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In this Discussion
- curt November 2012
- flossy_log_lady November 2012
- MirandaJuly November 2012
- robbyrussell January 2013
- Schlabe November 2012
Buying a (first) motorcycle.. new or used?
Before I ask my question, some background.
Last weekend was spent working my way through Team Oregon's[1] basic rider training program. Despite it pouring the entire time on the track, I passed my written and driving tests. The following Monday, I went to the DMV and am now legally allowed to drive a two-wheeled vehicle (after never really driving one before).
So, now I want to own a motorcycle... but don't know a lot about them. I began looking through Craigslist ads and seeing a wide variety of bikes and have a general sense that I want something that is going to be good to be-bop around town until I get comfortable enough to even consider hitting the highways and venturing faster on country roads. I just assume that I'd like to learn how to deal with traffic a lot more first. ... so am looking for a "get around town"-esque bike. I've found a few new motorcycles that fit that, for example the Triumph Scrambler.
* http://www.moto123.com/motorcycle-reviews/article,2012-triumph-scrambler-review.spy?artid=143208
Budget-wise, it'd be nice to find something similar used, but am nervous about having to deal with too much motorcycle maintenance, which I'm sure is supposed to be part of the overall experience, but would like to focus my initial attention on learning how to comfortably and safely ride the damn things first... before I want to start my undesired career as an amateur mechanic. As an example, I've had my Subaru for 6+ years and have personally opened the hood...maybe two times[2].
Having said that, buying a new motorcycle will drastically increase the costs of this new interest of mine.... so am kind of going back and forth over this. I'd like a bike sooner than later as I'd really like to take advantage of all those lessons I had last weekend before they slip from my memory, but am also not wanting to make a good investment... and to top it off, winter is approaching and I'll only get so many dry days to practice over the next five months of rain.
Other factors are that I don't have a garage/covered location to store said motorcycle at the moment... would buying a new bike and leaving it in the rain all winter be a bad way to keep it? (suppose I could buy a cover for it)
The question I pose to you... should I:
* Spend a lot less money on a used (and hopefully running) bike asap so that I can start playing around?
* Spend more money on that new bike? (and take advantage of their X year warranty)
Sub-question...
* Suck it up and wait until spring?
A few benefits to buying a used one... are that it's cheaper, if I drop it... I'll be less upset about damage. ...but it could come with more headaches than I want to deal with.
I realize that this is a typical New vs Pre-Owned question... but am wondering if anyone can shed some light on how much effort is actually involved in maintaining a (used) motorcycle. I see my neighbor working on his bikes all the time... and don't know if that's because he's just anal retentive or actually needs to take apart and put back together his engines all the time.
[1] They're awesome by the way. Can't recommend it enough.
[2] There are people who open those for a living who lift (and close) hoods with a level of finesse that I don't aspire to.
Last weekend was spent working my way through Team Oregon's[1] basic rider training program. Despite it pouring the entire time on the track, I passed my written and driving tests. The following Monday, I went to the DMV and am now legally allowed to drive a two-wheeled vehicle (after never really driving one before).
So, now I want to own a motorcycle... but don't know a lot about them. I began looking through Craigslist ads and seeing a wide variety of bikes and have a general sense that I want something that is going to be good to be-bop around town until I get comfortable enough to even consider hitting the highways and venturing faster on country roads. I just assume that I'd like to learn how to deal with traffic a lot more first. ... so am looking for a "get around town"-esque bike. I've found a few new motorcycles that fit that, for example the Triumph Scrambler.
* http://www.moto123.com/motorcycle-reviews/article,2012-triumph-scrambler-review.spy?artid=143208
Budget-wise, it'd be nice to find something similar used, but am nervous about having to deal with too much motorcycle maintenance, which I'm sure is supposed to be part of the overall experience, but would like to focus my initial attention on learning how to comfortably and safely ride the damn things first... before I want to start my undesired career as an amateur mechanic. As an example, I've had my Subaru for 6+ years and have personally opened the hood...maybe two times[2].
Having said that, buying a new motorcycle will drastically increase the costs of this new interest of mine.... so am kind of going back and forth over this. I'd like a bike sooner than later as I'd really like to take advantage of all those lessons I had last weekend before they slip from my memory, but am also not wanting to make a good investment... and to top it off, winter is approaching and I'll only get so many dry days to practice over the next five months of rain.
Other factors are that I don't have a garage/covered location to store said motorcycle at the moment... would buying a new bike and leaving it in the rain all winter be a bad way to keep it? (suppose I could buy a cover for it)
The question I pose to you... should I:
* Spend a lot less money on a used (and hopefully running) bike asap so that I can start playing around?
* Spend more money on that new bike? (and take advantage of their X year warranty)
Sub-question...
* Suck it up and wait until spring?
A few benefits to buying a used one... are that it's cheaper, if I drop it... I'll be less upset about damage. ...but it could come with more headaches than I want to deal with.
I realize that this is a typical New vs Pre-Owned question... but am wondering if anyone can shed some light on how much effort is actually involved in maintaining a (used) motorcycle. I see my neighbor working on his bikes all the time... and don't know if that's because he's just anal retentive or actually needs to take apart and put back together his engines all the time.
[1] They're awesome by the way. Can't recommend it enough.
[2] There are people who open those for a living who lift (and close) hoods with a level of finesse that I don't aspire to.
Comments
I would buy used - but only after the bike has seen a mechanic.
Maintenance is going to be part of the experience, you should expect it and (hopefully) enjoy it. Motorcycles are like bicycles, you just have to expect maintenance, and the warranty likely won't cover that stuff. Most motorcycle owners and scooter owners own more than one bike, that's because one is usually in need of some repair.
The thing about scooters and motorcycles and maintenance is that, unlike a car, you really, really don't want to ride one if you even think that there might be a loose cable or chain or something - unlike with a car, those little things can kill you.
Regarding Spring - Fall and winter are really scary for the two wheeled city motorist in Portland. I've taken three spills due to leaves. Everyone warns about ice and rain, but it's the leaves that will kill you. Insurance plans offer "sissy" insurance for that, where from October to March you don't pay (but also can't ride) usually a simple tune up when you take it out of storage is all it will need - assuming it didn't rust out on you. Long story short - motorcycles are like beater trucks. They are the shit - but they take a lot of work, and you need to expect headaches.
For those reasons, I say buy used - you're going to have to deal with the same headaches new anyway.
I would look for something in the 500-750cc range. Older bikes like the Honda CB650 and Yamaha SR500 seem fairly popular, which is good because it means parts will be available when you need them. I have a Suzuki Savage LS650 and like it a lot, but it would probably be too small for you. I'm 5'10" and feel like it's just big enough for me.
Definitely buy a cover. I leave mine outside, but covered, most of the winter and it's been fine so far -- admittedly, our winters are shorter and drier, though.
I would start looking now, but be patient. The advantage of fall is that people may be willing to let them go for pretty cheap, but don't rush into a decision. I looked at five others before getting mine.
* http://urbanhonking.com/dome/2013/01/07/youll-shoot-your-eye-out/