Entry level motorcycle

[autohorn]

I have been kicking around the idea of getting a motorcycle for several years now. But recently I read a book that has really inspired me to finally take the plunge and learn to ride this spring. The book, “The Ghost Rider” by Neil Peart, is a journal of the author’s 2-year journey on a BMW 1150GS through the western United States, Canada, Alaska, Mexico, and Belize in order to get his head on straight after the deaths of his wife and his only child. It’s a fascinating book and I highly recommend it to anyone into motorcycling or travel literature.

Does anyone have any suggestions on which makes and models I should be looking at buying as my first motorcycle? I am hoping to find something used but reliable enough to take on day trips 50-100 miles away from Austin. An inexpensive (< $2000) bike would be preferable so that I wouldn’t be out too much if I lay it down during the learning process.

So far I have been recommended the Buell Blast and the Kawasaki 750LTD or 1000LTD. I had a chance to see a Blast up close at Austin Harley Davidson/Buell and it is too small for me (I’m 6’3”). There are a lot of early and mid 1980s vintage Kawasaki LTDs for sale on Ebay motors in the $1000 to $1500 range. Would a bike this old be reliable enough to take out of town?

Any wisdom dispensed would be appreciated.

 

[suttree]

I had a Yamaha Virago 500 in high school. Great bike, but I would get the 750 or 1100 if you are going to tour a bit. It has a very basic V-twin engine (at least my 1986 model did). Basically a Harley rip-off that has been around for about 30 years.

Even a 750 cc is a great bike, and you can usually get them for under $2,000.00.

 

[El_Guapo]

Is that the same Neil Peart who was the drummer for Rush?

I don't know that much about how used bikes hold up over time. I know there are certain years, even of the same make and model, that have proven more reliable than others, and that the Japanese brands in general beat American, English, and Italian hands down. I wouldn't think Buell would be particularly reliable, given that it's basically Harley's sport bike division. Harleys may be a lot of things, but trouble free ain't one of them.

Not sure how much you can get for $2000. If I was to buy a bike today, I'd probably lean toward one of the retro Triumphs like a Bonneville or a Thunderbird just because I think they're way cool. Still might be too small for a 6'3" frame, and of course Triumphs aren't known for their reliability either. But they're not outrageously expensive (about $9K new) and dang, they look really cool imho. I would think they'd be a good beginner bike.

If you're looking to take day trips, definitely stay away from sport bikes. You're probably too big for one anyway. I had a Suzuki Katana for a while (which barely qualifies as a sportbike) and I took it out to Llano one day. I wanted to pitch the thing off a bridge by the time I got back.

Neil Peart did it right though - for touring, you can't beat the Beemers from what I've heard. But, you're not going to find one for $2000.

 

[Teasip63]

I am 6'3" and I bought a used '80 Yamaha ES1100 for $500 and added another $600 to make it run perfectly. When I sat on it it felt fine. After 250 miles I could not wait to get off of it. It killed my knees, back and butt.

It is more important to find one that you can ride long distances than it is to save money. I wasted my money because I came to hate that bike. I don't know how you can do this but try to get a hold of one that really fits you so you can tolerate the long miles you intend to ride it.

 

[autohorn]

Thanks for the replys. The author is indeed the drummer for Rush. In addition to being one of the best drummers on the planet, Neil Peart is a very talented writer as well.

I also like the look of the "Bonnie". An even cooler old-school looking bike is the Ural Retro. My wife really likes the sidecar. BMW's GS machines look great for touring (they have huge fuel tanks), but they cost almost as much as my Suburban. For now I plan on starting out on a cheap bike then get something nicer after I have some riding experience.

Sounds like the Yamaha ES 1000 is out then. I will look into the Yamaha Virago. The ones on Ebay motors are in my price range. Hopfully someone my size can ride it comfortably...

 

[Agent007]

I have a few friends with Ducatis and have heard nothing but the best, but I don't have any personal experience.