Hi,

My precious, i mean my GP failed again, the tranny slippered last thursday, my mechanic told me he will take it for warranty, but i've been thinking on selling it at last, but my finance is not so good so i've been thinking on a bike, cause traffic got me crazy too, but don't know much on bikes, so those who does, please give me advice.

a) Can i use it as an every day vehicle?
b) Is it as reliable as a car?
c) besides the safe in gas, would it be cheaper on parts and maintenance?
d) handling in traffic
e) your opinion on suzuki, yamaha, hd, honda, etc...

I like these, i know they are so different between them but what do you think??

Thanks guys!

Suzuki GSX 600


Suzuki Intruder 800

Can a bike be used as an everyday vehicle?
Yes it can. With saddle bags it can be very friendly.

Is it as reliable as a car?
Very much so if not more. Less things to break

Better gas mileage?
depends on which bike model your talking about

Cheaper parts?
really depends on the parts but most of the tune up parts etc are reasonable.

Cheaper maintenance?
Again depends on the bike. But look at the bright side smaller motor needs less oil so instead of buying 5 quarts of oil you only by 2.

Handling in traffic
Well the size of bike will determine that.

As for cycle brands.
The Japanease bikes are all pretty comparable really comes down to brand preference/looks really.
Personally I think HD is over-priced and so are the replacement parts.

The big question is have you ever ridden before and what type of bike do you prefer. You show two totally different styles of bikes.

figuere out which style you prefer and then I can stear you in a good direction.

Herc,

Bikes can't take the high miles that a car can, correct? Don't bikes usually have to get rebuilt before 100k miles?

I'm not a bike guy, this is just what I've heard.

That is a major issue, I've never ride a Bike, had some friend who always had bikes but never tried, i guess the most difficult is to get expertise on traffic right??

I'd like the gsx one but i know they are more difficult to handle, when you haven't ride ever.

If you're going to get a bike as a daily drive I would stay away from the racing/sport bikes. Just seems like it wouldnt as comfortable to ride one of those everyday compared to a standard cruising bike.

Is the weather in Mexico usually dry? If it rains a lot you might not want to get a bike.

From may to october it is rainy,
well yesterday was rainy and we are on november!

Bikes will live as long as cars. Proper routine maintenance is key.

One reason you never see bikes with that many miles is because they are cheap enough you can get the new model every few years.

My father-in-law put well over 200k miles on his 82 Goldwing.

Alex
If I was you I'd look for a cruiser in the 250-750cc range. They will be more comfortable for daily riding and will net you the best MPG. Windshield and rain gear help for those wet days. When the roads are wet just ride slower and pay extra attention is all. The only time I don't ride in the rain is when it's a torrential downpore.

Those intruders are on the tall side and a bit heavy for a beginner.

I would definately try riding some bikes to see if you like it. No use buying something you're not gonna want to ride in 2 months.

I agree w/ Brown & Herc here. I ride, but not a lot only b/c I don't have a bike. I took my driving test for the licence on a GSXR and passed with flying colors, and it was the first time I had ever ridden a sport bike. Personally, I think the sport bikes handle better, hence the term sports bike, but if you want an everyday rider, I would go w/ a more traditional style like a Shadow or something.
If it was me, I would go HD all the way, but that is totally my personal prefrence. I don't necessarily think they are the best, but they are American, and that means a lot to me.

Thanks for all your comments, if i sell my car i'm gonna miss this extraordinary site cause theres always help no matter if it is on my fu...tranny or delivering a ring to my wife.

I'm gona think very carefully about a bike, i've always wanted a bike but never had the chance, so maybe i'll give it a try this time, before i have kids i want to be exposed to that.

Alex

just buy a cheap car (maybe another GP) and then buy a used bike. You'll be able to drive in the rain and ride in the sun.

I think Brown has a good idea...what if you need to get some where in a big storm? The bike wouldn't be something you want to ride in that. I'd say get with your friends and those who have a bike see if they'll let you ride it in a parking lot or something.

I would never use my bike as a daily commuter. Somedays I just do not feel like riding. The bike style is completely irrelevant here. Riding can be a pain. You need to prepare for all types of weather not to mention that even riding a bike on the nicest of days takes a lot of concentration because the biggest danger isn't the rider, it's the other idiots on the road.

Not to mention helmet-head everyday.


If it were me (you can ignore this part): I'd buy a cheap car and a 700-800cc cruiser.

i am a bike dictionary. what do you want to know?
gas:better 50mpg.
speed: way faster average 600 runs 11's depending on rider.
reliable: yes
everday: depends on weather
insurance: cheap if you get plpd

don't get a 600, get a 750 or 1000, suzuki is best i think, all come with steering stabilizers and best suspension for sport bikes.

I think if Alex gets a bike, he shouldnt start off with a 1000cc bike. You should work your way up to that, learn to ride then get the big bikes.