Greetings, Requesting aid with buying new motorbike

Joshmartin

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Feb 3, 2016
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Hello,
I am a 33 male residing in Sacramento, CA. I plan to buy a motorcycle.
This will be my first motorcycle and I have zero or negative knowledge on the topic. Additionally, my interest arises purely from lack of gas money. I drive about 150 miles for work daily (minimum wage with paid mileage).

I found lawn mowers, dirt bikes etc on Craigslist. After reading the "How to buy a used motorcycle" guides, I understand that cruiser type bikes are for traveling and sports are meant for track. However, I am still lost. As purchasing a vehicle is a big decision, I opted for further research.

I will attend the written exam within a month, am looking to spend around $5,000, and I can spare approximately 6 months to shop for a bike. I understand that bike-gear is required to ride a motor-bike and I plan to purchase it from a bike-gear shop.

I am positive there are many questions and issues I have not addressed yet.

Thanks for your time,
 
Umm, this site is primarily for motorized bicycles. I think there are a few guys here that own motorcycles as well. I have looked into it a bit and would like to purchase one in the future myself after my next high speed motorized bicycle. The adage for motorcycles is that you start small and work your way up. Also, you can use sport bike for daily commutes. There is a difference between sport and super sport, which will probably be not ideal for a daily commute. My thoughts for your $5K budget, commute, and lack of experience is to buy a motorcycle in the 300cc range. There are a number of bikes available in the 300cc range. I personally really like the look and reviews for the Yamaha R3. Also, your lack of experience is kinda iffy to me. It seems like you need to take lessons or get someone to teach you. You don't want to drop your bike accidentally or endanger others. Maybe others can provide insight in this. And, you also might want to look at other online forums for further help. I hope that helps.
 
Thanks,
I read up on Yamaha R3, it is in my price range. I will also re-post on motor cycle forums.
 
NP. my idea is to build a 125cc manual (4up, 1down) motorized bike, which will be a slightly less power to the 125cc Honda Grom - but at a fraction of the price. In Wisconsin, a 125cc motorized bicycle is considered a moped so I can learn on that before thinking about a 300cc motorcycle. The other thing for you might consider is a 125cc motorcycle; they are light and fit real well for city streets (no highway) riders or for beginners. I am not sure if this will fit into your commute requirements but it is a good way to learn without the big cost investment and provide a good learning buffer.
 
I ride a 40hp KTM 125 2 stroke on the street. 140 kph (87mph) top speed as pictured and over 250 mile range with the oversize tanks.
Note the street style tires and small rear sprocket and extra fuel tanks pictured below.
25464_371305100802_4936935_n.jpg

I am the smallest displacement bike in the group, but certainly not the slowest.
25464_371305075802_2896505_n.jpg

2strokes are not for everybody. I like the light weight and snappy power. You do have to know how to tune.
166685_10150135072235803_4654093_n.jpg

Change the tire and sprocket and you can run with a completely different crowd.
25464_371300870802_1038447_n.jpg

I actually own a 300 and 380 KTM bikes as well, but the 125 is my favourite. The 300 is crazy powerful and I think the 380 is illegal. Or should be.
Below is my featherweight 300 and my lightweight Blaster with a nearly 50hp KTM 250 engine in it.
229206_10150236712600803_5649659_n.jpg

Yeah, I love bikes. Have street bikes as well, but these are my loves.

I'd suggest light and simple for a first bike. Single cylinder is easiest to work on.
This is my daughter on her first street bike, a Ninja 250.
10419398_10154559493480195_1908497422193465776_n.jpg


I have larger bikes also. Complicated, hard on fuel. Powerful, but not fun unless over 100mph.
Small easy to maintain bikes are a lot of fun, especially dual purpose off-road capable bikes.

Steve
 
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