Thoughts on Motorcycles - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 08-01-2004, 10:47 PM

Well first please listen to my reasoning before you condemn it.
Reasons why to
1) BMW has been temperamental lately
2) I can insure the BMW for 600 dollars a year if I have a primary vehicle on another policy
3) Insurance for 1 year is 650 years on a bike vs 2800
4) Gas mileage 50mpg vs. 21mpg (I drive 85-150 miles a day)
5) Learn to ride a motorcycle
6) Repairs less expensive especially on a new bike
7) A new bike is 3k
Why not to
1) Safety (I'm not bothered as I will get training, but my parents went nuts)
2) Never rode a bike ( had never driven a stick at one point)

I’m looking at a base model Suzuki at the moment with a 249cc motor nothing special. I started off looking at sport bikes but they look very uncomfortable to ride. I did find the bikes I like I guess more of a touring bike (combination of sport style and shape but position of a cruiser) but the few I could find with are to expensive for me.
I value you guys opinions and hope we have a few bikers out there to shed some light for me.

#2 08-01-2004, 11:55 PM

I refuse to pay for something I will not own at the end of the payments. I have no need for cargo space or passengers as I drive alone and rarely have anything.
Also I don't want to get rid of the BMW and I can't store more cars or I would have 3 more BMW's
But I do understand your point on other drivers
BTW dont have the money to play with I plan on saving half and then getting a loan for the other half in another means of building up credit

moparmike · #3 08-02-2004, 12:20 AM

How much of that mileage is no stopping hiway travel? If its all city, get the bike I got, that is in my signature. It will get even higher mileage with someone under 295lbs.

And its the only v-twin in its class. It sucks on the highway though, as its really underpowered unless your interstates are perfectly flat. 85mph is all this bike will do, and its screaming like a banshee to do it. Unless you get a sportbike, like a Ninja 250, that is as fast as you will go.

Otherwise, get a Honda Shadow VLX 600.

And let NO ONE fool you: even a 50cc scooter can get you killed. Remember that when someone trys to talk you into a 1100cc uberdeathmongeringsportbikeofultimateperil rice burner.

koop · #4 08-02-2004, 02:11 AM

Don't do it.

If you have never ridden a bike before and your going to jump in and start riding 100 miles a day your going to get hurt. That's too much time on a bike for a novice. Odd's will catch up with you.

KenSilver · #5 08-02-2004, 07:48 AM

I've ridden for decades, at one time riding to work in the city for 5 years during all sorts of weather - from gales and torrential rain to black ice. Most times I rode a 650, though I had a couple of 1000cc BMW's for several years.

Rode fast with a lot of lane splitting (sort of legal here), and never had an accident or even a near miss, but it takes a long while to build up the skills to get to that point.

If you can find a way to train with low risk and get some good hours under your belt, then go for it... there's nothing more fun than a good fast bike on a sunny day.

But be reminded that many riders take a fall in the first 2 weeks of riding a new bike. Get past that stage and you're off to a good start. And because a fall is often just the start of some serious damage - like getting run over by a following car - remember to wear leather everywhere, and a helmet. You'll probably live to ride again!

But you need to have biking in your blood to acquire the skills. If you're just after a cheaper ride, you won't have the enthusiasm to keep learning.

Because learn you must... it is essential for survival. As a biker you need 100 times the native cunning and pyschic abilities of the average person so you can read the road and conditions around you.

Ken Silver
--------------
1999 Mercedes SLK, 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara, 1993 Mercedes SL500, 1991 Daimler (Vanden Plas). Finish detailing, then start all over again...

#6 08-02-2004, 09:05 AM

A few suggestions.............

If you are traveling that far everyday, get something a little bigger. You will find the comfort factor a plus. Less fatigue = fewer mistakes.

Make sure to take a MSF rider course: your dealer can give you the details.

If you have a chance, go off road riding with someone who knows about it. The skills you pick up there in less than perfect traction and surface condition will help you cope with our slippery, bumpy roads.

PS: Although it looks cool, no helmetless riding while a novice..

vwbuge · #7 08-02-2004, 09:36 AM

It went into great length in a post I made earlier and posted the same remarks that Jake did. I went to post a pic at the end and it erased my entire post....AAARRRGGGHHH!!!!!

crash9 · #8 08-02-2004, 03:12 PM

Been riding for 43 years, but it’s more a fun thing than great transportation. You can pick up a good used bike for $1,000 – ride it see if you like it, and if you don’t you’re not out much, and can then sell it for what you paid. Unless you don’t weigh much more than 125lb. don’t get a 250cc – 500-600’s are plentiful and a better choice.