I want to ride my motorcycle...

[jagfish]

Have safe fun with the bike, Andy

Any thoughts about which one you are leaning toward?

JAG

 

[canbe]

Andy, sounds like the debate could go on forever. First thing to do is just get the bike and the training. Buy whichever bike you think you'll like the best. Once you're riding regular you'll soon know 1) if you want to continue, 2) if you like your bike or not, and hopefully 3) you need a bigger bike which you'll want to save up for and find all the arguments possible to convince your wife.

Everyone's gotta start somewhere and it's better sooner than later. You'll love it for sure.

 

[bobbenson]

...after 30+ years of riding motorcycles, I would advise you AWAY from the 250. I know that your wife is an issue, but explain to her that you will be SAFER on a 400 cc or larger. I would look at a Honda 400-500cc motorcycle used and start with that. A 250 just doesn't have guts enough to get you out of a tight spot where you will have a better chance with the larger displacement motor. The weight of the 400+ is only a little more than the 250, but the horsepower will be nearly double and it all works out to physics and weight to horsepower ratio. For riding on the road, stick to 400+ cc's and you will be happier with it. The 250 will get pretty small pretty quickly, where the 400-500cc will seem like 'enough' bike for quite a while longer....

Good luck with the purchase! I'm thinking that my next one will be a big Honda VTX (either 1300 or 1800cc) after riding a Goldwing the last few years, I feel a need to ride with my feet out in front!

I totaly agree with going with a bigger bike then a 250 for saftey reasons alone. A 250 doesent have enought right out of the hole power to avoid a hazerd quickly. You have to rev the hell out of them to get any real speed or exceleration. Plus I would get a used Bike. You can get 5 times as much bike for the same amount of money. I have never bought a bike that had more then 7000 miles on it and have always paid WAY less then new. The market is loaded with used Jap bikes. You will take a hoseing on a new one. I use to be a Bike Mecanic and have riden hundreds of motorcycles from gold wings to sport bikes. I have a Cagiva, Ducati powered on off road bike. It is a V twin 650 it has lots of snap but doesnt go very fast. I dident read every post so I wish you well in your final choice.

Bob Benson

 

[jagfish]

Hey everyone...
Andy said he is getting a 250. Seems like there is no debate on this one.

Anyway I am sure that there are way more instances where speed has gotten people into trouble rather than out of it. As long as you are not riding on a highway, I find engine size to be more of a comfort issue.

JAG

 

[Green Mountain]

Grrrrrr! My son, this weekend, dumped his Harley-again. Don't they make training wheels for those damn things.

He only left a bunch of skin all over the highway this time. It is not that he is inexperienced he rode all the way out to Sturgis last year. At the risk of sounding like an old fart, I was planning on him burying ME.

 

[H2Andy]

sorry to hear that benncool... sounds like he's alright though, thank god. how old is he?

jagfish, you're right. i unfortunately don't have much room money or marriage wise
here... and while i know the drawbacks of the 250cc, i am afraid it's that or nothing
for a while.

as to which one... fly in the ointment.

i saw this Alpha Sports 250 and it looks very nice (below).
check out the write-up:

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/250s03/

so now it's between the Alpha 250 ($3700) and the Yamaha
Virago ($3500).

 

[jagfish]

Hi Andy
Interesting read, thanks for that. Had not heard aobut the Alpha Sports, but the write-up does seems favorable. Sounds like it has the feel of a larger bike. That will really make a diffence on longer trips, but if you just use your machine for short jaunts, any bike might fit the part.

I have just begun using my CB-400 to go diving. Most all dive sites here require you to use thier tanks, so I put it all in a day packer and strap it on back. Great to avoid the traffic here.

I even know a guy who has worn his BC with tank and wetsuit, to drive the 20 minutes to his nearest dive site, on a 50 cc scooter!

Must be quite a sight!

JAG

 

[ScubaBaby]

Andy

The Alpha Sports 250 looks rather tasty! Something that might affect which you chose could be which keeps its value better.

After Belushi brought his first bike in the UK I wasn't overly keen - especially after I attempted to train to ride them!!! But after a while I got use to it and now I love going out on the back! You wife may come round to the idea when you have the 250 and you maybe able to upgrade so you'll want a good return to make it worthwhile!

 

[armyscuba]

Andy,

When are You getting Your bike?

 

[armyscuba]

Grrrrrr! My son, this weekend, dumped his Harley-again. Don't they make training wheels for those damn things.

He only left a bunch of skin all over the highway this time. It is not that he is inexperienced he rode all the way out to Sturgis last year. At the risk of sounding like an old fart, I was planning on him burying ME.

Ok Ben..

What happened? I'm always interested. As a Harley Rider..having hit the pavement in 3 accidents.