well,I need some advice. I am going to start shopping for a good used road bike. Any sugestions on what maker? Also, what kind of tips can you give me on as far as what to look out for (abuse,wear and tear, etc).
I'm not looking for a real expensive bike, but after a while I would like to fix it up nice later on(custom paint,fenders,chrome,etc). Basically something that if I drop it, I wont be sick to my stomach :lol:

When you say road bike do you mean sport bike or cruiser?

If I were to buy another bike and it was used I would look for any visable signs of repair work (engine covers, plastic etc.). I would see if the seller would let me test ride the bike (more than likely they wont) but still ask. If you can obtain a test ride make sure there isn't any slippage an any gears. Also I would ask that a leak down test be performed by a mechanic of your choice. Of course you'll pay for the procedure but it will let you know if the motor is up to par. I would not base your decision on mileage alone since you can disconnect the odometer on some bikes.

I have a Suzuki Marauder that I have been very pleased with. It is a 800 cc V twin, med size cruiser. It is a very quick bike for its size, and once I changed the stock brick they use for a seat, very comfortable. Look around, you can pick one up in nice shape, say 4 to 5 years old, 7 or 8 thousand miles for around $3500.00, maybe $3000.00.

well,I need some advice. I am going to start shopping for a good used road bike. Any sugestions on what maker? Also, what kind of tips can you give me on as far as what to look out for (abuse,wear and tear, etc).
I'm not looking for a real expensive bike, but after a while I would like to fix it up nice later on(custom paint,fenders,chrome,etc). Basically something that if I drop it, I wont be sick to my stomach :lol:

Hey DeesT,

If you are looking for a GOOD used bike there are a few kinds you may want to look at.

The Suzuki Intruder has been on the road for something like 20 years. I own a 2001 1400 Intruder and have had 0 problems with it. Suzuki has built this bike for so many years now that they have no bugs in them. The motor is strong and because it has been built for so long, there are a TON of aftermarket products you can get for it.

The Honda Shadow is the same way. Honda has built that bike for years now. There are many aftermarket parts for it you can do whatever you want with it.

If you are looking for a Sport bike, then that’s a whole different game!!!! Most sport bikes get beat to death, so my advice is to purchase from a dealer. That way you can get a warranty for the bike. The Suzuki GSXR or Honda CBR are good choices.

I will post pictures of my Intruder when I can find them. I have done a lot of work to it. I have lowered the passenger pegs. Stretched my pegs out about 6” so I have more room. (Being 6’4” they don’t make many bikes that fit me.) Installed aftermarket horn, Mustang seat, saddlebags, K & N air filters, and CM2 shotgun pipes. I have also “uncorked” and re-jetted it. It sounds Great and I have had about 5 people ask me how I like my Harley!!!

Anyway, I hope this helps and good luck. Let me know if I can be of any further assistance.

When you say road bike do you mean sport bike or cruiser?
cruiser :)

:arrow:

I have a 2004 Honda VTX 1300C. This is an awesome bike. It has the looks and power of a Harley, but the price and reliability of a Honda. I love this bike, but due to the birth of my first child, I have no time to ride any more so if you are interested, I would accept $7,000 for the bike. It is a candy red and has less than 2000 miles on it. I don't have any pics of the bike online, but if you would like, I can send you one in email.

I have a 1994 Honda Magna V-4 750. This is a cruiser style bike with a sport bike engine. It will out run all crusiers it is rated at 82 hp and 1/4 specs are in the 12.45 @ 104 mph range 0 to 60 is a quick 4.3. I bought this bike used with 5000 miles on it. I have bought several used bikes and cars for that matter. I look for a real clean machine that has never been dumped. Original owner and maintenence records. From a cold start It should not smoke at all. The valves should be quiet and smooth running. I also wont buy anything with any mods at all. I really want it in OEM condition. I actually bought a bike once that the guy kept it in his living room talk about anal.

Wow! great info fellas. I have seen alot of bikes around that have been lowered, raked,stretched,etc. I really want one stock so if I decide later on to do any mods, I will feel better knowing how well they were done. Sounds like a nice bike jfischer, but its out of my price range :cry:

I paid $3300 for my Magna. There are good used bikes out there. It just takes some time to find them. Mine was listed on cycletrader.com a good place to look.

try a harley, might cost an arm and a leg but whatever

THAT IS THE BIZZ I'M IN SO LET ME KNOW IF I CAN HELP I HAVE THE INVOICES IN FRONT OF ME ON ALMOST EVERY BIKE OUT NOW, I ALSO KNOW WHAT THE DEALERS GET BACK
ETC,,
THE ONE TIP I WILL GIVE YOU IS , IF YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE ON A BIKE YOU WILL RIDE IT LIKE THAT NO MATTER WHAT THE CC, OR CU,
AND VICE VERSA

well,I need some advice. I am going to start shopping for a good used road bike. Any sugestions on what maker? Also, what kind of tips can you give me on as far as what to look out for (abuse,wear and tear, etc).
I'm not looking for a real expensive bike, but after a while I would like to fix it up nice later on(custom paint,fenders,chrome,etc). Basically something that if I drop it, I wont be sick to my stomach :lol:

Yamaha Roadstar Warrior - www.rswarrior.com
Have fun and hang on.
- Jim

DeesT,
You don't mention what your experience level is. If you are a beginner then do yourself and your loved ones a favor and enroll in the MSF beginner's rider course. If you have experience and are returning after several years absence, they take the MSF Experienced Riders course as it will refreash your riding skills and get you thinking defensively again.

Cruisers have several limitations in MY OPINION: MOST are underpowered, they have a restricted lean angle which means you will drag stuff going around corners frequently. The riding position doesn't lend itself to longer trips as the spine tends to take a beating from not being able to take any of your weight on your feet. They do have low saddles and are suited to folks with short inseams.

If you are worried about costs when dropping a bike, don't get one with a lot of plastic. Expensive to replace.

You might consider a standard MC, like the Suzuki SV 650. A V-2 engine, good basic suspension and brakes. This bike has received excellent reveiws by the Motorcyleing Press. About $6000 new and much less used.

I ride a '97 Honda ST1100 ABS with over 62,000 miles on it now. My last long trip was last spring from Washington DC to Silverdale, WA. 6400 miles on that one.

If I can be of any help, just ask.

Ralph

The cruiser I have sure as hell isn't underpowered.

JimB, I didn't say all cruisers are underpowered. Most are. As always, there are exceptions, and from your comments, your's is an exception.

Also, compared to what I ride, all stock cruisers are underpowered especially if stock air-cooled.

I will edit my post to reflect this.

Ralph

This index should answer some questions as to performance http://www.mcnews.com/mcnews/articles/TestBike-Index1-2001.pdf My Magna is faster than all crisiers at the time of the test its Liquid cooled V4 with four valves per cylinder makes about 82 hp. Runs the 1/4 in the mid 12s. Most crisiers make closer to 50 hp and weigh 100 lbs more average mid 13s for the 1/4 mile. Some of the sport bikes make 129 hp at a mind blowing 16000 rpm,and run the 1/4 mile in the 10s. I want to make a bumper sticker that says Harleys'and bicycles ride single file to the right shoulder.

If you can find one.... get a Yamaha V-Max... one badass cruiser! Here is a link :twisted: http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/Vmax99/

Fellas you might be waisting your time here. I have not seen DeesT on here in a very long time. DeesT's last post was 12/15/04. :(

Yup, I missed that little fact....

Its still fun to talk bikes. :P

Its still fun to talk bikes. :P
Good point. :D