Good bike for a new new newbie?

[Scott 02]

quite a pretty pickle

anyways, what kind of bike do you suggest for the bike newbie then?

[speediva]

Like I posted before, if Grendel wants a bike that looks faster than it is (a small sportbike is what I read), then he ought to look into buying a used Ninja 250. Many many people buy 250s and outgrow them in a year or two, so used won't be a problem to find. Also, by taking the MSF course, they may be looking at buying new bikes for the course and he could either buy one of the bikes they are getting rid of, or ask them if he can get in on the deal of the mass purchase.

[R1-rider]

Front Motor Mount System in all 1997 - 1998 models;
Negative Battery Cable in 1996 - 1998 S1 Lightning and 1998 S1 White Lightning models;
Rear Brake Line in 1999 Lightning X1 models;
Side Stand Switch in all 1996 - 1999 models, except S2 and S2T Thunderbolt models;
Fuel Tank Retention System in all 1995 - 1999 models, except Lighting X1 models;
Fuel Tank Vent in all 1995 - 1999 models;
Swing Arm in all 1995 - 1998 models;


Models:
Buell S-1 Years: 1996-1998
Buell S-3 Years: 1997-1998
Buell S-3T Years: 1997-1998
Buell M-2 Years: 1997-1998
Buell S-1W Years: 1998
Description of Noncompliance: Failure of one or more turn signal lamps would not be indicated to the operator of the vehicle (no noticeable change in the flashing rate of the turn signal indicator light). This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence of Noncompliance: An operator would not be aware that the turn signal lamps were not working increasing the risk of a crash.


Models:
X1 Years: 1999
M2 Years: 1999
S3 Years: 1999
Description of Defect: The swing arm on these motorcycles was improperly manufactured. This condition can cause the rear suspension to fail without warning, leading to loss of control of the motorcycle.


Models:
Buell S1 Lightning Years: 1996-1998
Buell M2 Cyclone Years: 1997-1999
Buell S3 Thunderbolt Years: 1997-1998
Buell S3T Thunderbolt Years: 1998-1999
Buell S1 White Lightning Year: 1998
Buell X1 Lightning Year: 1999
Defect: These motorcycles were built with a sidestand switch that could become inoperative, causing the engine to stall or quit when riding.


Models:
Buell S1 Lightning Years: 1997-1998
Buell S1 White Lightning Years: 1997-1998
Buell M2 Cyclone Years: 1997-1998
Buell S3 Thunderbolt Years: 1997-1998
Buell S3T Thunderbolt Years: 1997-1998
Defect: On certain motorcycles, the rear brake line can chafe, resulting in loss of brake fluid. Should this occur, the rider could experience loss of rear braking capabilities.


Models:
Buell S1 Lightning Years: 1996-1998
Defect: On certain motorcycles, motion of the battery cable can lead to breakage of the battery terminal. This condition can cause the engine to stall or quit when riding.


Models:
Buell S1 Lightning Years: 1996-1998
Buell S1 White Lightning Year: 1998
Buell M2 Cyclone Years: 1997-1998
Buell S2 Thunderbolt Years: 1995-1996
Buell S2T Year: 1996
Buell S3 Thunderbolt Years: 1997-1998
Buell S3T Thunderbolt Years: 1997-1998
Defect: These motorcycles were built with a rear shock absorber front eye that could break. If the shock eye should break, the underside of the vehicle will drag on the ground, possibly causing loss of vehicle control.


Models:
Buell S1 Lightning Years: 1996-1998
Buell S1 White Lightning Year: 1998
Buell M2 Cyclone Years: 1997-1998
Buell S2 Thunderbolt Years: 1995-1996
Buell S2T Year: 1996
Buell S3 Thunderbolt Years: 1997-1998
Buell S3T Thunderbolt Years: 1997-1998
Defect: These motorcycles were built with a swingarm that could break. If the swingarm should break, loss of vehicle control could occur.


Models:
Buell S1 Lightning Years: 1996-1998
Buell S1 White Lightning Year: 1998
Buell M2 Cyclone Years: 1997-1999
Buell S2 Thunderbolt Years: 1995-1996
Buell S2T Year: 1996
Buell S3 Thunderbolt Years: 1997-1999
Buell S3T Thunderbolt Years: 1997-1998
Buell X1 Lightning Year: 1999
Defect: These motorcycles were built with a fuel tank vent valve assembly that could become plugged. Under certain conditions, this could cause the carburetor to overflow fuel, which could result in a fire. This condition could also prevent sufficient fuel flow, which could cause the engine to misfire or stall.

Models:
Buell S1 Lightning Years: 1996-1998
Buell S1 White Lightning Year: 1998
Buell M2 Cyclone Years: 1997-1999
Buell S2 Thunderbolt Years: 1995-1996
Buell S2T Year: 1996
Buell S3 Thunderbolt Years: 1997-1999
Buell S3T Thunderbolt Years: 1997-1998
Defect: These motorcycles were built with a fuel tank mounting system that could, in the event of a crash, allow the fuel tank to separate from the motorcycle.


Models:
Buell M2 Cyclone Year: 1999
Defect: Certain motorcycles were manufactured with an incorrect air cleaner component. This component could restrict air flow into the float bowl of the carburetor, causing fuel to overflow, which could result in a fire. This could also prevent sufficient fuel flow, which could cause the engine to misfire or stall.


Models:
1999 Buell S3 Thunderbolt motorcycles,
Defect: The location of the rear brake line can cause it to become damaged and leak fluid. A loss of rear wheel braking capabilities could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.


Models:
2002 Buell M2L
2002 Buell S3T
2002 Buell M2
2002 Buell X1
Defect: These motorcycles were built with a front shock mount that is cracked and could break.


Models:
2003 Buell Firebolt XB9R
Defect: On certain motorcycles, the side stand legs have the potential to bend or break.


hehe, have fun with that one for awhile.

[speediva]

Models:
X1 Years: 1999
M2 Years: 1999
S3 Years: 1999
Description of Defect: The swing arm on these motorcycles was improperly manufactured. This condition can cause the rear suspension to fail without warning, leading to loss of control of the motorcycle.

No shit, "leading to loss of control of motorcycle"!!! You really aren't going anywhere w/o a properly assembled DRIVE WHEEL!!!

Models:
Buell S1 Lightning Years: 1997-1998
Buell S1 White Lightning Years: 1997-1998
Buell M2 Cyclone Years: 1997-1998
Buell S3 Thunderbolt Years: 1997-1998
Buell S3T Thunderbolt Years: 1997-1998
Defect: On certain motorcycles, the rear brake line can chafe, resulting in loss of brake fluid. Should this occur, the rider could experience loss of rear braking capabilities.

Not only loss of braking capabilities due to no BRAKE FLUID, but also leaking lubricant all over the flippin road leading to loss of traction on your wheel. Gee, wouldn't that just be fun???

Models:
Buell S1 Lightning Years: 1996-1998
Buell S1 White Lightning Year: 1998
Buell M2 Cyclone Years: 1997-1998
Buell S2 Thunderbolt Years: 1995-1996
Buell S2T Year: 1996
Buell S3 Thunderbolt Years: 1997-1998
Buell S3T Thunderbolt Years: 1997-1998
Defect: These motorcycles were built with a rear shock absorber front eye that could break. If the shock eye should break, the underside of the vehicle will drag on the ground, possibly causing loss of vehicle control.k

POSSIBLY causing loss of control???? You must be shitting me!!!

Models:
Buell S1 Lightning Years: 1996-1998
Buell S1 White Lightning Year: 1998
Buell M2 Cyclone Years: 1997-1998
Buell S2 Thunderbolt Years: 1995-1996
Buell S2T Year: 1996
Buell S3 Thunderbolt Years: 1997-1998
Buell S3T Thunderbolt Years: 1997-1998
Defect: These motorcycles were built with a swingarm that could break. If the swingarm should break, loss of vehicle control could occur.

Again, loss of control COULD?!?! occur! hahaha. Good joke!

Models:
1999 Buell S3 Thunderbolt motorcycles,
Defect: The location of the rear brake line can cause it to become damaged and leak fluid. A loss of rear wheel braking capabilities could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Again, the loss of brake fluid isn't the biggest factor here. 75-85+% of your stopping power on a motorcycle is in the front brake, but you are in much deeper shit if your rear wheel gets nasty, slippery brake fluid all over the damn thing. It'd be like riding on sheer ice!!!

Buell has more recalls than Ford, Chrysler, and GM combined it seems!!!

[Scott 02]

OMG, I don't care...Thats alot of Bull SHIT and HELL BE GOD DAMNED IF I WERE TO EVER GET A IMPORTED BIKE! You 2 make Buell look so god damned bad. Hey Saturn, I don't know how you got into this thread, but personally I don't think you know crap about bikes. So stop agreeing with R1 Rider so you can sound good. He is the only one I believe not YOU! Im am getting very pissed of here lately.......

[R1-rider]

Oh I see, so you are stuck on the whole notion that harley and buell are "American" made bikes? yet all or most of their mufflers, carbs, distributers and other components of the engine are imported from japan. Doubt me? And not to mention that Honda's Ohio motorcycle plant ALONE hires more AMERICAN citizens then all of harley and buell combined. So while you can be disallusioned by Harleys' PR department all you want, I will stick with a "japanese" bike which is more reliable, faster, better looking, less dangerous, and of course actually hires more americans then some harley piece of shit. And don't bash on saturn, she has not gone into the research as indepth as I have, but she still knows a good deal about motorcycles and is always willing to help people.

[Scott 02]

And don't bash on saturn, she has not gone into the research as indepth as I have, but she still knows a good deal about motorcycles and is always willing to help people.

Saying that b/c she is a mod. Im not scared of mods in the first place. Thats not the point though. I don't give a shit go with the damn japan bike. You didn't need to list all them fucking recalls. This thread should be closed. Sorry Grendel... you should get the picture now....

[speediva]

Originally posted by Scott 02
OMG, I don't care...Thats alot of Bull SHIT and HELL BE GOD DAMNED IF I WERE TO EVER GET A IMPORTED BIKE! You 2 make Buell look so god damned bad. Hey Saturn, I don't know how you got into this thread, but personally I don't think you know crap about bikes. So stop agreeing with R1 Rider so you can sound good. He is the only one I believe not YOU! Im am getting very pissed of here lately.......

Where is your research? I am a full time college student and haven't had the time to do the research that R1 has done. I would like to know where you get off believeing that Buell is such a die-hard brand. I hear the recalls on the nightly news, where do you get your info???

You want to mouth off to me, tell it to my 20 years of living with an avid rider for a father. I have a motorcycle. Where's yours?

Edit: I'm even helping you with the problems of my personal faves in Imports!!!

Yamaha's are known for poor wheel quality (i.e. cracking leading to breakage).

Triumph's have some that will not run after awhile due to electrical problems.

Aprilia have a problem with exterior pieces of fairings falling off or breaking.

Ducatis also may suffer from electrical problems after a period of time.

[Heep]

Geez people, take it easy on Scott. He expressed his opinion, helped give Grendel an idea for a good beginners bike, and showed that he likes the product....then you all start bashing the bikes and him for liking and suggesting them. It's up to Grendel to decide what to get, Scott was just providing an option.

I happen to love Buells, they have a level of exclusivity and character most Japanese bikes can't match, and given proper maintenance will last just as long.

Side note, I hate it when people equate a high number of recalls with poor reliability. I highly respect brands that have the balls to humiliate themselves with a recall.....they're admitting the product has a problem, and that they are willing to fix every one on their expense to satisfy owners and keeps the roads a safer place. Most products without a high recall list are either using tried and true, yet antiquated technology and/or do not have the balls to issue a recall regarding problems that are guaranteed to happen with anything new.

[Steel]

Or they're built right in teh first place, heep.

Im sorry but i dont trust harleys or buells as far as i can throw them. Which isn't far. Im skinny.

Anyway, i personally met my freinds uncle who is a parapalegic becasue whoever designed his harley decided it wasn't a bad idea to have the oil filter or oil plug pointing right at the front wheel, and to make the connection extra weak.

[Heep]

Originally posted by Steel
Or they're built right in teh first place, heep.

Im sorry but i dont trust harleys or buells as far as i can throw them. Which isn't far. Im skinny.

Though there are some companies with better quality control than others, every single new part can only be properly tested after road use by average consumers, and whether or not they work perfect or fail is more or less luck of the draw. Aside from the quality the bike builders actually put into making the bike, not much else is really a factor in determining quality. Eg, I trust an American built part just as much as a Japanese built part, it all depends on the quality of the installation.

Anyways, lets not make this a discussion about quality.

Also, if you don't like Buells that's perfectly allowed, and feel free to express your opinion, just PLEASE refrain from insulting other members because of their choice or recommendation. Grendel just wants ideas of what bikes to look at, and he can do his own research into which is best for him based on a cost/reliability/servicing/how much he likes it basis.

[OneSicR6]

Originally posted by Heep

Also, if you don't like Buells that's perfectly allowed, and feel free to express your opinion.

To say I dislike Buells would be an understatement. While I agree that alot of companies need to nut up and recall some things, it's usually something minor though, like R6's have a leak prone battery that they won't recall, I never heard anything about reliability issues with the wheels though. But COME ON we're talking about a rear suspension that fails, OR a swingarm that can snap, these things tell me Buell either had piss poor engineering on these bikes, or they didn't spend enough time testing them out before they put them out for the consumers to buy. The brake fluid recall is minor, that's to be expected, you'll always have little things like that, I rarely even touch my rear brake anyway. I've ridden Buells before, I'm not going to bash them, let's just say it didn't impress me. Of course not too much that has Harley powering it really does. I also know people that have Buells that break down on a fairly consistent basis, and if I recall correctly parts are pretty expensive for them. I say go Japanese, you won't regret it, try and find an early 90's model and you should be able to find one in your price range and for those of you on your high horse because Buell is "American" lol, R1 Rider hit that nail square on the head.

[Scott 02]

Thanks Heep. I just stated some opinions and he is right about how R1 threw some recalls at me like that. Oh well, My opinion will not change.

[R1-rider]

I don't mean to come off as offensive, but when somebody asks for my opinion I give it to them. My personal experience with Buells has been far from favorable, and my prejudice is a result. I in no way feel the need to try and change Scott's mind, however I don't want some poor sap reading the garbage he is writing to think that it is correct. When somebody asks for the best bike, I will give them either the best bikes I believe to get, or the worst ones to stray away from, obviously you can tell it was the latter in this case. Ofcourse this is in my own personal opinion, however do not take it lightly because unlike some people here, I know a great deal about what I am saying.

[bvia]

Originally posted by Heep
Side note, I hate it when people equate a high number of recalls with poor reliability. I highly respect brands that have the balls to humiliate themselves with a recall.....they're admitting the product has a problem, and that they are willing to fix every one on their expense to satisfy owners and keeps the roads a safer place. Most products without a high recall list are either using tried and true, yet antiquated technology and/or do not have the balls to issue a recall regarding problems that are guaranteed to happen with anything new.

A high number of recalls?...LOL...THE ENTIRE POPULATION!

As "balls to humiliate themselves with a recall"...NTSB FORCED Buell to do the recall...no respect should be given there other than they didn't sue to stop the recall...

I'm sorry, Heep. You just don't know what you are talking about.

Bill