Motorcycles

[FC]

I could swear I brought this up years ago, but probably due to a combination of laziness and poor search skills, I could not "dan" ( ) the thread I think exists.

Anyhow, I had mentioned before the idea of a BMW GS310 or equivalent. But with the Miata already as a toy car, I knew I'd never use it. Also, at the time I still drove my kids to school/camp/etc., so the use case was low. I'm pretty sure you guys convinced me that it was a bad idea, and that may still be the case.

No longer with an open-air weekend toy, and not in the mood to spend several tens of thousands on one anytime soon, I happened to be browsing just for fun and my wife saw that and was remarkably excited about the idea of me getting one. Also, even more surprisingly, she seemed pleasantly surprised at the thought that a new motorcycle could be "only" $10k.

Anyhow, let's play ball for shits and giggles. In my complete ignorance, I am fairly convinced I want some type of "adventure" bike. Primarily because I want a bike that can do it all, still has some speed, is light and easy to maneuver, and has a more upright position.

My commute to work is long and nearly all highway, so I will probably never use it for that. It would be strictly a fun weekend toy or for quick errands like picking up a prescription or the missing ingredient for recipe. It will likely always be used on road, but the idea of a longer drive to a scenic spot in New England is a nice thought. Unlikely, but I would not quite say never.

From my quick reading, the BMW GS310 is overpriced and a bit underpowered. With a borderline-insulting lack of information and research in addition to literally zero experience, I'm settling somewhere between a Honda CB500X (~$7k) or a BMW F750 GS (~$10k). I have no need for a new bike, of course. Used probably makes a lot more sense.

I can't help it. I like to do this kind of thing.

Thoughts?

[John V]

No motorcycle will feel underpowered if you haven't ridden before.

[FC]

Originally Posted by John V

No motorcycle will feel underpowered if you haven't ridden before.

Good to know.

What about the notion of just getting a (used & cheap) 250 or 300 vs a 500+?

Are they easier to ride beyond the likelihood of them being lighter?

[Alan]

People and cars do not respect motorcycles enough ... sorry but they are death machines where we live ...

Completely sucks but I have seen it too many times, a motorcycle is coming down a 40 mph road and what cuts in front of him, some idiot in a car. Literally just saw a guy lying on the ground after getting hit by a car 2 weeks ago in a 30mph street.

We all need to move to where Lou lives

[FC]

Originally Posted by Alan

People and cars do not respect motorcycles enough ... sorry but they are death machines where we live ...

Completely sucks but I have seen it too many times, a motorcycle is coming down a 40 mph road and what cuts in front of him, some idiot in a car. Literally just saw a guy lying on the ground after getting hit by a car 2 weeks ago in a 30mph street.

We all need to move to where Lou lives

That is always a real fear of mine. But being a cyclist is in many ways worse.

[3LOU5]

I took an assignment in Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, MA and worked in the area for a better part of a year. We took many road trips and explored that region extensively.

No offense, but that area has some of THE most aggressive (read: worse) drivers in the nation, and I have driven in many states. Next to Florida, where I used to live (and had AT LEAST 3 close calls), there would be NO way you'd catch me riding around on 2 wheels there.

There ARE some nice remote areas up north of Boston that offers nice riding, but you'd have to contend with wildlife such as deer.

Don't want to rain on your parade, but I wouldn't entertain the idea of riding a bike there, especially when you have many in your family who rely on you.

My opinion of course....

[3LOU5]

Originally Posted by Alan

People and cars do not respect motorcycles enough ... sorry but they are death machines where we live ...

Completely sucks but I have seen it too many times, a motorcycle is coming down a 40 mph road and what cuts in front of him, some idiot in a car. Literally just saw a guy lying on the ground after getting hit by a car 2 weeks ago in a 30mph street.

We all need to move to where Lou lives

Seems like EVERYBODY and their grandmother are taking your advice. The Reno/Tahoe area is EXPLODING with growth: many job opportunities, record pace housing construction and worsening traffic are making this area not so desirable as it once was.

It figures, right ?? After being a medical contract worker and traveling all over the country for 7 years, I've finally found my paradise.

Unfortunately, so have many others ....

[kognito]

Originally Posted by John V

No motorcycle will feel underpowered if you haven't ridden before.

Originally Posted by FC

Good to know.

What about the notion of just getting a (used & cheap) 250 or 300 vs a 500+?

Are they easier to ride beyond the likelihood of them being lighter?

JV's post is spot on.

I don't know MA requirements, but in most states you have to demonstrate skills in order to get your licence from DMV. Smaller and lighter make maneuvering easier

Most "smaller" bikes are also less expensive. If you find out riding is not for you, your financial losses will also be smaller.

Beyond where you live, there are some fantastic routes to be explored in NH, Maine and Vermont (but you don't need me to tell you this)

[dan]

Originally Posted by FC

I could swear I brought this up years ago, but probably due to a combination of laziness and poor search skills, I could not "dan" ( ) the thread I think exists.

Is this the post you’re thinking of?

http://forums.carmudgeons.com/showpo...8&postcount=23

[FC]

Originally Posted by dan

Is this the post you’re thinking of?

http://forums.carmudgeons.com/showpo...8&postcount=23

Ha! That's awesome. (But no, that was not the post )

The second part is 100% true still, and is in fact what lead me to reading up on motorcycles.

And to be fair, if I had a sportscar I wanted, my interest would be vastly lower. So as a very young, kid-free person, I can totally see why I said what I said at the time.