Thread: Hmm...thinking about getting a fast street bike

I've been thinking about this since I found out I got a job in Vallejo. But I'm somewhat unfamiliar with them....like which ones are known for good performance and reliability...I'm looking at buying a used one for around $2,500 to 3,000, but I want it to be faster than a little 250cc. And I need to get my license.

Any ideas for me?

gsx-r 600 is more than enough bike. pretty quick and good to learn on. plus they look sweet!

just go to dmv's web site www.dmv.ca.gov and download the motorcycle handbook in pdf, http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl655/dl665mcycle.pdf and read through it.... then all you have to do is go to dmv and take a test on common sense shit, then they issue a permit. Then you are restricted to not carrying passengers or going on the freeway, and you can ride. Then if you're under 21 they require a DMV class (sierra offers it, I'm sure there's other locations too) but the benefit of the class is that they teach you how to ride the bike, and once you've completed the class they issue a certificate that you take back to dmv and get your license. If you're over 21 you don't have to take the class, but can if you don't want to take the test. If you don't take the class you just have to go down before your permit expires and take a driving test on a bike.

I will be going down and getting my permit next week when I get back from LA, which is why I know all that. It's funny how many people I've talked to that have thought about getting a bike since it got nice out :-) I wanted to get one last summer, but I spent all my money on the eclipse last year... so this summer I'm going to try and find one that I can afford/like.

I've been reccomended the yamaha yzfr6, the honda cbr600, the suzuki GSX-r6, or the kawasaki ninja 600 all pretty comporable and each with it's own aftermarket following. Folsom Cycle has a brand new 2005 Ninja 250 for 2999 with 4 miles on it. I've been thinking about that, but am not sure if a 250's going to be quick enough for me... I'm sure it's plenty fast, cause I don't plan on bombing down the freeway, but I want good acceleration, and I've noticed I'm a bit heavier than I might like at 198 pounds right now. It seems the consensus is that a 600 is a great starter bike, and that I'm going to waste my money if I buy a 250 and by the end of the summer I'll want a 600. I've been looking on craigslist and there's a quite a few of bikes going for $1000-3000, so you've got a lot of options. ebay too.

Get a life insurance policy first!

No shit,

Originally Posted by OldDirtyNoSeven

Get a life insurance policy first!

No s%!t,

Already got one through work, life, medical, dental and vision. I'm set (actually, someone else is set if I die)

lol.

yeah the time is coming up. im planning on doing a major performance engine rebuild n such soon - probably in august or september...and i know it will likely take at least 3 weeks, including the machine work and tuning. it probably wont be smog legal when im done with her so i think im going to get a P.O. Box in a state that has minimal vehicle restrictions like nevada and register my car to the po box so i can still drive here.

point is, i'll need to get another method of transportation so i can get around during the rebuild process. and thats either gonna be a street bike or another car...and i have no idea what car i would want that i could get for around 3 or 4 grand. i want to get a smog exempt stingray but i'll probably couldnt find one for that price range.