How do you know which bike to buy?

[marko138]

I read alot of mags. But the reviews are very similar. Almost identical. So they can't be trust too much. I look at torque, not necessarily HP. And the torque curve. Flat wins. Usability. I'm not gonna roll at 150, 160, 180+ mph. So top end don't mean shit to me. I want power where I can use it. Vtwin all the way. Buell has a nice torque curve, and they handle well. They are also unique and not every knucklehead on the block has one. In fact, no knucklheads own them. Win.

[Mrs. Colleen]

My husband picked mine out...it was my first bike and my birthday present.

All I knew was that I did not want something as fast at the 91 Honda F4i 600 that I had first rode.

He picked it because it was in good shape and it was a good price...also because if I drop it (or if he drops it AGAIN ) I will not be too upset.

[t-homo]

My current bike, i liked it a lot, was a great beginner bike, and was cheap and close. I am hoping to sell it this spring for a couple hundred more than I paid for it. For me, being in the middle of missouri, I will be looking for the nicest bike that is close and in my price range. If I have a couple different ones to choose from, i will probably go with honda because of their reliability.

[OneSickPsycho]

Originally Posted by OTB

Where to start............

In my youth (yes, I WAS young once) I would read and research and all that stuff.

Now I look for deals on interesting bikes; buy for price and resale, knowing that I'll be riding another one in a couple of weeks or months. Most of the fun for me is in riding and comparing all the great stuff out there. There really are damn few BAD bikes.

What about the Bimota?

Originally Posted by azoomm

My current bikes don't really count - they were part dream... part making things simple. One bike can serve parts to another so I don't ever have all bikes down. So, if something happens, I can order parts / snag parts and always have one running.

I'm right now researching motards... KTM is winning. That, primarily because they are run internationally through deserts, ponds, snow, everything and don't die...

I've seen on another forum where a couple guys have blown their KTM's... Treat it like any other dirtbike and you'll be fine though...

Originally Posted by marko138

I read alot of mags. But the reviews are very similar. Almost identical. So they can't be trust too much. I look at torque, not necessarily HP. And the torque curve. Flat wins. Usability. I'm not gonna roll at 150, 160, 180+ mph. So top end don't mean shit to me. I want power where I can use it. Vtwin all the way. Buell has a nice torque curve, and they handle well. They are also unique and not every knucklehead on the block has one. In fact, no knucklheads own them. Win.

I am a knucklehead and I own a Buell.

For me it was looks, v-twin, and then I rode one. I was looking for v-twins in any sort of variety and always liked the Buells... I wanted to pay cash for something, but I was sick of looking and knew I could afford the payments. Then I sold my bike and went the next weekend to test ride a Buell. I bought my bike that day.

[Mudpuppy]

rode about every brand - ok not ducati or aprilla or buell - although i just can't get past the belt - i want a chain.. but i have rode all the major brands.. from a long time ago always been partial to yamaha.. then they came out with the R7 - next followed the R6 and R1.. that sold it for me.. i still wouldn't mind owning an R7 & R1 to go with my R6.. have one of each..

[marko138]

Originally Posted by OneSickPsycho

What about the Bimota?



I've seen on another forum where a couple guys have blown their KTM's... Treat it like any other dirtbike and you'll be fine though...



I am a knucklehead and I own a Buell.

For me it was looks, v-twin, and then I rode one. I was looking for v-twins in any sort of variety and always liked the Buells... I wanted to pay cash for something, but I was sick of looking and knew I could afford the payments. Then I sold my bike and went the next weekend to test ride a Buell. I bought my bike that day.

Ok...apparently 1 knucklehead.

[bombadillo]

I'm kinda in the same question boat right now. I'm currently riding a gs500e that I've done just about everything you can do to a stocker, and quite honestly getting kinda bored with the power its putting down. I was told that when I was bored, it was just me getting used to the power and then I could start to take it on its limits a little more. The problem is I only ride street, so I don't wanna tear up the streets because they have laws against that. This summer I'm gonna ride the crap out of the little thing and whether I'm bored or not ride it anyway. I'm gearing up for the next bike which has to primarily get around town and well. I would like something to be able to take on longer trips (250 miles per day), something that isn't afraid of the twisties, but isn't too punishing. Right now it seems to be the z1000 z750s fz6, sv650s (not the best tourer by all means but capable) f4i. Those seem to be the key tickets lately. Lemme know what anyone thinks.

[t-homo]

Just from reading a lot I really want an f4i or r6 as my next bike. Probably have to go with a salvage title for money reasons, but thats ok because I plan on riding it until it dies.

[dReWpY]

i bought the kawi cause it was a good deal, and i bought the rc51 cause i liked the looks and gasman told me to lol

[No Worries]

Originally Posted by bombadillo

I'm kinda in the same question boat right now. I'm currently riding a gs500e that I've done just about everything you can do to a stocker, and quite honestly getting kinda bored with the power its putting down. I was told that when I was bored, it was just me getting used to the power and then I could start to take it on its limits a little more. The problem is I only ride street, so I don't wanna tear up the streets because they have laws against that. This summer I'm gonna ride the crap out of the little thing and whether I'm bored or not ride it anyway. I'm gearing up for the next bike which has to primarily get around town and well. I would like something to be able to take on longer trips (250 miles per day), something that isn't afraid of the twisties, but isn't too punishing. Right now it seems to be the z1000 z750s fz6, sv650s (not the best tourer by all means but capable) f4i. Those seem to be the key tickets lately. Lemme know what anyone thinks.

The best all-around bike has to be Honda's 750 VFR. The new one's with the variable cams and fuel injection are complicated, but earlier ones are terrific buys. Almost always owned by enthusiasts, older models should be in great shape. Good looks, good handling, comfortable, and power right off idle make it great for sport/touring, commuting, streets, and canyon riding.