Thinking about getting a motorcycle, need some input

[rpm]

Definitely buy a bike in the 650-750cc range. If you get anything smaller it will be like riding a sewing machine with the engine wide open just to keep pace. The best Jap bike I ever owned was a Suzuki GS750, it was like riding in a Caddy at 70mph versus a Honda 550 that was near critical mass at 70mph. Besides anything smaller than a 750 and you will never live down the laughter and ridicule from other bike riders at the stoplight.

[Maverick]

Originally posted by qts
One thing that hasn't been said: make sure you carry an organ donor card.

I said it in my post.  


Gofaster,

You might consider a used bike at first to get your feet wet. I am partial but I suggest a BMW. Even the boxers will handle the heat you are talking about and give decent utility and extraordinary reliability. A side benefit is that there are no chains to wear out or lube. The water cooled models are just as reliable. I have a 1990 K75RT and it is plenty bike to get me a ticket anywhere in the US. All I have done is routine maintenance other than the time I let the gas sour in the tank. That cost me a fuel pump, hose and couple tank gaskets. My fault though.

[MrBill]

Check out the Royal Enfield for a commuter.

http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/dlr_dealerlist.html

I commuted 104 miles round trip on one (350 Bullet) for 2 years.  The only time it left me on the side of the road was when I forgot to put gas in it.  I'm 5'11" 200 lbs and never had a problem with the fit.  I still use it to run to the store or trail ride.  Not for high speed freeway running for hours on end but if you are going to ride freeways you need more than a commuter bike.

Just saying, there are lots of options other than Japan.

Because it can never be said to often ... They are out to kill you, situational awareness is critical.

[loser]

Originally posted by Vipermann
I couldn't imagine sitting in traffic, in Florida, in my full face helmet and leather suit without dying of the heat.

I was out riding a couple years ago with a buddy wearing all my gear. He was wearing a tee-shirt and jeans. After about an hour I stopped at home and stripped down to a tee-shirt and jeans cause I was just too hot in my suit. We went back out to ride. At a light he pointed out a girl in a jeep about 3 cars up. The light turned green, he was ahead on my left, he decides at the last minute to follow the girl without putting on his turn signal. Turns right in front of me. I slammed on the breaks and just caught his back tire, but it was enough to send me over the handlebars and sprawling into the intersection. Ever since that day I will not ride without my gear.

Vipe that reminds me of a story. This must have have been near 5 years ago and I was on a long road trip. On the way back home i was gassing up my bike and  2 guys wearing sandles and shorts and T shirts pulled up. They each had a very good looking (or at least body wise, girls cant do up their helmets or take them off by themselves) girls on the back of their new CBRs. The girls were wearing bikini tops and bottoms.

I made an off hand remark towards these 4 that they better keep it rubber side down or those girls wouldnt be so cute.

I happened to run into one of them about a year ago at a local night club.

I, of course, didnt recongize her, but she found me (I always wear an open faced helmut unless it is raining.)

Her legs werent quit so pretty anymore.

The same guy and bike she was with when i saw her the first time were both laid down.

She wears sweat pants and jeans now.

[Curval]

I didn't post this here, but did at Check 6.

This is what can happen on a motorcycle, even going really slow on a small bike.

Ripped off a fingernail

Good luck.

[Swoop]

Still no pics?

[LePaul]

Originally posted by Swoop
Still no pics?

Stolen camera?

[Curval]

No Swoop sorry...the Fuji is on it's last legs I guess.  Every shot was really blurry and didn't do the "finger" justice.  I gave up.

The accident was quite spectacular though I'm told.  You would have been proud.