Drive truck ride bikes?

2004 Suzuki Bandit "1277"(-s).
Many mods. Very comfortable. Crazy fast and pretty good in the corners (Thanks to penske and racetech)


2005 Yamaha Roadstar Midnight Warrior.
A cruiser that can corner and stop. What a concept. 102 c.i. of properly tuned v-twin. It doesn't sound like a Harley and that is one of it's most desirable qualities to me. Sound means nothing if it doesn't have the "go".


Both together after a bath. I don't do polishing though, just baths. I actually ride my bikes instead of cleaning them. 30k on on and 20k on the other.

 

Springfield, MO to Ga/TN line in 7.5 hours! My last long road trip in 2007

 

Wow! You must have slabbed it the whole way. Of course for a trucker that is just normal roads.

It took me 23.5 hours to get from Buffalo to Raleigh, NC. Well, 23.5 hours AND a set of tires. LOL 119 to 250 is a great route for corner junkies.

 

I like the Suzuki Bandit. I've got a KLR 650 and a Ktm 530ex for off road adventuring. But I want to get a sport ride for the street. The Beemer is a good bike for touring but not that enjoyable to ride through curves, etc.

 

All depends what you buy.

 

I dont have a bike never been on 1 but I think its sexy to see a guy riding a motorcycle

 

OK guys, tell me - what's a good bike for a newbie? My 17 year old son wants one, and I know nothing - I've been told no more than 250cc for a kid, but help me out please! It won't be new, so what is a reliable make that will do him a couple of years until he knows what he wants to buy new? Hubby used to have bikes, but not for a few years now, and we don't know about all the japanese stuff that is out there!
(Son is tall, at 6 foot btw.)
Thanks!

Mrs T

 

It really depends on the type of riding he wants to do. I wouldn't buy an expensive bike. Make sure he goes ATGATT -- all the gear all the time -- or you all will regret it. He should get into riding a bit at a time too for just like truck driving it takes time to learn.

On the K series GS or whatever it is, the grey one pictured by Jeepskate, they're expensive. I bought the r1100rt to travel, carry luggage, etc. and that's what it's good for. It'll handle alright and is fun to ride but it's not very responsive. Also suspension probably needs to be gone through and that's pricey. Good time right now to be in the market for a bike of any kind. Buyers market now but I doubt I'd get another Beemer although the K series are excellent machines. Who knows maybe I'll get an MV Augusta (not).

 

Kawasaki Ninja 650 is a good one as are most of the "twins" in smaller sizes. Suzuki GS500, SV650 as well. These don't have the type of power to immediately overwhelm a new rider but they also have enough capability to keep you interested for a few years.

 

I second the SV650, it's easy to ride in traffic and goes plenty fast enough without any surprises when you twist the throttle. Not a bunch of raw power coming on all of a sudden, but good manageable power that comes on strong but steady. Also it gets great fuel mileage, mid 50's-60's depending oh how you ride.

Being tall is a good thing too since it seems the majority of bikes (other than cruisers) are made so tall these days. I've had to lower all my bikes, even the SV650.

Also have him take a safety course at the local community college (or wherever they're held near you) before letting him ride, maybe before choosing a bike too. I'd avoid the classes at some of the dealerships, they're usually more interested in promoting their bikes, and sometimes a particular style of bike/rider/lifestyle that does not cover the entire spectrum of motorcycling.