Attn bike owners:

[Tod]

i know this isn't the right place to ask but i'm looking to by a bike and i need the best sportbike website you know of to get plenty of info on finding the best deal. my friend told me i can have his and i want to know if i should consider buying it. or if i'm allowed to ask the bike owners in here.

Mr. 5.0, can this thread stay so i can get some info or should i pm people instead?

[joe4speed]

I frequent www.sportbikeworld.com
of course it's pretty much for sportbikes only, If you want a cruiser or something else I don't know where to go! (*edit* just realized that's what you're looking at!! duh!)
What kind of bike?
This is the Lounge so you can pretty much talk about anything in here, Mustang related or not!

[Hethj7]

Ditto on what JL said. That is a good site. What is your friend's bike/ maybe we can give you some info. There are a few guys around here that ride, including JL and myself.

[The Deuce]

What kind of bike is it? What kind of riding to you want to do? There are people here who ride pretty much everything, someone will be able to help. Just remember to keep the shiny side up.

[Tod]

you guys rule heh, i'll just keep it simple and ask you guys. ok, this is what i know about the bike. it's a '94 Suzuki (stupid me i forgot the name), but i know it's a 600. it's got 9K miles on it. he said he was going to put it in Autotrader next week for $2700. but since i'm a friend he said he'll sell it to me for 2 grand. this includes the helmet.

as far as blemishes, he said he's never dropped it, but it's only visible marks are underneath and can only be seen if you get down and look underneath. it also needs new spark plugs and a mount for the right turn signal but everything works in that area. he also said it needs a tuneup and it's got a brand new battery. so, basically all i would have to do is get my bike liscence, get a tuneup, some sparkplugs (also needed) and a turn signal mount. and i know a guy who can get me a tuneup from him for cheap and he can be trusted to do it right. my friend also said he put a new exhuast pipe on it as well so it sounds great. all this for $2K and a helmet. i was originally going to start looking at Kawasaki's and Honda's but this just fell right into my lap, like it's meant to be. and, i've NEVER ridden a sportbike before but i've ridden some fast 4-wheelers with the same clutch-shifting system as on the bike so it's just a matter of taking it easy and getting used to the bike. it will be strickly enjoyed by cruising town and
having fun. no racing, no abusing, just riding. and i saw the bike with my own eyes in his garage as of noon today, so i can verify everything he told me. it's all legit. best situation i can ask for at the moment.

what do you guys think?

[1fastchick]

Well first off you need to take the Motorcycle safety course. Second although a 600cc is a bit big to start out with it can be done. Riding fast 4 wheelers and driving fast cars is completely different that riding a sportbike. I don't care what anyone says its different. A 600cc will surprise you and get you into a lot of trouble if you don't repect it. Well any bike can do that.
Did you check the oil and see what service he has done to the bike
i.e carbs, brakes, chain, oil

Also thats not a really bad price considering its alot better than buying a brand new 8k bike and dropping it and doing 4k worth a damage with plastics.
Also with the helmet how many years has he had it and has he ever dropped it. Helmets need to be replaced every few years and always need to be replaced after being droped "just" in case. Everyone will drop a bike at some point of there life. Some people more than others so being dropped isn;t as big of an issue as if he actually wrecked it and maybe screwed up the frame in some way. Also how are the tires? A new set of tires are going to run you in the $200+ dollar range depending on what you end up getting.

And I disagree with the best site www.sportbikes.net

okay thanks haha

[Tod]

1fastchick i'm glad you gave your opinion, you were one of the people i wanted to respond, so thanks and here are all of the answers.

first off, i know a 600cc bike is a pretty fast bike to start with but i don't have any intention whatsoever to see what it's got. i would respect a sportbike to the fullest extent, ESPECIALLY since i've never ridden one. the safety part is not an issue, i will be ultra careful once i have one between my legs at my command. that kind of power is not to be messed with, and i appreciate the concern. i assure you there will be plenty of slow runs up and down my little road in front of my house and on some low-traffic back roads before i get that thing anywhere near a busy road, that's for sure.

second, i know that riding fast 4-wheelers and bikes are completely different. that's an obvious, and i didn't mean to make it sound like they were the same in any way. i was simply referring to the way the gears/clutch/throttle method goes and that was it. the racing quads and the bike share the same type mechanisms with the exception of the throttle being the handle and the 4-wheeler a thumb throttle.

3rd, as far as him keeping the bike serviced, all taken care of and well maintained. he did say the chain was a bit loose but he'd have that fixed when he got the tuneup done. he mentioned he didn't know enough about the engine to do any major repairs or anything, but he said he never had any problems with it while he had it and it ran very nice and strong. the helmet he didn't mention the condition of, but i can find out, but the bike itself hasn't been dropped. he said he had it for awhile but only put 400+ miles on it. he keeps his 4-wheelers very well-maintained so i would imagine he knows a little bit. he said he's given it a tuneup before but it took him forever and he didn't like doing it but it was done right.

lastly, the tires. he said they are still in good shape, he didn't mention how many miles might be left on them (i forgot to ask), but from what i can tell, they're still in very good condition with plenty of miles left on them, and again i can ask.

[1fastchick]

excellent at least you are doing your homework unlike half the other people out there. With the mileage you may want to check to see if he is getting the carbs done in that tuneup and also if the valves need to be done. I know on my bike its not needed until 20k and I won't have the bike that long unless my plan works out next year and its my track bike.

First just go to your DMV and find out about the motorcycle safety course You can also check out their website http://www.msf-usa.org/ Second make sure you have at least 800-1k set to the side to get gear. Honestly you ought to just get another helmet and save that one for using if you dragrace your stang. If you go to your local dealership look at the helmets you can get some for 150 all the way up to 700 dollars. Basically try a bunch of different brands on since they all fit differently. Second onces you find the one you like go to www.helmetshop.com and buy it there. Most the time they are at least a hundred to a couple of hundred dollars cheaper.
JACKETS:If it is hot where you live you are going to need to figure out if you can afford 2 jackets. 1 for winter 1 for summer. Right now the best jacket out there for summer riding is the Joe rocket Pheniox Jacket. Its a Kelvar mesh and i have heard from many rider who went down in them and ended up just fine. The best price I have found them for is at www.tricktape.com. $107.00 bucks and with the shipping still cheaper than most the dealerships and my friend can get you any color you want. Personally one of those and then a regular like HJC with a removeable liner would be enough. Also try www.newenough.com for stuff another great site. Lots of fellow riders order from there.

Now for Gloves. I don't care what anyone says those mechanic gloves aren't real gloves. You need a decent LEATHER pair of gloves and if it is hot look into Joe rocket Pheniox Gloves. I bought my Carbon 7 pro gloves for less than 80 bucks from www.kneedraggers.com You don't need something this nice but its still a good idea.

Boots: If you can't afford real riding boots or if you have to ride to work at least have a pair of work boots that are heavy duty and leather if possible. Just think of how much skin there is between your ankle bone Nasty image eh?

Last if you aren't going to wear protective pants at least have Jeans on. Seriously that bike will sometimes reach over 210 degrees in traffic and I don't know how people wear shorts.

The tires well if the cords are showing and they look alright you should be fine for a while. Tires the best prices I have found on them have been from http://www.chaparral-racing.com/ and also http://www.mawonline.com/

Last but not least have fun.
if you have more questions feel free to PM me or email me also at anytime I am try to help find stuff for you if you need some help.
fastchickie@comcast.net

[Hethj7]

You are doing the right thing by first doing your homework. The bike does not sound like too bad of a deal. I learned to ride on a 600, and although something smaller is better, a 600 will work. You don't have to use the power if you don't want to, although the main thing is a 600 weighs more than say a 250. Plus, you won't get bored of a 600 once you learn to ride. My buddy bought a new 250 to learn on and sold it less than a year later because they just don't make much power.

Speaking of my buddy, make sure you wear gear to ride in! He just went down last Thursday and had luckily borrowed my jacket since I was out of town. That jacket literally saved the skin off his back. Unfortunately, he did not grab my gloves so his hands are pretty beat up. (FYI: Other than some soreness, he is fine)

Other than that, be careful and enjoy the ride!

[1fastchick]

The higher quality ones.

Dainese - http://www.dainese.com
Vanson - http://www.vansonleathers.com
Spyke - http://www.spyke.it
Z Leathers - http://www.zcustom.com/
Kushitani - http://www.kushitani.com/
BKS - http://www.bksleather.co.uk

The mid to high

Spidi - http://www.spidi.it
Syed - http://www.syedleathers.com
Teknic - http://www.teknicgear.com
First Gear(Hein Gericke) - http://www.intersportfashions.com
Belstaff - http://www.belstaff.com
Alpinestars - http://www.alpinestars.com
Joe Rocket - http://www.joerocket.com
Hein Gericke - http://www.hein-gericke.de/
ixs - http://www.ixs.de/
Taichi - http://www.rs-taichi.co.jp/

Low to Mid

AGV - http://www.agvsportsgroup.com/
Fieldsheer - http://www.fieldsheer.com
Prexport - http://www.prexport.com/

this might help when looking at leathers also.
My suit now is custom done through syed and I love it. I have a built in back protector. The suit rain me a little over a 1k.

also a shot of the lettering on the back. NO it isn't crusty yellow its some reflective greenish/yellow but the camera just doesn't pick it up well.

[Unit 5302]

I'm going to assume this is a Katana. Sounds like a pretty low mileage bike, and his price to you is very good. This is the beginning of riding season for a lot of the US, and bike prices are high because of that. If all it needs is a tuneup, the bike is a good deal in itself.

Actually, riding a sportbike is quite a bit different from even riding dirt bikes. I have some experience in both categories, and at first, you may not really feel like leaning over like you have to. You'll actually have to learn how to make the bike lean properly. While you're getting the feel of the bike, I recommend staying off high traffic roads, and staying well under what you think might be your limit. If you think you look dumb for riding like a grandma, think how dumb you'll feel if you dump the bike. Espcecially at this time of year. I'm sure some of your streets are still dirty. I was turning onto a sidestreet on Friday with the FZR and she just started sliding the front tire on some sand. Nice. I didn't dump it because I was cautious coming up to the turn, but it wasn't a real happy feeling to expect a clean road and get a nice light coating of sand either.

I've ridden snowmobiles since I was 4, mini bikes, dirt bikes, 4 wheelers, motorcycles, sportbikes (yes, I group motorcycles and sportbikes different). Of all those, sportbikes are easily the most demanding. Who are you planning on riding with? Make sure whomever it is respects you enough not to lead you into moving too fast. If they do, don't bite.

[Hethj7]

Unit, I didn't know you had an FZR. What year/size? Mine is a 97 FZR600. Just got it jetted and tuned for the summer

[Mustangbelle306]

Originally posted by 1fastchick

First just go to your DMV and find out about the motorcycle safety course

JACKETS:If it is hot where you live you are going to need to figure out if you can afford 2 jackets. 1 for winter 1 for summer. Right now the best jacket out there for summer riding is the Joe rocket Pheniox Jacket. Its a Kelvar mesh and i have heard from many rider who went down in them and ended up just fine.

Although I agree with Nikki that it is good that you are doing your homework about the bike, if you can't even tell what model bike the Zook is, you should maybe be researching that MSF course first. Its currently your best investment, and mine too! They fill up fast, so if you wanna get in this summer, get on that phone and reserve your spot!

That Joe Rocket Phoenix is a blast! (ok, ok lame pun ) Its perfect protection for learning how to ride with no breeze on a warm to hot day

Good to see another Mustanger branching out into the sportbike hobby! Keep us posted on how things are going

[spinemup]

the older the bike the more beat up it will be. just be a smart consumer.

i own a honda 929... currently im at boston medical center rehab. you want to know why? i messed up. i ran from the cops on my bike and now im in a wheel chair... i crashed hard. i broke both my legs and fractured my back. so just be careful. its gonna be a while before i get back on a bike.

[joe4speed]

Originally posted by Tod

lastly, the tires. he said they are still in good shape, he didn't mention how many miles might be left on them (i forgot to ask), but from what i can tell, they're still in very good condition with plenty of miles left on them, and again i can ask.

If ya do wind up getting new tires, I recommend the Dunlop D207's.. I just got a pair and they make a huge difference! Very nice!

Have fun, man... I know you'll love it as long as you treat every car as if it's out to get you!!!!

[Tod]

dang, you guys have me feeling like i'm on the road already. i have a few clitches to iron out yet. the money itself is no problem. $2K can be scratched together and the bike (should i purchase it) could be paid off in a few months.

the only wrinkles i have left, 1) finding out how insurance will run me. (turning 23 in June). and 2) asking my parents (no making fun here now) if they'll be ok with me owning/driving/maintaining a sportbike. all of my mom's nightmares will swing into reality lol. THAT'S the biggest thing. 3) taking the safety courses and getting my liscence. now my parents can't and won't actually stop me from getting a bike, they've told me before "you payed for it(my car at the time) you can do anything you want with it, it's yours." so i'll be on my own as far as taking the courses, making the payments and paying for any other things regarding the bike. the biggest thing; no liscence, not even a learners permit. i've just been told i can't buy one without a liscence, so i'll need to get on track with that and see what i need before i can *legaly* put cash on the table. but my friend has assured me if i can get him the money, it's mine for the taking (he's a good guy ).

1fastchick, your information is more than enough help, and i think i'll just print out your posts and keep them even if i don't get the bike for future reference . i greatly appreciate all of the support from all of those offering advice. now, if it turns out i can't get the bike, it will wait until next summer or late this fall (safety courses, liscence etc.) when i am more than prepared. it's all happening so fast it's like i can't get everything planned in time. that unless another offer is dropped in front of me like this one is.

so even though i have no liscence, no driving experience, and not much help from anyone around my area, should i go ahead and at least pay him for the bike? or am i rushing too quickly?

bottom line, wait a year (or at least a summer's worth) or buy the bike becuase it's as good of a deal as i'll find? you answers to this question will be a VERY important part of asking my parents for their ok (not a must, but out of respect seeing as i still live at home and it will be a HUGE load off of my mind and let me stay comfortable with my descision should they say they don't mind). again what do you guys/gals think?

[The Deuce]

First of all, I would double check the laws on purchasing without a license. I bought my first car without one, so it would seem bikes may be the same.
I know what you mean about getting parents approval. Luckily my dad has owned bikes since I was a baby, so my mom was pretty much used to the idea of them being around. I just paid my insurance, $275 for full coverage and a $400 deductable. I am a 23 year old male and I totalled my last bike about two years ago. My mom almost puiked when she heard, and I told her after WALKING in the front door of her house.
Which brings me to my next point. Get leather! I was riding on the 405 and wasn't paying attention. Went highside and bent my frame, but rode it 60 miles home. I melted the side of my boot and glove, but my jaket doesn't have a noticable mark. I recomend you buy a new helmet (what is more important than your head?) and make sure it is SNELL and DOT approved. If you pay more than $300 it is for looks and other stuff, not keeping your brains in.
Get yourself into a saftey course. A friend of mine teaches a motocross one down here, and the one I took has saved my life a number of times. Not that I am such a bad rider, but people in cars are stupid.
Lastly, take a good look at your legs and spinemup's post. I don't mean to scare you, but riding is not a question of IF you crash, but WHEN. There are things you can do to be safer (like yeilding to law enforcement) but there are inherent risks.
Let us know if it is a katana (gsx) or a gsx-r. I hope you have as much fun riding as we all do.

[1fastchick]

If ya do wind up getting new tires, I recommend the Dunlop D207's.. I just got a pair and they make a huge difference! Very nice!

Cough BT10s bridgestones I just have to argue with you

Anyways talk to the parents and see what happens. Make sure you get registered for the course and are able to dump that grand into riding gear. As "cool" as some people think it is to ride w/out gear I would rather sweat a few lbs off than sit in a hospital for skin graphs and other stuff.

O yea running from the cops is just irresponsible and most the time you end up hurt cause you aren't 100% into riding you are to worried about where they are behind and above you to actually really ride. Its not worth it as another members post clearly shows.

[joe4speed]

Originally posted by 1fastchick

Cough BT10s bridgestones I just have to argue with you

I knew you would

[Mustangbelle306]

Originally posted by JL1314

I knew you would

Michelins baby