Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: mthydro on December 12, 2014, 06:48:04 AM
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My girlfriend is getting into riding and we are looking for an entry level bike for next year. Just something she would ride around on for a season and possibly sell off the following year. 95% of our riding would be on secondary highways (80kmh speed limit). We currently have the option of these 2 bikes:
2013 Suzuki TU250X
or
1975 Honda CB200T.
I do like the classic looks of the older Honda's, but the Suzuki is fuel injected, newer (obviously) and has a better front brake.
What do you guys think??
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Assuming price is not an issue.
Suzuki - for the EFI and brake!
And/or whichever she prefers.
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There is only a $500 difference in price and one is nearly 40 years newer. Looked at the Honda yesterday and will be checking out the Suzuki this weekend.
I'd like to add another Guzzi to the stable, but may have to wait until she has atleast a season under her belt ;)
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There is only a $500 difference in price and one is nearly 40 years newer. Looked at the Honda yesterday and will be checking out the Suzuki this weekend.
I'd like to add another Guzzi to the stable, but may have to wait until she has atleast a season under her belt ;)
Honestly that's a good way to approach it.
Jenn rode for a year on a BMW R65 (her choice, I knew better than to argue the point) before she decided she WANTED a newer or brand new bike. Ironically she WENT to look at an R1200C (yeah, also her choice) and thank God it had Corbin Beetle Bags on it and looked HORRIBLE) cause she went straight to the HD dealer and decided she wanted a Sportster...and later a Ducati. FWIW I tried to persuade her toward a Goose, and she kinda likes the V7, but not enough... oh well.
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The Suzuki S40 (formerly the LS650 Savage) is a great starter bike. It weighs about the same as the TU250 or a Honda 250 but it has lots of low end torque which means she will not have to do all that much shifting. Also, the saddle height is low and it is a fairly quick bike and is fun to ride around town.
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What she likes, not what you like! ;D
Seriously, it is important for her to get a bike that she likes to look at when walking away.
If she likes retro, then fine. I would say though that some of the new 500cc bikes are very beginner friendly, have enough capability to be held on to for a long time, and are quite fun to ride. I picked up a new Honda 500x to commute and let the wife use on short trips to Arkansas. She can do the twisties much faster with higher level of confidence over her Breva. It is comfortable, light and handles very good for the suspension price point, and will also pass cars on a two lane with less drama than a 250 would.
It is now her choice to travel on. She says it reminds here of her old little Ninja with a lot more power.
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When I read this my first thought was the Suzuki TU250. But Honda has the CBR250/300 that would also make good choices.
There are some dual sport 250's, if she is able to handle the seat height, that would work out pretty good too. But you run the risk of her liking the dirt..... ;D
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Whatever she ends up with buy cheap. Buy used.
It's not a question of if it will fall over, it's when.
Good Hunting!!
G
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Thanks for all the advice guys.
She likes either older bikes, or newer bikes that have a retro look, hence the Tu250
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Here are some shots of the bikes:
Honda CB200T
(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk225/mthydro/honda.jpg) (http://s281.photobucket.com/user/mthydro/media/honda.jpg.html)
Suzuki TU250X
(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk225/mthydro/TU250x.jpg) (http://s281.photobucket.com/user/mthydro/media/TU250x.jpg.html)
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These threads are always fun , kinda exciting to think of someone getting started in our sport ;-T
Dusty
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For a $500 difference, I'd strongly urge you to get the Suzuki. The main feature of the Honda when it was new ( and I rode a few when they were new) was that it was a cheap starter bike. It had very few other things to recommend it back then.
So price is roughly equivalent, but it will almost certainly need something to make it reliable.
Get the TU.
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What she likes, not what you like! ;D
This is great advise and something I messed up a few years ago.
Kim had gone to Carl's shop where he had a CF Moto 250cc moped that looked like a cruiser. She loved it because it had an automatic transmission but I knew very well she could handle the clutch; she was raised on a farm and drove my Wrangler around for years. Instead I bought a project Hawk GT and fixed it up thinking she would enjoy it. She rode it ONE time.
Let her pick...
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Get her the Suzuki. When she has outgrown it, you will have a new toy for you. I'd love to have a TU250x. ;-T Here's a video of a guy running his 250 up a long local hill. Looks fun. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WtjzQqVa9I
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These threads are always fun , kinda exciting to think of someone getting started in our sport ;-T
Dusty
Yeah, its fun to see her getting into riding. She's been a passenger on my bikes the past few years, and has really enjoyed it, especially this past summer in the Lake Como area. We are already starting to plan our first trip for this upcoming summer. Trailer the bikes from Toronto to Cape Breton, NS. Ride around the Cabot Trail, ferry over to Newfoundland and ride around that area for a few days. Should be a good time
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EFI is worth the price of admission (hard lesson taught by a 1973 Honda CB350 four). Plus, some bits of the old machine are hard to come by.
From the experience a local buddy has had, I'd advise against the Royal Enfield. QC is still too spotty, otherwise a tempting bike to get.
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Yeah, its fun to see her getting into riding. She's been a passenger on my bikes the past few years, and has really enjoyed it, especially this past summer in the Lake Como area. We are already starting to plan our first trip for this upcoming summer. Trailer the bikes from Toronto to Cape Breton, NS. Ride around the Cabot Trail, ferry over to Newfoundland and ride around that area for a few days. Should be a good time
What a GREAT place to ride . For what it is worth , I vote for the Suzuki , no points to fiddle with , probably as trouble free a MC as anything built . Better suspension and brakes , better lights , just a wonderful starter bike , and as stated , when she outgrows it , a fun toy for you .
Dusty
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My Girlfriend at the age or 48 is riding for the first time. Found this Shadow 650 for $1500 ready to go. She was looking at Royal Enfields before choosing the Shadow.
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/TurboN2O/Motorcycles/F7C98FE3-26DF-4D40-9DCD-5EBC57ECCD80_zpscac3oyoe.jpg) (http://s20.photobucket.com/user/TurboN2O/media/Motorcycles/F7C98FE3-26DF-4D40-9DCD-5EBC57ECCD80_zpscac3oyoe.jpg.html)
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While I am VERY partial to Honda ( I've owned a bunch), between the two I think I would have to go for the Suzuki for the EFI and brakes...and it looks pretty good too. If it was my lady, I would also be looking at a Honda VLX 600 Shadow, looks great, easy to handle.
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/buyersguide/Honda-VT600C-Shadow-VLX-DLX.htm
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Since you're in Canada, why not go with a CBR125?
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Since you're in Canada, why not go with a CBR125?
Cool little bike , but the GF is the one who is riding the MC , and she has expressed an interest in the TU Suzuki or
CB 200 Honda . Geez , are you guys trying to cause a break up ;D
Dusty
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TU! Had one and loved it!
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Pardom my thread drift, but...
Any of you guys ridden a Grom?
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As much as it hurts (no Ninja 250 in the hunt) to say Suzuki will be a better bike, with better brakes and fewer troubles.
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Pardom my thread drift, but...
Any of you guys ridden a Grom?
Why yes I have , why do you ask sir ? ................... ..
It was a ball , kind a modern , sophisticated , high performance (well , in relative terms) mini bike :D
Dusty
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GROM would not be a bad choice; except it is not as good looking as the TU, and smaller. And it would cause a breakup. ~;
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Why yes I have , why do you ask sir ? ................... ..
It was a ball , kind a modern , sophisticated , high performance (well , in relative terms) mini bike :D
Dusty
Just wanting to know impressions here, as many Guzzi riders are real hardcore MC enthusiast. I'm suprised at how many serious sportbike riders are showing up at the meets with them. My Son loves them. He is even considering selling his Street Triple to get an older (cheap) Wee-Strom and a new Grom.
PS, I would not really recommend a Grom as a beginner bike. Too limited in what it can do, except in the "stupid fun" department.
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Just wanting to know impressions here, as many Guzzi riders are real hardcore MC enthusiast. I'm suprised at how many serious sportbike riders are showing up at the meets with them. My Son loves them. He is even considering selling his Street Triple to get an older (cheap) Wee-Strom and a new Grom.
PS, I would not really recommend a Grom as a beginner bike. Too limited in what it can do, except in the "stupid fun" department.
Yeah , not a good starter bike , more of a really fun play bike for parking lots , or maybe a skate park , not that an old guy like me would ride a mini bike in a skate park :o Wasn't me officer , was my evil twin ;D
Another really fun little machine is the Ruckus , especially the BIG Ruckus .
Dusty
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Yeah , not a good starter bike , more of a really fun play bike for parking lots , or maybe a skate park , not that an old guy like me would ride a mini bike in a skate park :o Wasn't me officer , was my evil twin ;D
Another really fun little machine is the Ruckus , especially the BIG Ruckus .
Dusty
Funny you should say that... My oldest wants a Grom to play with and my youngest, who rides my CBR600RR and thinks it's his, wants a Ruckus for campus commuting.
Darren
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Buy the bike you like best or is the easiest to resell. After a couple of rides she"ll loose interest and you be stuck with the bike. Ask me how I know.
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::)
Buy the bike you like best or is the easiest to resell. After a couple of rides she"ll loose interest and you be stuck with the bike. Ask me how I know.
How do you know? Was mthydro's girlfriend with you before she hooked up with him? :D
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The Suzuki is a fine bike. Although getting a tad old, the Honda Nighthawk 750 is a true classic. Forget the displacement- it's very tractible. Manageable power. Good looking in a retro way. Should be no problem finding one for 1500. Just a thought.
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Assuming price is not an issue.
Suzuki - for the EFI and brake!
And/or whichever she prefers.
:+1
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All those bikes look like; YAWWWNNN...... :P
I mean, a Small Cruiser.. Really ? gimme a break... ::)
How utterly predictable, boring and staid. Is that Really how you see your Lady..?
Because that is Exactly the Image which those Small engine Cruisers convey to the world..
Come ON, guys...show your ladies You really care, that you too are multidimensional when it comes to her... Dump the boring, generic "safety" Bike.
Get your ladies ladies a class bike.. one that has a subtle edgy undercurrent...< both in form and function...in that order, as it should be. >
One of these is simple to operate, seat is fairly low, so balancing at a stop light is not an issue..and best of all, It just oozes class
HONDA GB500
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0c/Honda_GB500_Clubman_Rechts.jpg/1024px-Honda_GB500_Clubman_Rechts.jpg)
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5123/5347637542_8340af0c88_b.jpg)
(http://www.cycleworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Honda-GB500-side-view.jpg)
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Buy the bike you like best or is the easiest to resell. After a couple of rides she"ll loose interest and you be stuck with the bike. Ask me how I know.
At least your wife rode it a couple times. I bought this Vespa (her choice) over a year ago, and she hasn't ridden it yet. She still says she is going to ride it -- got mad at me when I was going to put it up for sale.
Anyway --- If she doesn't actually get her MC permit and ride it by June, I'm selling it. >:(
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::)
How do you know? Was mthydro's girlfriend with you before she hooked up with him? :D
I don't :-* and tell
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At least your wife rode it a couple times. I bought this Vespa (her choice) over a year ago, and she hasn't ridden it yet. She still says she is going to ride it -- got mad at me when I was going to put it up for sale.
Anyway --- If she doesn't actually get her MC permit and ride it by June, I'm selling it. >:(
My wife called me up one afternoon while I was at work and said I needed to ride her new bike home from the dealer. Got it home, she got her permit and took the basic MSF and got her license all in short order. Went riding exactly twice for a grand total of about 20 miles and then the excuses started why she couldn't ride. Didn't have time, was busy with other things etc... Finally one day I asked if she wanted to go for a ride and she said "sell the effing thing". I listed it on CL and within a couple of days had a cash buyer. As we were riding to the notary to do the title work she tells me "I didn't think you would sell my bike".
Best part was I pad the bike off for her so she didn't have a payment and would have bought her anything she wanted related to riding. Once the bike was sold I gave her the money she spent so I was out whatever the bike had devalued. If she wants another motorcycle she can go out and buy whatever she wants or she can ride anything I have in the garage but I will not invest another penny or breath into getting her to ride.
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95% of our riding would be on secondary highways (80kmh speed limit). We currently have the option of these 2 bikes:
2013 Suzuki TU250X
or
1975 Honda CB200T.
Had she saw a Gilera DNA 180? (do not know how many possibilities there are to find one in Canada).
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(http://images.craigslist.org/00y0y_lYy4Oja3QwT_600x450.jpg)
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If it's her bike, why do you get to decide when or why to sell? (Not you mthydro)
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I dunno, in my lifetime it seems like I've witnessed more guys try to push their wives or girlfriends into riding and it not working than I've seen women who actually want to and enjoy riding.
That's probably what happened with my ex too. I mean, she liked riding everywhere with me (on the back). She rode coast-to-coast. She took the MSF course and I got her a little Honda. She rode it a couple of times and decided it was too difficult/stressful whatever. In retrospect I drove most of the time, especially anytime there was congestion/traffic/stress. I get it. Hindsight was 20-20.
Now Jenn was a completely different story, she tapped my shoulder one day on the back of my Jackal about a decade ago and said "I want my own."
She's a particularly competitive person, strong, confident etc. Has NO PROBLEM with high stress situations (probably handles them much better than do I).
I'd learned from my first experience and said basically that if she wanted one, go and do it. She called and got herself registered for the MSF, took the course, etc. I showed her a bunch of potential bikes, SHE PICKED WHAT SHE WANTED and I that was it.
After a season on that bike she decided she wanted something newer. Again, she picked... the next 3 bikes.
Even then I would suggest and try and steer her towards something I thought was neat or liked too and it didn't matter AT ALL. She wanted what SHE WANTED.
To this day she CAN physically ride 3 of our 4 bikes, and I talk about getting rid of the one for something that she can also ride. But she ALWAYS chooses the Ducati. Even if we're talking about touring for a week.
That's cool. Doesn't mean I'm gonna stop trying to have more options available for her, but it's her call.
And though she enjoys riding, I know it's different for her than for me. She'll probably never be as passionate about it as I am. She rarely rides to work (granted, she works LONG hours, sometimes 24 without sleep, and has a policy never to ride when she's been up all night, with which I fully agree).
But once the weather turns colder she's far less likely to suggest or agree to a mid-day ride for no good reason.
She puts a couple thousand miles on her bike each year, which is impressive with a 3 y/o and 6 month old.
And most of all we enjoy it together.
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:+1 Kev, sounds like you have it figured out pretty well!
This thread has taken an interesting turn. News flash, there are lots of people around that thought they would like riding, but after betting a bike decide it is just not for them. Some get scared or overwhelmed by it all, some get put off by all the gear they have to deal with, some realize to late that perfect weather riding days can be few and far between, and some just have too much stuff going on and to haul around to make riding practical. I'm sure there are dozens of other reasons, but the bottom line is that riding is not for everyone. Look at how many Harleys are bought and rarely used. We joke about it but because they are the "best known" brand where I live, it makes sense that many folks buy one only to realize later that the idea of riding is a whole lot more enticing than the actuality of gearing up and navigating a bike down the road strewn with obstacles, dangers, and discomforts. I personally have tried many activities that never became a part of my life, glad I did get the experience but don't want to do it again. I love to race sailboats around a 5 mile course, but cruising on one around the Caribbean for a week and I am going stir crazy, no thanks, BTDT and not again. Some of my sailing friends think it's strange I love to race but have no interest in spending days on a boat. Thank goodness we aren't all the same!
Get her a safe, easy to ride and live with first bike she likes, then let her decide if riding is really what she wants to do. Just remember it's about her, not you, and things will be all good. ;-T
Good luck!
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Anyway, to the OP - I hope she's really interested and you guys can share many miles and smiles together.
BTW - Jenn touring on her first bike:
(http://www.gigabikes.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10081/JennR655580smll.jpg)
Jenn on bike two:
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sPDBHqEa0fU/VIxPrW8Z0fI/AAAAAAAACcQ/p7YjDoIIQfY/w859-h741-no/JennCloseIMG_7046.jpg)
Jenn on bike three:
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/i4aQ9PrzUilTEd8odRFjWmkCaZSU17eYfblXTs_KIdM=w412-h309-p-no)
Jenn touring on her bliss...
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KtRjCgb7o5I/VIxR3p6dQyI/AAAAAAAACcw/BU8TteL3cSs/w841-h765-no/IMG_20110507_135830a.jpg)
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If it's her bike, why do you get to decide when or why to sell? (Not you mthydro)
Because I paid for it (out of my bike fund), and don't want my money tied up in it if it isn't being ridden.
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Because I paid for it (out of my bike fund), and don't want my money tied up in it if it isn't being ridden.
And Jay, she wasn't really ASKING for you to buy it now was she?
Like it wasn't her idea, she didn't find research it and find it and ask for it...right?
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I've been trying to teach my gf to drive a manual car for over a year and she still won't really try. She jokes occasionally about getting her own bike but I know she really has zero interest. I probably drive 99.5% of the time no matter if it's across town to dinner or a 12hr drive to Shreveport to see her family
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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And Jay, she wasn't really ASKING for you to buy it now was she?
Like it wasn't her idea, she didn't find research it and find it and ask for it...right?
Getting a scooter was her idea. I did help her find it. SHE actually saw it at a dealer we were looking at a Honda at, and wanted it.
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Not everyone takes to the controls of a motorbike , I've had the same experience with both male and female beginners , of course , when the guys don't take to it there is just a cheap motorbike for sale ;D The problem is , often times there is no way of knowing until after the mistake is made . MCs are such a romanticized activity , like mountain climbing ,or sailing on open water . The difference is , both of those activities take some real planning , at least usually , of course , closets and back yards are littered with climbing gear and sail boats that will get "utilized" some day .
Dusty
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I've been trying to teach my gf to drive a manual car for over a year and she still won't really try. She jokes occasionally about getting her own bike but I know she really has zero interest. I probably drive 99.5% of the time no matter if it's across town to dinner or a 12hr drive to Shreveport to see her family
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
It's funny but we've got a good friend who is on her 3rd bike. Woman rode a Rebel from Miami to Philly.
They tour on Sportsters these days a fair amount (as much as work and busy lives allows).
She STILL doesn't know how to drive a stick shift car.
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^^^
This is funny :)
At the MSF i took, out of 20 people, there were only 2 who could drive manual transmissions, but they weren't the ones who did best!
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^^^
This is funny :)
At the MSF i took, out of 20 people, there were only 2 who could drive manual transmissions, but they weren't the ones who did best!
When I took the MSF, of the group of ten, the only 2 people who didn't put a foot down during the figure 8 had previous dirt experience (me, and a 55 year old woman who was so smooth at slow speed she could've had trials experience for all I know).
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Yeah, its fun to see her getting into riding. She's been a passenger on my bikes the past few years, and has really enjoyed it, especially this past summer in the Lake Como area. We are already starting to plan our first trip for this upcoming summer. Trailer the bikes from Toronto to Cape Breton, NS. Ride around the Cabot Trail, ferry over to Newfoundland and ride around that area for a few days. Should be a good time
Have fun with whatever you decide, and do remember the Guzzi Nat'l is in New Hampshire mid June, if the timing is right, certainly worth a stop!!!!
http://www.mgnoc.com/rally_calendar.html (http://www.mgnoc.com/rally_calendar.html)
Lee
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I read somewhere ...... ::)
The way a girl looks on with the bike is overlooked ... if she looks "marvelous, natural, comfortable, good looking.." and is complimented nicely, she will enjoy being (seen) with the bike.
With girls, it is more the destination than the journey that is important. The ride is endured to go somewhere to be seen, or to see something else besides motorcycles! If there are lots of fashion /style showing off and chatter in the parking lot - so much the better!
:wife: Err, excuse me, gotta go!
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A friend of mine decided his wife should learn on and ride his 77 Triumph Bonneville, kick start only, he couldn't understand why she had such a hard time starting it. I thought it would turn her off forever to riding but she is very tough and stuck to it and 13 years later she is still riding with thousands of miles, trips to Alaska and Yellow Knife on her R80 which they bought for the trips.
To me it made sense to learn on something cheap and Japanese, easy to ride, but my friend hates anything from Japan only British or German would do. In the end it work out .
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A friend of mine decided his wife should learn on and ride his 77 Triumph Bonneville, kick start only, he couldn't understand why she had such a hard time starting it. I thought it would turn her off forever to riding but she is very tough and stuck to it and 13 years later she is still riding with thousands of miles, trips to Alaska and Yellow Knife on her R80 which they bought for the trips.
To me it made sense to learn on something cheap and Japanese, easy to ride, but my friend hates anything from Japan only British or German would do. In the end it work out .
One of our members purchased an OIF Triumph for his then 15 year old 95 LB daughter to learn on :D Of course , he admitted later that he really bought it for himself ;D
Dusty
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Thanks for all of the input guys!
We went and looked at the Suzuki yesterday. It's in great shape with only 2200kms and runs great. The seat height is perfect for my girlfriend as well. She said it's the first bike she's seen where she hasn't felt intimidated at all by looking at it, or sitting on it. Working out the details and should likely pick it up this coming weekend.
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Good for her and make sure to mention that she has fine taste. If you read the moto journo press, they universally love that bike. Once you get past your ego, you realize that it is a fun, well made machine that looks fab. As for utility- it's pretty hard to beat. If I were to be honest (rare), my ex GF's Vespa 150 did most of what I would need with aplomb and style. I have absolutely no doubt that you are going to sneak rides on the TU250.
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The TU is a great little bike. Honda Rebel is also a nice first bike. 30,000+ miles on mine, its still one of my favorites. Spouse prefers the TU. It is a little peppier than the Rebel.
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The TU is a great little bike. Honda Rebel is also a nice first bike. 30,000+ miles on mine, its still one of my favorites. Spouse prefers the TU. It is a little peppier than the Rebel.
Yep , and doesn't require a *doo* rag ;D Just kidding , sorry :-[ Good on ya for being a "guy" and not telling her what she wanted . I sense a long and happy relationship on all fronts ;-T
Dusty
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I have a 2013 TU250 as my first bike, and it's been great: very nimble, light, and blessedly lacking in the sort of accelerating that might get a new rider into trouble. Some people told me, "don't buy it; you'll only want more power in a few months." Now that I've had it for six months, I'd say this: You were right, I do want more power. That said, I wouldn't trade the safe, easy, and fun introduction to riding I've had for anything. I'd like to keep the TU after I upgrade to the v7II (god willing); maybe my wife will ride it.
I'd suggest going to the TU250 Riders forum and reading up on the front sprocket change from 15 tooth to 16 tooth. Count me as one of the believers in this mod. I don't think it does anything for the top speed, but it allows you to get moving a little before you need to shift, and feels more comfortable in 5th gear at 70mph (which in my experience is the top speed in normal conditions).
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Had mine for almost two years. Awesome machine!
+1 on the tu250riders forum. Lots of extremely helpful info and people there.
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The TU is a great little bike. Honda Rebel is also a nice first bike. 30,000+ miles on mine, its still one of my favorites. Spouse prefers the TU. It is a little peppier than the Rebel.
The TU is WAY better than the Rebel. Like the (Suzuki) GZ250, the Rebel is too cruiser-like. Plus, the Rebel is carbureted, where the TU is fuel injected. The TU is pretty much the only fuel injected 250 classic-styled street bike you'll find. All the other non-dual sport, and non-sportbike-like (Ninja 250, CBR250, etc) 250cc class bikes (Rebel 250, Nighthawk 250, GZ250, GN250, etc) are carburetted.
In any case, the TU is a great choice, you'll BOTH enjoy it.
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Thanks for all of the input everyone!
Over the Christmas break we picked up a first bike for my girlfriend. We went with the Suzuki. It's a 2013 Suzuki TU250X with only 2,200kms on it. Pretty much brand new. We got it for $2500CDN, which is an amazing deal as they retail new for about $6000CDN with tax up here. The PO was selling as he went back to school and couldn't afford to keep it. I took it for a short ride to put gas in it, and it runs flawlessly. Light, peppy, and very easy to change gears with a very light clutch. I would say this is a perfect beginner bike.
(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk225/mthydro/Bikes/suzuki.jpg) (http://s281.photobucket.com/user/mthydro/media/Bikes/suzuki.jpg.html)
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Thanks for all of the input everyone!
Over the Christmas break we picked up a first bike for my girlfriend. We went with the Suzuki. It's a 2013 Suzuki TU250X with only 2,200kms on it. Pretty much brand new. We got it for $2500CDN, which is an amazing deal as they retail new for about $6000CDN with tax up here. The PO was selling as he went back to school and couldn't afford to keep it. I took it for a short ride to put gas in it, and it runs flawlessly. Light, peppy, and very easy to change gears with a very light clutch. I would say this is a perfect beginner bike.
(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk225/mthydro/Bikes/suzuki.jpg) (http://s281.photobucket.com/user/mthydro/media/Bikes/suzuki.jpg.html)
Wow, that IS a deal! And a nice bike too.
Amazing to think that, when I was starting out, a 250 was a "standard" size motorcycle. Honda 90s, Vespa 150s, Yamaha 100s, they were "small" bikes, like a 350 or 500 would be today.
250s through 400s were "Standard" bikes, not small, not big, but what most people rode. What almost everyone rode in our town.
450 Hondas up through the huge 650 Brits and 750 superbikes were "Big Bikes" - even had a magazine dedicated to them ("Big Bike"). The Harleys were in a class of their own.
Ah, marketing, an amazing thing.
I predict a happy relationship on the road with this bike .....
Lannis
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Nicely done! Congratulations and best wishes for lots of enjoyable miles together.