QuestionMy first question is whether I should get a bike--My car gets 17mpg, so I'd need to ride about 50,000 miles on a $5,000 50mpg vehicle to break even. When I read bicycle for sale ads, anything over 10,000 miles says the engine's been replaced, and I haven't seen a single bike with over 25,000 miles.
Second, if it's a good idea, I don't want to die before I make up the cost of the bike. Here in Florida, if you can't do 90mph you can't keep up with highway traffic. One guy asking about superbikes here got a suggestion to start with a 250 or 500 Ninja, FZR400, Interceptor 500, or SV650. Are these good for a 6'1", completely inexperienced guy like me?
To be perfectly honest, I'd be most comfortable riding the 500cc version of the Piaggio MP3--I'm quite experienced on a bicycle, and some traction to spare would make me happy--but that doesn't look like it'll be available in the states for over a year, if ever.
AnswerSteve,
Your question reads: "When I read bicycle for sale ads...", but I am going to assume you meant motorbike.
HAve you looked into other large-displacement scooters like the Suzuki Burgman 650, Honda Silverwing 500 and the Aprilia Atlantic? These are all big scooters that will be able to keep with cars on the freeway with no problem.
As for bikes, probably the SV650 or Ninja 500 (there is also a 650 now- very nice) will do the job as well.
Big bikes though, and if you've never owned a big bike before, you are taking a dangerous step. Take the MSF class (www.msf-usa.org) and do some riding in off-peak hours (Sunday AM early) to get a feel for the bike before tangleing with real traffic.
The key to safe riding is to continually upgrade your skills, so keep riding. Just be damn careful on a big new bike, including those scooters.
Ride Aware,
Bill Roberson
