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Used Bike Buying Advice (not 1st bike)

Biking Bhikshu

Biking Bhikshu

Zen Novice
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Location
San Jose
Moto(s)
GSX-R 750 '03
Name
Forrest
I'll try to keep this brief so we can get straight to the goldmine that this site offers - BARFers opinions :rofl

I'm starting a new job on Monday and my only mode of transportation (sigh) is a 2001 Toyota Rav4 that is basically my family car (single dad of two small children). My thought is that I do not want to commute using the car my family relies on. Taking a motorcycle to work would be MUCH better, in so many ways. :ride

Bikes I've owned in order: '88 Ex500, '06 SV650s, '07 GSX-R 750
Only the SV650s was bought new, others were CL bought.

My thoughts have been that I'm not looking for a "commuter" bike because it is a relatively short (24 miles each way, against traffic) commute. With that in mind I've been looking at 600s, R6, GSX-R, etc. I've also been looking into the possibility of another SV650 or similar bike. Some of the bigger twins have looked interesting but I'm concerned they won't satisfy my need to take a bike into the twisties and possibly to the track. Price is also a concern. In a week I'll have $3500 for a bike which allows me to buy a 99'-04' (depending on what it is) or I can wait another two months (I hate waiting) and I'll have something like $5000-$5500 to spend which opens a lot of options.

Basically I would like some feedback from you all on the following points:

Get a good, clean, used bike for $3500 sooner or somehow try to push out my motorcycle withdrawal for another few months so I can get a newer ride? :|

Help with bike choice...I love the look and feel of race replicas...the GSX-R 750 has always been one of my favorites and I was very comfortable on it. That being said...should I try something different for my current needs or should I just get whatever bike makes me happy and screw practicality?:drool

Any input/opinions would be welcomed :thumbup
 
Biking Bhikshu said:
I'll try to keep this brief so we can get straight to the goldmine that this site offers - BARFers opinions :rofl

I'm starting a new job on Monday and my only mode of transportation (sigh) is a 2001 Toyota Rav4 that is basically my family car (single dad of two small children). My thought is that I do not want to commute using the car my family relies on. Taking a motorcycle to work would be MUCH better, in so many ways. :ride
Click to expand...

do they rely on you?

im all for getting a bike for commute.
 
For $3500, i'd look into an F4i.

For $5500, i'd look into a GSX-R 750 like you used to have.
 
Biking Bhikshu said:
...(single dad of two small children)... but I'm concerned they won't satisfy my need to take a bike into the twisties and possibly to the track...
Click to expand...

I'm not too good at saying things, so I'll just bust it out. When you say single Dad does that mean you are their only parent? Your kids are going to be your full time job for the next few years. Is getting a bike, all that important at this point? Get the kids a good start in life, later when they are 12 years old or so, you can get them started riding dirt bikes or go-karts but for now I would not be thinking about riding or track days. Sorry if I'm too harsh but you'll have your hands full with a new job and young kids. You'll have plenty of time to ride when the kids are older. Crap, now I sound like my Dad....
 
I appreciate the concern :twofinger but to clarify I'm single, and a dad, and I can't afford to put a lot of miles on the vehicle I use to haul my kids around (when I have them). My kids come first but they're not gonna stop me from enjoying life.

Back on topic...Stan I have kinda come to the same conclusion...have heard that F4i's are a very good value used but after watching online used bike markets for a few weeks it seems nothing over an '03 or so comes anywhere near that price point...Should I just keep waiting for a deal or is that typical pricing? I know that with summer winding down we are heading into a serious used bike buyers market.
 
I would look for an '01-02. The '03+ have that ugly banana seat.

Another option would be the 929/954. Fantastic bikes for the money!
 
kingmoochr said:
:Popcorn

For some reason, single father no longer surprises me...
Click to expand...

Haha nobody that knows my ex was surprised either :p
Anyway isn't the new abnormal thing to have kids AND be married? I'm just trying to fit in :laughing

Stan - Alright well there are a few F4i's out there so I just sent off some emails and I'll see what comes of it. Thanks for the real advice ;)
 
Buells are really cheap these days and ... (if I remember, since I was bike shopping a few months back) a decent one can be had for your $3.5K range. (They are discontinued though.)
 
Biking Bhikshu said:
I appreciate the concern :twofinger but to clarify I'm single, and a dad, and I can't afford to put a lot of miles on the vehicle I use to haul my kids around (when I have them). My kids come first but they're not gonna stop me from enjoying life.
Click to expand...


OK, I was thinking Mom wasn't around or able to take care of the kids. I'm sure you know that would be a greater responsibility. So yeah, get what ever that floats your boat but be careful out there, knock it down a notch, stay safe. Peace out.
 
That's one of the many reasons I never want kids, I never want to have to worry about them if anything happens to me. So I'll talk strictly from the bike perspective.

If its primary use will be commuting, get a decent commute bike. Lockable hard luggage is fantastic. You can get a standard like an SV650 or an EX650 or FZ6 in the $3500 range and have both a practical commutermobile and a fun twisties bike.

You don't want to risk your primary transportation at the track, so save up for a track bike and tow it there with your Rav. Or rent. Getting a race replica when you'll be commuting on it every day, and only 'possibly' going to the track, doesn't seem the most sensible option.

If you're just looking for an excuse to buy a cool shiny bike, buy a cool shiny bike and commute on the Rav. I honestly don't know where the 'family relies on' bit comes into it for taking the Rav to work - you're the only one driving in the family, aren't you?
 
Just look into the total cost of ownership and make sure that a GSXR is the right choice.. sure an SV650/650R/FZ6 is bland, but the insurance, maintenance, tires, fuel, etc is much cheaper than on an SS.

Around $4k you might be able to find an 05-06 636 which are nice too if not beat on. :)

You could probably buy a nice condition 05-up SV650S for around $3500.

Also consider some kind of luggage (even if it's for the gsxr), it will make commuting better.
 
Yeah I probably shouldve just said that I have a car I don't want to rack up miles on and left it at that...all this personal stuff is just coming out wrong and REALLY not the point...

Thanks... you guys are making me seriously consider softening my approach. I'll be a bit more openminded and try to find some good options as far as a sport tourer, etc. Still gonna look at some f4i's though.
 
its always more gratifying to have something "else" and get good enough at riding so you can embarrass the supersports with something that "shouldn't". vfr? r 1xxx rt-p (my next bike)?
 
With that budget you can find a superhawk and still have the money left over upgrade the front suspention. Only a good idea if you like wheelies, ripping out of corners in the twisties, and dont mind filling up every 100 miles or so.
 
stan23 said:
I would look for an '01-02. The '03+ have that ugly banana seat.
Click to expand...
I had an '03; the "ugly banana seats" started in '04. ;) (I think)

Hondas are comfy, forgiving, smooth, reliable, low-maintenace, etc... :thumbup

Hope you come out to play :ride more often, it's been 6+ years since I've seen ya!

:teeth
Yana:banana
 
Biking Bhikshu said:
Bikes I've owned in order: '88 Ex500, '06 SV650s, '07 GSX-R 750

My thoughts have been that I'm not looking for a "commuter" bike because it is a relatively short (24 miles each way, against traffic) commute.

I love the look and feel of race replicas...the GSX-R 750 has always been one of my favorites and I was very comfortable on it.
Click to expand...

Based on the above, get a literbike next and go from there.
 
Get a standard (FZ6, Monster, 599, SV650n, ER-6n/Ninja 650R) or a middle weight ST bike (VFR800, Ducati ST2/3, Triumph Sprint ST) All of these can be found for the price, are cheap to insure, cheap to put tires on, practical and lots of fun.
 
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