Please help-First motorcycle questions!

[Enter Year]

I am looking to buy my first motorcycle and I have several questions. First off, I am 19 and live in Minnesota. I am a female and dont have an excess of muscle, so it would have to be something I could physically handle. I need to be able to travel in town as well as medium distances - I want it primarily as an alternative to a car for the non-icy months to travel between home and college (about 150 miles round trip).

1. Is insurance mandatory and, if so, what should i except to pay (bare minimum, like liability).
2. What is a good bike to start with?
3. I have been looking at a 1975 yamaha 125 motorcycle. The guy wants $300 for it and he says that he left it outside for several years but that the only issue he sees is some rust on the gas tank but no holes. Does this sound reasonable/bad/like something is "fishy"?

Basically I just need something as cheap as possible that I can use until after college and I can afford a car. I am pretty mechanical so I assume that, with a manual, I could repair it a bit myself. I just need to be pointed in a direction. Thanks!!

[Moppie]

Welcome to the forums!

I don't know much about bikes, but Carey, ones the mods is into them and has owned a couple. She rides a lot, so will be able to give better advice.


Quick note, anything left outside for a couple of years is likely to have more wrong with it than just a bit of rust.
Unless you want a project to work on and spent time fixing, then look for a bike that is in current use and is running

[speediva]

I'm so sorry I didn't respond sooner! I've been ULTRA busy with work the last month or so.

Welcome to AF! I'm a fellow girl rider - it's GREAT fun! And oh the looks you'll get.

I would say to avoid the bike you posted about earlier. Chances are a bike of that age having sat around is going to have to have a total carburetor rebuild - and that isn't just costly, but it's also super time consuming (or even more expensive if you pay someone else to do it).

Do you have a budget set aside for how much you want to/can spend on the bike? Keep in mind you'll also have to pay for insurance on it - but the good news is that even at 19, you can get decent rates if you keep liability only. Any 250cc model aged probably late-80s and upward would be a GREAT bike for commuting around. Plus, if you're shorter, then you're more likely to be able to reach the ground on those bikes.

Let us know how your search is going!

[Enter Year]

Thanks for the advice! I will definitely post updates on here. My budget is basically as-low-as-I-can-go. I will be taking it out of my student loans that I will be getting here in while because the rate will be low and I HAVE to have a means of transportation to get around (I have a health condition and need to see specialists spread out too far away to take a bus or taxi). My logic is that my options are either 1) A car that I cant drive in the winter (MN) 2) A truck that I can drive but then pay way more in gas and insurance than I can afford or 3) A bike. Less gas and insurance costs. I still wouldn't be able to drive in the winter with a car so I might as well go with the cheaper option. Also, I wouldn't have to pay for a parking spot at the college which is like $600 for a car! PLUS, I just really want one. ;D I am pretty tall (5'9") so I don't know if that matters. It just occurred to me because you mentioned height in your post. Thank you so much for replying! I am always weary of posting in forums because I hate waiting months for a reply.

[Enter Year]

I will probably also be wanting a used one to cut down on costs. I want to get something that doesn't need any repairs (drive-ready) that would be cheaper than a car that would also be drive-ready. So basically I REALLY want to stay under 1500 but I know that is low so between 1500 and 6000, I guess. How does one go about looking? I don't really want to buy from an individual because I don't want to be taken advantage of in the way of price and condition.

[red_dog]

Saw the thread is a couple months old already, but if you're still considering buying something, have you looked at a Honda rebel? These are good reliable bikes, not too heavy, low seat height, and not too much power.

Plus, finding a decent one shouldn't break the bank.

Best of luck-

[speediva]

I'm sorry I've been further neglectful in helping! Working 65+ hours a week will do that!

I would say to focus your search in the $2000-3000 price range if you can swing it. That price range tends to have more "drive ready" bikes than the $1500 range.

Also, private individuals aren't ALLLLL scary to buy from. Look for ads that say "adult owned" and go look at some bikes, even if they're not really what you want. Learn what to look for on some "throw away" searching. Check to see that the chain is flexible but not too tight or too loose. Look for tire bits under the tail to see if they've been out doing burnouts. See if the brake levers are stiff or spongy. Play with all the controls.

And if I haven't mentioned it yet - DEFINITELY take the MSF Safety/Beginner course. It is AMAZING and often cheap/free to get your license and get some riding time in, too!