Posts Tagged ‘Suzuki’
The GS500E is a great example of an affordable motorcycle. Image via Wikipedia
I’d be the first to admit that many motorcycles could be considered a luxury. When you do the math for payment, insurance, maintenance, and mpg versus a car, even the best motorcycle only comes ahead when you put many miles on it. If you leave it set and drive the car, it quickly becomes an expense.
You can manage what you spend on a motorcycle by buying one within your means. If you know that you will not put many miles on the motorcycle, don’t overspend on the motorcycle. First, if you’re going to own a car also, figure out what it cost per mile to drive your car. Now figure out what it costs to operate your motorcycle per mile. If you have to make payments on the motorcycle, it takes a huge number of miles to make up for that payment. The more mpg you can get out of your motorcycle, the easier it is to break even though.
Minimizing the costs can also be done by choosing a motorcycle with the best maintenance schedule. They’re not like a car when you buy them new. My Honda Shadow required a 500 mile checkup that costs over $400! If it wasn’t done, it voided the warranty. Imagine buying a car and getting hit with that cost! It was an outrage and I’ll be sure to look at the maintenance schedule before buying a new motorcycle again.
Motorcycle insurance is another area to cut costs. Shop around as there is a vast cost difference in motorcycle insurers. Again, it’s not like a car. Your agent may be with a big name company, but their motorcycle insurance may be through a rinky-dink outfit. The type of motorcycle is a big difference too. A large cruiser cost much less to insure than a small sport bike. Agents are willing to get the numbers for you, but give them some time as it’s not as quick to quote as with cars.
Another way to save money is to buy gear that allows you to ride in bad weather. Heated suits and rain gear can add many more days of riding. Again, you have to weigh the cost/benefit. You can go over $500 for a good cold weather suit quickly.
If you can buy a small cc motorcycle, it’s easier to save money with the motorcycle. 500 CC motorcycles can perform very well. The mpg difference is much better. If you plan on carrying a heavy passenger and/or travel gear, you have to go larger though. Check the weight limits before you buy. There are exceptions to the rule though. The Suzuki V-Strom 650 is rated at a larger carrying capacity than the Honda Gold Wing. The V-Strom is about $7,000, while the Gold Wing is over $25,000.
Used motorcycles are a great bargain to consider as well. Many people buy a motorcycle, rarely ride it for a few years, and then sell it. Nearly new motorcycles with all of the accessories added for a used price. Don’t overlook these bargains. Do take into consideration the high cost of accessories. It’s not uncommon for a $7,000 motorcycle to have $2000 worth of add-ons and the seller is going to want some type of return on these items.
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Harley Davidson Cruiser. Image via Wikipedia
Cruiser motorcycles come in a large variety of sizes and models. On top of the large variety, there is a huge market for aftermarket upgrades and customization. If you want a one-of-a-kind motorcycle, the cruiser is the only way to go. If you want comfort and style he cruiser is great, if you’re only considering shorter rides. The cruiser is capable of long rides, but they lack the ability of the touring motorcycle.
I don’t suggest cruisers for starter motorcycles because the lack the stability of a standard motorcycle. However, they do hold an advantage for short riders because of the low seating position. If being able to touch the ground with your flat foot is important to you, a small cruiser may be your best option for learning to ride.
The make of cruiser you buy should depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want -
- Price
- Quality
- Comfort
- Looks
- Technology
- Old-School Technology
- New Technology that looks like old school.
- High Performance
- Lifestyle
- High Weight Capacity
- the list of choices could go on and on
Here’s the thing about your cruiser choice. You can have a combination of qualities, but it’s rare to find a combination of all choices in one bike. There is a give and take that happens when producing a motorcycles. This balance is weighted towards one type of rider or another and the companies put their investment in bikes that will appeal to the largest groups. Let’s take a brief look at some of the groups.
Harley-Davidson Cruisers
For some people, Harley-Davidson embodies all that they dream about. They buy “the lifestyle”. If that’s you’re thing and you have money for it, go ahead, but don’t forget to load up your checking account before buying. These people could care less about specs. It’s about the looks. Harley specs pretty much stay the same and if you don’t like them, you can pay a fortune to change the bikes performance and capabilities. There are some tech advances used by Harley, but they’re rarely a draw towards the motorcycle. Often, in the case of the watercooled V-Rod, the Harley-Davidson crowd will discount these advances as junk because they deviate from the basic Harley design. If Harley covers all of your wants in a motorcycle, no other brand will give you what you need.
Close Harley-Davidson Knock-Offs
Harley-Davidson alternative bikes are plentiful. Victory Motorcycles are much more technologically advanced and they are made in America. They’re expensive too, but you get the advantage of a motorcycle that outperforms Harley on nearly every level, except “lifestyle”. Large CC Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha V-Twins are cheaper Harley knock-offs that perform well, but lack in looks and overall quality. The drive trains exceed Harley, but the ornamental pieces are commonly plastic and cheap.
Cruisers That Only Borrow The Harley Seating Position.
There are many cruisers that resemble the Harley setting position, but that’s where it ends. Triumph’s triples, Honda’s V-4′s, and other configurations are great performers. Generally speaking, the less the motor looks and sounds like a Harley-Davidson V-Twin, the more value you get for the money. V-Twin’s are antique and the Harley sound is created when the antique technology is used. Motorcycles that do not require this retro look and sound can excel at smooth operation, power, and increased engine life. They are even less expensive to manufacture, so the price is more reasonable.
In Conclusion
Consider these options when buying a cruiser. There is one out there that is the perfect bike for you if you consider what qualities you most need in a motorcycle. I would say that you are crazy if you forego motorcycling altogether just because you cannot afford a Harley-Davidson. Don’t let anyone tell you different. Ride within your means and you’ll enjoy it more than a monthly payment bike.
