Kanastrous: While BMWs are nice bikes, there aren't any good used dealers in my area unfortunately. I think I'd have a hard time finding parts. Also, for $5000. I'd pobably be looking for a 90's model, and I'm finding it hard to locate bikes from that period around here.

I've found a lot of V-Stars and a few V-Maxs in my area, s I'm considering those bikes. I've also found sme Honda Shadows, 750s and 1100. The 750 might be a smaller size of bike, but that could be good for me to learn on, and its bigger than the V-Star 650, which I've found to be the most plentiful option around here.

I'd agree that Honda sounds good.

On second thought, due to my high likelyhood of freeway driving, and after reading some reviews, I've decided that I'll probably want to get an 1100. Those bikes are more comfortable up above 75. Common fast lane speeds in my area are 80-85 mph. The V-ar 650 and Honda Shadow 750 have problems with vibration at those speeds. So probably the V-Star 1100, V-Max, or Honda Shadow 1100.

If you go for the VMax, make damned sure you wring it out on lightly-travelled roads and parking lots before you go into rush hour with it. The largest bike I owned was a Honda 900 (unfortunately got rid of it due to a shitty-ass top overhaul that wrecked the motor), and a VMax has around 40 more horses at the wheel than my bike had at the shaft.

In other words, the Yamaha will go like a striped-ass ape. If you've never been at the controls of a bike, you'll find yourself going much faster, much quicker, than anything with four wheels prepared you to handle. So, if this is your first bike ever, find out where its and your limits are BEFORE hitting a crowded freeway.

Yeah, I'm going to enter a Motorcycle Safety Course for beginners to get a feel of riding a bike. It involves about 10 hours of riding time, so it isn't going to make me an expert by any means, but it will help. The course provides a motorcycle, so I'll be able to try out a smaller size bike before purchasing to make sure that I can handle a larger bike. I was then planning on driving the bike around in low pressure situations for at least a week or two before considering the typical city traffic in my area. Thanks for the tip.

Like I said. The V-Max is a beast. There is a reason they didn't change it for 20 years. They didn't have to. If you go that route, ride and practice on secluded, low traffic roads. You will probably drop or crash anything you first ride, even after taking the MSC, so don't let that discourage you. Also, don't let the power of any bike get you too excited. You are a beginner and don't know you, the roads and the bike while you are riding. It is a whole different world than driving.

I still remember my first time on a freeway... Holy fuck I was scared shitless, but you get to a point where it is just as easy as driving a car on it. Then you get like me and think you are a Mac Truck and nothing better get in your damn way or you will run them of the fucking road.

Don't be like me.

I've heard that the Honda CBs and Nighthawks are good bikes to start with, although most of them are a bit old now. Then again, I don't have a bike so anyone can feel free to correct me.

I'm quite happy with my Kawasaki Vulcan. I got the 900 so freeway driving isn't a problem. They look nice, drive nice and you don't have to feel like a dirty yuppie with a mid life crisis like the Harley dudes do. :p

Oh, was going to add. Some people go conservative and get a small bike to 'practice' on or are scared of the bigger bikes. Then they get comfortable on it in a month or so and want a bigger bike. Others have eyes bigger than their nutsack and buy a huge bike they can't handle. Sit on them, stand them up and make sure you can reach the ground comfortably. Make sure you can shift the weight but don't be wussy about it either. 800 to 1100 would be my guess for a generic male rider.

Knife wrote:They look nice, drive nice and you don't have to feel like a dirty yuppie with a mid life crisis like the Harley dudes do. :p

That is awesome. "I don't feel like a dirty Harley riding yuppy on my bike designed to appeal to and break into the market of the dirty Harley riding yuppy."

Oh, was going to add. Some people go conservative and get a small bike to 'practice' on or are scared of the bigger bikes. Then they get comfortable on it in a month or so and want a bigger bike. Others have eyes bigger than their nutsack and buy a huge bike they can't handle. Sit on them, stand them up and make sure you can reach the ground comfortably. Make sure you can shift the weight but don't be wussy about it either. 800 to 1100 would be my guess for a generic male rider.

I touched on both of the first points, but did forget the last. Knife is 100% correct. Make sure you are comfortable physically on the bike that catches your eye. Nothing worse than having a bike that you think looks tits, but you dread riding.

Havok wrote:

Oh, was going to add. Some people go conservative and get a small bike to 'practice' on or are scared of the bigger bikes. Then they get comfortable on it in a month or so and want a bigger bike. Others have eyes bigger than their nutsack and buy a huge bike they can't handle. Sit on them, stand them up and make sure you can reach the ground comfortably. Make sure you can shift the weight but don't be wussy about it either. 800 to 1100 would be my guess for a generic male rider.

I touched on both of the first points, but did forget the last. Knife is 100% correct. Make sure you are comfortable physically on the bike that catches your eye. Nothing worse than having a bike that you think looks tits, but you dread riding.

I'm 5'10, 190 so I can usually handle myself physically, but we'll see. I'm waiting to buy a bike until I've completed the MSC as tht will give me a point of reference when it comes to weight and size. My balls when it comes to stuff like this tend to shrivel under pressure, so that might not even be a problem.

Knife wrote:I'm quite happy with my Kawasaki Vulcan. I got the 900 so freeway driving isn't a problem. They look nice, drive nice and you don't have to feel like a dirty yuppie with a mid life crisis like the Harley dudes do. :p

They are definitely nice looking bikes. The styling is similar to the V-Star, IMO. Right now I'm trying to decide whether I like the longer, sleeker design of the V-Star and Vulcan better than the more aggressive styling of the V-max or Honda Shadow Spirit. That will make a definite difference in what I pick, bt I'll keep the Vulcan in mind, thanks.

Havok wrote:Like I said. The V-Max is a beast. There is a reason they didn't change it for 20 years. They didn't have to.

So it does have a power band? Have much of a challenge will that be?

I still remember my first time on a freeway... Holy fuck I was scared shitless, but you get to a point where it is just as easy as driving a car on it. Then you get like me and think you are a Mac Truck and nothing better get in your damn way or you will run them of the fucking road.

Don't be like me.

I was a witness to and first person on the scene of a fatal motorcycle accident on the freeway a year and a half ago. It definitely left it's mark on me, but I've decided to go on despite it. I've accepted that I'll wreck on a bike. Matter of when, not if. All I can is prepare correctly for when it happens so that I can hopefully walk away from it, or at lest survive the experience.

Also, I read your wreck story. You don't think your a Mac Truck, you just race them.

Thanks for everything guys. You've helped me a lot in learning abut my options and getting me into the proper mindset to buy a bike. I'm entering the MSC 2 or 3 weeks from now, so I'll continue to research bikes until then. Feel free to share any other gems of wisdom. They're needed, for sre.

Your size is fine. The average rider that most companies design bikes for is around 6'. No matter the bike you get, or how much power or torque it has, you will get used to it. Nothing is going to completely overpower you if you start off safe and slow. Don't let ANY ONE push you into riding beyond your experience and comfort level. I don't care if the Pope wants to drag race. Tell him to go fuck himself. That goes for all your friends and ESPECIALLY any dumb ass broad that likes to go fast. Don't let your dick do your riding.

And nice burn.

Hav already gave you some damned good answers, but let me recommend Triumphs, those have always been a favorite bike of mine (at least the older models, I haven't ridden any newer ones). Also, is anyone else a fan of rat bikes? They are fun as hell to make and ride (though I have seen some that certainly aren't street legal). Once I get a digital camera I'll get a picture of mine up, it's not as over-the-top as some on that site.

Consider a Hit-Air vest or jacket. Basically a wearbag containing a pressurized gas cylinder with a lanyard valve plus a series of inflatable air bladders to protect your chest, abdomen, tailbone, backbone and neck; if you and the bike suddenly separate with enough force, the lanyard pulls the valve open and you are wearing a nice bouncy air pillow designed to cushion your squishy and breakable vital bits. The jackets have the air system integrated in, while the vest is the basic system that you can wear over whatever you want to ride in. The vest is re-usable after deployment with the addition of a fresh gas cylinder (assuming that the impact absorbed didn't rupture or bend anything).

Beyond an air-vest, if you don't already know it, learn this motto, ATGATT: All The Gear All The Time. Whether you are going to practice stops in a parking lot or ride all the way to Sturgis, proper gear is a DOT-certified helmet, long-sleeved motorcycle jacket and long pants (preferably crash-rated; when you go down and slide that's what you'll be sliding on, and denim doesn't protect well against moving pavement), motorcycling gloves and boots providing ankle and achilles tendon protection. Do not be one of those cruising-for-a-skin-transplant brain donors zipping around in shorts, t-shirt and sneakers unless full-body debridement really sounds like your idea of a good time.

You will fall. You will probably crash. This is just life on motorcycles. The degree to which you prepare will determine whether you will want to ride again, afterwards. Or whether you'e alive, to make the choice.

ps - while I dig Triumphs, there's really nothing in their US line I'd recommend for a beginner. The prices are sweet and the performance can be impressive, but Triumph's choice of geometry creates twitchy, attention-intensive bikes that are a joy for experienced riders but can present a real hazard for beginners (Speed Triple, I'm looking at you.)

I am looking at getting a small bike for local commuting, medium highways/byways, and some people told me I should look into a 250CC bike, since I'm still new to the actual riding motorcycle thing, so Hav, what's good for that sort of thing. One odd thing, it needs to be able to hold some cargo for a day or two trip.