Info on buying a motorcycle?

Question

Hello,

I am looking into buying a motorcycle and had a couple of questions.

How long should the tires last? I read on the Buell Blast they only last about 3,000 miles is that normal for all tires or just that model.

Is normal maintenance easy like oil changes? I am familiar with changing oil on cars and lawn tractors and would like to be able to perform this on my new bike.

What is a good starter bike that is common so I could find a used one. I do not want a crotch rocket I was looking at the Honda Shadow, Yamaha V-Star custom and Harley Nightster

thanks

Answer 1

As far as tires, they should last more than 5000 miles. It depends on manufacturer as well and how the bike is rode. You will actually replace the rear tire twice as much as the front. You also have to look at the load rating. Pulling a trailer, having a passenger, or just a load of stuff in your bags. AVON is a really good tire. As far as your choice of bike. I only recommend the Harley, but I am partial since that is all I would own. Now the Honda Shadow and the VStar are very good bikes. The maintenance is cheaper and visits to the shop are few. Oil changes are very easy as well as routine type maintenance. When you choose a bike look at what type of riding you will do. Whether it's cruising or commuting. Remember a Harley is an investment. You pay twice as much, but the resale is excellent. The others depreciate very quick and you will lose more money in the long run.  

Answer 2

The tires on my motorcycles have always lasted at least 6000 miles. Aggressive riding may cause faster wear.

I had no trouble changing oil on any of my bikes, but spin-on oil filters mage filter replacement considerably easier.

Many people mention the Honda Rebel as a good starter motorcycle. They are common and are easy to ride and handle. The local junior college in my area uses then for their cycle safety course. Shadows and V-Stars cost almost twice as much. When you say "crotch rocket", you may be referring to what we used to call a "standard". I prefer these, because your feet are directly underneath you as you ride. This makes it easy to place your foot on the pavement as you come to a stop. The cruiser style bikes force you to ride with your feet way out in front of you. This is comforatble if you never need to stop, but for commuting with a lot of stop and go, I find this makes the moving to stopping transition difficult.

Answer 3

Motorcycle tire longevity is a direct reflection of the riding style. I have gotten as little as 3000 out of a rear tire and as long as 12,000 out of a rear tire on the same bike. Just like a car-fast start, stops, and cornering will wear out the tires faster.

Oil changes on bikes is very easy. Chain adjustments are also very easy.

Any of the three bikes you listed would be good bikes as long as they fit you. They may be a bit larger for a starter bike, you may want to get something used, cheap, and beat up to learn on then move to something like the three you have listed.

Answer 4

The tyres would last for upto 15,000 miles easily if u ride it the way it has to b ridden..

The basic maintenance is easier than a car...so if ur familiar with cars, u wont have any problem with a motorcycle..

On what motorcycle u want, do not go by opinions u get here from different people..what u coud do is, check out on net for forums for each of those bikes u mentioned, u will get more than enuf details from there. and if u want to know about the various models and find pictures, the best site i would recommend is www.bikepics.com

Hope it helped... enjoy riding!