Another motorcycle question

[eyesopened]

Originally Posted by XD in SC

Ok guys and gals, I have decided to buy a motorcycle.

Before anyone starts, mid 30's male, and yes I have signed up for the Basics course locally to the tune of $225.00, June 14th. SO yes I am serious. Yes, all the correct 'gear' is also on the list. I am checking various insurance quotes this week.

I don't want anything huge, nor can I ride a crotch-rocket (back surgery last year), so I am leaning towards:

A) mid 90's Honda Magna 750
B) 2005-2007 Honda 750 series(not sure which exact model yet)
C) unknown (open to suggestions) No Harley's, I just don't fit into that style. Like the looks of some, but just won't do it.

I have found a few '95-'97 Magnas for around $3400-$4k, and have found some 2005-2007 750's for around $4500-$6k.....

Which is the better bike? Daily cruisin, mostly local, occasional 2+ hour cruise. Don't need speed, the Cadillac will handle all of that for me real soon.

Are the newer ones worth the extra dollars for 'technology'? V-twin vs. V4

My GF has a 1995 Magna 750 and she loves it. I don't have to do the "male" thing and buy an 1100, so give your ideas, opinions, critiques.

I would go for the 3rd gen magna over the 750 spirit/shadow models but I'm biased as I ride a 2nd gen magna. The 3rd gen magnas have chain drive and the pegs are more forward than the 2nd gen. You may want to ride your girlfriend's bike for a while to see if the riding position is comfortable since you had back surgery. Since you're a tall guy, you'll appreciate the more "forward controls" though. The 4 cylinder engine in the Magna will beat the pants off a similar size V-twin, no doubt in my mind. The Shadow/Spirit just doesn't seem to have enough power on the highways, while my Magna can easily accelerate past anything on the highways. With the right rider, the Magna can do mid-12 second 1/4 mile passes. Get the Magnas and you'll eat the 1500cc V-twins for lunch. The only bikes my magna has trouble with are the VTX1800s, VRODS, Meanstreak/Warrior. You see how those bikes are more than double the displacement of the Magna? You get lots of power, but the bike is half as heavy.

Whoever said maintenance is more on a 4 cyclinder bike, it's not that much more. A spark plug costs 3-5 dollars. It's not going to break the bank! LOL Plus it's a Honda, it'll be bullet proof and this is from the guy riding a 20 year old bike like I stole it. The Magnas VF700/VF750C engines are bullet proof. If you're even a bit of a wrench monkey, you can easily work on motorcycles. They are much easier to work on because everything is out in the open unlike a car.



If you are looking for other recommendations though, I really like Suzuki's C50/M50 line. Another one to look at is the Vulcan 500, 800 or 900. The 500 may be a touch small for you though, but don't be suprised when I tell you that it'll outrun the Shadow/Spirit 750 or even the Sportster 1200. The Vulcan 500 shares the powerplant of the Ninja 500. I'd stay away from the Yamaha/Star 650, too weak IMO and the next larger size is the 1100 or 1300. The 1100/1300 bikes are much larger and heavier and I wouldn't recommend it for a newer rider. Also don't bother with the Honda VLX 600. It's a weak bike and only a 4 speed so you'll always be hunting for that missing 5th gear.

I'm not a fan of HD, but that's because I don't want to pay for twice as much for the same bike. My buddy rides a HD and as he says, HD stands for Hundred Dollars. You're not leaving a Harley shop without spending more than a Hundred Dollars! If you want to get it 'cause you want the image of riding a HD, more power to ya. I'll still ride with you if you don't mind riding with a "Sewing Machine"

EDIT: You made a comment about the range of the Magna. Unfortunately the 100 mile range is a fact. If I shift at 5k rpm, I can get about 40-45mpg but if my wrist gets happy then I see about 35mpg. On they highways I've seen 50-55mpg as long as I don't go over 65. The Magnas like to rev to get their power. I'm not sure about the 3rd gens, but my 2nd gen has a 10k redline. Most V-twins don't even come with a Tach 'cause their embarrased to show you that you redline at 5-6k

Here is another good website to get more info: Magna Owners Of Texas, Magna Owners Of Texas

[GURR]

The 750 Magna would be a nice starter bike. Plenty of power and a nice ride. I had a V-45 and a V-65 magna. It's too bad Honda stopped making them. About the posers... Give me a break!! I now ride a 2003 American Ironhorse Ranger and would ride with anyone who has the desire to get in the wind and RIDE. Which ever you choose, enjoy it and BE SAFE

Originally Posted by XD in SC

Ok guys and gals, I have decided to buy a motorcycle.

Before anyone starts, mid 30's male, and yes I have signed up for the Basics course locally to the tune of $225.00, June 14th. SO yes I am serious. Yes, all the correct 'gear' is also on the list. I am checking various insurance quotes this week.

I don't want anything huge, nor can I ride a crotch-rocket (back surgery last year), so I am leaning towards:

A) mid 90's Honda Magna 750
B) 2005-2007 Honda 750 series(not sure which exact model yet)
C) unknown (open to suggestions) No Harley's, I just don't fit into that style. Like the looks of some, but just won't do it.

I have found a few '95-'97 Magnas for around $3400-$4k, and have found some 2005-2007 750's for around $4500-$6k.....

Which is the better bike? Daily cruisin, mostly local, occasional 2+ hour cruise. Don't need speed, the Cadillac will handle all of that for me real soon.

Are the newer ones worth the extra dollars for 'technology'? V-twin vs. V4

My GF has a 1995 Magna 750 and she loves it. I don't have to do the "male" thing and buy an 1100, so give your ideas, opinions, critiques.

[XD in SC]

OOHHH man, I just woke up from a nap, after the first day of Basic Rider Class.

I am EXHAUSTED! Have to do it again tomorrow at 8am.

HOT does not describe the temperature it was today. When we were moving, it was good, but when we had to stop and watch the class, it was unbearable.

Great class! We are riding Nighthawks, and I am glad. Anything bigger would be a nightmare to handle in such early stages of riding.

Having a great time, and 2 great RideCoaches. Learning alot! especially the slow manuvering techniques. Small class, 5, which is good for us.

I think tomorrow will be worse, it's supposed to be hot, we are all going to be sore, stiff, and still tired. To top it off, I have tickets to Toby Keith in Charleston, which is little over an hour away tomorrow evening. Gonna be super tired, and not feeling much like driving up there after the class.

[Chris 141]

Good luck with the class, i still have to take mine. I just bought an 07 Honda Shadow 750, and i love it. Great for everyday riding, awesome on gas (reason i bought it), and just really fun.

[retired]

XD in SC, here is a Suzuki for you

http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/AN650AK8

[XD in SC]

Funny!!!

I just finished my 2nd and final day. It was great, weather was hot, but it was fun.

Passed w/ a 98 on the written, would've been 100, but I changed 1 answer because I read too much into the question. The Ride Coach knew it and wrote " you had it right".

Great experience! I know I took alot from it. Although I am afraid for the lady that took it, and is picking up her 1200 Harley tomorrow. She wanted to quit right before the riding assessments were started. I bet it can be bought cheap later this year.

[retired]

Didn't you learn in high school, you're never supposed to change your answer.

Congrats on the test results and I guess you will be buying a HD on the cheap later on huh.:lo

Hey, don't dismiss that scooter so fast; it can do fwy speeds easily, gets good mileage and looks really cool(). You will be the envy of all the guys when the girls throw themselves at you for the chance to ride on it with you.

[cid_ayrbourne]

Originally Posted by XD in SC

Passed w/ a 98 on the written, would've been 100, but I changed 1 answer because I read too much into the question. The Ride Coach knew it and wrote " you had it right".

Grats!! How'd you do on your road test?

Great experience! I know I took alot from it. Although I am afraid for the lady that took it, and is picking up her 1200 Harley tomorrow. She wanted to quit right before the riding assessments were started. I bet it can be bought cheap later this year.

Yeah, we had one of those in our class. Though I was sorry to hear she pulled herself from the class, I was proud for her that she was taking the class again the following week (they fortunately had openings). 2 others in my class had to be pulled by the Coaches; one of which I have to wonder about, since it had already been her 3rd time.

All the same, congradulations!! Ride safe!!

[XD in SC]

There wasn't a "road test", it was just a Basic Skills assessment. I think I did really well, being that during the instruction units, I would be told to go back to the staging area and wait for the others.

I did great on braking! First session in the "box", I had it down pat, the 2nd time around, after the rain I didn't do so well.

Cornering, and entry speeds turned out to be kinda fun. At the speeds we were riding anyway.

retired.... For $9k I can buy a nice bike. Heck for that money, I could build the motor I want for my car.