I am looking for a first bike, and yes I'm a 2 wheel novice, but I want something that has panache and is cool. Fast is not important but handling is.
Road trail bikes are of interest, as are cafe racers but they have limitations.
I am 5'11" and around 215lb if that matters.
This rocks my world but is probably not good for a starter bike
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CUSTOM-BUILT-BOBBER-ZOMBIE-/170783407474?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item27c37bfd72
Hell I don't know what I want, you guys guide me please
Cafe racers are from what I have heard not comfortable but if you want lots of ideas I like the website. http://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/
The bike you said "rocks your world" is probably not very comfortable either although better than a cafe. Leaning your weight on you hands for long periods is very tiring as is a too low seat with forward controls. A standard bike is a much better place to start. Ride it for a year or two then see where you are is my advise. I've owned several of all of them except that Zombie bike. I tried a low forward control bike and they are just mot at all comfortable to me.
Would a road/trail bike be ok as a short distance road bike and a learning tool?
I did like that XL500 back in the day
What bikes
http://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/2011/10/cafe-racer-girls-011.html
aussiesmg wrote: Would a road/trail bike be ok as a short distance road bike and a learning tool? I did like that XL500 back in the day
Yes, they have a comfortable seat/control position and the modern ones handle very well on the road even on trials type tires.
Graefin10 wrote:aussiesmg wrote: Would a road/trail bike be ok as a short distance road bike and a learning tool? I did like that XL500 back in the dayYes, they have a comfortable seat/control position and the modern ones handle very well on the road even on trials type tires.
so is this a decent choice for weekend beater, very mild trail riding and for pit bike usage
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200712119123&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
Harley FXDXT "Dyna T-Sport". Made in the early 2000's.
Its a cafe-cruiser blend. One of the best, if not the best handling BigTwins, comfy, and cool.
Ouch
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2001-FXDXT-DYNA-T-SPORT-DYNA-SPORT-/270914179649?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item3f13be5241
aussiesmg wrote: Would a road/trail bike be ok as a short distance road bike and a learning tool? I did like that XL500 back in the day
I am a fan of the '70s Yamaha two stroke enduros.
aussiesmg wrote: Ouch http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2001-FXDXT-DYNA-T-SPORT-DYNA-SPORT-/270914179649?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item3f13be5241
try www.chopperexchange.com
The "T's" are rare...a FXDX is a nice bike...does not have the windhield/fairing, the bags or the adjustable suspension. Still handles quite well and are quite common.
RealMini had a very similar bike (2009 FXD) for his first go-around...did the tail-of-the-dragon on it.
93EXCivic wrote:aussiesmg wrote: Would a road/trail bike be ok as a short distance road bike and a learning tool? I did like that XL500 back in the dayI am a fan of the '70s Yamaha two stroke enduros.
Like this.
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Look at the newer Thruxtons and Bonnevilles.
ST_ZX2 wrote: RealMini had a very similar bike (2009 FXD) for his first go-around...did the tail-of-the-dragon on it.
If you need a cafe bike,
If no one else has suggested it,
And if you can find one,
Maybe you can buy a Honda GB500. (said to the A-Team intro)
The bike in the first post seems to be based on an early Honda Shadow, probably a 750. Nothing wrong with that as a stater bike by any means, except that one has a slightly funky riding position - function follows form and all that.
If older Honda enduros float your boat, take a look at Suzuki DRZ-400E/SM's. The E is their road-legal enduro, and the SM is the supermotard with street oriented wheels, tires and brakes. Either one makes a very capable all around bike. I wouldn't want to cross the country on the interstate on one (hell, I wouldn't want to cross the country on the interstate, period), but they're perfectly capable of breaking the speed limit on any road in the US. The SM model gets a premium because they're more stylish, but the E is a great bike, too.
As for the GB500: if you can find a good one for less than $4k, buy it. They're not quite as rare as hen's teeth, but close.
only GB500 i know of is up around $10500.
http://www.clevelandcyclewerks.com/
Cheap, reliable, stylish. Won't win any races, but very unique.
As a first bike I wouldn't go cafe. Standard is where it's at. Kawasaki KZ550 is a good choice (early 80's).
most cafes are just standard bikes with lower bars and different seats.
PHeller wrote: http://www.clevelandcyclewerks.com/ Cheap, reliable, stylish. Won't win any races, but very unique.
I am liking their style, a couple of those bikes are pretty sweet and unique enough. Would they be too small for me?
I saw "tha Heist" by Cleveland CycleWerks in person and it is very small. They are local to me. It is almost pit bike / kid bike small.
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