Advice Needed, First (Used) Road Bike

Jstroke

Thinking of getting a bike. I rode 2-stroke motocross bikes (CR250), 25 years ago so have some understanding, but obviously the physics and handling are totally different. And I understand trees don’t move etc. I have only rode twice on a street bike around the block. But I want to scratch the itch. So I got my learners permit and will schedule to take the classes. I look at it like a long term project and it takes time, practice and investment. Here are my thoughts strictly for a first bike learning the basics, physics, slow speed handing and to “see” if I like it. Tell me I’m wrong. First bike should be physically lighter, have a shorter wheelbase, and provide the rider a more “upright” seating position. Not leaning forward like a sport bike and not a cruiser with the pegs forward of the hip. My assumption is they allow for better balance and body position. Let’s call it 500-800cc. I am not tall, 5’7” with a 30” inseam, so seat height may be an issue. 

I realize I could learn on anything. But to me this will be used as the first bike, sold and replaced if I decide to keep riding. The long term thoughts are a touring bike for weekend adventures with SWMBO after (LOTS) of experience and seat time. 

Kayak

Before you write off sportbikes, recognize that they meet some of your requirements better than other bikes. They are short and light, and handle better than many other types. You don't have to buy a Hayabusa, but could get a 'beginner' model. You really have to fit the bike physically to be happy. I have an older bike that isn't made anymore, a Yamaha FZ-6, that looks like a sportbike but you sit upright and the engine is tuned for midrange power instead of top end. A used MT model from Yamaha would probably be a good choice for what you want to do.

BigreenGreg

KTM makes some nice adventure bikes  for on and off road and start studying “twist of the wrist 2” - bible for riding. It was on YouTube last I checked.

fishlessman

i would be dangerous on a bike  but i would probably just start with a road legal dirt bike, something easily maneuverable to take the road test on. under 500cc.  the smaller bikes seem to be coming back, half the ones registered at the harley shop across the street are small

lkapigian

Counter Steering Is Your Friend.....relax your shoulders relax your grip, the bike will go where you are looking, so don't look your way into a car or mountain ...enjoy 

WeberWho

Even Harley now has moved into a more upright riding position with their Pan American model. 

Botch

Kayak said:

I have an older bike that isn't made anymore, a Yamaha FZ-6, that looks like a sportbike but you sit upright and the engine is tuned for midrange power instead of top end. 

FZ-6 was my first bike too, at age 45.  
Enjoy the journey, @Jstroke!  
 
(somehow my photo was added to Kayak's post; gah)  

WeberWho

The Suzuki SV650 is a nice light nimble bike and full of torque. I believe 2003 and newer are fuel injected. You can find a used one very reasonably priced. While your legs are a little more tucked up than an upright riding position it's still a comfortable ride when  comparing it to other sport bikes. My Dad will occasionally ride his if he pulls it out of storage for the summer. 

scdaf

You might consider a middle-aged BMW.  Relatively light, very low center of gravity, comfortable, smooth ride, shaft drive.  Best of all, they don't tend to appeal to yayhoos, so they're generally gently used and well maintained.

Ozzie_Isaac

WeberWho said:

Even Harley now has moved into a more upright riding position with their Pan American model. 

Leaks and shakes are a bonus.  I enjoy riding Harleys, but can't imagine a week long ride.  I would be numb all the way to my neck.

lkapigian

Ozzie_Isaac said:

WeberWho said:

Even Harley now has moved into a more upright riding position with their Pan American model. 

Leaks and shakes are a bonus.  I enjoy riding Harleys, but can't imagine a week long ride.  I would be numb all the way to my neck.

They don't leak, they leave their mark

Ozzie_Isaac

I could get on board with this setup.

JohnInCarolina

Ozzie_Isaac said:

I could get on board with this setup.

Langner91

Ozzie_Isaac said:

WeberWho said:

Even Harley now has moved into a more upright riding position with their Pan American model. 

Leaks and shakes are a bonus.  I enjoy riding Harleys, but can't imagine a week long ride.  I would be numb all the way to my neck.

I'm old, have an artificial hip, and weigh more than I like to admit.  I can ride my Harley all day, every day on the highway and it doesn't leak or cause me to go numb.

Now, in hot, stop-and-go traffic, I hate the beast.  But, that Pan America (pictured) has the Revolution Max motor so it shouldn't shake or leak.  Water cooled, Porsche engineered (assisted on the original engine).  The Pan America isn't your father's HOG.

ksmyrl

I started as a kid on dirt bikes. Bought  my first street bike at 25 after taking the safety classes. The classes were awesome and taught me so much that I thought I knew. Like...you don't "lean" to turn a motorcycle. 

Anyway I started on a Harley Sportster 1200. Awesome bike. Lite. Largely upright seating position. Held two of us easily. Plenty of power. Handled like a dream. We put 20k miles on it in 2 years before we upgraded to the Harley Road King. Road the Road King all over the US for days, even weeks on end. Never leaked a drop of anything and treated us beautifully. 

The best advice I can give you,  since you are already taking the classes, is get what feels the best to you, the rider. It may not be what you think. Have a ball and for the sake of everyone who loves you be careful. 

My best buddy went down right in front of me in 2008. Weeks in the hospital and 2 back surgeries later he's still my best buddy. But...it was his fault. Just pay attention and be careful. 

Kayak

Botch said:

Kayak said:

I have an older bike that isn't made anymore, a Yamaha FZ-6, that looks like a sportbike but you sit upright and the engine is tuned for midrange power instead of top end. 

FZ-6 was my first bike too, at age 45.  
Enjoy the journey, @Jstroke!  
 
(somehow my photo was added to Kayak's post; gah)  

Could have been my bike too! Same color if not year.

alaskanassasin

ksmyrl said:

I started as a kid on dirt bikes. Bought  my first street bike at 25 after taking the safety classes. The classes were awesome and taught me so much that I thought I knew. Like...you don't "lean" to turn a motorcycle. 

Anyway I started on a Harley Sportster 1200. Awesome bike. Lite. Largely upright seating position. Held two of us easily. Plenty of power. Handled like a dream. We put 20k miles on it in 2 years before we upgraded to the Harley Road King. Road the Road King all over the US for days, even weeks on end. Never leaked a drop of anything and treated us beautifully. 

The best advice I can give you,  since you are already taking the classes, is get what feels the best to you, the rider. It may not be what you think. Have a ball and for the sake of everyone who loves you be careful. 

My best buddy went down right in front of me in 2008. Weeks in the hospital and 2 back surgeries later he's still my best buddy. But...it was his fault. Just pay attention and be careful. 

How the fahk do you steer the damn thing if not by leaning? 

alaskanassasin

I haven’t street ridden in about 3 years. People don’t want for bikes and you rarely get away from a dust up unscathed. It was better before texting 

ColbyLang

Check out Triumph adventure bikes. Dual sport, whatever they’re called. FIL has one, loves it. BIL has no kids or wife so he’s got the Ducati Panagale. Now that’s a sexy bike

Kayak

I found the SV 650 excruciating to spend any time on. Stick to your guns with the size you stated originally! The big bikes are fine,  but you'll struggle moving them around the garage, and you'll find it easier to hone your skills in a lightweight bike.

Photo Egg

I have a little 2002 BMW F650GS single thumper. I never planned on taking long trips. Just a small city bike. It came with a low drop seat that I switched out but would be great for a shorter rider. With most bikes of this style, it can handle street/highway or trails. Mostly depending on the choice of tires.

Jstroke

Want to thank you all. It is amazing the insight people here have. I took notes, went to the LBS and sat on lots and lots of bikes. Here is what I came away with. 

@Kayak, you sir are uncanny. I loved the feeling of the MT-03. That pointer helped tremendously.
@weberwho, the Sv650 ran a very tight second on feel. I could not try the larger MT.
@scdaf, I did try a couple of BMW’. They were a little too tall, at least to start. 

Others that felt great. I really liked the Kawasaki Vulcan S 650. That was a good feeling bike. I also like the HD Fatboy and the Vulcan 900 custom. But the one that felt the best for down the road was an Indian Scout Sixty. Fit like a glove. 

I think what has been mentioned about the f6 has intrigued to better understand that style of bike. It looks like a “sport” bike, but sits more upright in reality.

Much appreciated to all. I will continue to do research.

Jstroke

Update for the crew. I took the plunge. I am the proud owner of a very well used but much loved 1997 BMW R850R. Let’s call it a small European touring bike. It has the typical funky Boxer engine, 5-speed, shaft drive and absolutely no frills.—zip. A few warning lights and a speedometer. As a 26 year old bike with 78,000 miles, it has fairly meticulous maintenance and might not have been washed/waxed in a decade. It needs a few odds/ends sorted like a replacement windshield and new tires are on order. The fluids will all get a change and I will probably change out the brake pads just because they look thin’sh and it’s my new toy. It has been set up for luggage, which I will get soon. Just wanted to say thanks to all the help. 

Photo Egg

Jstroke said:

Update for the crew. I took the plunge. I am the proud owner of a very well used but much loved 1997 BMW R850R. Let’s call it a small European touring bike. It has the typical funky Boxer engine, 5-speed, shaft drive and absolutely no frills.—zip. A few warning lights and a speedometer. As a 26 year old bike with 78,000 miles, it has fairly meticulous maintenance and might not have been washed/waxed in a decade. It needs a few odds/ends sorted like a replacement windshield and new tires are on order. The fluids will all get a change and I will probably change out the brake pads just because they look thin’sh and it’s my new toy. It has been set up for luggage, which I will get soon. Just wanted to say thanks to all the help. 

That is a clean, comfortable looking bike.
Glad you found something you like. And it really looks good.
No experience with a shaft driven bike but I hear they are very smooth riding.

alaskanassasin

Slick ride buddy. Looks like fun.

Langner91

Nice bike!  Enjoy it and I hope to see you on the road!  

Kayak

Good choice! Don't worry though, you can still wheelie!

Jstroke

@Kayak, I “think” those days are long gone but also I never did have the wheelie knack. 

Botch

Can't go wrong with a shaft-drive Bimmer, mileage be damned.  Congrats!  

nolaegghead

Nice bike!  I have a 1997 GS 1100 with around 3800 miles.  These Bimmers are beasts.  I’ve heard drive shafts typically last 75k, just keep an eye on it.

Jstroke

@nolaegghead, sounds good thanks for the tip, I will do that.