Good bike for a new new newbie?

Whats up all,

I've been looking at getting a bike instead of a 240... just not completely sure yet...

I want a bike that looks faster than it is... I don't trust myself with a really fast bike...

It needs to be fast... and kind of cheap... I'm still new to all this bike stuff...

-Grendel

Get a Buell. :)

But those aren't cheap :(

Im looking anywhere from 1k-3k... I've seen a lot of bikes in that price range... just aren't sure which ones are good...

-Grendel

I have seen used ones in that price range..... New ones are only 8,000 but thats not my point. I have seen 1997 models for dirt cheap. Just look around real good. If you can not find something i'll help you out looking on the internet.

Cool man, I saw a guy at our church that had one of those... it looked pretty good...

Aren't they made by Harley? Someone told me they were... I wonder how reliable they are...

-Grendel

From what I have heard they were made by a guy who worked for Harley. He left Harley and started his own motorcycle shop type deal. Today I think Harley does own half of them or something like that. If I can get a hold of the history on Buell and better information, i'll either send it through PM or post it in here. Which ever is best for you. I believe they are quite reliable.

Websites I found that talks about Buell's history..

http://www.dcbrag.org/history.htm
http://americansportbikenight.inspiredsites.net/stories/storyReader$85
http://www.buell.com/selector.asp

Check out these prices on the Buell's shown in this next link...
http://www.cycletrader.com/adbrowseprocess2.html. Most of these bikes are in Ohio, I know that will not help you out any, but the prices on what the Buell Blasts run for may suprise you.

This will help you out some...though.
http://www.greatvehicles.com/cgi-bin/motorcycles/listings/search.cgi

Go Japanese. There is a reason why they dominate the market today... :o

Start off with something like a Kawasaki Ninja 250, but only after you take the MSF course.

Originally posted by Scott 02
I believe they are quite reliable.

Buell had a recall a few years ago and it included EVERY sinlge bike they EVER manufacturered...hmmm
hth,
Bill
:bandit:

What was the recall? Probably wasn't very important or something that was in a hurry to get fixed.

just some recalls for Buells:

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;
Shock Eye in all 1995 - 1998 models.

all 97-98 models:
Turn signal relay - not detectable.

All 99 - 2000 models:
Rear shock absober - SRP package installed. Clamp and strap around front eyelet, conical support around the rear of the can.


There are alot more I could research into as well, this is just some... But please read through them and notice the severity of the recalls "Swing Arm in all 1995 - 1998 models", "Front Motor Mount System in all 1997 - 1998 models", "Clamp and strap around front eyelet". These types of recalls do not inspire faith into Buell. I would suggest getting an older jap bike preferrarbly around the 500-600cc size. My first bike was a 1980 Suzuki GS550, awesome bike to start on, I am glad to all god I didn't just hop on a sportbike and become a human crayon like so many other people have done.

At least them recalls are not too expensive.....

lol, you must not know motorcycle parts all to well, or have had to work on motorcycles before.

OK, I don't have a problem with Buell. They are american made and I think are faster than they look. I still think this is a good bike for a newbie no matter what.

Originally posted by Scott 02
OK, I don't have a problem with Buell. They are american made and I think are faster than they look. I still think this is a good bike for a newbie no matter what.

I think perhaps you're taking your signature too much to heart. :o

All joking aside, those recalls are VERY serious. Think of the sidearm recall as akin to a recall on BOTH axels on a vehicle. If your product is defective such that a MAJOR component of not only safety but NECESSITY needs to be replaced it puts the manufacturer in quite a pretty pickle. Those recalls are no where near cheap, and also insanely dangerous to riders should they not have been made.

quite a pretty pickle :confused:

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

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.

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.

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!!! :bloated:

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??? :rolleyes:

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!!!

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.......

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.

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.:rolleyes: This thread should be closed. Sorry Grendel...:( you should get the picture now....

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??? :bloated:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Originally posted by Heep
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.


Uhm, no. There is also the quality of the contractors, sub-contractors, suppliers, labor force, materials, design, manufacturer, end user...the list goes on and on. QC is there to make sure that the design/usage specs are correct. When one link in the system fails, it all fails.
hth,
Bill

...OK SO tell us again WHY you arent getting the 240? :confused:

yeah dude fuck all these recalled bikes. go for a tried and true 240. back when cars we'rent recalled hahahaha.

-GTi-VR6_A3

Youre talking about a 240sx right? not a volvo?

Originally posted by Fliquer
Youre talking about a 240sx right? not a volvo?

*lol* You're all insane. I love my car and all, and trust I love on Nissan, but dude, you'll NEVER lean your car like a bike. ;) NEVER.

Besides, bikes are cheaper to maintain, cheaper to insure, and cheaper to run. The parts can get pricey, but still cheaper to purchase in the beginning, and car repair costs will FAR exceed the repair costs of the bike.

Bikes cost next to nothing to insure. As a "first-year" rider on a 91 GS500 I paid only $26 a month to insure that. It would have only been nominally greater to insure an early 90's 600cc bike. As long as you buy used, the insurance drops significantly for an older bike and you don't need to get full coverage. ;) Think of it... If your bike is totalled, what are the chances of you LIVING to reap the benefits? :o

Bikes may require higher octane fuel, but at the same time, they require a LOT less of it. My bike got a consistent 50+ miles per gallon, and I had to run it at about 4k RPM's all the time. Now, granted, 4000 RPM's isn't all that much on a bike since most don't redline until at least 10,000 RPM's. Anyway, the gas saves you. Trust me.

Originally posted by Fliquer
Youre talking about a 240sx right? not a volvo?

actually he has a 240Z but shit i like that idea of him tossing it for a 240dl hhahahahahaha

-GTi-VR6_A3

Originally posted by GTi-VR6_A3


actually he has a 240Z but shit i like that idea of him tossing it for a 240dl hhahahahahaha

-GTi-VR6_A3

But you're not partial or anything, are you? :p

yea, 28.60 a month for insurance for me on a 750 cruiser... 110.20 a month for my R1 on liability only lmfao.

I'm still thinking of getting a 240sx... its just that for the same price i could have a bike that goes way faster. I'm not sure if I want that kind of power yet... my friend was telling me how nuts bikes can get...

Either way I can't get anything till my tax returns are returned... :(

-Grendel

Originally posted by saturntangerine


But you're not partial or anything, are you? :p

the car is nice but id rather have alot more different ones...

-GTi-VR6_A3

I agree with R1-rider, maybe you were pricing non R model 600cc bikes because my insurance is not what you'd call cheap. Usually any bike with the R designation is considered a high performance vehicle and therefore you get raped. I got lucky and got full coverage on the R6 for $325 for the year, which is still ridiculous for a motorcycle, my old F2 was $700 a year. When I got quotes for an R1 it was laughable to say the least one place wanted like $4,000 to insure it. :finger: The only thing cheaper about sportbikes is the gas. Maintenance costs are still high if you baby your bike. Not to mention I burn throuh tires at the rate of about 3,000 miles so, (no I don't do burnouts) if you ride instead of sputter they don't last long. :p Then figure in all the cosmetic mods you "have to have" on top of the bill for gear and you get a hobby that's far from inexpensive, at least in my mind.

This isn't a hobby, it's life...;-)>

Bill

Good point. :D That's why I continue to fork out the cash. ;)

Hellz yeah, baby!!! I got 3.5 hours of sleep last night, I got up for my 8am, stayed up for my 9:15am, ate my lunch, did some of my homework, and RODE today. ;) I bet STEVE AND SEB can't say the same. I even drove home to get my dad's bike and go out. I was the only sportbike out until a crew went by the ice rink where I work. :o

I LOVE RIDING!!!!!

Actually I rode the dirtbike (YZ250F) today. :p And I will tomorrow too if the weather holds. The current lack of spark plugs in the R6 makes it pretty unrideable. lol But don't worry it'll be ready by next weekend and I'll do a stand up just for you. :finger: lol

Originally posted by OneSicR6
Actually I rode the dirtbike (YZ250F) today. :p And I will tomorrow too if the weather holds. The current lack of spark plugs in the R6 makes it pretty unrideable. lol But don't worry it'll be ready by next weekend and I'll do a stand up just for you. :finger: lol

[excuse my hijacking the thread]

Aw, not the CR500??? :rolleyes: :bloated:

Crackhead ;)

Just remember SSU, SSD ;) Seb sounded pretty peeved that he didn't get out today. I was at least expecting to see Dad ride by. I think I saw Eric (KLR) go past, though. Can't wait to hit up the Mt. again!!!

CR500 = EVIL! :devil: It's 250cc and below for me from now on in the dirt. lol