Help me choose a motorcycle
- Thread starter ahtoxa
- Start date
ahtoxa
New member
Started looking at gear and have a question.
I see helmets that are $60 all the way to $500 bucks. What's the difference?
Coming from an MTB world, the higher priced helmets are mainly all about weight, or rather lack thereof, even though helmets already weight little to a non-weight weenie such as myself. It's mostly a marketing gimmick for those who want the latest team color schemes and current-year designs, although I fail to see how at '13 helmet is different from the '14 helmet and why anyone would care.
Is it the same in the motorcycle word or are there other advantages to pricier helmets?
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There are a ton of differences in helmets. Material used for the shell is the biggest difference. And plastic for the cheap ones. Fiberglass cf and other stuff for the expensive ones. The better helmets are more quiet, can take more impacts, are aerodynamically sound, lighter, have more options and sometimes have super expensive paint and stickers.
Check out revzilla.com
Check out revzilla.com
Blue hedgehog
New member
cndctrdj is right.
Also, keep in mind if you have a $60 head buy a $60 helmet.
Most people don't know the difference between Snell approved and DOT approved. Snell uses the same tests as DOT. The difference is DOT only tests new helmets. Snell bakes them in the sun, soaks them with water, and freezes them over and over before testing them. If they still pass the test they get Snell approved. I also think they have to be full faced.
ahtoxa
New member
Man, so I went to shop insurance today.
Called my StateFarm agent, who already handles my car and my renter's insurance.
Got a quote for 100/300/100 (thousand) coverage limits, which is the same as my car, and SF wanted $69 a month for full coverage under those terms. Alright, not so bad but a bit high.
So then I got a quote from Allstate: with the same coverage limits as SF quoted me, they wanted $435 a MONTH, which is 5220 a year.
Their cheapest coverage was like $145 a month.
Progressive wanted $152 a month.
What the flying F?
State Farm at $69 a month for high limit coverage sounds like a bargain. Jeez, my driving record is good - no accidents or tickets on record within last 5 years. Well, I had one not-at-fault accident, which I didn't even tell the insurance company about. The other party's insurance covered my vehicle's repair bill at zero cost to me.
What do ya'll pay for motorcycle insurance?
Called my StateFarm agent, who already handles my car and my renter's insurance.
Got a quote for 100/300/100 (thousand) coverage limits, which is the same as my car, and SF wanted $69 a month for full coverage under those terms. Alright, not so bad but a bit high.
So then I got a quote from Allstate: with the same coverage limits as SF quoted me, they wanted $435 a MONTH, which is 5220 a year.
Their cheapest coverage was like $145 a month. Progressive wanted $152 a month.
What the flying F?
State Farm at $69 a month for high limit coverage sounds like a bargain. Jeez, my driving record is good - no accidents or tickets on record within last 5 years. Well, I had one not-at-fault accident, which I didn't even tell the insurance company about. The other party's insurance covered my vehicle's repair bill at zero cost to me.
What do ya'll pay for motorcycle insurance?
PlayCrackTheSky
Member
About $40 a month for full coverage on my 05 CBR600RR. Progressive. That's the only thing I have insured with them so no multi-vehicle, multi-policy, etc. discounts either.
Finally something I can relate to. Though I am 4 years off the bike and in a "cage" (Sonic), I purchased a 2006 Suzuki Vstrom 650 (DL650) V-twin adventure/touring bike. I bought the bike after a recommendation from a friend who rides Ducattis. She (yes she) had a friend who sold his Ducatti to help fund a home purchased, and afterwards wanted to still ride and got a DL650. It came highly recommended. I went an purchased mine without a test ride. It had approx 67 hp (peak), 5.8 gal tank, and got 42-45 mpg out here in SOCAL fwy riding (that's 75-80 mph). The 650 engine is the same engine from a SV650 (with a cam and minor fuel mapping differences) and last a long time. 100k is the norm if taken care of, and best of all on pre 2014 models (as they did a rework of the DL650 for 2014 and now the DL1000 too) you can snap up a complete engine/trans from a SV650 with less than 10k miles on it (for a spare) for less than $800 if you look around.
With my 2006, I put 50k miles on it in 4 years. Rode year round. Fuel range was approx 230-240 miles per tank. I rode to vegas from san diego numerous times with a single stop for gas (plus your ass gets sore around 200 miles anyway).
Maint. on the DL650 is super easy. You do oil change every 5k miles (I used Amsoil), Tires every 5-9k miles (depends on your riding style, weather, and tires used), chain sprockets usually 16k miles, initial valve adjustment @ 16.5k(mine was a check @ 17k.. no adjustment needed) with an air filter change at the same time, then just have them checked every 17k there after. Oil, tires, chain/sprocket, air filter, check valves @17k... repeat. That's it. Very comfortable bike, great riding position, VERY RELIABLE, and if it wasn't for my damn divorce I would still have one.
I will buy another in the next year.
Oh on insurance. Unless you are a seasoned rider with experience they will burn you for a few years. I used Dairyland and another place thereafter (I'd have to find it again), but got full coverage, $100 deductible and 100/300k for $198 a year coverage. The place only does PWC and motorcycles. Ask on adventure rider forums, someone there will point you in the right direction.
With my 2006, I put 50k miles on it in 4 years. Rode year round. Fuel range was approx 230-240 miles per tank. I rode to vegas from san diego numerous times with a single stop for gas (plus your ass gets sore around 200 miles anyway).
Maint. on the DL650 is super easy. You do oil change every 5k miles (I used Amsoil), Tires every 5-9k miles (depends on your riding style, weather, and tires used), chain sprockets usually 16k miles, initial valve adjustment @ 16.5k(mine was a check @ 17k.. no adjustment needed) with an air filter change at the same time, then just have them checked every 17k there after. Oil, tires, chain/sprocket, air filter, check valves @17k... repeat. That's it. Very comfortable bike, great riding position, VERY RELIABLE, and if it wasn't for my damn divorce I would still have one.
I will buy another in the next year.
Oh on insurance. Unless you are a seasoned rider with experience they will burn you for a few years. I used Dairyland and another place thereafter (I'd have to find it again), but got full coverage, $100 deductible and 100/300k for $198 a year coverage. The place only does PWC and motorcycles. Ask on adventure rider forums, someone there will point you in the right direction.
ahtoxa
New member
Finally something I can relate to. Though I am 4 years off the bike and in a "cage" (Sonic), I purchased a 2006 Suzuki Vstrom 650 (DL650) V-twin adventure/touring bike. I bought the bike after a recommendation from a friend who rides Ducattis. She (yes she) had a friend who sold his Ducatti to help fund a home purchased, and afterwards wanted to still ride and got a DL650. It came highly recommended. I went an purchased mine without a test ride. It had approx 67 hp (peak), 5.8 gal tank, and got 42-45 mpg out here in SOCAL fwy riding (that's 75-80 mph). The 650 engine is the same engine from a SV650 (with a cam and minor fuel mapping differences) and last a long time. 100k is the norm if taken care of, and best of all on pre 2014 models (as they did a rework of the DL650 for 2014 and now the DL1000 too) you can snap up a complete engine/trans from a SV650 with less than 10k miles on it (for a spare) for less than $800 if you look around.
With my 2006, I put 50k miles on it in 4 years. Rode year round. Fuel range was approx 230-240 miles per tank. I rode to vegas from san diego numerous times with a single stop for gas (plus your ass gets sore around 200 miles anyway).
Maint. on the DL650 is super easy. You do oil change every 5k miles (I used Amsoil), Tires every 5-9k miles (depends on your riding style, weather, and tires used), chain sprockets usually 16k miles, initial valve adjustment @ 16.5k(mine was a check @ 17k.. no adjustment needed) with an air filter change at the same time, then just have them checked every 17k there after. Oil, tires, chain/sprocket, air filter, check valves @17k... repeat. That's it. Very comfortable bike, great riding position, VERY RELIABLE, and if it wasn't for my damn divorce I would still have one.
I will buy another in the next year.
Oh on insurance. Unless you are a seasoned rider with experience they will burn you for a few years. I used Dairyland and another place thereafter (I'd have to find it again), but got full coverage, $100 deductible and 100/300k for $198 a year coverage. The place only does PWC and motorcycles. Ask on adventure rider forums, someone there will point you in the right direction.
Good post - thank you.
I have been heavily leaning towards the V-Strom 650 myself, and hearing the positive feedback is great.
Blue hedgehog
New member
I can't speak for other states but I would assume its the same no matter what state. In NY motorcycle insurance typically only covers the bike, other vehicle, and anyone injured who is NOT on the bike. I only found this out when I was purchasing my 3rd bike. My previous bikes insurance was cheap. The exact prices I don't remember but it was only a couple hundred per year. The 1st was a used, underpowered cruiser (87 Suzuki savage). The 2nd was a new med sized sport tourer/crotch rocket (96 Honda VFR750). The 3rd was a new sport bike (99 Triumph Daytona 955). For the Daytona they wanted close to $10k per year from multiple companies. When I was getting insurance guotes on the Daytona they asked if I wanted medical insurance for myself and passenger. Well duh! Of course I do, medical bills are expensive and there are too many idiots on the road. Once I eliminated the med insurance for me and the passenger the quotes dropped to about $400 per year. I currently pay $350 per year for full coverage (no med) on my 09 Harley Ultra Classic with a 1750cc motor. Luckily my health insurance through my union covers any medical bills that auto insurance (including motorcycles) doesn't cover.
ahtoxa
New member
I found a used V-strom 650 ABS (2011) for $6100. It's got a hair over 11k miles on it. Sounds like a good deal, I think.
Regardless, I'm not buying until very late this year at the earliest, unless I stumble upon unexpected money and get ahead financially faster than that. I'm just getting myself all hot and bothered looking at bikes.
Regardless, I'm not buying until very late this year at the earliest, unless I stumble upon unexpected money and get ahead financially faster than that. I'm just getting myself all hot and bothered looking at bikes.
You may find that people tend to unload motorcycles in the fall/winter as most people are seasonal riders. The unique thing about the DL650/1000 is they will typically have more miles on them than standard street bikes (aka crotch rockets). I sold my DL650 with 50k miles on it for $3k. Probably could have gotten a little more, but this was a quick sale. I would have the valve check/adjustment performed on a used bike if anywhere past 12k miles to be on the safe side (runs about $350 in labor at a Suzuki dealership, plus have them throw in a new airfilter). I had a madstad bracket for on-the fly windshield adjustments, plus added the DL1000 hand guards (helped keep my hands warm out of the wind).
Scot
Athletic Supporter
That is a STEAL!!!
Blue hedgehog stated it well.
I also found the materials and features to vary. Cheaper helmets tend to glued-in (non-removable) padding, non-replaceable face shields, and poorer venting options.
pvirga88
New member
These are my rides...
2013 Harley Davidson Dyna Fat Bob FXDF
Fat Bob Photo Album
2013 Sportster Iron 883 XL883N
Sportster Photo Album
No longer have the Sportster traded it in for the bigger more power Fat Bob.
2013 Harley Davidson Dyna Fat Bob FXDF
Fat Bob Photo Album
2013 Sportster Iron 883 XL883N
Sportster Photo Album
No longer have the Sportster traded it in for the bigger more power Fat Bob.
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ahtoxa
New member
Alright - an update.
I finished my motorcycle classes this weekend and got my cert. If all goes well, I'll be at the DPS tomorrow, taking the computer-based test (the written test, basically) and adding the endorsement to my license. Again, if all goes well, I could be a licensed rider this week!
I'm pretty much settled on the KLR650 as the bike of choice.
I took the moto classes on a Honda CRF250 and I quite liked it. It felt like my mountain bike on steroids. It was nimble and capable, compared to the cruiser-like bikes they had there as well. They were too low in the seat for me. Maybe I don't really know what I'm talking about, but I prefer a more straight seating position, vs. one leaning forward on a sport bike or one that's stretched out with legs forward on a cruiser.
Going to be looking for a used KLR 650 early December, I hope.
I finished my motorcycle classes this weekend and got my cert. If all goes well, I'll be at the DPS tomorrow, taking the computer-based test (the written test, basically) and adding the endorsement to my license. Again, if all goes well, I could be a licensed rider this week!
I'm pretty much settled on the KLR650 as the bike of choice.
I took the moto classes on a Honda CRF250 and I quite liked it. It felt like my mountain bike on steroids. It was nimble and capable, compared to the cruiser-like bikes they had there as well. They were too low in the seat for me. Maybe I don't really know what I'm talking about, but I prefer a more straight seating position, vs. one leaning forward on a sport bike or one that's stretched out with legs forward on a cruiser.
Going to be looking for a used KLR 650 early December, I hope.
mitdr774
also a dinner prick
This is what I ended up with. The price was right and it is more than enough to keep me happy for now.
2007 Buell Blast, 1620 miles at time of purchase, first owner on paper (it was a trainer bike), and it needed some minor upkeep. I had to replace the shift detent plate and shift shaft. The bike was $1021 OTD. I have since started with some changes and have more planned.
If I get bored with it I can always buy something else and play around with the Blast. Even being a bit abusive in city driving it has done over 60 MPG. Not bad for a 492cc thumper.
2007 Buell Blast, 1620 miles at time of purchase, first owner on paper (it was a trainer bike), and it needed some minor upkeep. I had to replace the shift detent plate and shift shaft. The bike was $1021 OTD. I have since started with some changes and have more planned.
If I get bored with it I can always buy something else and play around with the Blast. Even being a bit abusive in city driving it has done over 60 MPG. Not bad for a 492cc thumper.
ahtoxa
New member
I read about the Blast after you mentioned it on FB the other week. Surprisingly, the reviews of it weren't all that good.
Amazing how you found it for a grand, though. For a grand, the only bikes I've seen for sale here are beat to **** "stunt bikes", as sellers call them. Old, damaged fairings all over the place, dented tanks, and overall so beat up, that I'd be seriously skeptical of them actually being safe to ride. Not to mention that most of those don't even run.
Amazing how you found it for a grand, though. For a grand, the only bikes I've seen for sale here are beat to **** "stunt bikes", as sellers call them. Old, damaged fairings all over the place, dented tanks, and overall so beat up, that I'd be seriously skeptical of them actually being safe to ride. Not to mention that most of those don't even run.
mitdr774
also a dinner prick
It seems that a lot of people neglected or expected too much from the Blast. Its a large one cylinder air cooled bike with a sporster trans. It shakes a bit and it has a lot of plastic. It was intended as something of an entry level bike. If you go in expecting it to be like a 600cc import bike, then you will probably write a bad review. If you neglect it you can probably expect some issues.
I read about them a bit for the past few years. One of the top bikes on my list of what I was going to look into was a Blast.
The plastic is beat up, the headlight brackets were bent, the tail light has a small piece missing, and it needed some adjustments. I was expecting this though, afterall it was a former trainer bike. That being said, the day it came home Mr. Smit hopped on and rode it the 25 miles to my house. It was a sound enough that I could have just kept riding it as is if I didnt go over about 50 MPH. A few fairly cheap parts and some adjustments latter and its a full 5 speed again.
It has a few odd quirks, but it is a Buell and they all have some quirks. I expected this going in. It is a very fun bike to ride and it is quite eager to turn. Starts on the first try even when its 25*F out and you need to get to work. I can ride it to work without having to worry about any idiots as well. When it is time to replace it I will probably look into a Buell XB9 or XB12.
I read about them a bit for the past few years. One of the top bikes on my list of what I was going to look into was a Blast.
The plastic is beat up, the headlight brackets were bent, the tail light has a small piece missing, and it needed some adjustments. I was expecting this though, afterall it was a former trainer bike. That being said, the day it came home Mr. Smit hopped on and rode it the 25 miles to my house. It was a sound enough that I could have just kept riding it as is if I didnt go over about 50 MPH. A few fairly cheap parts and some adjustments latter and its a full 5 speed again.
It has a few odd quirks, but it is a Buell and they all have some quirks. I expected this going in. It is a very fun bike to ride and it is quite eager to turn. Starts on the first try even when its 25*F out and you need to get to work. I can ride it to work without having to worry about any idiots as well. When it is time to replace it I will probably look into a Buell XB9 or XB12.
