Advice on older bike, please

[pplassm]

I'll back up what everybody else is saying about back issues. I thought my back was fine until I rode my brother's Triumph Adventurer. The bolt upright seating posture shot every bump directly up mu lumbar region.

I much prefer the slightly forward posture of standard bikes. Or even sport bikes.

Remember this when buying an older bike. Bikes usually don't wear out, they die of negelect.

If prices in N. Idaho are like they are around here, it's buyin' time!

[trenttheuncatchable]

If I were in your situation, I'd buy a used Ninja 500 (which has a standard riding position), and then sell it when I decided to buy a new bike. You could look for a Vulcan 500, which is the "cruiser" version of the Ninja 500, but it's not going to be as heavy a bike as an Aero or its equivalent. If you're buying used, you should be able to take test rides on any bike you like, so do that and just pick the one you like best.

[longride]

I was thinking the Ninja 500 would be perfect also. Cheap to buy, easy to ride, and easy to sell.

[Gluge]

Originally Posted by longride

I was thinking the Ninja 500 would be perfect also. Cheap to buy, easy to ride, and easy to sell.

+1 on the Ninja 500 really it's almost the perfect all round motorcycle in my book. I had a 1991 put a tail trunk on it and it was a great bike!
nice I never had to worry about it either it was so cheap.

Unlike most bike with a standard riding position it has a bit of wind protection as well which might help you back. Keep in mind as you go faster say freeway speeds it's nice to have a position that has you leaning forward some to balance out the force of the wind. Leaning forward is harder on your arms and wrists in my opinion and doesn't seem to effect the back too much.

(EX500 has you leaning forward a bit)

[vermicious]

I had a '95 Honda Shadow VLX that was pretty comfortable. I wouldn't recommend it to the long-legged though.