Hi. I‘m 19 and it‘s time I found a vehicle. I‘m finally getting the money myself but I would like some opinions. I know how to ride a motorcycle and my type of bike is a cruiser like a Kawasaki.Anyways, I really don‘t have much information on bikes. How much do they last? What‘s an ideal year that would be decent. I‘m not really interested in whether it‘s a good choice I‘m well aware. But some information and opinions please! What is a good price and what should I look for in the bikes I look at.
Get a car for your first vehicle. While you can, and I have plenty of times, ride in just about all road conditions, it doesn't mean it is fun to do so. Riding in sub zero temps, windy and raining, hail? Snow? I have ridden in it all. Now mix being sick, tired from work, and then having to get on your bike and ride in that crap? It is just asking to get in an accident. Having the option to ride in all conditions, and having it be your only choice is a crappy choice. Get a car first, and then a bike when you can properly care for it. You can beat the tar out of cars and abuse them heavily before they become a problem. If you don't care for your bike, it will stop running quickly, and could be a major safety issue. If you are hell bent on a bike, I would suggest a 600-650 cruiser. Could probably get one for $1000-4000 depending on the year, condition, etc. Also take an MSF class. I know how to ride has probably been said by many of the people who were involved in fatal accidents. Contrary to popular belief, many fatal accidents could have been prevented with a little more attention being paid by the rider. (Yes, someone else probably made the situation worse, but an experienced rider knows how to read hazards so if you do get cut off, you should have at least been aware it could happen.)
My first vehicle was a Triumph Bonneville, road it solo from Colorado to Idaho when I was 16. Later I worked as a carpenter and carried my tools for a few years with a bike as my only transportation. At that time I was riding a 750 bmw, a Honda 500XL, a Kawasaki z900, and a Honda Turbo. I was all about motorcycles. It isn't the easy or cheap way to go. Weather is dangerous and can be extremely uncomfortable. Other drivers are a constant danger, and with cell phones even worse today. I'd say only do it if you are that guy and you just have to do it. Also cruisers suck. Dollar for dollar, pound for pound, cc for cc, there is no worse performing bike than an air cooled vtwin cruiser.
So a motorcycle for your first vehicle. I like your enthusiasm. I ride in all kinds of weather and that#x27;s what sets apart weekend warriors from a real rider. I hope you are skilled enough though and not biting off more than you can chew but a car would probably be a better choice but I know your gonna get what you want. Things to look for when buying a bike is Check oil, see if it is gritty at all or BLACK. If you get a water cooled bike also make sure its not milky brown. Check the brake rotors front and back and see if there are grooves cut in them. If there are grooves, more than likely the owner did not keep good maintenance on the bike as brakes are #1 priority. Check if the tires are wearing funny. Also if anyone at any time mentions how this bike will smoke the tire down the block or you can do wheelies all day on this thing or had her up to 180 the other day then PASS as the bike probably has been riden hard. Lastly ride the bike. Should shift and ride smooth.
