Help with picking out motorcycle?

[HUMMERcustoms.com/TAZ]

I rode from 13 to age of 35, then I spent rest of my time riding a 4 wheeler to do my farm work.

I do no know the names or catagory bikes fall into these days.

I want allot of MPG but, enough HP to handle interstate speeds with some power to spare. It does not matter the brand although my bikes in the early years were all Honda. My 4 wheelers were all Suzuki Quadrunners and these rigs were tough and well built. Had one Suzuki 250 4X4 4 wheeler that had 27,000 miles on it before it broke speedo cable and we used it for another 3 years.

Anyway on street bike I will put saddle bags and would like 2 passenger seat with small back rests. I guessing I may be describing a smallish touring bike. It needs ride real smooth. If I'm not clear enough please ask me questions.

Oh, I guess early 1990's to newer ok as long as well kept and looks good or will be easy to make it look good. I would like general recomendation as to brand and name that normally has real good lower pricing.

You can see I have not kept up. No crotch rockets as back will not take the leaning forward. I would like upright sitting style with handle bars coming back to me and no choppers not as I like them I do like choppers just seems to hard to turn etc. I would not mind an 80's Goldwing if looks real nice.

PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!

TAZ

[Vettster]

Thats a tough one Taz. You want a lot of bike yet want it at a low price.
Now is a tougher time for the buyer (spring) although, with the economy heading the way it is there could be some good deals out there.

One that comes to mind is the Honda, Pacific Coast.
It is a 800 and has bags, windshield, good fuel economy, can go 2 up and is reliable. (It's a Honda)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Pacific_Coast

I don't know what they are like price wise. They seem to have quite a following.

Heres a good review: http://www.motorbyte.com/mmm/pages/reviews/pacific8_98.htm

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

Over the years I've owned 3 cycles and 1 scooter, a Cushman Super Eagel...have maybe 80000 miles on 2 wheelers...

The big thing to remember is that motorcycles fall into 2 catigories:

Harley Davidson

&

all the rest

nuff said !

[Vettster]

Over the years I've owned 3 cycles and 1 scooter, a Cushman Super Eagel...have maybe 80000 miles on 2 wheelers...

The big thing to remember is that motorcycles fall into 2 catigories:

Harley Davidson

&

all the rest

nuff said !
:iagree:
One of the requirements he mentions is "low price".
That immediately ruled out anything from HD or BMW.

[Dash]

Vettster, good call on the Pacific Coast. Nice multi-purpose motorcycle and in a competitive price range. From Taz's description of what he is looking for and with his experience with Suzuki's, I would recommend the Suzuki C-50T Boulevard. Comes from the factory with a two up seat, small (yet more than adequate) passenger backrest, windshield, and saddlebags. This in a very affordable price as well.

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p143/dashracing1/c50t.jpg

[Andy C]

Take a look at the new Triumph Tiger - great looking bike - fun to ride and an excellent tourer if needed.

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

NUMBERS 1, 2 & 3 things more important then price are...

reliability
service
warrenty

[Andy C]

The Tiger:) :) - I am getting one of these when I get back from Korea - rode it a couple of months ago and loved it.

[HUMMERcustoms.com/TAZ]

Thanks ALL!!!! Everyone keep up with ideas.


The Honda Pacific Coast, Suzuki C-50 T, and Triumph Tiger will begin my search. Boy these are great suggestions. I do plan on looking 1990 or newer just so I find a reliable one. I watched a BMW recently that was an awsome looking ride and was in the older range but, was on EBAY and far off. It had 2500 miles and some deliver scuffs and the guy just did not ride it. So I watch BMW but, almost any Harley is out there. I have seen some nice new ones.

I will not be taking long trips or anything just local and then maybe to Dallas or Nashville once or twice a year total. I just want MPG and real smooth ride as age will not bother me if I can find that reliable one with some looks.

Thanks on the great calls you have given me to start my search. If you happen to be spending time looking at bikes anything you spot within 200 miles of Little Rock, Arkansas I will take a hard look so your time is not wasted and perhaps we can work out a bird dog fee.

TAZ

[wpage]

Dont rule out Yamaha...
Fuel efficient and extreme reliability!

[Vettster]

Let us know what you come up with Taz.

If theres one thing I love to do it's spending money (even someone else's) on motorcycles.:)

[HUMMERcustoms.com/TAZ]

I have looked hard at the three mentioned and I'm drawn to the C-50T but, I'm very impressed with the Tiger. The Tiger sort of looks a little like the croch rockets but, not having been to see one yet the pictures may just fool me to much. I have not looked at Yamaha's but would like recommendation on all brands. The Honda Pacific is nice but far and few between. I did find a Pacific locally but, rode hard and put away wet.

TAZ

[Andy C]

I have looked hard at the three mentioned and I'm drawn to the C-50T but, I'm very impressed with the Tiger. The Tiger sort of looks a little like the croch rockets but, not having been to see one yet the pictures may just fool me to much. I have not looked at Yamaha's but would like recommendation on all brands. The Honda Pacific is nice but far and few between. I did find a Pacific locally but, rode hard and put away wet.

TAZ

You have to see the Tiger in the flesh to see that it is nothing like a crotch rocket - it was first touted as an enduro style machine - an all rounder - it truly sucked off-road though but it does have the Paris Dakar look going on - one word of caution though - it is a tall bike - if you are under 6' then I would not recommend it.

It does have an absolutely bomb proof engine that for a triple is as smooth as they come. Its a fun machine.

[Big Dad]

Ahem, Fatboy...Harley Davidson is the way to roll!

[HUMMERcustoms.com/TAZ]

Big Dad no doubt on your call but, cost is in the top critiera. Not the top but, have to consider strongly.

Andy I do plan on seeing a Tiger to see how much rider sits upright. I have mistreated my body so much from my all out attitude playing sports. It was always "if your not first then you must be last", plus now going to be 51 in fall I have developed deginerative vertebrea in neck. I have also got some deginerative disc in lumbar.

I most likely did not explain this as part of the choice more than just saying a really smooth ride. Some of you know I have literally come back from the death or near death many times last 41/2 years. It has been due to just illness but, much has been one illness while fixing it up then brings on another then while the next solved I have another problem. Been in agent orange in my really young days when farmers used it like crazy. My growing up in farming and farming most my life I was in it till it was baned. Seriously do not put any blame there. Later in 30's "jumped from perfectly good airplanes" as was the not so funny joke after you heard it said to you for I cannot even count how many times. I just have been a thrill seeker and think it caught up to my body.

I could use some suggestions in Yamaha bikes similar to what others that have been suggested or any make.

Thanks for those who hang in for my search.

TAZ

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

HD is having sales problems right now (was on the news last night) because of the economy...

Look for dealers to cut prices on new & used bikes which will mean private party used prices will drop also...

[Vettster]

This one should be available soon in the US.
A buddy of mine picked up one down here the other day and boy, is it sweet.

A mid sized BMW GS with an 800cc, 2 cylinder Rotax engine.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/BMW-motorcycles/bmw-f-800-gs/

[Big Z]

A LOT of HD Boys are switching to Polaris rides! Victory's

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=5089&Page=1

[HUMMERcustoms.com/TAZ]

Big Z

I have been looking at Victory bikes closely. I did not see it mentioned in the article but, if I had all te money to spend on a bike I would have to look a Victory Tour Vision. It is set up full rig like Golden Eagle but, the lines of it is just so much better. I have been a Golden Wing fan and hoped to find one in early or late 90's for a great price but, the 80's models are bringing allot more than what I thought.

Someone recommend an older Yamaha tourer for me.

Oh I like the BMW GS but, I think it would look funny with balding head and 51 years old. If my body would take it I would still be running my 4-wheeler in the offroad through the tree lowland bottows races. Man that is fun. I have seen wheelers ride of and competely loose ride in a second in marsh type bogg.

Well thanks to all for trying to help me.

TAZ

[Dash]

This belongs to a friend of mine. Very well maintained and is in excellent condition.


http://www.crotchrocketracing.com/showthread.php?p=57001#post57001


Darren

[Big Z]

Big Z

I have been looking at Victory bikes closely. I did not see it mentioned in the article but, if I had all te money to spend on a bike I would have to look a Victory Tour Vision. It is set up full rig like Golden Eagle but, the lines of it is just so much better. I have been a Golden Wing fan and hoped to find one in early or late 90's for a great price but, the 80's models are bringing allot more than what I thought.

Someone recommend an older Yamaha tourer for me.

Oh I like the BMW GS but, I think it would look funny with balding head and 51 years old. If my body would take it I would still be running my 4-wheeler in the offroad through the tree lowland bottows races. Man that is fun. I have seen wheelers ride of and competely loose ride in a second in marsh type bogg.

Well thanks to all for trying to help me.

TAZ

The Whole Article is about the Victory's--just worked for me anyway--Good luck on your search! ;)

[HUMMERcustoms.com/TAZ]

Hey Motorcycle 2nd Love or better Gang,

I have gotten my choice for a bike down to 2. I have been slowed down due to clearing up seizures etc. That is another story.

I'm looking hard for a good clean low mileage late model 1990 to 1996 or 1998 Honda Pacific Coast 800. The more I studied about them the more I loved them. I do not understand why they stopped making them. If I cannot find one soon enough or I do not go with my 2nd but, equal choice I'm thinking about a Honda Rebel since it is a starter cruiser which would allow me to get use to riding again as well as build my strength physically also.

Now for the other bike I'm looking equally as hard at is a new 2008 Hyosung GV650. The engine is basicly Suzuki and the tranny has many Harley parts. It comes with a 2 year front to back warranty no restrictions. It sits low so I get good flat feet contact with ground. It is 71HP high torque lowend factory. To lowend high torque. Answer is a new exhaust kit that goes from 1 single big pipe out back to 2 shorter pipes plus the kit comes with new air box system and carb kit to rejet. This kit lightens bottom end torque raises HP to between 80 & 85 plus pushs top end on up. Top end was good anyway but, Less rpm and fuel on interstate for the several trips a year to Nashville to see new grandson and several trips to Carrollton, TX to see best Bud since 6th grade.

Most info was out there for me on PC800 and have gotten really good reports from Hyosung bike owners I could reach in Arkansas. We have 7 or 8 dealers in AR which surprised me. The really nice PC800's with 5 to 10K miles run around $5000 and the new 2008 Hyosung GV650 which looks real close like a
V-Rod is $6500 including all dealer add on stuff like prep and shipping. There are some orange with black wide stripe down top of fenders and tank that are 2007 only that can be gotten for $5500 or less with full warranty. One dealer says it was close to time to pay int. for floor plan and if I would make 3 hour drive there was no way I would leave without that bike. He would make it work. I like the orange fine but, 2008 has a real light blue with the slightly dark silver frame that just looks classy to me like when I first laid eyes on a stainless V-Rod.

Well I was asked to report and I know I gave more info than needed but, thought if a few who new bikes sort of got my feelings on these 2 bikes or using a stand by 3rd choice till I got one of first choices would understand and help guide me, plus maybe some knew or would research Hyosung with me. It is Korean and this company basicly fills most all of many parts for Suzuki Asian sold bikes and has been in business for 30 something years. 37 I think.

Well help me out. The only hold back on PC800 is high cost for mostly late 80 and early 90 models. I have run across some peaches with nice rifle windscreens added and other stuff but, $6000 plus shipping of $800 to $1,600 with bad stories about damage by shipper. Cost goes up allot to have it shipped by itself in a special situation haul.

Thanks to all who have info to help me. Hyosungmotorsusa.com if you want to check out info and see the 07 orange as well as 08 blue colors. I plan on pinstriping whatever I get including the (mini Goldwing it is nicknamed) PC800.

Thanks for anyones interest!!!!!!!!!!

TAZ

[RuggedH2]

Wow...... a Honda Rebel or a Hyosung?

Don't do it.

Other than that I don't even know what to say.

48826

[RuggedH2]

OK....... I thought of something else to say.

48827

Some guys are still gonna say it's a chick ride, but you can still keep your self respect on the right Harley Sportster.

There are some very cool ones out there....... reasonable.

They can be fast and fun to ride.

[Big Dad]

Wow...... a Honda Rebel or a Hyosung?

Don't do it.

Other than that I don't even know what to say.

48826

Nice bike....

:perfect10s:

[TXSUT]

No offense, but:

(1) The PC800 was a wife's answer to her husband's ST1100.
(2) The Hyosung is garbage.
(3) The Honda Rebel...if you weigh more than 85lbs, it will not get out of its own way and you'll get run over from behind on the highway.

Since you seem to like the PC800 so much, try shopping around for an ST1100...you just may be surprised by the prices compared to the PC800. I know several guys that have put in excess of 100,000 miles on their STs...and now they're riding ST1300s.

Given your talk of traveling by bike, I think you're on the right path with a sport-tourer. I put 300 miles on a borrowed 2003 VRod last week...absolutely miserable, I'd rather have been on a full-on race replica sportbike. Then again, I've done countless 300-600 mile days on sportbikes, never on a cruiser.

[RuggedH2]

Hey Motorcycle 2nd Love or better Gang,

Thanks for anyones interest!!!!!!!!!!

TAZ

Anyone who considers themselves to have a second love for motorcycles, isn't gonna recommend a Hyosung. The biggest relative consideration with that bike is cost.

The money involved is all relative.

A new Hyosung might cost around what another used bike does, but that doesn't mean they are comparable.

The right used bike can be better in every respect than the new Hyosung...... and cost the same.

In a few years the Hyosung will be worthless and the used bike you could have bought will be worth as much as you would have paid.

We all have our own individual preferences....... I like big American bikes. Before I could afford what I wanted, I rode big Japanese cruisers, before that, sport bikes.

I have logged many 900+ mile days on cruisers.

There are plenty of used big Japanese cruiser bikes that are powerful, comfortable and reliable for sale at the same money as the POS Hyosung.

The Gold Wing and Pacific Coast have a modern look and there are many available with the more traditional look.

TXSUT is right about the Rebel (can't get out of it's own way). Friends will not let friends ride a Rebel.

Get a bike that will have enough power after you've readjusted to riding again. You don't need to "get after it" while practicing........ but you will ride differently after you become comfortable.

A lack of power can be a safety issue. Power can get you out of some problems as well as get you into them.

There are so many big cruisers to choose from in your Hyosung price range and most will offer great reliability.

[HUMMERcustoms.com/TAZ]

Thank You for your help and advice.

First I do not know if any of you are familiar with my health issues in the past. I'm getting better now but, have had a heart set back which is new. I also have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia now.
You could search for other things but, had chance to lay down and die 6 times since my first time on 3/17/2001. 5 other times followed over the years but, unless the Big Guy was just going to reach down and take me I was not going by any earthly means. Basicly 2 different avenues of battle one side is 1 thing causing the next problem to show up a year or more after victory thought was had finally. The other avenue is just one thing piling onto things already there. Neurological. I never stop fighting and many worse than me but, yet things I have to take into account when I want to do something. Cardio stopped my jumping out of planes so I pick something else or go back to things I enjoyed in the past. Now I will ride a bike and I will build a drag race car for just the sportsman class. I will drive both of these dreams now or not do it and find something else.

The PC800 was picked due to weight and still ride with the 1100 or bigger as long as they ride nicely and not go nuts. So that was my thought there and then move up. I can ride now in condition I am in or just sit in house working out to get srtong enough. I have been confined in home for over 2 years and going nuts. It is fine to get out now following instructions and no problem with that.

Now on the Hyosung the power to weight is really great and shocks can be set to ride like clouds. I personally cannot find things wrong but, open minded and would like to get hands on info if you can direct me to it showing GV650 problems. In fact I would beg for info. It is 90 degree V-twin full of Suzuki engine and Harley tranny parts itself. The co. is almost the leading producer of machines in Asia and is the Leader in parts made for other brands one being Suzuki. i have run suzuki 4x4 ATV on the farm mainly running rice fields in mud and water morning and night. They could not be destroyed. I kept everyone bought since the first 1987 250 4x4 that had 27,000 miles on it when I gave it to my right hand man who road it everyday and when new ride came in he refused 400cc saying with right tires he could go anywhere plus it was light he could lift it and move it no winchs needed.

Guys I'm just trying to shed light on some of my thinking. My arms and legs will get stronger but, I want to make some 5 hour rides on interstate asap as well as 3/5 hour rides up in the Ozark mountains. Please shed more light on GV650 or PC800. I do not care much what people think of the bike if it is doing what I need for this season with it to be gone come Oct., if lucky for that long. Yet enough time to get ready for 2009 season.

Thank You for being frank but, just look from my eyes with my reasoning and perception.

TAZ

[TXSUT]

Suzuki wasn't about to supply engines to a Korean upstart with the potential to take a bite out of its bottom line.

Taz, I think someone's been blowing smoke up your ass about it being built with Suzuki parts.

[mdoyle]

What's the difference between a Harley Davidson and a Hoover Vacuum?

The location of the dirt bag! :giggling:

All our local stations are running PSA's on motorcycle safety and sharing the road. They urge drivers to "watch out for motorcyclist" but anyone that rides will tell you, you have to ride like drivers don't see you.

Of course, not riding an all black bike while wearing all black goes a long way to helping "be seen".

[RuggedH2]

Geez Taz I wasn't aware of your health problems (to that degree anyway).

I admire your will.

I'm questioning your reasoning though..... The decision to ride again under these circumstances is sketchy.

People drive like sh!t dude! The last motorcycle wreck I had could not have been avoided. A young girl (17) pulled out of a parking lot directly in front of me. I was going straight and she made a left hand turn that intersected my path........ there was absolutely no where to go....... all the options available were bad. One second to decide. I still think I made the right decision (best option available) and got lucky.

Recovery took a long time (broken arm, disks in my back, numerous cuts and road rash), and I considered myself to be in excellent health.

I was not wearing all black. :D

The power to weight argument seems to make sense for you (although two up is out)........ but when you are faced with no options........ the price you might pay could be higher than another in the same situation.

Build the drag car........ literally it's safer!

* EDIT

My last wreck happened after just coming back from a 5 thousand mile motorcycle trip that lasted two weeks........ I had been home for a couple days, went down to the gas station (around the corner from my house) to fill the tank.

[HUMMERcustoms.com/TAZ]

Taz, I think someone's been blowing smoke up your ass about it being built with Suzuki parts.


TXSUT
I have been getting info from everywhere about the Hyosung GV650. It looks allot like the V-Rod which I fell in Love with it and it actually began my process on road back to 2 wheels although I have thought about trikes. The down side is cost with one exception which is the Can-Am Spyder. It can be gotten for $15,500 up to $18,000. Anyway here is a link that gives more info and the blue colored 650 is what I'm looking hard at. I also found yesterday that if I buy 650, Hyosung will buy gas for a year, plus if I have a state motorcycle training which takes 1 day I get another $150. Thinking about passing the training part. I have more things worth the $150+ with my time.

Here is a link where you can get some info on GV650 where it talks about Suzuki and a nice pic of the blue one I'm looking at.

http://www.gekgo.com/hyosung_street_motorcycles_avitar.html

Here is another link just showing the different models.

http://www.hyosungmotorsusa.com/default.asp

TAZ