more mid life crisis: time for a bike?

[nostatic]

ok...in the spirit of continuing to flesh out my mid-life crisis, I've been looking at motorcycles. No, not Harleys...and no, not crotch rockets either. The new "middleweight" bikes seem pretty cool for doing some urban riding mixed with some canyons. At $39/mo, something like this is damn tempting:



so have I finally gone off the deep end?

[arcsine]

We are pretty much the same size and I think you would find the FZ-1 more comfortable and a hoot to ride. The true "middelweights" may be cramped.

[nostatic]

The other ones I've looked at are the Suzuki SV650S


and the Kawasaki Z750S. I like the BMW F650CS too, and there is a used one locally with 814 miles on it. But financing good

[dd74]

Re: midlife crisis:

Be careful. It's always a bike now then Botox later.

[DonDavis]

No bike.


Not yet.




It's too soon.

[Nader]

Of course it's time for a bike. In fact, why did you wait so long? Riding a motorcycle will fix everything that's wrong in your life (at least for the duration of the ride). You will stand straighter, walk with more purpose, and disdainfully refer to cars as "cages". You'll show up at work in creaky leathers, helmet in hand and a smile on your face. Women will throw themselves at you, asking for rides and such. Your wife will find you more attractive. Men will wish they were you. You will shed unwanted pounds and grey hairs will return to their original color. I say do it. And the SV650 is a fine bike. Always rated highly. Good luck.

[tabs]

Stay with the 4 wheels on the ground....U gots a Porsche thats what mid-life crisis buyers buy...or Corvettes.... Geezus Nostaus...

[928ram]

Great idea, I think a Harley V-Rod would fit the bill. Actually I think you are on the right track to look toward the more standard bikes, most offer a more useable combo of handling/speed/comfort than just a pure sport or cruiser.
How about the used market? In some areas used can be way cheaper, and if it turns out to be a bad idea you won't take a big $$$ hit. You'll also want to check into insurance before you buy, as this can sometimes more than double that monthly commitment.

[RoninLB]

you really gotta be nuts.

Trauma center calls them donor bikes. I wonder where they got that lingo from?

[Jeff Higgins]

Go for it. Motorcycles are just too cool to live without. Everything Nader says is true. I planned ahead for my mid-life crisis and bought my fisrt Harley at 16; at 44 I'm just now beginning to appreciate that stroke of genius. My only dilema now when I'm stressed out is which Harley to ride, or whether to drive the 911 instead. Life is so full of difficult choices...

[asphaltgambler]

I've been having a mid-life crissis since I was 15. I love motorcycles. What NADER said above is all absolutely true.

[asphaltgambler]

One of my crisis fixers

[BlueSkyJaunte]

1) Wear a lid
2) Take a class
3) Buy a bike
4) Get laid!

[turbo6bar]

nostatic, pedal bikes.

Get an old Triumph. That's just cool.

[RickM]

I wouldn't mind having one of these pups as my next bike.

Good advice on a class. Many states offer a 1 night/ 1 day course for free or about $100. Usually half classroom and half cone course on one of their small bikes. When done you walk out with a license. Best way to get into biking.

[RickM]

Here you go, Todd:

Info on the California Motorcycle Safety Program (CMSP):

Intro:
http://www.ca-msp.org/RiderCourse_Locations/brc.asp

"Upon successful completion of the Basic RiderCourse, students are given a Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL389). The motorcycle riding test given by the DMV may be waived with this certification and graduates may also qualify for insurance premium discounts with some motorcycle insurers."...
"A minimum of five hours classroom instruction prepares the student for at least ten hours of practical riding in a controlled, off-street environment. Motorcycles and helmets for use in the course are included in your course fee. Fees range from $150 for students under 21 to $198 for others depending on the training site. Most motorcycles used in the course are loaned by local dealers and are either 125cc or 250cc."

Locations: http://www.ca-msp.org/RiderCourse_Locations/ridercourses_locations.htm

Home page:
http://www.ca-msp.org/

[304065]

Remember when you were threatening to get that Subaru and your Karma got all screwed up and the Spirit of Ferdinand put that big hunk of concrete in the middle of the freeway?

This is, I'm afraid, more of the same. What's attractive to you about the cycle is that it's fast and dangerous. So, make your SC fast and dangerous. It's time for a 3.6 implant.

[Steve Carlton]

nostatic,

I got a bike 5 years ago, maybe for the same reason. I had ridden for 11 years and stopped for 17. It's awesome and I recommend it, but the risks are real. Some notes:

- If you've never ridden before, 600ccs is a good place to start.

- The $39 Yamaha deal is just a teaser payment. The FZ6 is an excellent bike, but the power is all up at high rpms. The Honda 599 is more highly regarded. You're wise to shy away from a crotch rocket and sit in a comfortable position.

- Take a safety course and wear good protective gear from head to toe.

- Test ride everything you'd consider getting first. Consider getting a used one; you'll figure out what your really want over time and won't take a big hit to sell and switch.

- Maybe post your question on the R1100S site, you'll get a ton of helpful advice from guys that ride...

Good luck!

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Used bikes rule.

The "as you drive off the lot depreciation" factor is bigger on most Tupperware bikes than on any car you could buy.