I have never owned a street bike, although I've ridden a few dirt bikes in the past.
I have a 20 minute-half hour commute along a 2-lane highway (there's a 9 mile stretch that's 55mph but most of it is within city limits therefore 30mph) and with the Cruiser's gas now costing $250+/month just for the commute I've decided to get a motorcycle. My route home happens right at rush hour, and there's always congestion... but there's a motorcycle lane that's nearly empty all the time.
I'd just be using it strictly for the commute at first, more if I like it. For the time-being, having an electric start doesn't matter to me. As far as securing the bike, that's not an issue as I can garage it at home and keep it in the secure compound at work. As I have a locker at work, I can keep a dry change of clothes there for when the sky opens up mid-ride.
As I don't yet have a motorcycle endorsement for my license, no passengers. I woudn't plan on carrying passengers anyway, since this is strictly for the commute. At present I'm only considering the summer/spring/autumn for the bike, but as it seldom freezes here, all-year riding isn't out of the question. Headlights aren't mandatory here, but I would need to retrofit one on whatever I buy (if not already equipped) because my morning commute is in the dark except from May-October. The highway I ride to work may be restricted to new motorcyclists (I need to investigate that), but even if it is, there's a (30mph but infinitely more scenic) county road that runs parallel the whole way and would only add a few more minutes to the ride... I don't mind if that's the case.
I'm hoping to keep under $1500, and I found a few local options.
My plan is to ride this bike for a few months and then "graduate" to a 60s-era Triumph when experience and finances allow, because I've always wanted one. For the "right now", I want something economical, easy to maintain, safe for a novice rider, and not entirely uncomfortable. BTW, I'm 6' 180lbs. Before anyone starts screaming "underpowered", keep in mind I'll be doing city driving for all but 18 miles a day.
One option is a street/dirt bike I could take on trails if I wanted to, although this isn't a necessity...
Any of you guys have any advice on which one would be best for me? I know these are "apples and oranges" bikes here, so forgive my newbie "naivete".
1) 1967 Kawasaki G4TR 100cc with full road lights:
2) 1982 Honda 450:
3) 1990 Kawasaki KLR 250:
4) 1983 Suzuki (RM?)125 dirt bike (would need to retro-fit road lights). Cheap at $500:
5) 1977 Kawasaki KZ650 Custom (needs some minor finishing to qualify for collector plates):
6) 1979 Suzuki GS550 with some mods:
7) 1972 Yamaha CT-2 (would need road lights installed):
8) 1981 Yamaha 250XT (with lights):
I'm leaning toward 1, 6, and 8, but I'm very interested to hear your learned opinions... I'll even consider them
I have a 20 minute-half hour commute along a 2-lane highway (there's a 9 mile stretch that's 55mph but most of it is within city limits therefore 30mph) and with the Cruiser's gas now costing $250+/month just for the commute I've decided to get a motorcycle. My route home happens right at rush hour, and there's always congestion... but there's a motorcycle lane that's nearly empty all the time.
I'd just be using it strictly for the commute at first, more if I like it. For the time-being, having an electric start doesn't matter to me. As far as securing the bike, that's not an issue as I can garage it at home and keep it in the secure compound at work. As I have a locker at work, I can keep a dry change of clothes there for when the sky opens up mid-ride.
As I don't yet have a motorcycle endorsement for my license, no passengers. I woudn't plan on carrying passengers anyway, since this is strictly for the commute. At present I'm only considering the summer/spring/autumn for the bike, but as it seldom freezes here, all-year riding isn't out of the question. Headlights aren't mandatory here, but I would need to retrofit one on whatever I buy (if not already equipped) because my morning commute is in the dark except from May-October. The highway I ride to work may be restricted to new motorcyclists (I need to investigate that), but even if it is, there's a (30mph but infinitely more scenic) county road that runs parallel the whole way and would only add a few more minutes to the ride... I don't mind if that's the case.
I'm hoping to keep under $1500, and I found a few local options.
My plan is to ride this bike for a few months and then "graduate" to a 60s-era Triumph when experience and finances allow, because I've always wanted one. For the "right now", I want something economical, easy to maintain, safe for a novice rider, and not entirely uncomfortable. BTW, I'm 6' 180lbs. Before anyone starts screaming "underpowered", keep in mind I'll be doing city driving for all but 18 miles a day.
One option is a street/dirt bike I could take on trails if I wanted to, although this isn't a necessity...
Any of you guys have any advice on which one would be best for me? I know these are "apples and oranges" bikes here, so forgive my newbie "naivete".
1) 1967 Kawasaki G4TR 100cc with full road lights:
2) 1982 Honda 450:
3) 1990 Kawasaki KLR 250:
4) 1983 Suzuki (RM?)125 dirt bike (would need to retro-fit road lights). Cheap at $500:
5) 1977 Kawasaki KZ650 Custom (needs some minor finishing to qualify for collector plates):
6) 1979 Suzuki GS550 with some mods:
7) 1972 Yamaha CT-2 (would need road lights installed):
8) 1981 Yamaha 250XT (with lights):
I'm leaning toward 1, 6, and 8, but I'm very interested to hear your learned opinions... I'll even consider them
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). I'd want one anyway, because I like the increased visibility for both rider and other drivers. FWIW I couldn't ride at night for at least 30 days anyway.
