Another motorcycle question

[sewerman]

Originally Posted by Pugs

Hm...

I just took a peak at the site and it seems to be a retailer of motorcycle gear. I couldn't find any bike reviews.

go to the block left center of page with read header that says "vehicle reviews."
select motorcycles. click,
a list of all makes will appear.
click on make you're interested in and you'll have more reviews from current model year to, 98?

good luck

[stolivar]

Most of the older bikes will be lucky to have over 40,000 on them before they die. Most if all of the new ones will go 100,000 pretty easily. That includes harleys.

If you are new with bikes start with the smaller ones. 600-750's. Then move up when you have more experience and know what you want. I have a lot of friends that just love the vt series of honda's. If you want to just ride or cruise will make a big difference on what you buy.

Don't let anyone pressure you on a bike. It is a personal thing.

steve

[Pugs]

Originally Posted by Paul

I bought a Honda Sabre V45 in 1983 (or 84 - remember old age is setting in). I loved that bike, but when the first child arrived the said I had to sell since I couldn't be a good Dad if I was dead. This engine is the same as was put in the Magna about that time. Take the four over the two. The two cylinder engines are in response to Harley. The only disadvantages I can see with a four is maintenance and fuel mileage.

I love the Baby Sabres! Love the Big Sabres more, though. Love the big Magnas most of all. And yes, the V45 Sabre and V45 Magna shared the same engine.

I disagree that the four is higher maintenance. The only problems I've had with my V65 Magna are electronic (25 year old bike and corrosion becomes an issue) and cosmetic (the bike took a nice thirty foot slide across an off ramp and then tumbled when it hit the dirt embankment... I also took the same thirty foot slide right behind it but did not tumble). The motor's been fantastically reliable. Gummed carbs are the biggest complaint that I know of from others with VF1100/750/700s from the mid-80's. Mostly after the bike's been sitting unused for a couple of years.

Originally Posted by Paul

I was not fond of the riding position of the Magna. Don't settle for something and have to buy twice. Be patient and get what you like/want.

Sound advice! I have no issue with the Magna's riding position. I will say that the seating position is greatly influenced by the handlebars which can be changed out and the footpegs which can have their mounting brackets swapped.

I'll also say that the Gen3 Magnas (mid-90's) have a different seating position altogether from the Gen1 and Gen2 Magnas.

Originally Posted by Paul

To the Magna V65 poster - I remember the Honda commercial. I used to know the name of the rider in it? I don't recall that clutch lever moving once.

When Honda came out with it's 454cc bike it was faster than a 454 CI. vette.

Fast is relative. Have fun and be safe.

That commercial was fantastic! And as I often tell people when they ask about my bike that it was once the fastest production street bike on the market... other bikes have gotten faster, but mine sure ain't got no slower!

It's fast and powerful, but I rarely crack a hundy anymore and even then only in straight lines on open roads with a clear view of what's coming; I guess some of that testosterone fueled stupidity has lessened with age. I love knowing that I can kick the gear-shift and flick my wrist and be gone, though! When that BDC doesn't see you when they're turning into you or about to T-bone you, it's nice to know that you can pull away from the situation.

[Pugs]

Originally Posted by XD in SC

What does this mean???

BTW, for the poster that mentioned it, I am 6', 203lbs.

No one has anything for C) unknown?? I hear Suzuki has some nice stuff.

I think he's saying that you aren't man enough to handle a 750cc bike.

As I've posted in another motorcycle thread, I'm not sure that there's such a thing as "too much" bike. I think there is such a thing as riding WAY past your abilities, though.

In my opinion, a 750 should do fine for you as long as you leave your ego and testosterone overdose at home. If you're a beginner, you're a beginner and should be mastering the basics, not trying to torch the twisties and nuthammer the straightaways.

Plus, the V-Twins won't give you that kind of performance anyhow...

If you get a V4, just watch yourself a little more.

[XD in SC]

OK guys, we can quit the "the bike is too big", or "too powerful". Like I said, my Cadillac will take care of my 'need for speed'. I can promise you that. I have just dropped about $7000. in performance upgrades for it. And that isn't even for the motor yet.

I just want to cruise on it. Get on it, and just ride slow and easy.

[Paul]

Originally Posted by Pugs

I disagree that the four is higher maintenance. The only problems I've had with my V65 Magna are electronic (25 year old bike and corrosion becomes an issue) and cosmetic (the bike took a nice thirty foot slide across an off ramp and then tumbled when it hit the dirt embankment... I also took the same thirty foot slide right behind it but did not tumble). The motor's been fantastically reliable. Gummed carbs are the biggest complaint that I know of from others with VF1100/750/700s from the mid-80's. Mostly after the bike's been sitting unused for a couple of years.

Maintenance not repair ie. four spark plugs, four plug wires, IIRC four carbs, etc. vs two.

You might check licensing laws. I took the motorcycle driving test in my Honda Trail 90. Not sure how things would have gone with a "big" bike.

[forum]

Originally Posted by Pugs

Plus, the V-Twins won't give you that kind of performance anyhow...

Speak for your own bikes there
My Buell was a blast in the twisties, and my Vulcan runs mid 12s in the 1/4 stock.


I put a few thousand miles on a shadow 750 and it was a fun bike. A bit underpowered for cruising on the highway but was great around town.

-Brian

[IamCPTSpalding]

[quote=XD in SC;1136996Why because a few owners make the rest of the world feel like they are less since they don't own them. Both of which are in need of constant repair, and maintenance. I know it's not true for every one of them, but it seems like all I hear is 'my Corvette is in the shop, or I dropped the Harley off last week.' Why doesn't anyone say " I'm driving my 'vette" or " I didn't have to do a damn thing to my Harley this month".

Back to the Magna vs. Honda V-Twin question.[/quote]

Because he/she has more money than brains and has no sense of pride in being able to repair the beast that gives him pleasure. I fix everything I got because 1. I know how. 2. I'm a cheapskate. 3. I don't fell like I've been ripped off by the 18 year old behind the counter.

It isn't you fault that person does that. They are just rude, or ignorant.

BTW, I've rode many brands, and I love the Balls Out feel of my HD.

Get what your comfortable with. It's like a wife anyway. You better like it because the divorce will be hell.

[IamCPTSpalding]

Originally Posted by XD in SC

What does this mean???

BTW, for the poster that mentioned it, I am 6', 203lbs.

No one has anything for C) unknown?? I hear Suzuki has some nice stuff.

I meant, because we don't know the guys abality, and he is taking the rider course soon, we shouldn't suggest getting nuts out for a first ride. Quite a few fellas, to include myself, first and foremost want to know how fast it will go. After years of riding, I chose to find out how fast it stops. I'm still putting one back together after a 500' power slide... so don't get all mary of mercy on me.

No offense, I was just leading to more info.

BTW, You bigger guys go down harder, but we all scrape up the same. Keep it sane guy. To lose an unknown rider (regardless of flavor tank that is under the operator) is to lose a brother.

[Brickboy240]

An older quality bike will go a LONG ways on its original engine.

My 1982 XL125 Honda is still on its original engine and it shows no signs of giving up the ghost. So does my 99 TRX450. Again...if it is taken care of...they will last a very long time and not need a total re-build. A new carb or some valve work...maybe.

Definately do NOT let anyone goad you into a bike that is too big for your comfort level. Personally, I detest the bigger, heavier bikes and would never own a street bike over...say...750ccs. A friend of mine has a 250 Ninja that would scare the pants off most expereinced riders. I could keep up with any sport bike on that thing - its very quick and agile. Yep, engine size doesn't mean everything on motorcycles.

Buy what feels best and what YOU think you feel comfortable with and can control. You can always move up later...IF you think you need it.

Me? I am a pretty experienced ATV rider and use my ATV for ranch work and have NEVER felt underpowered with a 450cc ATV. I can also have plenty of fun on a 125cc dirt bike. I have ridden bigger bikes...but never felt they were necessary for my needs.

Bikes are like cars...a very personal purchase. Don't let the Harley desciples or the 500cc plus dirt bike guys talk you into something that you're not comfortable with or that you don't need.

- brickboy240