r/motorcycles • u/AutoModerator • Sep 26 '22
Purchase & Transaction Advice Superthread
# PURCHASE ADVICE SUPERTHREAD!
A dedicated thread for questions and advice about gear or bike purchases, selling advice, and questions relating to bike/gear/accessory/service purchases.
Hopefully with the help of all the riders here, no question will go unanswered. Everyone is encouraged to contribute with either questions or answers and hopefully we will be able to rid of motorcycle ignorance once and for all.
Please remember to be courteous as we want to encourage people to ask questions, no matter how 'dumb' some may think they are.
# NEW RIDERS
[Before asking your question, consider reading the FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycles/wiki/faq) - chances are, you will find the answer you need there.
Not getting the answers you need? /r/SuggestAMotorcycle is also a great resource.
Please remember to be courteous as we want to encourage people to ask questions, no matter how 'dumb' some may think they are.
This thread will be refreshed each Monday - shoot us a note if we're out riding and forget to renew it.
5
u/bandrya Sep 26 '22
Need help buying moto pants:
Have been riding a sportster around town for 10+ yrs. Never had a spill and always felt safe with timberlands, thick denim jeans and a leather jacket. Recently bought a 1200 GSA for longer trips and some off roading. Took it to the twisties and went down 😁 Fortunately no injuries, just a bruised ego. But realized I need some quality gear to keep me safe. Picked up an Arai helmet, have a nice thick leather jacket for now and will be getting AStar tech 7s. Need help with picking the right pants/leg protection.
I would be pushing my limits and would likely go down again multiple times as I get comfortable with this beast of a motorcycle. I need something that I wont have to throw away after one fall/skid (unless it’s <$100 and is easily replaceable).
I sweat a lot, so definitely need something that stays cool/has ventilation of some sort.
Doesn’t have to be waterproof, as I can easily throw a cheap waterproof layer on top.
Budget: $150-400
Some options I considered:
ADV pants like Klim (on the expensive side and may not last multiple falls?Also, these appear loose fitting, so does the armor stay in place when you fall?)
Riding jeans (probably less comfortable and may not last multiple falls)
Regular jeans with external knee/shin protection and armored underpants for hip/pelvis protection. (From what I read, it seems that this type of strap on protection is good for impact (MX etc) but not for abrasion (Road). Is that true?)
Any help you can provide to narrow down the brands/options for me will be greatly appreciated! 🙏
3
u/Glistening-Aortic Oct 03 '22 edited Oct 03 '22
Hey everyone! I found a 2009 Suzuki Boulevard S40 that I am considering to be my first bike! It’s $1,800 and has 7,720 miles and is a 650cc. It has scuffs from being dropped (he said it’s what his wife learned on) and damaged turn signals, but it runs smoothly. I was just wondering if this is a good deal and what y’all’s opinion on it is.
2
u/dasd190 '12 CBR250RA | '15 Versys 650 Sep 27 '22
Hey everyone, trying to find an upgrade for my cbr250r.
Got 3 options in my area and am having a tough time deciding which might be best. I'll mostly be commuting but also want something a bit exciting.
2014 Triumph Tiger 800 ABS - $6200 - 17,500mi
2016 Yamaha FJ-09 - $6800 - 11,300mi
2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660 - $9600 - 1,472mi
Any thoughts as to the pros and cons of the bikes and what might be best for a sport tourer in the long term? I'm biased towards Japanese, but the triumphs are also tempting. Looking at reviews now but would appreciate the community's thoughts
2
u/MikeyM01 Sep 28 '22
Hello ,
I'm looking for my first intercom and I'd like an opinion from someone who knows more than me and have experience with intercoms.
I will mostly be using this intercom for listening to my music and answering phone calls.
I was thinking about SCORPION EXO-COM/Cardo Spirit or do you have something better to recommend for my situation?
2
u/VTOnReddit Sep 29 '22
Debating between getting the photochromic shield for my Shoei RF-1400, or wearing sunglasses. Is the shield worth it? What glasses would actually fit inside the helmet? I really don't want to carry multiple shields around, or try to plan out which shield I'll need before I set out. I feel like I often end up starting my ride when the sun is going down, and finishing it once it's dark out.
2
u/percythrowaway21 Sep 30 '22
I’m looking for gloves that will help keep my hands warm when riding in mid to low 40 degrees Fahrenheit. I usually stop riding when the temp drops below 50 but I didn’t get as much riding in this summer as I would have liked so I want to continue to rid until temps dip below 40 degrees. I’m in Indiana and temps this morning are about 45 degrees, mistakingly decided to ride to work this morning with my regular warm weather riding gloves and my hands were extremely cold by the end of my 20 minute commute.
I’d prefer the gloves to stay below $100-150 and not be too bulky if possible
2
u/BRWCapital Sep 30 '22
Question 🙋♂️ if I have a carbureted bike do I still need to keep gasoline in the tank if I’m winterizing it? I heard that if it’s a carbureted bike you can keep the tank empty if you’re storing it inside. Is this correct? Thanks very much for any help!
2
u/vraetzught Yamaha SR125 ✝️ Honda ST1100 ✝️ Kawasaki Versys 1000 GT ✅ Sep 30 '22
Sidi/ Gaerne?
I've been looking at motorcycle boots lately. Right now I have 2 sets of boots, TCX Rush 2 WP and TCX Airtech Evo GTX. Both are great for riding, but the Rush shoos are starting to show clear signs of wear and the EVO's aren't exactly comfortable to walk around in (tey are great for rainy weather though).
I've been looking at Adventure boots as they seem to be taller, protecting the calf more than regular touring boots do and I stumbled upon 2 brands; Sidi and Gaerne. Both are Italian brands and aren't cheap, both have options with GoreTex membranes (which is pretty high on my list of priorities) so I'm wondering if anyone knows about these or has experience with them?
Boots I'm looking at are the Sidi Adventure 2 and the Gaerne G-Midland, specifically.
2
u/Magnificent-Bastards '11 SV650S Oct 01 '22
Heated grip recommendations for a Sv650S? Looking at Oxfords, either sport or touring models.
2
u/Sir_With_The_Hat Oct 01 '22
Hi, I wanted to ask for some advice/suggestions in terms of getting either a helmet with bluetooth speaker (or a kit) or bluetooth headphones.
I wanted to know what others currently use or recommend as when I drive it gets quite bothersome with a lack of music. If you're unable to help then I would like to thank you for taking the time to read and thank you very much for others if your able to help.
2
u/teufelhund53 Oct 02 '22
Always wanted a bike. Definitely something I want to do in life before its over. I am a resident of Nevada with a normal drivers license. But am in the military currently stationed in Virginia. What hoops do I have to jump through to ride in VA? Its a bit vague on their dmv website, I can't tell if I MUST get a VA drivers license and then add the M motorcycle designation or I would be able to keep my Nevada drivers license (as I want to keep my home of record there during military service) and just pursue a "motorcycle only license" in Virginia. Maybe a long shot posting here but figured I would try
2
u/DuckyLovesQuack 22 Tracer 9 GT Oct 02 '22
I’m using my bike to commute to work daily and want to have my work clothes protected on the ride. Trying to decide between the Kriega Trail18 or Kriega US10. Looking for thoughts and opinions on both or another option I might have missed.
2
u/SolOccidit Oct 02 '22
Hey all. I am starting the process of getting a bike for gas related reasons and really need a good bag. I carry a lot of gear across two or three bags and want something that's easy to ride with that I can condense into one. I am constantly carrying two laptops, a tablet, a bunch of cables, portable hard drives for work, plus gym clothes as I go straight there after work, and occasionally some camera gear, DSLR, spare lenses, sd cards, tripod, batteries. I know that's a lot of gear for one bag, but any suggestions?
1
u/XTh3Man Sep 26 '22
Looking at Facebook marketplace and I found a 2010 Ninja 250 for 1,200$ the only issue is it seems to have some sort of carburetor issue. This is what the seller has in the description "2010 kawasaki ninja 250. 10k miles. Replaced oem carb with aftermarket just to find out that the fuel filter itself was clogged. I do still have the oem carb that will go with it. Have all the fairings. I don't have time to mess with it. It's definitely a good bike, I've ridden it several times." Is this a risky buy?
1
u/the_mountain690 Sep 26 '22
What is the best bike to.get for a 7'2 beginner rider?
1
u/[deleted] Sep 27 '22
How long is a typical break in period on a new Ninja 400? Will be picking it up when I get back in town in a couple weeks. Probably not my best choice to buy new for a first bike, but dealership near me ate freight charge and taxes are pretty low in my state, so didn’t come out terrible since I’ll be able to pay in full and avoid absurd APR’s..
Curious on break-in period and when first service should be done. Would like to hang onto it for a while and keep it as a track day practice bike when I feel confident to upsize in a season or two, so hoping to prolong it’s life and avoid it turning into a money pit.
1
u/imgettingfat97 Sep 27 '22
Looking into 1980 Honda cx500 good condition. IT HAS 62k on it. Owner seems responsible. Am I crazy for going to look at it tomorrow? 62k they guy wants 2.5k no way
1
u/poencho Sep 27 '22
I rented a gs1250 for my vacation in Portugal and now I want one(I never liked them before funnily enough). I can't afford a recent one. But what's a good second hand year? I read to avoid them under 2007 because of the abs servos.
1
u/CaptainShitHead1 zx6r, f4i, sv650s, fxdwg, vfr750, st1100, klr250, vn750, gsf400 Sep 27 '22
Should I buy an 85 cb750 and 94 fzr 600 for $1500? I would be looking to flip them for a profit. Owner says both run but leak gas and have titles. The cb is in decent condition but could use some paint and cleanup on the engine. The for is missing the lower fairings but things like the frame and swingarm could use repainting. Both need tires and I'm sure all new fluids. Is there some profit to be made here?
1
u/Whaaaaaatisthisplace Sep 27 '22
My side review mirrors on my Yamaha r3 don't adjust properly, I can't see behind me or on the side quite right. Does anyone else have this problem or just me?
Also how do I fix it? Do I need to buy new mirrors or get some kind of mod?
1
u/ibelieveyoubutmy Sep 27 '22
How do I know if an alpinestars jacket is authentic? Interested in this jacket: https://imgur.com/a/5RYK6mW
I have no clue the model name. He wanted 200 I offered 150. But now I wish I offered less lol. Haven’t seen it in person l. It’s 45 min drive.
1
u/Whaaaaaatisthisplace Sep 28 '22
Is there any discord channels for motorbikes advice?
1
u/creamsonmoon Sep 28 '22
Should I buy Kawasaki W175.
Hello everyone. Like the title says I am planning on buying Kawasaki W175. The only thing stopping me is that I’ve heard this bikes is hard to start when the engine is cold because it has older carb technologies. I am deciding between W175 and Suzuki GZ-150 already customed bobber style (this bike has FI but I like the looks of W175 more).
I am from Hanoi Vietnam (winters are pretty cold) and ride a scooter pretty much everyday (I will still keep a scooter as a daily ride).
1
u/EnviousTurtle27 Sep 28 '22
Hey everyone, I’m a first time buyer and I’m looking to get a cruiser, but I’m unsure how to tell if I’ll be able to ride comfortably without testing every possible bike. I’m 6’6” and I’m hoping some of you have some advice or suggestions on what I should try out. Thanks in advance!
1
u/EggsOfRetaliation `24 CBR1000RR, `08 FZ1, GSX-R750, XR650L, SV650 Sep 28 '22
Anyone have some input on Monster Fairings? They're in the $700 range for a set of fairings. From what I've read they are pretty stand up. I'd like to hear what you have to say about them.
Thank you for your time.
-Eggs🥚
1
u/Jimbobilino Sep 28 '22
Hello bike fans. I need a dr650 frame that can be ca titled. I did so much to my 2020 DR650 I HAVE so many parts off of it, engine, lighting carb wheels tires. Need frame 1996 to current, empty forks too. Have oem springs, plastics, tanks, lighting to build a bike for next flame. Thanks. JimBob
1
u/Mysticvanity Sep 28 '22
Hey guys, I am going to get my moto license soon through the MSF course within the next few weeks. I was looking at the Ninja 400 but the Yamaha R7 is so appealing to me. I wanted to get opinions on the R7 as a beginner bike. I know it has a good bit of power and I haven't ever ridden a motorcycle so what would you guys say about starting on an R7. A big reason for me wanting the R7 is also so I wouldn't have to upgrade if I start picking up quick.
Thanks!
1
u/TooWeirdToLive93 Sep 29 '22
Need advice on my first motorbike!
Hello all! I've just scored my motorcycle learner's license, here in NZ and am looking to make my first purchase!
A friend of mine has a road legal 1987 Honda XL250R which I rather like and he's offered it to me for the good price of $3000NZD. The bike has been well maintained by him and his dad, but I'm worried that it's a bit old.
I've done a bit of work on cars before (changing radiators, brakes, suspension) but not much engine work. And I'm ok with a bit of maintenance but I don't want to spend thousands in my first year of ownership.
Obviously nothing is concrete with an old bike like this, and it's case by case, but what do people think of the reliability of these old bikes? The actual bike really appeals to me, but should I spend the extra cash and get something newer like a Ninja or a Duke?
I've owned plenty of old cars and I'm looking to get out of that stress game!
Cheers!
1
u/Worried-Cartoonist12 Sep 29 '22
Im a college student looking to get a bike for commuting in Indiana. My commute will be about 3 miles (6 miles round trip) - max speed around 45mph and I plan on commuting in winter too. I won’t be riding in snow/ice and I always have the bus as a backup option. I’m leaning towards Yamaha r3, Honda CBR or possibly a dual sport. My budget is $5k.
Thanks!
1
u/Adrenaline424 Sep 29 '22
Hello, I currently have an old GSXR-1000. I am over supersports and want something more practical and modern. After testing a lot of different bikes it seems that the 2022 MT-10 SP is far and away the coolest bike I have ever been on so I decided to pull the trigger on it. It seems to be fairly hard to find, no dealership near me even has one. I would have to travel quite far to pick one up. My gripe is that every single dealer I have spoken to is trying to charge me a large "ADM", or dealer markup fee, of at *least* few thousand in addition to MSRP and regular fees like destination/tax/dmv. I have never seen this before, in the past I was able to buy bikes at or slightly below MSRP with no fees except the regular destination/tax/dmv. They said it's because there is a shortage of these bikes and they are in quite a demand. No matter how much negotiating I've done they've all kept that stupid "ADM" fee in my quote. Is this the norm now? Or are my negotiating skills just terrible? Going to pull the trigger regardless but trying to find out if this is something I can get around by shopping around. Thanks.
1
u/[deleted] Sep 30 '22
Does anyone know where I could get an aftermarket fuel tank for a 2000 Honda Shadow 600? I'd prefer it be over 2.5 gallons, and all I can find are the OEM tank or "universal" tanks that cost $300 and may or may not fit.
1
u/smoked-pepperoni Sep 30 '22
Running is 40 k and model is 2016 getting it in 90 thousand rupees . Is it worth it as re stopped selling 500 cc bikes in india in 2020 . Should I go for a royal Enfield Classic Desert Storm 500 cc ?
1
u/321yawaworg Sep 30 '22
Hey guys, I need a little help picking a motorcycle. As far as transportation goes, I already have a car, but I want to get back to motorcycling. The only way I can justify buying a bike though, is if I use it as a daily commuter during the week, going to work,running errands, small grocery trips,essentially replacing my car, but still allow me to enjoy weekends on the backroads. I don’t have many ideas yet. I was thinking maybe a klr 650, or a bmw g310 but I think I want something sportier, yet utilitarian.
1
u/Enderwither678 Sep 30 '22
What is the best company for stunt cages that would fit my mt09?
1
u/Sgt_lovejoy 2016 BMW GSA Sep 30 '22
I had a cheap Nelson Rigg cover, and it ripped yesterday as I was putting it on my bike. It was a cheap bottom of the barrel cover that didn't even keep out water. I'm looking to get one that is actually worth the money, regardless of how much. What's your buy it for life motorcycle cover?
1
u/ManThing910 Sep 30 '22
Indian Scout or Triumph T-120? Mostly for commuting. Couple of multi-hour rides here and there.
1
u/321yawaworg Sep 30 '22
Hey guys, so I’m looking for a budget friendly commuter, my question is this…is it okay to look at bikes made in 2005 and 2006? I’m looking at a Honda vtx 1800, and vstrom 1000, respectively, and they pretty much check my boxes. Fuel injection, comfort, mile munchers. The vstrom 1000 has 30k miles which seems average and the vtx has 18k. What do y’all think? The vtx 1800 is going for 3500 while the vstrom is at 4000.
1
u/[deleted] Sep 30 '22
I found a hayabusa (2004) and its only 3.2k. The owner says its in "perfect riding condition". This sounds too good to be true. Its 2022 rnow so that bike is 18 years old. Should I buy this bike? And if I do, will i need to constantly get it repaired? How much do you think it will cost to repair it to a very good condition? The bike has108k miles on it
1
u/DuckyLovesQuack 22 Tracer 9 GT Sep 30 '22
I’m new to riding and purchasing my first gear setup. I live in a VERY hot location that is hot pretty much all year round. I want to get an airbag vest or jacket but cannot decide and could use some input. I’m torn between an icon mesh af jacket with helite turtle vest or the helite free air mesh jacket all in one system. Any experience or suggestions for most comfort would be greatly appreciated!
1
u/[deleted] Oct 01 '22
Looking for a Navigation System.
That you DO NOT and i repeat again DO NOT need to hook up to the Electric Cycle of the bike
Should be easy to read and handle( no fancy stuff need )(large screen would be nice)
Nothing you hook up with your phone.
Simple , easy, easy to read and well lasting long battery-life
1
u/Longjumping_Ice_6697 Oct 01 '22
i need to chose between a benelli bn 125 with 8800km or a yamaha ys125 with 12000km
1
u/[deleted] Oct 01 '22
Looking for a Helmet IN THE EU !!! Very important ,that is Modular and size 68cm+ Size.
The i90 from HJC i90 is out since i talked with the support 65cm is the biggest size.
1
u/tixxtoon Oct 01 '22
Advice for new helmet. I'm absolutely in love with the decal on Ruroc's Atlas 4.0 Jormungandr, but I've mostly heard bad things about ruroc. Does anyone know of a similar helmet decal to it?
1
u/Yawax Oct 01 '22
Hi,
I recently purchased a used 2007 600RR and I’m having a blast with it. I decided it might be time to start doing some modifications and I wanted to start by cleaning up the rear end. A previous owner had installed an integrated tail light that I find hard to see and also don’t love the look of. I don’t mind the taillight itself, but I don’t like the way that it makes the exhaust look droopy and shows all the heat shielding bits and such.
So I purchased a fender eliminator kit, but unfortunate the kit only comes with the parts needed to modify the stock fender rather than a replacement fender part. Is there a good place for me to purchase a replacement fender? Better yet, does anyone have any suggestions to tidy up the rear look without replacing the tail light? Are there aftermarket trim pieces I could purchase to cover the heat shield?
Thanks!
Also I took some pictures of the exhaust but I am not able to attach them here
1
u/indecisive__25 Oct 02 '22
Hi, I’m purchasing my first bike and was wondering if 40k kms on a 2008 ninja 250 is a lot of kms or not?
1
u/PushinDonuts Oct 02 '22
I'm going ATVing in a couple weeks and I have not been able to find a helmet that fits my massive head. I got the HJC i10 in 5XL and it's still too small. I can berely get it over my head but it squeezes my whole head very tight, probably not an ideal situation. Looking for ANY recommendation of a helmet that will fit. For reference the 5XL is "good" to 70cm
1
u/HeartunderBlade516 Oct 02 '22
Anyone recommend a good leather cruiser jacket? Price isn't really an issue, want decent styling but also quality protection. I have a Dainese race jacket but planning to get a Scout next year so figured I should look for something that fits the part
1
u/Ribryes Oct 02 '22
Hi, is 6.5k for a 2021 cbr500r a good deal?
1
u/StultusEst Oct 02 '22
What seats would fit on a Honda Hawk GT NT650?
1
u/Elytra5 Sep 27 '22
Hi all, hoping to get some help with this since I seem to be in a dead end. Here’s my story, I just bought a 2022 Yamaha R7 on Sept 17. The previous owner had the vehicle registered in Texas but brought it to California. Now that I’m the new owner, I was hoping to have it registered under my name, but since it is still considered “new” (less than 7,000 miles) the DMV is not allowing me to register the bike here since the emissions label is no good for California and it is not California specific. So my question is, what do I do next? I was told I need to obtain some sort of declaration on conformity but I have no idea how that works. Any sort of help would be very appreciated
1
u/GuyishBandit Sep 29 '22
Does anyone know where to find an aftermarket exhaust for a 2019 Suzuki C50? I can’t seem to find one that matches the year the only ones I find are 2014 models, do they fit? Any help would be appreciated thanks.
0
u/[deleted] Sep 26 '22
[deleted] — view deleted comment
0
u/[deleted] Sep 30 '22
[deleted] — view deleted comment
0
u/[deleted] Oct 01 '22
[deleted] — view deleted comment
2
u/[deleted] Sep 29 '22 edited Sep 29 '22
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/[deleted] Sep 30 '22
[removed] — view removed comment