first bike (i know i'm gonna get flammed)

[monkeyboy383]

ok, first of all, i looked through a few pages of posts... tried to search (i searched for "first bike" and it told me: ""first" is a very common word and was not included in your search"). ok, here's the thing. i plan on starting on a smaller bike, i will definatly take all the advice on that. however, here's my problem... cost. i'm turning 18 at the end of the month, and plan on getting my license shortly followed by my class M (i think i'll take a safety class or 2 first). but i'm having to move out on my own soon, and i have a pretty low paying job... so i need something good on gas and under $1000. i wanted to go the way of the car, but honestly finding a car that cheap is hard. and i'm guessing that a starter bike is gonna be better than most cars on gas (except maybe a geo). so what can i get for that? i'm pretty much just gonna be riding this bike to and from work, and even though i live near chicago it's warm enough that it won't be snowing anymore until i can get up the cash for a car. work is 15 miles away, and i can go 3 ways... expressway (I-57, but it's a pretty deserted stretch), one straight highway out in the country, or a twisty road in the country. the reason i say all this is because, in your opinion, which would be best to start out on? anyway, any help is appreciated. and ahead of time, i'm sry for the post... but at least i read the stickies at the top. i do have a lil experience on 2 wheels... my dad had a honda elite scooter that i've riden a lil bit... so i atleast understand the concept of lean and front and rear brakes (although i'm still a beginner). thank you again

[polacek]

check out craigslist

[monkeyboy383]

thanks for the site, nothing i saw was really what i was lookin for, but i placed a WTB ad... so hopefully someone will respond to it. any suggestions on bikes though (i know good suggestions for bikes, but what could i possibly find or am likely to find for $1000)? thanks though, it's much appreciated

[aussieidiot]

another thing you will have to budget for is safety gear.

if your planing on going down a highway you'll need it.

it's going to cost a bit too depending on quality.

as i'm in the land of Oz i can't help on price and our models are slightly different

[Racing Rice]

IMO, stick with a cheap car. I hate to play the bad guy here, but this "hobby" isn't cheap either. $1000 may get you a bike but you still have to pay for gear, and insurance (depending on where you live.)

Are you really ready to endure all of the climate and weather changes? There are a ton of other factors that you should think about when it comes to having a bike as an only means of tranportation even for a little while.

If your serious about finding a bike for $1000 look into something like a GS500,an older Ninja500, or possibly an older Yamaha Seca. You may even have to go for something like a 80's model CB or something along those lines. You definately wont have a beauty queen if thats what your after. Be ready to wrench on an older bike, also. Good luck.

[modaddy04]

if ur looking 4 something cheap, look at the early 1980s Yamaha 650 special or mid 80s Yamaha Virago. They're an excellent starter bike and pretty reliable from my experience; I have an 01 Hd Fatboy and 00 Road King. If you're planning on riding at least 60mph on I-57, you need something over 600cc to feel comfortable on the highway.

[monkeyboy383]

awesome, thanks for the suggestions. i realize how impractical a bike can be in chicago, but i recently got a lil boost in my interest... i got a new job installing custom countertops and installed a kitchen in an illinois state trooper's house (1 of only 8 motorcycle cops in illinois)... and he invited us to come out and work on his hot rod and encouraged us to get into bikes (while being safe)... and he will teach us how to ride. thanks for the suggestions on the bikes, i appreciate it and your warnings... i do understand it's not gonna be easy... thanks