OT: suggestions on a bike?
- Thread starter jsl6v8
- Start date
I appreciate your critizism, if nothing else it will teach me to be very careful, I've looked at the shadow a couple of times and I just think they are ugly is my problem with them, just like I would never by a 93 volvo stationwagon no matter how safe they are. Do you have any suggestions other than the shadow something I might find more to my liking, as it currently goes I've been looking at suzuki Gsx 600 and Honda CBR 600s along with the Ninja, not looking for anything over a 600. But what it sounds like to me your main critizism on the sportbikes is people who do too much to soon and are just being idiots, a lack of will power and knowledge.
smellfishy
New member
I have owed both the cbr and the ninja depending on how old of a bike your looking at it may com down to your personal preference on the ascetics. If you can see each one and sit on them find out which one feels comfortable to you as they all have slightly different ridding positions. I am not trying to start a brand argument here but I can say from my own experience the Honda's that I have owned have been the most reliable.
dugg
New member
It's really not about being idiots so much as just raw power. When you get on one you will see what i mean. They are not made to go slow. It really is impossible to imagine the amount of accelleration these things have (even a 600) until you get on it, and it is so so easy to goose it just a bit too much and wind up in serious trouble faster than you can blink.
Not trying to critisize you in any way, just a few of your comments tell me that you have zero experience on a bike, and i don't want to see you get hurt. Like i said earlier, i physicaly took the keys from my 20 year old son when he rolled up on the 1200. He was not a happy camper believe me, and he is twice my size lol. I would have poured cement in the crankcase before i let him leave my yard on that thing. He understood though when we were riding together in the Ocala forest a short time later, and rode up on 3 dead bodies laying all over the road. The 2 in front slowed for a curve, and the guy in back took everybody out from behind. All a helmet does for you in a motorcycle wreck, is give your family something to bury maybe.
Not trying to critisize you in any way, just a few of your comments tell me that you have zero experience on a bike, and i don't want to see you get hurt. Like i said earlier, i physicaly took the keys from my 20 year old son when he rolled up on the 1200. He was not a happy camper believe me, and he is twice my size lol. I would have poured cement in the crankcase before i let him leave my yard on that thing. He understood though when we were riding together in the Ocala forest a short time later, and rode up on 3 dead bodies laying all over the road. The 2 in front slowed for a curve, and the guy in back took everybody out from behind. All a helmet does for you in a motorcycle wreck, is give your family something to bury maybe.
Had my first day of motor cycle class doing 2 8 hour days so I'm pretty sore today and tomorrow will be even more. So far really enjoying it the bikes they have are kinda crappy and I'm having some issues with a smooth acceleration, not really jumping the gun so much as loosing speed to quickly, due to being new to the bike but other than that its going pretty well. Kinda pumped for tomorrow.
Any suggestions for good brands of models of helmet jackets and gloves. Also I heard about a helmet that connects wirelessly to the brakes on the bike and has leds on the back of the helmet that are lit up and basically work like break lights, was wondering if anyone know what helmet this is
Any suggestions for good brands of models of helmet jackets and gloves. Also I heard about a helmet that connects wirelessly to the brakes on the bike and has leds on the back of the helmet that are lit up and basically work like break lights, was wondering if anyone know what helmet this is
jccash
New member
I took a motocycle driving class at SCC. My first bike was a used Honda Goldwing (1200cc, 1986). A few years ago I gave it away and bought a used Harley Davidison Ultra Classic. Here is some pictures from a trip I made to the Blue Ridge and to Rolling Thunder in DC last May.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffcameron/sets/72157600332803652/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffcameron/sets/72157600332803652/
I'm finding lots of great bikes on cycletraders but they are all up in deland, and with my limitied 10 hour parking lot experience I don't think I'm quite ready for the highway just yet. Finding next to nothing in the orlando area unfortunately. Why would you get a black or silver bike, might as well put up a please hit me sign on your back for the motorists, yeah sure they look cool but I would rather stand out.
Anyway, I loved my motorcycle class took it up at a place in Amazon villages up on 50, the people are great and said if I want when I get a bike call them they'll let me retake the class if they have an open spot on my bike, that way I can learn my bike more, but the class was great a lot of techniques, was kinda surprised they didn't tell you how to lay a bike down in the case that you had too.
Anyway, I loved my motorcycle class took it up at a place in Amazon villages up on 50, the people are great and said if I want when I get a bike call them they'll let me retake the class if they have an open spot on my bike, that way I can learn my bike more, but the class was great a lot of techniques, was kinda surprised they didn't tell you how to lay a bike down in the case that you had too.
dugg
New member
It doesn't matter what color the bike is for visibility lol. The best defense to be sure people see you is loud pipes, and just assume that NOBODY sees you right up front.
You're not supposed to lay it down lol. If you are ever going down, and you know it's no use, jump, tuck, and roll or slide, but get as far away from and behind the bike as you can. Don't try and be the hero and save it lol. The bike will hurt you worse then the road will if you don't get away from it. A little road rash beats severed limbs every time.
Glad you enjoyed the class. I bought a few bikes down on hwy 50. Not sure where you are on 50, but i believe it was called performance honda. It was on 50 about probly 5 miles west of hwy 27. They had a real nice selection of used bikes of every brand and type.
Strange question, how much bargaining power do you have on a new bike, I'm looking at the yamaha FZ6, I understand it to be one of the more tame 600s and its also by far the cheapest insurance, haven't decided if I like the 08 or 07 blue better. Its a list price of 6900 and I've seen some dealers on cycletraders advertising as low as 5900 for a new one, can I realistically expect the dealer to match that? Also do they not do test drives on motorcycles like they do cars? I haven't asked but none of the dealers I've been to have suggested it or offered nor have I seen other people looking ask to either, and I don't want to violate protocal and bring attention to the fact that I have no clue what I'm doing lol.
dugg
New member
First off, insurance isn't needed for a bike in Florida unless you owe more than $10,000 on it. Motorcycle insurance doesn't pay squat if you do total it, and it doesn't cover any medical bills either. If you are going to insure it, make sure you check on the specific model before you buy. I know for my son to insure my zrx1200r, was going to cost him over $250 a month. Even for me they wanted like $1200 a year, and i'm 41 with a perfect driving record. Some bikes, they just would rather not write a policy on. My 750 shadow was only $125 a year, but I don't keep insurance on my bikes so it's free 
.
Second, there is little to no bargaining room at most dealers. You might get a few hundred dollars off, or maybe a helmet and a few accessories, but they don't give much as a rule.
Third, NO TEST DRIVES. I think Harley will let you test drive at some dealers, but none of the others will. Too many people wreck thier shiney new bike in the dealers driveway lol. They can't take the chance of you laying it down and then deciding you don't want it or can't get financed. They also don't take returns, so make sure that's the one you want before you buy it.
Even a private seller won't let you test drive if he has working brain cells. I know i have never let anyone test drive one i was selling. One small lay down can total a bike.
. Second, there is little to no bargaining room at most dealers. You might get a few hundred dollars off, or maybe a helmet and a few accessories, but they don't give much as a rule.
Third, NO TEST DRIVES. I think Harley will let you test drive at some dealers, but none of the others will. Too many people wreck thier shiney new bike in the dealers driveway lol. They can't take the chance of you laying it down and then deciding you don't want it or can't get financed. They also don't take returns, so make sure that's the one you want before you buy it.
Even a private seller won't let you test drive if he has working brain cells. I know i have never let anyone test drive one i was selling. One small lay down can total a bike.
I started about like you back in June. Did a lot of research on the web. Always wanted a cruiser but didn't really like the way most looked in my price range. I went to a few dealerships looking and sitting on different bikes and secided on Suzuki GS500F. Looks like the rest of the sport bikes, but you sit a little more upright. The power is great for learning to ride on and gives you plenty of power if you need to get out of the way. I took the class, two weeks after buying the bike and ride almost every day to work.
Here are a couple forums with a lot of great info and people.
http://www.tampasportbikes.com/index.php?page=home
http://www.twowheelforum.com/
http://www.cflriders.com/
Here are a couple forums with a lot of great info and people.
http://www.tampasportbikes.com/index.php?page=home
http://www.twowheelforum.com/
http://www.cflriders.com/
Fuzzy
New member
Personally - I keep full coverage insurance on all my bikes. I had a bump & run with a Pre-Citizen about a year ago. My bike was an '04 Suzuki Intruder that we paid $8K for. The damage was just shy of $2k - Progressive paid all but my $100 deductible. If memory serves my policy cost about $600 per year.
Granted I'm a wee bit older than you - so your price will probably be a lot higher.
Also - don't be afraid to dicker with the sales man. We got them to knock off almost $900 when we bought the Suzuki. And I got close to $3K off on my new Harley Electra Glide. Granted it was at the end of August and the new 08's had just come out. So they were motivated to sell.
On the other hand - we paid full ticket for my wife's Deluxe - mostly because it was the 1st new '07 in the dealership and she thought it's pretty.......
But I did talk them into giving me the full purchase price back on her Sportster when we traded it in.......
Good luck and have fun with whatever you choose!!
Just remember to ride safe!
Granted I'm a wee bit older than you - so your price will probably be a lot higher.
Also - don't be afraid to dicker with the sales man. We got them to knock off almost $900 when we bought the Suzuki. And I got close to $3K off on my new Harley Electra Glide. Granted it was at the end of August and the new 08's had just come out. So they were motivated to sell.
On the other hand - we paid full ticket for my wife's Deluxe - mostly because it was the 1st new '07 in the dealership and she thought it's pretty.......
But I did talk them into giving me the full purchase price back on her Sportster when we traded it in.......
Good luck and have fun with whatever you choose!!
Just remember to ride safe!
oo fun lots of stuff to reply too, on the insurance thing I know you don't have to have insurance on bikes in florida but between are massive amounts of uninsured drivers, bikes being stolen readily, and the fact that you do infact need insurance, only if you end up in a wreck that or they make you put up a $30000 bond, I'd rather just go ahead and get full coverage on my bike, I'm going to drop the medical as I carry other medical that will cover it. I was looking at the R6, to much bike for me I know but I thought it was beautiful, and insurance cost more than the monthly payments on the bike, and I have a clean driving record. The FZ6 is actually the cheapest insurance as I thought I mentioned being under 100 a month, still ridiculious if you ask me but whatever. I've been around sitting on bikes and I like the FZ6 after checking consumer reviews ppl seem to love it that coupled with me seeing absolutely none used for sale, I'm assuming its because either 1 ppl totalled them all or people just love them. I'm seeing a dealership in florida advertising online pricing for 5800 on the 07 yamaha FZ6, I doubt the dealership here will match it but hopefully I can drop them down a handful of hundred and maybe get a helmet out of it. Will see tomorrow I guess.
I guess the test drive thing makes sense but its kinda crappy, spend all that money and you don't get to see if it feels right on you even.
ok some safety gear I'm looking at PLEASE say something if you think its crap or not as safe as it could/should be, I'm willing to spend a pretty penny.
helmet- scorpion EXO-700 raider blue
http://www.helmetshop.com/itemMatrix.asp?GroupCode=700_RAIDER_BLU&eq=&MatrixType=1
jacket-cortech GX air w/leather blue also looking at the air intake model, this is the one item I'm really not sure about, having a tough time deciding with the jackets.
http://www.helmetshop.com/itemMatrix.asp?GroupCode=GXAIRJKTBLU&eq=&MatrixType=1
and the First Gear L mesh jacket blue
http://www.helmetshop.com/itemMatrix.asp?GroupCode=LT_MESH_TEX_BLU&eq=&MatrixType=1
gloves-Joe rocket phoenix 3.0 glove or the Scorpion cool hand glove
http://www.helmetshop.com/itemMatrix.asp?GroupCode=PHNIX-3-GLV_BU1&eq=&MatrixType=1
http://www.helmetshop.com/itemMatrix.asp?GroupCode=COOLHANDBLU&eq=&MatrixType=1
Once again, loving all your thoughts, and critiques I really do appreciate it. Also are their any motorcycle gear shops in east orlando, I've only been able to find one place up on 50 kinda near rooms to go, I know the dealerships have some stuff but I can always feel the sales ppl breathing down my neck and it freaks me out.
I guess the test drive thing makes sense but its kinda crappy, spend all that money and you don't get to see if it feels right on you even.
ok some safety gear I'm looking at PLEASE say something if you think its crap or not as safe as it could/should be, I'm willing to spend a pretty penny.
helmet- scorpion EXO-700 raider blue
http://www.helmetshop.com/itemMatrix.asp?GroupCode=700_RAIDER_BLU&eq=&MatrixType=1
jacket-cortech GX air w/leather blue also looking at the air intake model, this is the one item I'm really not sure about, having a tough time deciding with the jackets.
http://www.helmetshop.com/itemMatrix.asp?GroupCode=GXAIRJKTBLU&eq=&MatrixType=1
and the First Gear L mesh jacket blue
http://www.helmetshop.com/itemMatrix.asp?GroupCode=LT_MESH_TEX_BLU&eq=&MatrixType=1
gloves-Joe rocket phoenix 3.0 glove or the Scorpion cool hand glove
http://www.helmetshop.com/itemMatrix.asp?GroupCode=PHNIX-3-GLV_BU1&eq=&MatrixType=1
http://www.helmetshop.com/itemMatrix.asp?GroupCode=COOLHANDBLU&eq=&MatrixType=1
Once again, loving all your thoughts, and critiques I really do appreciate it. Also are their any motorcycle gear shops in east orlando, I've only been able to find one place up on 50 kinda near rooms to go, I know the dealerships have some stuff but I can always feel the sales ppl breathing down my neck and it freaks me out.
dugg
New member
"and the fact that you do infact need insurance, only if you end up in a wreck that or they make you put up a $30000 bond, "
Never heard anything about this before. Just another reason not to wreck for me i guess. There is no medical to drop from what my insurance told me. I was told that no insurance in Florida will cover medical on a motorcycle.
The helmet, I personally preferr the ones that the full face lifts up rather than just the shield. It makes it much easire to get a drink, smoke, talk, and eat while wearing a helmet. Be sure you buy all shades of shields for it. A light one offers no sun protection, but too dark, and you will be riding home blind in the dark. I keep extras under my seat. ( you won't have the under the seat option) That is one of the best things about my ZRX lol. It has room for lunch for 3 people under the seat.
The jacket: just make sure what you get fits fairly snug. Loose clothes become kites on the road. Leather will keep you warm on the cold nights. (60* is cold on a bike after dark). Get too fancy with it, and you will have to carry it with you everywhere or it will get stolen quick. The same goes with the gloves, snug fit, and simple.
Also invest in a magnetic tank bag. They are the best thing since sliced bread. You can pick one up for around $30 to $40. I believe mine is a Cortech brand, but not sure. Make sure your bike has a metal tank first though. I know my nieghbor has a Honda 600rr and the tank is plastic.
Never heard anything about this before. Just another reason not to wreck for me i guess. There is no medical to drop from what my insurance told me. I was told that no insurance in Florida will cover medical on a motorcycle.
The helmet, I personally preferr the ones that the full face lifts up rather than just the shield. It makes it much easire to get a drink, smoke, talk, and eat while wearing a helmet. Be sure you buy all shades of shields for it. A light one offers no sun protection, but too dark, and you will be riding home blind in the dark. I keep extras under my seat. ( you won't have the under the seat option) That is one of the best things about my ZRX lol. It has room for lunch for 3 people under the seat.
The jacket: just make sure what you get fits fairly snug. Loose clothes become kites on the road. Leather will keep you warm on the cold nights. (60* is cold on a bike after dark). Get too fancy with it, and you will have to carry it with you everywhere or it will get stolen quick. The same goes with the gloves, snug fit, and simple.
Also invest in a magnetic tank bag. They are the best thing since sliced bread. You can pick one up for around $30 to $40. I believe mine is a Cortech brand, but not sure. Make sure your bike has a metal tank first though. I know my nieghbor has a Honda 600rr and the tank is plastic.
yeah I had motorcycle class last sunday and it was low 40s in the morning was in my friends mesh jacket. Its a bit chilly at that temp, but I'm from up north so it wasn't to bad, let me tell you much colder and I don't think I could do it.
Not sure who your insurance is through but they are wrong
USAA who works through progressive offers medical, I belive that geico does too but their rates are NUTS on motorcycles.
uninsured motorist insurance is the real .... expense, in insurance it seems, to bad Orlando grows closer to Miami everyday otherwise I wouldn't get it.
Not sure who your insurance is through but they are wrong
USAA who works through progressive offers medical, I belive that geico does too but their rates are NUTS on motorcycles.uninsured motorist insurance is the real .... expense, in insurance it seems, to bad Orlando grows closer to Miami everyday otherwise I wouldn't get it.
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