So, I'm buying a motorcycle...

[CBT]

...and I've come to the almighty Hornfans seeking advice on what kind to get. Just got my license.Basic uses will be as follows:
1) Short commute (in Uptown Dallas),
2) Getting around the DFW area (I do commercial real estate appraisals so I have to go inspect property), and
3) Weekend trips back home to East Texas (2 Hours) and Austin (3 Hours).

I'm 26, grew up riding dirtbikes, feel comfortable on city streets, but have limited experience on the highway. I like the way sport bikes feel and handle (and look), but I am not sure if they are conducive to the longer rides.

Suggestions?

 

[hornimal]

bmw r1200gs

 

[RoundRobin]

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[Stuck_At_Work]

Q: What do you call a motorcycle driver?
A: An organ donor.

My buddy, who is an emergency room doctor, told me this joke.

Having said that, if I lived on any other continent, I would probably get a motorcycle. I just don't trust the people around me with my life.

I swear to god, I thought my coworker who drives one of those huge king-ranch F150s had killed a motorcycle driver on the way back from lunch once. My coworker didn't seem to care he was on the guy's tail... and when the guy slowed down to turn into a driveway, my coworker didn't... and almost clipped the guy.

Ok... back on topic... get this one:

 

[CraftyWidget]

I got my bike for many of the same reasons you are considering one. Since you will be riding fairly long distance, I would suggest a general purpose bike like a used Honda Nighthawk 750 or Yamaha Virago (a used mid 90's will run about $2000). If you want a new bike, consider the Suzuki SV650 (cost about $6000). These are all mid-sized bikes that require relatively little maintenance and offer good gas mileage and performance.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[Xminus6]

it really depends on you and the model of bike. some sportsbikes are actually very comfortable for some riders. it's definitely more comfortable than riding a harley or other cruise on the highway with no windscreen. basically you need to go sit on the bikes you're considering as nobody can tell you definitely which bike is going to be the best for you. although i would also recommend looking at sport-tour bikes if you're concerned about your knees. something like a honda vfr or bmw or a triumph sprint.

 

[UTeric32]

 

[gardere_owns_OU]

ditto. i'm looking for a bike too... ******* gas!
my bicycle commute is too far (25 one way)... i have no place to shower when i get there. anderson mill to southwest pkwy. how awesome!

 

[aUTfan]

I second the "you gotta sit on one" advice but I also second the sport tourer advice, Honda ST1300 although you still didn't give enough info for your decision. If it's for expenses than a used comfortable bike is the answer. For pleasure, style? = Honda ST1300.

Let us know what you went with and why.

 

[BA93]

you are going to ride around Dallas in a motorcycle... during the summer... during work hours....

Is there a shower for you at every stop along the way?

 

[MortimerTX]

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[Summerof79]

two words:

Disability Insurance....

I have thought about a bike myself, but for shorter quickie errands, gym, video store, pool, up to school or whatever. I am pretty comfortable on road bikes but the single observation I have on long term commuter motorcycle riders... is that they all limp.....

My dad commuted dowtown in Houston for several years of his mid life crisis. Had a couple of near misses, one which was a laydown in 5 pm traffic when his front tire blew out at 50 mph. However he did survive and he doesn't limp, but he IS the exception.

Bikes are fun as hell, but in Summer you need AC more than you need gas savings if you don't have a shower at work.

 

[CleverNickname]

I don't get the AC thing. In the morning its fairly cool, particularly on a bike. Sure the afternoon/evening ride home is hot, but you're leaving work, not going. What am I missing?

 

[MortimerTX]

I commute from the Arbor area to Southeast Austin 5 days a week and the mornings are very nice. I've never needed a shower by the time i got to work.

Depending on how much gear you wear and the type of traffic you deal with, the commute home can get pretty toasty though. In fact it can get downright hellish if you wear the padded jacket, heavy boots and waterproof pants .

Anyway, I've been doing this commute for several years in all types of weather and it's been fine. There have been a few minor close calls but nothing to get excited about.

 

[CBT]

Thanks for the replies. After driving quite a few and sitting on several others, I’ve decided to go with a Suzuki SV 650S. It was a very comfortable ride for me; I love the look, and the way it handled. For the price, I think it's the best fit for me. It's cheaper than going with a comparable supersport bike like the GSXR, etc. But I can't tell a difference in power when I'm driving it. Basically because I'm not experienced enough to, and it's not on a track. I'm currently searching for a decent used one, but I may end up just going new. I found what I think is a great deal on a 1000, but I’m not sure if I want that much of a bike.

 

[MortimerTX]

I went from an 1100 to a 650 and I really miss the power and speed of the 1100. The 650 seems to have more trouble changing lanes and passing people which in a way almost seems a little more dangerous to me than what I was used to with the 1100.

Another difference is cruising at about 70 on the 650 versus a comfortable 85 on the 1100.