[2wheelr]

I've been checking the classifieds for bikes. As a beginner, I'd like to spend around $2k or less for my first bike--is this realistic for something decent? (As a reference point, I spent about $2500 for my car, a well-kept '91 integra, which I have been satisfied with). It seems, however, that most bikes in this price range are from the 1980's. This would be old for a car but is it the same for a motorcycle? Also, I would expect a car from that vintage to have at least 100K miles but these bikes are arund 20K-30K miles--any guidance for this?

I think something like a nighthawk would serve me well. also any advice about chain versus shaft-drive?

thanks

 

[bumblebee]

If you don't know much about motorcycles, find someone in your area you can trust who does and have them check the bikes out...I believe GasMan posted a pretty good thread with a check list for buying a used bike...Take your MSF course...so you won't hurt yourself right away.

As far as chain Vs belt...For the higher torque lower red line engines like Harleys or your night Hawk, A belt works pretty well...I belive the bikes in the Night Hawk class were shaft drive? My Sturgis Model HD had a dual belt drive and I had no problems with it. For the higher Rev motors like sportbikes with their 14K + redlines, you need a chain to harness that power. The best advice I can offer is to read, read, read everything you can get your hands on about motorcycles and then read some more. Stop by your local dealers and bike hangouts and learn all you can... :luck: :dthumb: :welcome:

Motorcycles are a life long addiction...Don't rush, take your time and you will find the right bike...

 

[R1up0n1]

:iagree: with bee., also my older bro had a 83 nighthawk. It was a shaft driven bike. It was really smooth!, but it wasn't all that fast, it was very heavy and it was very top heavy.
My dad's 95 suzuki intruder 800 is also shaft driven, once again very smooth and that one is pretty quick, but not my style. I like the chain driven for all the redline power.

 

[Bandit 6S]

I rode an 800 Intruder over the weekend. Definately not a high speed machine but real smooth for just crusing. Friend paid 3 grand for it with 7500 miles on it and it looks like new. Nice part about a shaft is low maintenance and no mess.

 

[johnjohn478]

I drive an 1988 CBR 600, I started out on dirtbikes and then my parents bought me this. I love it, it has plenty of power...I mean its nothing incredible but I really enjoy it. You can get one with a good paint job and runs well for like 1700-2000 dollars. I payed 800 for mine, but it needed painting and now Im gonna spend 750 to get it painted.

Edit: mine has 25k miles on it, but I have seen ones in the price range that I payed with less. If you are interested in one, there is one on ebay right now I believe.

 

[R1up0n1]

:welcome: johnjohn478 :twfrox: so stick around you will like it here :dthumb: :cheers:

 

[johnjohn478]

Thanks! Hopefully I can get some good advice from you guys, Im new to riding and can use all the advice I can get.

 

[DLIT]

Thanks! Hopefully I can get some good advice from you guys, Im new to riding and can use all the advice I can get.

The beginner section is full of useful stuff so check there first. Or you can start a new thread to raise your post count which will lead to everyone else raising their's, so it's a win win.

 

[bumblebee]

Thanks! Hopefully I can get some good advice from you guys, Im new to riding and can use all the advice I can get.

Tell us some more about yourself...Where do you live?? TWF is spreading out across the nation, there may be someone near you who can help you out... :welcome: :twfrox: :cheers:

 

[johnjohn478]

Im in Marietta Ga. Its just north of Atlanta.

 

[2wheelr]

Nice part about a shaft is low maintenance and no mess.[/QUOTE]

Everybody thanks for the advice. This is interesting, I guess with a chain there is breakage and tightening. Maybe the shaft drive is lower maintenance but probably more expensive to fix--does this sound right?

I'll check out that buying faq. I think I may go to a dealer so I can actually try out a bunch of motorcycles, but probably cheaper via classifieds.

BTW I have taken the MSF course.