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Advice on buying a motorcycle

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hollygrove
Posts: 7845 - Karma: 93
Hey, I've started doing research to buying a motorcycle. I'm for some that is approx. 100 cc. I'll only be using this to commute around town and for other small trips. Now with that being said I don't know a thing about motorcycles, but I know I'd like to go for the old, vintage look.

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Now I'm browsing craigslist, but I'm not finding much. If you guys know of any specific models that would fit my interests, feel free to share. Oh and also, I'm looking to spend about $1000, preferably less.
Thanks guys.
Jun 28 2009 5:37PM
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the_moderaper
Posts: 2465 - Karma: 218
lol save up and get a mans bike. a harley.
Jun 28 2009 5:39PM
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evan25
Posts: 931 - Karma: 20
honestly you are gonna be so bored on a 100cc bike in a week. i would save up about 1500$ and get a ninja 250 because its the perfct around town commuter bike and it is sporty enough you will be able to actually do some aggresive riding on it.  but thats just my 2 cents.
Jun 28 2009 6:05PM
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specialh
Posts: 419 - Karma: 20
Harleys suck. A real MANS bike would be a Kawasaki Ninja, or a CBR 1000.
Jun 28 2009 6:22PM
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the_moderaper
Posts: 2465 - Karma: 218
jap bikes... harleys all the way
Jun 28 2009 6:40PM
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beckywhe2
Posts: 416 - Karma: 71
I love a man on any kind of motorcycle, but I road on the back of one of these bad boys and was so immensely turned on I couldn't walk.
Jun 28 2009 6:46PM
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hollygrove
Posts: 7845 - Karma: 93
I'm not an aggressive rider what so ever and honestly I don't give a fuck about looking cool. I want some cheap that will work and that I won't kill myself on. I live in a very small town and don't have the need for anything more.
Jun 29 2009 1:57PM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
harleys are for old guys
Jun 29 2009 2:03PM
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ace_
Posts: 3189 - Karma: 39
well def. dont get a yunfu or whateverthefuck that thing is.

just get any rice bike from cc's up to 650, there extremely mild. and the older jap bikes are very cost friendly.
Jun 29 2009 2:22PM
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skinakedfast
Posts: 1294 - Karma: 434
get a ninja 500 man just so you can have some fun too. but if  your going really going for vintage  get a old roadster or sportster  yami of some sort there are some sick older  vintage bikes about 500-700 cc that would be a perfect commuting bike. i wouldn't want to spend that much and get something your going to be bored with.
Jun 29 2009 2:29PM
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hollygrove
Posts: 7845 - Karma: 93
http://nelson.gyos.ca/listings/classifieds/ad/676/

found this on a local classified site. what do you guys think? a little more power than what i was originally looking for.
Jun 29 2009 2:38PM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
get pics
Jun 29 2009 2:39PM
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skinakedfast
Posts: 1294 - Karma: 434
Definitely man that what i was thinking of if not getting a ninja or anything like that.
Thoes seem like great bikes from what i have read about them. Great starter bike too man. Check it out and see if shes clean and what you want! nice find
Jun 29 2009 2:41PM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
o and you probabaly dont have to worry about to much power on those bike haha, i have a 1974 yamaha dt175, i love that bike
Jun 29 2009 2:46PM
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linesteeze
Posts: 1229 - Karma: 125
get a  600 gsxr. they are so much fun.
Jun 29 2009 3:03PM
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skitard
Posts: 17 - Karma: 10
First, real bikes are Italian !!!!!!! but for cost and shit get a Honda cb 650 or something looks like your pic and they are cheap and tons of parts available. old ninjas look like something from power rangers. Then cafe that shit and you're set
Jun 29 2009 3:42PM
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HeartBeatFaster
Posts: 723 - Karma: 26
don't even get me started. I like Harley's and other American made bikes, I do, but there is so much ignorance in what you just said. And way to read the post. Now go buy another Harley t shirt and some leather tassles.

Some of the Hondas that you are talking about are some of the most durable and reliable bikes you could ever own. That is if they were cared for. And if they weren't, then it's going to take some serious carb cleaning and maybe a new cable or two. Honestly, I've gotten more old barn find Hondas running with less work than most new bikes take to winterize.  Look into the Honda CBs like somebody else said. These are not that powerful, but they're cheap, easy to work on and they run forever. I would look into something like a 500 if I were you. I know you are new, but one week on the 200 and you will want something bigger.

Jun 29 2009 4:11PM
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showbird
Posts: 6 - Karma: 13
a 100cc?? if your using it daily its going to be destroyed! U should save your cens and get a kawasaki sport
Jun 29 2009 4:16PM
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ski@jaypeak2
Posts: 2802 - Karma: 429
This is good advice.  I have been looking for the last two summers at bikes but havnt had the extra cash to afford it.  I would def say get at least a 500.  most mopeds are 100 or 150 and have a top speed of 40-45 mph.  Older japanese bikes can stay on the road for 35+ years if they are maintained.  Some models to check out would be honda cb500, yamaha maxim 650, or even a kawasaki 440.  you should be able to find these from 1978-1985 for a price of anywhere between 500 and 2250 depending on condition and other things.  MAKE SURE THE BIKE RUNS WHEN YOU GET IT.  unless you know a mechanic it can be a pain in the ass.  Good luck i hope that helps
Jun 29 2009 5:29PM
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Jordan
Posts: 4079 - Karma: 2,122
Wow, a very intelligent post on NS haha.

They always catch me off guard.
Jun 29 2009 5:35PM
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Rez4frederick
Posts: 4740 - Karma: 40
Get an older yamaha/kawasaki/honda and chop it up. Choppers are where its at, so cool how custom you can make them

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Im looking for some older bikes to buy so I can get started on a chopper of my own, some of my buddies got them already and they are so fucking sick.
Jun 29 2009 5:37PM
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evan25
Posts: 931 - Karma: 20
choppers are the illest my cousin has a 53' harley panhead chopper full custom with a suicide shift and the thing is unreal.  it about 10 years when i have money and my dad dosnt ride anymore im gonna chop his 68' triumph t-100 the things is sick as is but i would love a custom chopper. 
Jun 29 2009 9:49PM
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Hood.[scdb]
Posts: 564 - Karma: 14
yo buy a cheap nissan i hear they are the new black
Jun 29 2009 9:51PM
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Hood.[scdb]
Posts: 564 - Karma: 14
or you could get a vespa cuz me and ma boyfriend think its pretty coooo
Jun 29 2009 9:53PM
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horner
Posts: 2439 - Karma: 1,578
If you buy an old bike, be prepared to drop cash into it to keep it running good and to fix it up.  Because you are almost guaranteed to run into problems wit older bikes.

I bought this for $1,000.  When I'm completely done with it, I will have put close to another grand into it.
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Jun 29 2009 9:55PM
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C-Weezy
Posts: 786 - Karma: 50
if you want something to break down get a harley, *puts fists up*, vintage really isnt a bad wway to go, me and my dad restore motorcycles just like this all the time, maybe not that small but still, look at the post pictures of your motorcycles thread and you'll see we have a 1975 kawasaki triple 400, smething like that would be great, still good gas mileage lil bigger bike though, Idk if uve ever hrd of AMA's vintage motorcycle days, we go every year,  but if ur looking something like that this would be a great place to go, its actually coming up, the end of july, its the biggest vintage motorcycle swap meet in the Nation and you wil just be blown away, Idk wher you live, but its in Ohio and if ur kinda close, it would be perfect to go to.
Jun 29 2009 9:57PM
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runescape-jibba
Posts: 45 - Karma: 10
mopeds are cool, i love mine
Jun 29 2009 10:01PM
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C-Weezy
Posts: 786 - Karma: 50
sorry for double post..plz dont chop the Triumph! i beg of you, such beautiful motorcycles, use to have a bonneville, only problem is British bikes brake down..alot.
Jun 29 2009 10:02PM
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evan25
Posts: 931 - Karma: 20
yea it really is a great bike but i think that in a perfect world i would like to have two triumphs, one that i restore to look original and one that i make into a bad ass chopper. but ill take a pic of my dads its a sweet little bike. once we replace the wiring it should kick over every time, thats the only issue we have with it now is it is a pain in the ass to get started.
Jun 29 2009 10:08PM
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hollygrove
Posts: 7845 - Karma: 93
It just astounds me how people manage to completely ignore what I'm looking for in their suggestions. Thank you to the few who have posted relevant idea's and suggestions.
Jun 30 2009 2:03PM
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IHOP
Posts: 2155 - Karma: 19
100c is super small, if you're gonna get a 100c just get a scooter like a Honda Spree, it would be a lot cheaper and you would prolly never have to fix stuff on it.

If you want a motorcycle though, i suggest you get a Honda CB or CL 200 up to 500. And like someone else said, if you do get an older motorcycle, shit will break on you all the time, and I'm not talking about taking it to the shop breaking, but minor stuff like a wire popped off and know i have to spend 15 minutes looking through the bucket and the wire harnesses.


Jun 30 2009 2:47PM
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TheBeardedOne
Posts: 2286 - Karma: 58
Why is everybody rippin on harleys... haters. Nothing has gone wrong with mine and it's got 13,000 miles so far.. the new harleys don't leak oil and break down like the old ones. Plus mine is fucking fast.. I have pics in my profile if you wanna check it..

OP, don't buy a 100cc bike you will regret it.. if you want something small to commute on I would check out a Ninja 250 like somebody else said. It's still a fun-ish bike that you can get aggressive on but in the end it's still a 250. You said you like the older look though so check out some older Honda CBs, good luck and happy riding :)
Jun 30 2009 5:47PM
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MatRich
Posts: 4789 - Karma: 1,813

and then save about an other 1000 per month for insurance right? thats logical.

I wish I could help you out but I know nothing about bikes and theres nothing gay about an oldschool bike. good luck

Jun 30 2009 5:56PM
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Inbred_Redneck
Posts: 2776 - Karma: 28
Pretty typical of NS to reccamend a Ninja or some kind of played out sportbike.  Sportbikes will rape you on insurance and are uncomfortable as hell to ride.

If your looking at vintage, go for an older 70s or 80s Honda Rebel 250cc.  Fun as hell, and just look badass.
Jun 30 2009 6:04PM
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C-Weezy
Posts: 786 - Karma: 50

I wouldnt get a ninja, but thats just me, i dont think they look very good and i dont think thats what the OP is lookin for.

Jun 30 2009 6:11PM
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Tucks
Posts: 2120 - Karma: 161
Look into a moped. Get a Honda Elite CH80. It is 80cc and tops out around 55. But a real motorcycle is a ducati.
Jun 30 2009 7:01PM
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Dan.
Posts: 7201 - Karma: 1,126
how dare you. you should never chop a triumph.
Jul 1 2009 1:23AM
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C-Weezy
Posts: 786 - Karma: 50
my daddy has one! soon to be mine tho
Jul 1 2009 1:29AM
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evan25
Posts: 931 - Karma: 20
the reason people suggest sport bikes like the ninja 250 is because we are thinking of something that he will actually have fun riding and be able to be a little more aggresive on.  Its actually kind of like skis, the k2 fujative is not the kind of ski that most experienced skiers would like because it is not the most durable, but it is perfect for a beginner who wants a ski that they can learn on and then progress into park skiing.  The other thing is i usually think that most of the people on here are gennerally somewhat adventurous and thrill seekers who would have more fun on a sportier motorcycle than an old school bike.  We have an old triumph thats an awesome bike but it is deffinitely not the easiest bike to ride or maintain where say a ninja 250 is a fairly easy bike to ride that requires very little maintnence
Jul 1 2009 1:31AM
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squibble
Posts: 4569 - Karma: 104
try googling "best beginner motorcycle" will come up with a unanimous vote for the kawasaki ninja 250r. I just bought one as a first bike, and i'll let you know how it is if you want. plus it's cheap and has a great resale value.
Aug 7 2009 12:26AM
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Static
Posts: 8553 - Karma: 4,089
Unless you're dead set on looking like a wild hog it's, so dumb to get a 100cc bike, get a 49cc scooter and ride it everywhere, streets, sidewalks, wherever. It'll get way better gas mileage than a motorcycle too.
Aug 7 2009 12:31AM
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hoodSlayer
Posts: 900 - Karma: 7
Click for larger image
Aug 7 2009 12:42AM
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Steeze-On-Toast
Posts: 679 - Karma: 92
sorry, but unless you want to pay big moneys on having it serviced dont go for a ducati. ive heard they need an engine rebuild every 2000 miles which im guessing in the US would be a bitch since theres a whole lot more to ride over there
Aug 7 2009 7:13AM
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AKburns
Posts: 464 - Karma: 9
I just bought a 09 ninja 250, havent rode it yet, can not wait
Aug 7 2009 7:33AM
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Tasche
Posts: 5422 - Karma: 99
I am selling my 1980 Suzuki GS750e for 1200 if you live near denver.
Aug 7 2009 11:56AM
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Mooserz
Posts: 2945 - Karma: 32
thats so dirty. i want it
Aug 7 2009 12:02PM
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Calvin.
Posts: 771 - Karma: 10
my sister who is 14 and weighs 90 pounds rides a 125cc. if you really want to ride a 100 after hearing that then i can't help you. 100cc on the street would be plain dangerous i think. you need some amount of speed just to be safe on the road.
Aug 7 2009 1:08PM
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spruitm
Posts: 2221 - Karma: 1,069
mopeds are 49cc.  i think hes just talking about riding around town, not the highway
Aug 7 2009 1:24PM
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thegreyarea
Posts: 3265 - Karma: 34
Buy something you are willing to drop a few times. Take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course. It's ~$130, most states give you your license after you complete it, and some insurance companies give you a discount. You'll learn a lot.
Aug 7 2009 1:38PM
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Dan.
Posts: 7201 - Karma: 1,126
so after hanging around a bunch of builders at sturgis for the past week, drop some change and pick up a bike from one of these two companies

http://www.ledsledcustoms.com/
http://www.nashmotorcycle.com/index.php


Aug 7 2009 2:40PM
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Mr.Panda
Posts: 17711 - Karma: 564

100cc?  BAH!  get this:

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has a small block chevy with 3 speed automatic and reverse

[img]http://www.motorbikestoday.com/reviews/Images/harley_vrod_fr_lge.jpg[img]
or that

Aug 7 2009 2:46PM
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