So I'm thinking about getting a bike, but probably not for the same reasons that most people do. I haven't really ever been into them for the speed rush or the open road feeling, which is why I never purchased one before. My main reasons for looking at one now is because my current daily transportation is getting pretty old (96' Ford Explorer) and I'd be nice to have some pretty decent gas mileage again.
I already have my "toy" vehicle ('94 Dodge Viper), and I plan on getting a Jeep to replace the Explorer later down the road, but I don't want to be stuck one day with a broken down Explorer and be forced to find a Jeep quickly instead of spending time finding the right one, so a bike seems like a good fit (it's small enough to fit in a crowded garage and nothing beats having additional forms of transportation in a pinch!).
I'm 5'8", 155lbs. so a big heavy bike isn't gonna be too good for me. Also, I'd like to keep the budget under $7000. I don't want a project bike or anything, so I was thinking about buying new (with a warranty) but I'm open to recommendations. If I end up being bit by the speed or mod bug, then I can deal with that later with more money or a different bike but I don't want that to be a big part in the decision of which bike I purchase this time (such as modability, best platform to start with, etc).
I am going to be picking up one of these next month for the same reason you are. Just to commute. Ducati Hypermotard 1100S. Tested one last week. They are a blast!
I have been riding for a while now. I have ridden everything from 1800cc cruiser to my Ducati 1098s. If you have never ridden before I would start with a Honda F4i. Its sporty enough to be fun but comfortable and light. It should get great gas milage an be very reliable. My brother started with that bike and I really liked it for a commuter. It looks like a true sport bike but its kind of a crossover. It is more upright that a cbr so its more comfortable. Now if you want something truly special pick up a used Aprillia Tuono. Thats an awesome bike. Google it! Its a twin. You can get an older one for around 6 or 7 thousand. You wont just like that bike you will love it!
If you are going to commute on a bike in the DFW area I would like to purchase some life insurance on you.
Lol, no doubt! I gotta drive like everyone else is trying to kill me, but even then it's quite risky. Not less than a month ago I was saying I'd only ever own one if I lived in a small town.
Take the MSF course and start on something light that handles well. When riding becomes second nature and you can give your full attention to traffic and your surroundings and not on how to operate the motorcycle , then you are ready to commute.
And remember you will fall at some point , that is a given.
Motorcycle and rush hour traffic are not a good mix......But if you do get a crotch rocket, I wouldn't buy a smaller bike, as everybody I know that did that regretted it later as they wish they would have just spent a little more and got the bigger bike.
I have been riding for a while now. I have ridden everything from 1800cc cruiser to my Ducati 1098s. If you have never ridden before I would start with a Honda F4i. Its sporty enough to be fun but comfortable and light. It should get great gas milage an be very reliable. My brother started with that bike and I really liked it for a commuter. It looks like a true sport bike but its kind of a crossover. It is more upright that a cbr so its more comfortable. Now if you want something truly special pick up a used Aprillia Tuono. Thats an awesome bike. Google it! Its a twin. You can get an older one for around 6 or 7 thousand. You wont just like that bike you will love it!
F4i is a great beginner bike. I've had about 5 of them. When I get better I'm gonna get a 1000. I would never commute on a bike though that's just asking for death.
just find a old neon if you want decent gas mileage. you can get 40 mpg or so in a 97 neon.... and if you get whacked, atleast you got something around you.
This is a good thread. I'm in the same boat about a bike. I was stuck on a Yamaha V-max but unless I find a good used one ($12k new) it's not dooable. V-rod's out too, as they have the Harley tax. Not many dealers around here sell anything other than sport bikes or cruisers. That Ducati looks awesome! The Triumph Speed triple is a good looking bike as well that more suits my riding position/style.
I know where you can get one of these for 4,500 bucks. 2007 w/ 1,300 miles on it. Great starter bike and who cares if you drop it a few times. Can't lose much money on it either.
The Ducati Monsters are nice. I think they are in the 600cc range, which is a lot smarter then a liter bike if you are just starting out.
For commuting purposes, if you are on anything but surface streets, the 250 Jeff recommended will be more worries then it is worth. Don't they top out at like 70?
The 2008 Kawasaki 250's only weigh 333lbs and I'm a pretty small guy. They top out around 110 now, but the big draw to them is up to 70mpg (while most 500cc+ are < 50mpg). I do like the sportbike look, though, but I think I'm kinda leaning towards something low cc like the 250 because it's so cheap and also to keep me away from trying to make it faster which is a big crutch of mine (which no amount of money will make it perform anywhere near a 600). I figure if I really get into bikes then I'll eventually get something bigger, but for a gas mileage easy to control bike that a 250 might be a pretty good choice. A used 06 or 07 can be found for $2000 and a new 08 is $3500.
I'm gonna do the MSF course to see how I like it then go from there. Hopefully I won't be bit by the speed bug as I'd like to keep most my spending to cars only.
I'd get a R6 or a GSXR-600 <---even though everyone has them. Good Starters and quick enough where you won't want bigger right away. Unless you're me. I had a 93 gsxr-600 used for my starter. Then stepped it up to the 750 new in 02'. Now I want the 1000
I would never commute on a bike though that's just asking for death.
