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SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> The Cafe >> Bike suggestions.... /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1282060086 Message started by babyhog on 08/17/10 at 08:48:06 |
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Title: Bike suggestions.... Post by babyhog on 08/17/10 at 08:48:06 Ok, so my 17 yr old step-son was gonna buy mikelhsr1982's Savage, but Mike decided to keep it (I don't blame him one bit!) So now we are looking at other options. Hubby thinks something that can be ridden street and dirt would be a better option. Haven't asked the step-son yet, he wasn't home last night when we were discussing it. But if the dual purpose route is more to his liking, does anyone have any suggestions? |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by bill67 on 08/17/10 at 09:06:41 My son had a dual purpose bike when he was in high school he never rode it much,My self I didn't like it at all riding off rode,has he every ridin off road,If he likes riding off road it would be ok I guess. |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by dinsdale on 08/17/10 at 09:31:46 KLR 650 KLX250 or DR650 or DRZ400 |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by Serowbot on 08/17/10 at 10:45:49 I had a Yamaha xt225 that I loved... It's been made for nearly 25 years, and it's bulletproof... 70+mpg, and top speed 70+mph... If he's looking for bigger, and he's over 6ft,... a used Suzuki dr350 is a good choice... they've changed it to a water-cooled 400cc now... Found an old pic... I'm posing at the place I crashed my Ninja... Too fast, and went airborne off that hill behind me... It hurt... :-?... http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2008%5C12%5C10%5Cbikepics-1506210-full.jpg |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by sjaskow on 08/17/10 at 10:49:18 Another possibility would be the Yamaha TW200. They're dual-purpose and reasonably peppy as long as you don't want to ride on the interstate. Yamaha says the new ones get 79! mpg: http://yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/10/home.aspx. I rode one when I took the OH BMC (Ohio's version of the MSF course) a couple of years ago and it was a hoot to ride. |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by babyhog on 08/17/10 at 10:55:15 As the mom, speed isn't MY goal. Bulletproof is good. He's only about 5'8, 5'9 maybe. 150 pounds, if that. Lean, strong kid. Those look like some great options. I just didn't really know where to start looking... well, except for here. So if we find one in rough shape, you guys can help us fix it without me joining some other forum... ;) |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by Boule’tard on 08/17/10 at 11:31:01 The Honda CRF230L is the slowest, most bulletproof dualsport there is! :D And there's an excellent forum just for that bike. DRs are also very good, and can be had cheap. |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by Wolfman on 08/17/10 at 12:51:27 KLRs are nice dependable bikes. The older KZ' 650s were pretty good to. My problem with dual sports is your going to have to decide if your going to do more street or trail and pick a tread type. Knobbies are good off road but are'nt so great on the street. Street tires make a better ride but suck off road. I lived out west and did a lot of gravel and off road exploreing id consider one. Around here ill either go street bike or off road dirt bike. You might want to see what HIS wants are. Then eyeball craigslist. There's some REALLY GOOD DEALS on there right now...if you got the extra cash. Ive considerd a few but i dont thnik the economy has hit rock bottom yet so im hanging onto all the cash i can right now. And this winter there should be some "REALLY" good deals on bikes...lol |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by babyhog on 08/17/10 at 13:14:01 I appreciate all the suggestions. I will look at all of them in detail later. Have been looking at Craigslist (found a few I'd like to have!) but as I said, without any recommendations, I didn't really know what I was looking at! haha He worked hard this summer (and better be getting an after-school job soon!) and made some good money, so he's gonna buy something. I'm sure we will talk about it tonight, will let you all know... Thanks again for some starting ideas. Hey Bot, I just noticed the pink and purple on that bike. Sweet! ;) |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by Boule’tard on 08/17/10 at 13:43:18 Anything but a GSXR. All teenage boys want them, and if they get one they will wreck it, it is an immutable law of nature! I had a secretary ask what would be a good bike for her son. I rode a Hawk 650 at the time and liked it, so I suggested the modern equivalent, an SV650. Kid got a GSXR and totalled it within a week. Don't sweat the tire choices too much if you get a dualsport.. there are treads available for any ratio of street to dirt, and some of them last a good long time on the street (Kenda 761 comes to mind) especially if the bike isn't a heavy torque monster. |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by verslagen1 on 08/17/10 at 15:11:57 If his eye is on a squid bike, get a 250 at most. |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by 12Bravo on 08/17/10 at 19:17:33 I got my 17 year old son to compromise with me. He wanted a crotch rocket and there was no way I would let him get one. I ended up getting him a 83 Suzuki GS450 and we are going to turn it into a cafe racer. One thing to watch with the dual purpose bikes is the seat height, they are usually pretty high. |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by Boule’tard on 08/17/10 at 19:53:53 1A1969594A5D442B0 wrote:
That is true of the big ones, but a kid 5'9" and 150 lbs. can handle any xt225, TW200, CRF230L or similar bike easily. The problem with those is that they won't hang with Dad and Stepmom very well on the highway. It is unfortunate that they don't make the DR350 anymore. The DR650 is probably the best choice because it's got some motor to it, and can easily be lowered by factory-approved method.. just move some spacers around in the suspension and swap the kickstand for the short one. |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by LostArtist on 08/17/10 at 22:03:17 suzuki tu 250???? |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/17/10 at 22:21:32 Iveheard,, HEARD,, okay? That people who start with dirt riding tend to have a "feel" for a slide that allows them to fall less often on asphalt than those who neverrode in dirt. I know I was able to recover a few times because I felt a slide about to start & was able to shift my butt over & stand the bike up & save it from sliding more than once or twice. A dual purpose bike would be areal winner, IMO./ |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by Wolfman on 08/18/10 at 01:55:01 Ive got to agree(from experiance) that haveing dirt experiance does translate into an advantage when switching to street. Especialy when you have to get off onto a gravel road or ride when its wet. You 'feel' the bike more, what its doing under you. Get him a ninja or rebel 250 BBH or a EN 500 or ninja 500 if he wants to hang with mom n dad. Id say most of his times going to be solo or with friends instead. Its just a fact of life with teenagers. They may love mom n dad but running with them is 'Lame.'....lol Of course this is the perfect opportunity for YOU to upgrade. Give him your ride and move up to a C50 or S50. ;D |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by babyhog on 08/18/10 at 05:37:15 Well, the verdict is in -- he wants a cruiser! I knew I was right, but hubby was thinking about the little boy, I was thinking of the boy-turning-man! haha Anyway, was out last night, and spotted an '89 Yamaha Virago 750 sitting by the road for sale. Its pretty rough, but the guy is only asking $650 OBO. I bet we can get it for $500. Son called and the owner has been working on it for a while, it needs some more work, but its running, he just wants rid of it. Needs painted, etc, lots of TLC. Good sized bike. They will meet the owner at 5:00 today. My other son (biological from first marriage) is 19 and wants one too, but his dad has not come around on the idea yet. He actually had several dirt bikes as a kid. Step-son has ridden dirt bikes a little, but more 4-wheeler experience. I will worry about either of them riding, but I'm learning to "release the reigns". They aren't my little boys any more. Scuze me while I wipe a tear... SO! Who owned a Virago? Hubby had a 750 Vulcan, looks basically the same to me.... but what do I know. And yea, Wolfman, this bike I would definitely try out. I've looked at C50's (love the M50 more!) but I'm still leary of a heavier bike. Plus, I love my S40! My dream is to have a Triumph America or Speedmaster... drool... |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by mornhm - FSO on 08/18/10 at 05:49:50 Babyhog, Whoops, I must have been typing while you posted - anyway the small vulcan 500 is a good MC. It will work for his size, my son rode one while he was in high school, and still occasionally rides it during the summer. Does your son have a (legal) place to ride off road? If not that aspect of a motorcycle is at best wasted and at worst a temptation that he won't be able to resist. Even with that available, I wonder how much switching between off/on road riding a new rider will do. With a dedicated road bike he will be much more comfortable and imho likely to ride on the road. I agree wholeheartedly with the recommendation not to start on a high-powered sport bike. The Ninja 250 is not overpowered, and may even be a little underpowered - not a bad thing. Most of the smaller cruisers fall into this category. Plus the Ninja will get great gas mileage and it will look enough like it's big brothers that most new young riders will be OK with it's looks. He's not so tall that he will look really awkward on it. With a dedicated off road bike, again imho, he will be better able to keep up with other riders off road, and less likely to push his equipment past the limits trying to keep up and thereby break something (most likely himself). As you already know, a road bike isn't suitable for off roading, and an offroad bike isn't suitable for riding on highways. Since a dual sport is trying to be both, they tend to be unsuitable for both. If all he is going to do is ride around town, and on the neighbors back lot, a dual sport is probably ideal, otherwise, I think that choosing one or the other will result in a better experience as a first MC. Watch the seat height on dual sports and off road bikes. |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by buttgoat1 on 08/18/10 at 09:08:36 I have heard the the Honda Ascot would be a good streetbike with some dirt road ability. I looked at one before I got Betty and think it would be a pretty good bike. |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by Wolfman on 08/18/10 at 12:09:55 Viragos are supposed to be decent bikes but im told they have a real problem with the stator going out on them. Big differance between the vulc and virago. Vulcans have a pretty good following and reputation. For a beginner the ninja 250 or 500 the rebel 250 or vulcan 500 are hard to beat. SV650 as well. Another SB is the Katana 600. I did a LOT of research before i got back to rideing and i was looking hard for a Vul 500. At the time they were HIGH and my s40 came along at a VERY good deal. Now the vul 500 can be picked up at a pretty good price with the economy in the tank. Rock solid engine, its had a long run just as the LS650/S40 has so its pretty dependable. Pick up a late model for 2500 or so easy and ive seen a few as low as 2000. Mid to late 90s model will run 1500 and up with low miles. 2 localy with right around 1000 miles for about 2800. Down side is little after market just like for the savage. |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by JohnBoy on 08/18/10 at 13:26:37 A co-worker has a KLR that he rides on the freeway every work day, and off road in the AZ desert on the weekends. It is stronger and quicker than my Savage, snd seems to be bullet proof. I would love to have one but you got to be sporting a 32inch inseam and mine is about 26 :) |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by LostArtist on 08/18/10 at 13:35:00 if the Virago is already having problems, they'll probably continue, but if it's cheap enough it might be worth it, if you want your son to learn wrenching and the pride in that as well are riding, but if your son just wants to ride and not worry about wrenching then I'd avoid a older bike that is already showing problems as it might just end up as a really expensive lawn ornament :( |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by babyhog on 08/18/10 at 14:43:47 Thanks guys! I really do honestly appreciate the comments!! We stopped to look at the Virago. Its rough looking. Not worried about cosmetics, paint, etc is easy enough. I'm thinking its a "no" at this point, although he said he'd go as low as $450. Front tire leaks, back tire looked dry-rotted, so that's $350-$400 for tires. He said he was working on the carbs, said something about the floats needing fixed, the bowls don't fill up equally... carb talk, he might as well have been speaking French. Said the top end may need replaced. There was also some really sooty looking black stuff at the end of the clutch line. Don't know what that was. He didn't either. It didn't sound bad though, and started fairly easily. He said he has the repair manual, and it covers 1981-1999, so that's a wide spread for replacement parts. Clear title too. Pinwall has tons of stuff for them. Even new motor, tranny, for about $300. Anyhoo, this was a good first one to look at to get some basis to go on. There's an auction house that I'm gonna go visit tomorrow morning. Might find something interesting there. Mostly salvage, but you never know! Might find something really cheap worth working on. I do think wrenching is a good way to learn AND APPRECIATE a bike, and would be fun over the winter.... Vulcan 500 I agree would be a wonderful choice. When I bought my S40, there was a nice one for sale that I looked at several times, but settled on the S40. Would love to find one cheap enuf. |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by Boule’tard on 08/18/10 at 17:13:05 Well I think babyhog oughtta check with spacepirates and that VLX.. sure I bag on it pretty good, but it is still a solid and reliable bike w/good balance of suitability for beginner ..and potential for rowdy teenage fun. :D |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by babyhog on 08/18/10 at 17:55:30 2E23392029382D3E284C0 wrote:
HA! Already did that! He said he'd let me know if he decides to sell... |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by BurnPgh on 08/18/10 at 19:48:08 Rode spacepirates vlx today. Gotta say...I wasnt too impressed. It was quiet, super smooth, comfy, a little buzzy for me. It also was not nearly as nimble as the savage. Not even a close. It felt like it was fighting me to turn. AND you cant adjust the handlebar angle...WTFs with that? Comparing it to the savage is like comparing a cadillac with a ww2 jeep. I prefer the jeep. Only thing about it that stirred my soul was the looks and the price he got it for. |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by Wolfman on 08/18/10 at 20:26:38 Keep in mind he's going to want to jump on and ride unless he's a real tool jockey. Myself id run really fast away from that virago! Im a tool jockey, basicly a certified mechanic and used to working on equipment on the farm. I wouldnt touch that virago with YOUR money let alone mine. To bad your not nearer, lot of yamaha 650s around here at decent prices now. Some good prices on Vulc 750s and the odd 800 as well. As to auctions if you have a friend as a dealer they can find some REALLY GOOD prices on auctioned bikes and im not talking salavge. Repos ect are the norm. |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by MMRanch on 08/18/10 at 20:40:36 I keep clear of Yahama bike becouse they use brush type altenators. Most bikes use permant magnets. That is why their rotors burn out. I've had three and guess what All Three Burned out their Roters , And you would not believe what Yahama want for new ones ! I'm not saying they doin't work for a while but , tic toc tic toc tic toc its going to happen ! 8-) |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by mick on 08/18/10 at 22:50:52 I have not waded in on this subject ,but this time I have to agree with Wolfman he will hate the Virago within a week, before my hand injory I had the 250 Ninja, A fantastic little bike,it will keep up with his friends and his Mom and Dad.and it handles like a dream ,you can lay that baby way over on turns and it's like poop to a blanket,like you are on rails. It retains it's value very well,like all bikes the cleaner you keep it the more the value. |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by Wolfman on 08/19/10 at 12:18:12 "Like Poop to a Blanket" Mick?? Thats a new one to me...lol |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by mick on 08/19/10 at 14:55:39 073F3C363D313E500 wrote:
Ok, "sh1t to a blanket" never comes off. |
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Title: Re: Bike suggestions.... Post by Wolfman on 08/19/10 at 20:36:15 LOL...had'nt heard that one either mick. Slicker then chit, Chit on a shingle, but never chit on a blanket. ;D |
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