Motorcycle.

[linkspast]

So Summer is nearing. I want a motorcycle. Dose any one have any advise about buying their first one? Or what to look for.

[OverCoat]

Do what everyone else does. Get a Harley and take the muffler off.

[z7e1r3o]

Make sure you get a used bike since most people that ride have at least one accident. There's no sense in buying a brand new bike just to wreck or scratch it and ruin its resale value.

Also, if this is your first bike, you might want to start off with a smaller engine size. Something between a 400 and 500 cc might be a little easier to learn on. A 1000 cc bike might be a little too heavy to learn on and a 600 cc bike might be too fast.

Oh, and I know bikers and leather is kind of cliche, but if you do go down, you'll regret not having worn leather.

[Moogle!]

Interesting info, z7e1r3o. I've been wanting one myself, especially with gas getting more and more expensive.

Do you (or anyone else) have any other advice, like on what I expect to pay? I'm not familiar with how well a motorcycle holds its value.

[Black Mage]

I might look into a dual sport bike (a street legal dirt bike), for a first motorcycle. They're lighter than a Harley or another cruiser, more nimble, usually cheaper, and very durable (they are meant to also go off-road, after all).

Plus, you can easily take it off-road onto trails and such, so you can double your fun.

Maybe look for a used one in good condition for a starter.

[z7e1r3o]

I might look into a dual sport bike (a street legal dirt bike), for a first motorcycle.

That is a great point, if you don't expect to be doing any interstate travel (which you shouldn't if you are just learning anyway), a street legal dirt bike will get you around just as well as any other bike. In fact, I've been thinking about getting one for a while.

Like I said though, interstate travel is a no-no on lighter bikes. If you attempt traveling on the interstate a with lighter bike, there is a good chance you'll end up in the ditch the first time a semi truck passes you. I would say that you at least need a 600 cc bike for interstate travel.

Do you (or anyone else) have any other advice, like on what I expect to pay?

A lot of what you pay depends on the make, engine size, year, mileage, and whether or not there is any damage (no surprises there, right?). I think a reasonable range for someone's first bike is between $1000-$5000. And really, even $5000 might be a bit too much for a first bike. Unfortunately, this is probably one of the worst times of year to buy a bike since a lot of people are doing the same thing.

And by the way, I am by no means an expert on this sort of thing. I have two buddies that are starting to race competitively, and I am frequently humbled by how much they know with respect to motorcycles.