I think I'm getting back on a motorcycle

[Dr.Midnight]

Sweet looking bike!

No offense, but I'd bet you'd ultimately be happier with about double the cc's. Also easier to find parts (OEM and aftermarket) for the bigger version and resale might be easier?

I do all of my research on forums and buy online. Revzilla, Twisted Throttle, Amazon, etc. (If nothing else read specifics on the reviews.) Cycle Outfitters is on the south side of Indy though. I'm sure the Beemer steelerships would love to help you out also.

FYI - adventure sort of bikes are tall and get dropped, they just do. In the garage, in the gravel driveway, wherever. My suggestion is start off with crash bars, bark busters and spools. They have saved my plastics, paint and levers more than a few times.


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I'm going to echo this gentleman's statements. I think you'd outgrow the cc's on that bike quickly. I know you're working within a budget, but a mid-size adventure bike might be the way to go. You may have to wait longer than you'd like, but put the funds together and get something you'll be satisfied with. Buy once, cry once.

 

[Mounty09]

It has been a few years since I have been in there but Cycle Gear in Castleton use to have a good selection.

 

[Creedmoor]

It has been a few years since I have been in there but Cycle Gear in Castleton use to have a good selection.

I was there last summer picking up a new set of Commander 2's and a Shoei helmet. Nice selection of gear.

 

[BJHay]

Home powder coat is a good option. I bought a kit from Eastwood for $135 but they have a single voltage unit for $100. It runs on a pancake compressor and uses a standard oven but you may not want to use your kitchen oven. I salvaged an old oven and put it in my shop.

I've only done a couple of chromed parts but so far I've had good results by hand sanding and using a wire wheel for prep.

I see you're in Arcadia. I'm about an hour away. If you ever want to try a few parts contact me and bring 'em by. Honestly I look for excuses to do more powder coating. I've been known to powder coat things that don't need it just for fun. The whole processes won't take an hour.

Eastwood PCS-250 Dual Voltage Powder Coating Gun

New & Improved System with 2 voltage settings for great coverage in tight spots and large areas.

www.eastwood.com

 

[Leo]

Any bike has to fit your body. High number of cc's are really not an issue. I rode 36 states, got my first iron butt plate ( when Federal speed limit was 55) and a total of 94,000 miles in 6 years on a 1981 650 Yamaha twin. (100 mile commute for work adds up) It made maybe 45 horse on a good day. It was the first bike I bought new. I was tall, thin and lanky, The problem was not horsepower but getting my size all wadded into the bikes ergonomics. It's frame was just 20% smaller than I was.

Another dozen bikes were in my garage before my last series of bikes. The manufacturers keep making bikes for people with 26 in inseams. That is nice for them, but if you have a 36 or 37 inch inseam, you are still cramped up, even if it is an 800 lb full dressed touring bike.

My last three were Kawasaki Sport tourers, the 1000cc Concours models. (110 hp IS fun!) With a good Russell Saddle, I was comfortable. Between 3 of them I put a total 250,000 miles on that model. The one I sold at 140K was still running great.

Just like a good shotgun, if it is not properly fit to your build, you will never enjoy it to the fullest.

 

[phylodog]

I'm intentionally buying something on the small side because I honestly don't want to like it too much. This is to be very little more than a cheap mode of transport. I loved owning my HD and the two Hondas I had. If I buy a bike that I like to ride it will only make the current problem of not having enough time to get everything done around here worse.

I'd love a big 750cc Dual Sport or another Road King but I just don't have time for pleasure riding. This thing will be primarily for commuting on surface streets or running small errands, it'll hit 60 in 6 seconds and tops out around 80mph so while I'll obviously take a test ride before buying anything I don't expect to be disappointed (the bar isn't that high for this one).

This particular bike isn't actually made by BMW. It's made by the largest manufacturer of small motorcycles in India (which is a small number). It's being sold all over the world (has been for a few years now) in a few different configurations so I don't think parts will be a problem.

 

[Jaybird1980]

I'm intentionally buying something on the small side because I honestly don't want to like it too much. This is to be very little more than a cheap mode of transport. I loved owning my HD and the two Hondas I had. If I buy a bike that I like to ride it will only make the current problem of not having enough time to get everything done around here worse.

I'd love a big 750cc Dual Sport or another Road King but I just don't have time for pleasure riding. This thing will be primarily for commuting on surface streets or running small errands, it'll hit 60 in 6 seconds and tops out around 80mph so while I'll obviously take a test ride before buying anything I don't expect to be disappointed (the bar isn't that high for this one).

This particular bike isn't actually made by BMW. It's made by the largest manufacturer of small motorcycles in India (which is a small number). It's being sold all over the world (has been for a few years now) in a few different configurations so I don't think parts will be a problem.

I would look for an older Honda CB, Kawasaki KZ or Yamaha XS or Virago. They would make a much better little commuter.

 

[cbhausen]

I was going to get one of these before I lucked into finding an Africa Twin DCT. Hard to get but worth the search (and available in DCT):

NC750X - 750cc Motorcycle - Honda

If you can only have one motorcycle in your garage, the NC750X is the bike makes the most sense.

powersports.honda.com

 

[KokomoDave]

Any bike has to fit your body. High number of cc's are really not an issue. I rode 36 states, got my first iron butt plate ( when Federal speed limit was 55) and a total of 94,000 miles in 6 years on a 1981 650 Yamaha twin. (100 mile commute for work adds up) It made maybe 45 horse on a good day. It was the first bike I bought new. I was tall, thin and lanky, The problem was not horsepower but getting my size all wadded into the bikes ergonomics. It's frame was just 20% smaller than I was.

Another dozen bikes were in my garage before my last series of bikes. The manufacturers keep making bikes for people with 26 in inseams. That is nice for them, but if you have a 36 or 37 inch inseam, you are still cramped up, even if it is an 800 lb full dressed touring bike.

My last three were Kawasaki Sport tourers, the 1000cc Concours models. (110 hp IS fun!) With a good Russell Saddle, I was comfortable. Between 3 of them I put a total 250,000 miles on that model. The one I sold at 140K was still running great.

Just like a good shotgun, if it is not properly fit to your build, you will never enjoy it to the fullest.

If you are inclined to ride, check out the dual Sport Ducati. Sheesh! Super tall!!

 

[phylodog]

Just got back from checking the bike out in person at a dealership, I like it but haven't ridden it yet. The size is good, the suspension is very soft (which is beneficial for me), the bike weighs 350lbs wet, it's quiet, fuel efficient and is definitely biased towards road use but it does have good light duty offroad capability which, while I don't necesssarily "need" that capability at the moment, two years down the road who knows? There may come a time where riding offroad becomes important.

If I end up getting it I'll definitely be adding crash bars, bark busters, etc.. I'm a known upgrade addict, the more upgrade options are available for something the more I tend to have interest in it. 3yr - 36k warranty is pretty nice and it's under $7250 out the door. I won't make a final decision until I have an opportunity to ride one.

 

[KG1]

Just got back from checking the bike out in person at a dealership, I like it but haven't ridden it yet. The size is good, the suspension is very soft (which is beneficial for me), the bike weighs 350lbs wet, it's quiet, fuel efficient and is definitely biased towards road use but it does have good light duty offroad capability which, while I don't necesssarily "need" that capability at the moment, two years down the road who knows? The may come a time where riding offroad becomes important.

If I end up getting it I'll definitely be adding crash bars, bark busters, etc.. I'm a known upgrade addict, the more upgrade options are available for something the more I tend to have interest in it. 3yr - 36k warranty is pretty nice and it's under $7250 out the door. I won't make a final decision until I have an opportunity to ride one.

I'm gonna go against the grain and not try to talk you out of it. If it fills your expectations and needs and you have done the research then I say buy what you like.

With that being said I think others have valid opinions on what they would do but ultimately the decision is yours to consider and make.

 

[JCSR]

I could live with one of these.

https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2022-Kawasaki-KLR+650+ABS-5019178888

 

[KokomoDave]

I almost bought a KLR but my trade-in was being under valued. We took my bike clear to Terre Haute at Thompson's Motorsports. They had the best price on the KTM + real world value of my H-D. They actually seemed to be gracious to everyone coming into the place to browse / buy / shoot the bull.

 

[Dr.Midnight]

RE Meteor 350 Price, Colours, Images & Mileage in USA | Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield Meteor 350 bike price in USA. Check RE Meteor 350 colours, mileage, images, specifications, reviews and other details.

www.royalenfield.com

Anyone have any firsthand experience? I really like the way this bike looks, and the price seems right. If they made one with twice displacement, I'd be visiting a dealer.

 

[phylodog]

I'm gonna go against the grain and not try to talk you out of it. If it fills your expectations and needs and you have done the research then I say buy what you like.

With that being said I think others have valid opinions on what they would do but ultimately the decision is yours to consider and make.

I appreciate the other opinions but all things considered nothing else checks all of the boxes. I don't think a motorcycle can get much more utilitarian and all I want is reliable, cheap transportation I can ride a good chunk of the year and keep the miles off of my truck. No pleasure riding, very little highway riding and probably no interstate riding.

 

[KG1]

I appreciate the other opinions but all things considered nothing else checks all of the boxes. I don't think a motorcycle can get much more utilitarian and all I want is reliable, cheap transportation I can ride a good chunk of the year and keep the miles off of my truck. No pleasure riding, very little highway riding and probably no interstate riding.

Yeah I get what you're saying. You basically are looking for an alternative cost effective reliable mode for commuting or running mild errands when you don't need to use your truck and you don't have a need for touring or cruising. It's just basically for transportation. Makes perfect sense to me.

 

[phylodog]

Yeah I get what you're saying. You basically are looking for an alternative cost effective reliable mode for commuting or running mild errands when you don't need to use your truck but you don't have a need for touring or cruising. It's just basically for transportation. Makes perfect sense to me.

I figure it may come in very handy down to road as well for a variety of reasons. 210 miles on 3 gallons of fuel ain't bad.

 

[Emerson Dambiggins]

Just a thought before you make a final decision. I think this would be a contender for what you want.

CB500X - 500cc Motorcycle - Honda

The CB500X is ready for adventure. Its 500cc class engine is perfect for a quick run to the store or to help you find the end of your favorite trail.

powersports.honda.com

 

[cbhausen]

Just a thought before you make a final decision. I think this would be a contender for what you want.

CB500X - 500cc Motorcycle - Honda

The CB500X is ready for adventure. Its 500cc class engine is perfect for a quick run to the store or to help you find the end of your favorite trail.

powersports.honda.com

A fine suggestion! M&E in Bedford has a couple of these as of a couple of days ago.

 

[KG1]

I figure it may come in very handy down to road as well for a variety of reasons. 210 miles on 3 gallons of fuel ain't bad.

Pretty sure you're not getting 70 mpg with that pickup truck.