I'm-buying-soon questions

[Al]

So I have my license now and I am looking to get a bike very soon, but I have a few questions...

Right now, I am looking at cruisers and some of those sport/ dual purpose bikes:

Ones I've Checked out
Kawasaki Versus
Suzuki Vstrom
Harley Sportster
Honda Rebel (low budget option)

Have not checked out yet but intend to:
Suzuki SV650 (naked version)
Yamaha FZ6
Honda Shadow
Buell Lighting & Ulyses
Buell Blast

As you can see with these bikes, I do not want to be crouched over the tank.

If you have any input ideas, feel free to state them.


ALSO...
I am looking for gear and accesories. Where is the best place to buy gear and are there aftermarket places where I can buy items like hard saddle bags for less than the dealership?


Soon, very soon...I will buy my bike.

[946speedz]

check newenough.com for gear and ridegear.com has a closeout sale right now, im sure you can find some bags pretty cheap......
no offense i would stay away from harley(buell) i really like the vstrom, but the yami FZ6 has a pretty big following and you would have a good chance finding goodies for it.....good luck with what you choose dude, keep us informed

[Breecher_7]

Out of those bikes you listed id go for the Suzuki SV650.

[Al]

Quick question:

Could I be able to get out of paying a "freight and setup fee"? Seems some dealerships want to charge extra.

[Al]

I'm spending so much on fuel lately that I am thinking about just buying a used Rebel. I think I should be able to pick up a 1 or 2 year old model for about $2,000. Either that or something else around 2k.

I'm thinking of it this way:
I am spending about 70-100$/week on fuel, if I buy the bike and ride it %75 of the time, I will spend about $30/week on fuel. In other words, it will pay for itself before the summer is over.

I was kinda moved towards a rebel after I saw a group of about 10 Rebels here in Milwaukee a few days ago. Them people looked as if rebels. I'm a rebel...kinda.

[440mopargirl]

online there's brockton cycle and motorcycle superstore, then there's renegade leather in new berlin that has helmets, boots, jackets & stuff

[Al]

online there's brockton cycle and motorcycle superstore, then there's renegade leather in new berlin that has helmets, boots, jackets & stuff

Thanks.

I've been wanting to take a sportster out for a spin lately, but I need to get a helmet first.

[Al]

I'm picking up my bike today!

[pOrk]

So what did you get?

For gear, check out Scorpion Helmets at ride. Cheap and great quality for what you pay. If you want the best, go with Arai. For jackets, I prefer Aplinestar. Best Find a jacket that you like and find the size, then contact AJ at Endless Performance he will most likely be able to get you the best price.

[Al]

07 HD XL883L Sporster in Blue.

I am buying it from Jamie's Customs in Big Bend. It has 180 miles on it, 10 of which I put on it during my test ride. I am very surprised that the only bikes anyone will allow you to test ride are Harleys. You cannot even go into a Honda dealership and test ride a used Rebel. my logic became simple during purchase: without a test ride, I won't buy it.

I have been looking at that Scorpion helmet with the internal visor. I wasn't very interested in them till I figured out how to put my glasses on with the helmet already on. As for a jacket, I know my leather coat won't do the trick, so I'll buy something soon.

[Josepy]

07 HD XL883L Sporster in Blue.

I am buying it from Jamie's Customs in Big Bend. It has 180 miles on it, 10 of which I put on it during my test ride. I am very surprised that the only bikes anyone will allow you to test ride are Harleys. You cannot even go into a Honda dealership and test ride a used Rebel. my logic became simple during purchase: without a test ride, I won't buy it.

I have been looking at that Scorpion helmet with the internal visor. I wasn't very interested in them till I figured out how to put my glasses on with the helmet already on. As for a jacket, I know my leather coat won't do the trick, so I'll buy something soon.

I think the 883 will get old on you fast. Go with the Harley Nightster.

[juicedimpss]

I think the 883 will get old on you fast. Go with the Harley Nightster.

a 1200 top end is an easy upgrade.

[Yooformula]

isnt Al like 100lbs dripping wet? Is this your first bike? I would doubt he would get bored on an 883.

[juicedimpss]

isnt Al like 100lbs dripping wet? Is this your first bike? I would doubt he would get bored on an 883.

eh,its still only about 45 hp

[-stew-]

I think the 883 will get old on you fast. Go with the Harley Nightster.

That and break down is the only this that a HD will ever do fast...

[Al]

a 1200 top end is an easy upgrade.

I thought about that when I made my decision.

So far, I managed to make a 16 mile drive home into a 60 mile ride. i really don't know how that happened.

I also bought a Scorpion EXO1000 helmet.

That and break down is the only this that a HD will ever do fast...

Mabey in the 70s, but I know enough people with 30k+ mile bikes that never had trouble.

[Al]

Anyone know where I can get a deal on a windshield for this?

[Al]

That and break down is the only this that a HD will ever do fast...

21,000 mile update!

I've owned this bike since July 3 of 08 and it now has 21,000 miles on it.

I've loved every minute on it with a few exceptions (potholes, bad drivers, lights that don't change, bees...)

When I add it all up, 21k equals about 100 miles per good riding day.

BTW- only issue with the bike is that I knocked the kick stand spring off 4 times. I call it a good record. All it really needs is the rear tire to be replaced (original).

[JaMichaels]

Shheeesh.. That's a lot of riding! Good for you man, I have the 09 Iron 883 and i've only got 1000m on it since March when I purchased it. Did you do any upgrades? Did you get the windshield? (I can't stand the way they look)

Honestly, I can't wait to already trade mine in for the NightRod (Or equivelant in the 2010 season).

[Al]

My bike has another 1000 miles on it since that post.

Buying a bike was probably one of the best things I have done lately.