Newbie In Los Angeles

1365 Views 16 Replies 6 Participants Last post by SoozQ650, Feb 24, 2009

SoozQ650

Discussion Starter · Feb 18, 2009 (Edited by Moderator)

Hey guys. I've been scouring the web (and this site a lot) researching and researching (literally for years) and I'm just about ready to go and buy my first bike. Now I know where most of you will come from, half the riders in existence will say "ZOMG GET A 250" and the other half will say "have a good head on your shoulders, and take a training course. Be smart about it." I am MORE than aware that the sv puts out a decent chunk of power for a starter bike. A good friend from home (who's dad is the head of a BMW motorcycle riding association, and has been riding for a long time) started on a Kawi 650r, and when I started looking at bikes - we had the talk. O you know the talk, don't act like you don't. Anyway, after talking to me (and knowing how I behave with cars and things in general - I tend to over-analyze and research

) he said that the SV would be a good start. His actual first response was "hey man, the fact that you don't start off wanting some supersport 1000cc beast is a good sign that you're not brain dead."

So let's do ourselves a favor and spare the "get a 250 ninja first" talk. (cept for you there, yea you, the sarcastic one, feel free to joke ;-) ).

Anyway, I have finals at the end of Feb. beginning of March, and after that I'll be taking the Motorcycle Foundations Course. Or whatever you call it - the one in California that allows you to bypass the actual street test at the DMV.

A little about me, I'm originally from the New England area, and I now go to law school in LA. I drive a Subaru Legacy (08 gt 5 speed if you're curious). I've also been reading about cars and such for as long as I can remember, so I consider myself quite knowledgeable for a newb (tho I don't know all that much about motorcycles, first hand anyway).

So yea, name's X, you guys can call me Wayward if you like - whichever suits your whims. Advice is always welcome, I've been on the board as a reader for over a year, and I respect a lot of you folks, so I know this is a friendly community. ;D I'm really excited to finally join up.

Nice to meet ya guys!

o... and

http://bertsmegamall.com/megastore/...Suzuki&model=&srt=make ASC&p=10&submit=Search

That's the one I'm looking at right now.

Lemme know what you think - PEACE!

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SoozQ650

Discussion Starter · #8 · Feb 19, 2009

Southwestern Law School.

And yea, liter bikes are wayyyy too much, so glad I didn't even think to consider that stuff.

I want a slightly used SV.... but that new Monster 696, while a bit heavy on the $$$.... is freaking gorgeous. I sat on it, loved it. Not that I don't like the SV (love it too). So I'm going back and forth. The fact that I don't have to change anything on the monster (suspension, exhaust mainly) and that I would on the SV (especially the exhaust, the stock can is an eyesore

).

What do you guys think... I'm leaning for the SV - money is big. Insurance on my own is a bit pricey... (at least on geico - who insures my car, it's running around 1400 a year for the SV and 1900 for the Duc).

ugh.... stressed.

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SoozQ650

Discussion Starter · #9 · Feb 19, 2009

I really should get the SV, but there's just something about that Ducati. It's a beautiful bike. Ignore my previous post... I know I shouldn't get the Duc, sometimes one's brain gets a little taste of temptation:nana:

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SoozQ650

Discussion Starter · #11 · Feb 19, 2009

Most Definitely man. I have a buddy down in Ocean Beach, and I'll probably want to take a bike trip down there at some point, so I'm sure I'll see ya anyway. Too bad I don't have a decent camera yet, I'll have to borrow someones.

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SoozQ650

Discussion Starter · #13 · Feb 19, 2009

Yea. supposedly the Duc's are better now than they were (?) and the 696 is all new. But I think with the community here, I can make the SV everything I want and more, and go from there. I'll reconsider a bike like that after I'm done with law school and get a real job and good income. Mmmmm Lawyer money. hah. Though at that point I'll probably be looking at my dream bike - the Triumph Street Triple. That bike is the SEX.

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SoozQ650

Discussion Starter · #14 · Feb 19, 2009

OOOOO I completely forgot to ask. I'm CLUELESS when it comes to gear. The only thing I'm pretty sure of, is that I want to get an airbag jacket - to minimize any damage coming from a potential high side. Any other gear recommendations (I plan on always riding in full protective gear) are always welcome.

Peace.

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SoozQ650

Discussion Starter · #15 · Feb 24, 2009

I know i know... the quality is terrible. That's all I got for now tho. I put down $500 on it today.

What do you think... safe to drive it back before ever taking the MSF course. Or should I have a friend drive it.

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SoozQ650

Discussion Starter · #17 · Feb 24, 2009

Ya, that's what I was thinking. Was partially debating getting on it, and riding back roads at like slow speeds. But I may have a friend with a trailer (that he uses for race go karts) help me and just pick it up and drop it off at my place. I'm going to get my permit from the DMV (I waiting in line for 3 hours at that hell hole... only to find out they needed me to have my passport).

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