I've got a motorcycle. Two actually. A Suzuki GS500 (my first bike) and just bought a Triumph Speed 4. Pros: 1) Performance! Even a 500cc sportbike will accelerate faster than most cars at speeds near the speed limit. I just moved up to a 600cc sportbike and the power and handling is amazing. 2) Parking. It's great around campus (I'm at Texas A&M) and at the movies, I just park on the sidewalk. 3) Gas mileage: I get 50mpg around town in the GS500. 4) Chicks dig bikes. Con: 1) Skill. It takes more skill to drive a bike than a car around town. People aren't used to looking for you. 2) Lots of short trips is inconvenient. I wear a helmet, gloves, jacket and boots and if I'm going from place-to-place, that's a lot of gear to be carrying around. I have a place to stow stuff at work though. 3) Exposure to the elements. 4) Maintenance. Lack of maintenance here can kill you.
I can't believe how cheap those things are selling for If I had any money at all I'd be all over one before Triumph comes to their senses
Just wanted to add a few things, if you are serious about getting a bike. 1) Take a motorcycle safety foundation (MSF) course. There was a statistic somewhere stating that 90% of motorcycle accidents involved riders that did not take a formal motorcycle class. 2) Don't drink when on a motorcycle. 3) Don't get something TOO expensive as a first bike. Fairings like those on sportbikes crack easily when dropped. So do mirrors, footpegs, and turn signals. On sportbikes they seem to be easier to break. 4) Don't get something TOO powerful. A modern sportbike has enough power to wheelie and enough braking performance to lift the rear wheel high into the air. 5) Always wear a helmet. I'd highly recommend MC gloves and boots too. These aren't too intrusive.
Yeah, they seem like a huge bargain compared to some of the popular Japanese 600's out there. I got mine for $4500, with less than 2,100 miles on it, and a year left on the warranty. It was a 2004 that someone bought as their first bike. I think he was intimidated by it, because the tires were barely worn on the sides. The performance and handling is light years beyond my GS500, and I really like the styling too.
Be careful. Wear all the gear. Wear a helmet. And even then, be prepared for the out of the ordinary. My father did everything correct, layers of clothing, helmet, license, everything. That didn't stop the elderly gentleman driving the van from hitting him and killing him instantly. Even with that, if you think you'd enjoy it -- DO IT! I know my Dad loved it and if he had to go I'm glad it was something he was happy doing. Just be safe.
I have been meaning to get me another one for some time....I used to ride a Virago 500 back in the mid 80s..great little cruiser...really gorgeous when clean.. Just got a 86 Yamaha FXZ700 Fazer that just needs a piston for nothing..fortunately...I used to be a mechanic...so Im basically getting a bike for the cost of a piston/gasket sets. When looking for parts at the Yamaha dealer...I inquired about the newer bikes...sine I was drooling over the 05 V Star 1100 Classic I can get one for a little over 125/mn Im sorely tempted to get it and fix the Fazer and sell it. oh yea...keep in mind...if you start riding...you gonna have to spen dmost of your time keeping an eye on everyone else...thats the only way you survive riding on the street for any length of time...you alwasy gotta know whats goin on around you. Protection...leathers, helmets etc..you can never have too much on..
Last time I rode a motorcycle I spent more than a year on crutches. When it comes to motorized vehicles I'm sticking to four wheels and walls.
Check out this PDF download from the BMW-MOA(Motorcycle Owners of America) where Neil Peart is interviewed by BMW-MOA and talks about, not Rush, but motorcycling in regards to his life. Plus, he offers some good tips and his trials/tribulations in motorcycling. I think it's a good read. That's why I'm offering it. Neil Peart Motorcycling Interview(not about Rush) Surf
Don't get a bike. YOu'll be facing too much confrontations like these guys in this video http://www.mtv2.com/sitewide/apps/mediaplayer/asxmaker.jhtml?vid=40913
