Could use some opinions on this one.

[SoEm0]

Buy an old school cb and make a cafe. They have way more character.

[z31maniac]

I think I am going to go with a used enduro/supermoto bike, cheapest to buy, cheapest insurance, and keep me out of speeding tickets. Just have to keep the front tire on the ground. And my "boy" is a tech at a powersports shop so we do any work in his garage and I get big discounts on parts so maintenance is not a huge concern of mine. Even if the bike got 100mpg, if I was paying 10k for a bike it would take quite a while save $10k in gas. So gas going up is more of an excuse for me to get a bike than practical thinking.

Yes, but how much gas could you buy with all the money you are going to use to purchase/insure/maintain a motorcycle? And you still have to insure/maintain another vehicle as well.

[5spoke]

Seriously with motorcycles, buy used! You can get a year or two old motorcycle with almost no mileage for half of what it cost new. Plus most motorcycle warranties are a year or two max and bikes are extremely easy to work on. Also if this is your first bike, you will probably drop it at some point and you will kick yourself in the nuts even more if its a brand new bike.

I just bought and when i say just I mean literally two weeks ago a 2008 Yamaha Fz6s for $3500 with only 6k miles on it, one owner and garage kept. I bought it from a dealer too so a better deal could have been had from the owner himself. Keep an eye on craigslist and you can snag some good deals.

[Ryan...]

I agree with z31maniac on this one: I think the only reason people talk about sportbikes being economical is so they can convince the gf/wife or your self that its a good idea.

In reality, if you have a reliable car, it should be cheaper than a bike. If you do a lot of commuting (10k miles a year), plan on needing new tires ever 3k miles. Some tires last longer, others not so much. Then figure oil changes, new chains, and insurance. It all builds up quickly, and that extra 15-20mpg doesn't really cover the expenses.

However, if you are buying because you want a fun toy, the extra MPGs is an added bonus :)

[bikerbill2021]

you guys call yourselves BMW enthusiasts?? i should be seeing this monster quoted over and over againHNNNNNNNNG



haha but in all seriousness, the Italians, Germans, and Japs make amazing machines, it all depends on what you want/how much money youve got. yes buy used, its quite a different world coming off dirt to street, and you may find its not all you thought it was. you cant aimlessly wonder around in a big field or rip down a trail w/o looking back, theres alot more shit on the open road you have to pay attention to, and as stated, ive had friends who have ridden dirt there whole lives, but ditched there street bikes after one season. im sure youve heard this, but just reinstating

i love cafe racers, but i also love liter bikes. my first road bike was a cb500T cafe, and i shortly got an R1 in a trade after that. loved the looks of my honda, but nothing beat the power, reliability and bad ass ness of my R1. ill pick up another cafe project someday, but the next bike is either the BMW, a Repsol edition CBR, or another R1

[5spoke]

you guys call yourselves BMW enthusiasts?? i should be seeing this monster quoted over and over againHNNNNNNNNG



haha but in all seriousness, the Italians, Germans, and Japs make amazing machines, it all depends on what you want/how much money youve got. yes buy used, its quite a different world coming off dirt to street, and you may find its not all you thought it was. you cant aimlessly wonder around in a big field or rip down a trail w/o looking back, theres alot more shit on the open road you have to pay attention to, and as stated, ive had friends who have ridden dirt there whole lives, but ditched there street bikes after one season. im sure youve heard this, but just reinstating

i love cafe racers, but i also love liter bikes. my first road bike was a cb500T cafe, and i shortly got an R1 in a trade after that. loved the looks of my honda, but nothing beat the power, reliability and bad ass ness of my R1. ill pick up another cafe project someday, but the next bike is either the BMW, a Repsol edition CBR, or another R1

Unless you have an extremely thick wallet and go to the track frequently this bike is just to show off your cash flow. Granted I am envious of people who have them and they are beautiful and amazingly built bikes, just too much for the average motorcyclist. Especially one thinking about getting into street riding for the first time. Pull up to stop light, slip and put down $20k s1000rr on your 2nd time out....... never forgive yourself.

[richardb]

You're not going to get magical money saving mileage on a sport bike. My 03 R1 got around 30 mpg average. Like others have said, tires and $60 oil changes cut down your savings. High insurance if you're a newb. Don't forget these things take 93 fuel. You'll need to pay for a riding class in some states and an M endorsement on the license. If you want fuel economy and to save money get a Honda civic 96-00, my girlfriends gets 30+ mpg. Lastly, in my experience a sport bike is a good beginner bike if you can restrain yourself on speed. A heavy 'vintage' bike that weighs 2-400 lbs more is far less manageable as a beginner even if the top speed is 90mph :)

[AndrewBird]

This thread is making me want a bike...

NOT GOOD.

[emoshun]

I would rock this for a local commute.

[Vince30]

This is my dads bike. I really like this style as well.