New Rider, Yes i read the other posts

[beautyintheory]

I am planning on getting a motorcycle, I am currently learning on a Yamaha Off Road Bike, but planning on getting a second bike. I want a Standard street bike, it's between the Suzuki SV650 or the Ducati S2r Monster, alot of people told me not to get a bike bigger than 600cc. Ive also looked into getting a Harley 1200 XL 1200c since they are cheap, are Harley's easier to ride? Well my question is I just need a standard good overall bike, that is not either very powerful nor very weak, but just in the mid range.

[aussieidiot]

the sv will be the way to go

everyone here will testify to its ease of use for a learner and cheaper than the duke in the long run.

i'm not a fan of harley's because they don't do what i like to do.

[speediva]

Suzuki, hands down. Maintenance will cost MUCH less than either the Ducati or the Harley. Besides, I'd wave to you on a Suzuki... on the others, not so likely. JUST KIDDING!

[Aces0vr8s]

well if she isnt gonna wave at you on the others get the others! be doing yourself a big favor!

[Z_Fanatic]

Actually, it's the lack of maintenance that has me surprised, after the 1000 mile oil change and pour some radiator fluid into the resevoir, I have done ABSOLUTELY NOTHING on it other than pump gas and check tire pressure sometimes. In next oil change, I'm guessing 6-7K miles, I might have to fill the brake fluid, and check the fork oil, and change the rubbers (I'm still on factory tires). I'm probably missing something here, hehe, but may be I should've got the Ducati Monster instead, so at least I could take it to Ducati and pay them a grand to adjust the valves.

[chubster2003]

a grand to adjust the valves.. shit for my friends '91 CBR F2 its only 200$ to go through whole engine and adjust valves .. thats not bad at all...

and i would go with the suzuki.. why .. if ya wreck it.. no farrings to replace.. and its a cheaper bike... ducati is a nice bike if your loaded and able to keep up on maintainence..

BTW how do you check the fork oil?? lol..

[beautyintheory]

Alright, thanks alot for the help, any comments on the GSX750? or the Kawasaki ZRX 1100

[Z_Fanatic]

Originally Posted by chubster2003

BTW how do you check the fork oil?? lol..

first, you need a proper metric tools, which I might not have for it at the moment, then you open those big ol' nuts on top of the triple clamp (where the clip-ons are attached to). then I guess read the manual to drain the fluid, and pour some new one with proper weight, etc.

[chubster2003]

ehhh.. sounds like a pain in the ass.... and something i would need a manual for.. jeez i need to buy one

[purefire572]

Harley's are different from the Japanese bikes....just the operation of the clutch took some getting used too. I used to ride an 81 Suzuki GS650 and switched to an 883 XL. The throttle responce is a lot slower because of the V-twin. If u rev it too quickly it'll backfire and when i first rode the Harley i always felt the motorcycle was gonna stall when launching...but i got used to it ( a lot of low end torque). Some ppl complain about the vibration of the v-twin despite the rubber mounts, doesn't bother me, but you'll either love it or hate it. I had a GS650 so handling wise the Harley was an improvement.( very few ppl can say that heheh) but i don't think its handling competes with the modern-day japanese street bikes.

[King Of Crunk]

go with the SV.... they're good bikes and as these guys have said... if you drop it the worst thing that can happen is a scratch on metal...

[Kurtdg19]

Yea go with the SV. They are a very nice bike. Those V-twins also sound great! with a pipe. Check into frame sliders if you do decide on it. Like it says, its to protect your bike from sliding on its frame (avoiding plastics is just a bonus which you won't have to really worry if you get a naked). I would much rather prefer scratched up plastics over a scratched up frame with the possiblity of it bending.