pushrod

Most folks will let you take the bike to a mechanic (or shop) to get checked out before money changes hands.

A good used bike is usually a lot cheaper than new. There are exceptions. To me, "only $1000" is a good bit of money; but if it makes you feel better, it'd be worth it for the peace of mind.

__________________
You would not understand,
this is not how I am...

I have become -
Comfortably Numb.

Easy Rider 2

Each situation is different and "general" advice seldom applies perfectly to ANY specific case.

So, if you can afford to pay cash for a new bike and warranty is important to you, then by all means, go for it.

Buying used from a dealer, you should be able to negotiate a short warranty, even if it is just "money back", of a few weeks or a month.
That's all the more reason to wait until you are actually ready to RIDE before you get one......so you can "wring it out" during those first couple of weeks.

The general buying used advise is:
Don't assume anything; ask. Been wrecked, last service, how many owners (if known) and any other questions you can think of.

If it looks good, starts good, runs good and there is no sign of excessive wear with things like the chain or tires, then the odds are with you, especially for a bike that is ~ 5 years old with ~ 5K miles or less. They aren't even "broken in" good until 5K miles or so.

__________________
'11 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 C

Easy Rider 2

Yes I did. It was a joke......mostly.

__________________
'11 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 C

GunsForBarbie

Excellent advice! I actually started thinking after I posted that I would like only a new bike that a used bike actually has more pros than cons.

If I drop or scratch a used bike I won't cry as bad as if I would drop or scratch a new bike. Considering that I will spend probably all 2011 riding season practicing, I would be able to concentrate on actually learning how to ride properly instead of being extra concerned about dropping the bike or constantly watching out to not scratch the new paint.

Also, no warranty is probably a good thing for a noob since I will not be too scared to disassemble it or try to fix it.

So, after reading your advice how to look for a used bike, I may give it a try when time will come to choose.

__________________
Μολὼν λαβέ

GunsForBarbie

Sorry, I need to chill. I took it too close to heart, lol.

__________________
Μολὼν λαβέ

Easy Rider 2

That statement strikes me as convoluted logic.
......but I think I know what you are trying to say.

Doing all your routine maintenance and "fixing" things are often quite different. Your objective should be maximum "up time", however you can accomplish that.

The warranty on used bikes, even if only a few days, is an attempt to keep you from getting badly screwed......and to encourage them to tell you ALL that they know up front.

__________________
'11 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 C

ghettoe

Personally, I feel like the leather jacket gets less heavier the more you wear it. After a while it kind of feels natural. But yes they are heavy. I take mine off as soon as I get off my bike and I won't lie and say I always ride with it. There have been times (During the heatwaves) when I have forsaken my jacket because it was just too hot to ride with it.

I think you should go for a cruiser. For some odd reason they seem to fit your purpose. But as a person who owns a baby ninja, I do think it's great too.

acecycleins

Ghettoe- Welcome to the world of textiles. Joe Rocket makes many textile/leather summer jackets that are great in warm weather. I know. Living in GA you get heat and humidity and my JR is good on the majority of days between 65 and 100 degrees.

__________________
"Slack" - a state of being in which everything flows smoothly.....a frame of mind so at ease that the universe naturally cooperates.

Trilliumliz

Take the course before you get a bike. Depending on the school, they'll have different makes and models and you'll get a better feel for what fits you best.

Whatever bike you get, you have to be comfortable on it. Better to start small (<600 cc) and build your skills and confidence. Stay away from rush hours for this season.

Also consider how and where you'll be getting it maintained (or learning how to get it maintained) - the convenience and reputation of the shop.

You're going to love it!!

Sicilian

Someone mentioned the classic style of the TU250 being a good first Standard learning bike.

Being a NOOB also looking to get into Motorcycling fairly late in life at 48, and also really liking the HD Sportster, but also very conservative about how I do it...

I just discovered when looking at the TU250 their Mini Cruiser the Suzuki GZ250. Suzuki Cycles - Product Lines - Cycles - Products - GZ250 - 2010 - GZ250

This looks like the perfect way to learn and slowly transition to longer road trips and even highway runs before moving up to a larger displacement bike like the Sportster.

Comments ?