Looking for a bike for a Newbie

[Ron19]

As the subject says.  I was looking at the new Kawi Vulcan 800, but figured it's a bit much for a new rider.  So I'd like to get a good used machine to hone my skills on.  Looking for one in the $1000 - $2500 range.  Older but stable and safe.  Don't like sport bikes (Ninja's GSX's , etc)  THey look good but just aren't comfortable for me.  Anyone got anything for sale ?  Looking for something in the 500 - 750 cc or a bit over range.   Also any tips on pretty much anything I should know about getting into this sport.

Thanks in advance!

Ron

[Boog]

Ron:

If you don't mind travelling to get a deal, there's a nice '86 Yamaha Radian for sale up in Toronto.  Private sale, 600 cc., 22K for mileage, certified and asking price is only $2,150.  It's hard to tell by looking at the picture, but it appears to be in excellent condition.

These Radians make for a perfect starter bike and this particular one falls within all the parameters you've mentioned as in your post.  Way cheap to insure, as well!

Log onto www.trader.ca to check it out......

Good Luck!

Boog 

[Ron19]

Thanks Boog, thats pretty much what I'm looking for.  So that's a good price for a 20 year old bike?   I know nothing of their values.  Thanks!

[flash]

 Ron,
Check your P.M.

[Boog]

Yeah Ron, that's not a bad price, especially in comparison to some of the newer offerings available.  Of course, that's an 'asking price' so you may well get a much better deal than that, especially if an offer is floated now during the off-season. 

On another note, perceived value is really in the eye of the beholder, so it would all depend on your personal preferences for what would constitute good value for the money spent.  If this particular bike has been well-maintained (it appears it has), comes certified (it is) and is a low mileage example (22k is extremely low for the year) then I would recommend going to have a look. 

As mentioned previously, the Radians are wonderful "starter" bikes and parts would be readily accessible locally, even though it's a 20 year old machine.

Give Dave a shout up at The Performance Shed and get his take on them----he'd definitely know, being the area Yamaha dealer.

Let me know how you make out......

Take care,

Boog 

[Ron19]

I doubt he'd help me buy a bike from someone else   I found a few bike in TO I might go look at.  2 are Radians and one is a 1994 CB750 S Nighthawk.  Anyone know about these?

Thanks for everyones help!

[Boog]

True Ron, but if you were only inquiring about how he felt about Radians in general, I'm pretty sure he'd give you definitive answers to any questions you might have about them, especially being a new rider to the sport.

He's a great dealer and a close personal friend---I know he'd help you out if he could.  Drop in or give him a shout.

As for the Nighthawk you've mentioned, they too, are a pretty solid learning platform for a newer rider as well.  I think it's likely an '84 you're talking about though---the Nighthawk S models were only manufactured by Honda for a couple of years in the mid-80s.

Good luck with your search......

Cheers,

Boog

[pailface]

Have you browsed through the Craigslist motorcycle listings ?   

ie. 

http://toronto.craigslist.org/mcy/137067035.html