[ale] [OT] Looking for an old beater motorcycle.

Thu Aug 1 13:05:43 EDT 2013

Not to put you off the cx500 or anything, but I agree on dual sports. It's
great to have the freedom to head off the beaten track when you want to,
and there's a LOT of that available in Georgia. I commute daily on a
KLR650. Dual-sport is a very nice option for that sort of thing. You will
regularly find good deals on Craigslist on KLR's, although I'm not too sure
what $500 will get you. Don't worry too much about high mileage ... unless
the bike has clearly been abused, they run forever.

Further to Ron's comments, you certainly will need protective clothing and
helmet, but $1000 would be on the high end. Correct on the tire mileage,
but they're inexpensive, starting at about $45.

Honda in Alpharetta offers a rider's course that was $150 when I went on
it. Money well spent, outstanding instructors ... it includes the drivers
test and they give you a voucher to trade for a license at the DMV.

If you plan to ride through winter, you'll need some extras - I added
heated grips and last year also bought hippohands (www.hippohands.com),
since as I get older I seem to be getting softer ... I have two jackets, a
light one for summer and a heavy duty one for winter. Wind chill is a big
factor on a bike, you will not believe how cold you can get at 50mph. I've
never invested in riding trousers, my jeans have worked out fine, although
a few years ago when we had those really brutal winters, it took some
toughing out. And in Atlanta, you'll also definitely need rain gear.

See klr650.net for a very helpful community. It pays to own a common
motorcycle as there are parts galore and many people willing to help and
advise.

Take a drive out to Suches one weekend and stop by Two Wheels Only
http://motodog650.com/2013/03/19/former-t-w-o-to-re-open-as-two-wheels-of-suches/which
recently re-opened. There you will find a great bunch of enthusiasts
that will be only too happy to share some options.

I think even with the additional investments, a bike works out way cheaper
than a small car. Insurance is like $11 a month and I get just over 50mpg
in Atlanta traffic.

cheers
ed

On Thu, Aug 1, 2013 at 12:31 PM, Adrya Stembridge <
adrya.stembridge at gmail.com> wrote:

> I wouldn't rule out a Honda XR650L or DR650 dual sport.   You may find an
> older KLR650 in the 1k range but it will have high mileage.    Dual sports
> are amazingly versatile and fun.
>
>
> On Thu, Aug 1, 2013 at 11:38 AM, Richard Bronosky <richard at bronosky.com>wrote:
>
>> Sean,
>> I will definitely need an interstate capable bike. I have been looking
>> at 30+ year old Hondas. I like the CX500. Everyone I find (in my
>> budget) needs a stator. I have no experience working on a bike but
>> with the help of Youtube I figure I ought to be able to get it done.
>> .!# RichardBronosky #!.
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Aug 1, 2013 at 11:09 AM, Sean Kilpatrick <kilpatms at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>> > Richard,
>> >
>> > Can you get into town (fairly) easily without getting on an Interstate?
>> >
>> > If so, you might be able to find a 4-5 year old Honda/Yamaha/whatever
>> 250cc
>> > bike in your price range.
>> >
>> > If you NEED to get up on the interstates you are going to want at least
>> a
>> > 500cc bike. Smaller bikes have neither the speed nor weight to be safe.
>> The
>> > bow wave of a large truck can push a small bike over a half lane or
>> more.
>> > Really scary.
>> >
>> > The problem is that any 500 cc (or larger) bike you can find in the $500
>> > range is going to need a LOT of work. You could easily sink another $500
>> > into it.
>> >
>> > And, of course, if you don't already have an endorsement on your
>> driver's
>> > license for a motorcycle, you'll need to deal with that hassle as well.
>> >
>> > Please do not even consider a 50 cc putt-putt. Most of them can not
>> pull a
>> > moderate hill at 30 mph. They are dangerous on most roads outside the
>> Loop
>> > as most drivers coming up behind you will think you are a motorcycle
>> and not
>> > realize how slowly you are going.
>> >
>> > Sean
>> >
>> >
>> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>> >
>> > On Thursday, August 01, 2013 10:00:07 am Richard Bronosky wrote:
>> >
>> >> I am newly divorced and am faced with challenge of finding a social
>> >
>> >> life outside of my wife and children. This was going pretty well when
>> >
>> >> I was sleeping on a coworker's couch downtown. Now that I'm in a home
>> >
>> >> far west of Atlanta I face a $10 fuel investment anytime I drive into
>> >
>> >> town. (I usually take the bus to work.) That will result in me sitting
>> >
>> >> on the computer every night and being a recluse.
>> >
>> >>
>> >
>> >> I sold a TV for $500 and would like to spend that on motorcycle. I'm
>> >
>> >> looking at 30+ year old Hondas on Craig's List. If you know of
>> >
>> >> anything or anyone, please put me in touch.
>> >
>> >>
>> >
>> >> .!# RichardBronosky #!.
>> >
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