I'm not crazy about this, but my daughter-in-law wants a motorcycle!

[RainMaker]

My DIL Nikki is about to go to the MSF course and get her Class M, prior to riding in (wait for it)......  Austin, Tx.

I'm afraid to drive in Austin, much less ride. 

But she's going ahead with this so might as well do what I can to help her be safe.

Need to find her a good beginner bike - not too big, not too small - just right.  And not too expensive.

I plan to (shudder!) ride down to Austin sometime soon to assist her in the search.

So, if anyone knows of any good leads on an older bike in good shape for little dinero, let me know.

RainMaker

[Jess from VA]

Personally, I'd want to watch how she does in MSF before choosing a machine.

Austin Craigslist:

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/4369007426.html

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/4359809132.html

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/4357860564.html

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/4367817465.html

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/4364056752.html

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/4367515279.html

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/4345686326.html

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/4364787466.html

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/4363708866.html

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/4362240558.html

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/4361493862.html

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/4323534090.html

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/4357357224.html

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/4357257992.html

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/4354023685.html

Sorry, I got carried away.  Huge listing in Austin.

Happy hunting.

[Valkpilot]

My DIL Nikki is about to go to the MSF course and get her Class M, prior to riding in (wait for it)......  Austin, Tx.

I'm afraid to drive in Austin, much less ride. 

But she's going ahead with this so might as well do what I can to help her be safe.

Need to find her a good beginner bike - not too big, not too small - just right.  And not too expensive.

I plan to (shudder!) ride down to Austin sometime soon to assist her in the search.

So, if anyone knows of any good leads on an older bike in good shape for little dinero, let me know.

RainMaker

I think Buzzkill and Hollyday are still selling her 750 Shadow.  It's hard to find  a better beginner's bike.

[BuzzKill]

Yep.  Still got it.  Been holding off putting it on Craigslist.  Let me know if you want details.


http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,64034.0.html

[RainMaker]

Send the details. And the mpg. Thanks.

[Jess from VA]

Having taught complete rookies to ride (before their MSF), then helped them find a first used bike several times, I have a couple observations.

Some need a 125 to 250 small size as a first bike (and I am talking a small female with little upper body strength, and no std shift exp in anything).  One short male who started on a puny 600VLX, fell pretty hard twice, and should have started smaller.  Others can start on a 500 to a light/low 1100 midsize and do OK without major mishap.

When shopping used bikes, there is always a much better selection of good deals on older midsize bikes, than in small size bikes.  The small bikes you do find are often only a few years old (and like new), and are nearly as expensive as older but good running midsize bikes.  This should not overly influence you in choosing the right bike for the rider.... esp if that rider is friend or family.  Wise purchases can usually be sold for about what you paid, and applied to the next midsize bike, even if it's only 8-12 months later.  The goal is to achieve confidence and success, and many who take one big fall on their first bike may be done with riding for life.

In perusing the Austin Craigslist, I found a number of buckets-of-bolts-and-rust being sold as projects.  However, I also ran across a few not running, but decent possibilities of great starter bikes for cheap, that a decent wrench might make go without too much headache or expense (always a gamble of course).  

The number of bikes listed is huge and it is definitely a buyer's market..... hard dealing and willingness to walk away is a must.  If the DIL goes with you to look at bikes she must be schooled in poker face (or wait in the car).

Edit:  Buzzkill, that is a very nice machine for a great price.   

[RainMaker]

Nikki will have no problem with a mid sized bike- she could probably ride the Valk.  She is very fit and pretty strong due to being in the Corps of Cadets for 4 years at TAMU.  She and my son work out pretty often, so I'm not worried about the weight of the bike - just the fact I want her to have enough "ommph" in the bike to be able to get out of trouble.

I appreciate all the links on Craigslist and will see what happens from here. 

TxDeb may end up with another riding buddy, too.

RainMaker

[Houdini]

My advice is to always buy a larger MC than you'll think you'll need.  Most riders that start small end up selling the bike and buying a larger one within three to six months, why bother.  Case in point - Liz, already selling that purdy Shadow to buy a full-sized MC.  I know, she's had it longer than six months but still a valid argument.

[Jess from VA]

OK, Rainman I copy. 

Just pointing out my experience, and that fact that there are probably 1000 Sportsters in local garages here that are brand new and never driven by the wives they were purchased for (for the reasons I presented).

Of course I know that whatever bike she gets, it will not be a Sportster. 

[RainMaker]

OK, Rainman I copy. 

Just pointing out my experience, and that fact that there are probably 1000 Sportsters in local garages here that are brand new and never driven by the wives they were purchased for (for the reasons I presented).

Of course I know that whatever bike she gets, it will not be a Sportster. 

You got that right! 

Also - RainMaker is my handle.  I've met Rainman and he's much prettier than me.

[Daniel Meyer]

I think Buzzkill and Hollyday are still selling her 750 Shadow.  It's hard to find  a better beginner's bike.

750 Shadow...2000-up...hands down best beginner bikes available. Newer the better...lots of good deals out there.

Light, maneuverable, powerful enough to keep up and get out of the way on the highway, well behaved, and almost bullet proof with minor maintenance, won't "outgrow" it too fast, and affordable. If dropped, parts are easy/etc.

[Hollyday]

I think I've had that shadow for 3 years now.   It has been a great starter bike for me.    My original intent to learn to ride was so that if something ever happened while we were on a trip.. I could ride the Valk if I had to.   Never had rode a bike before.     
I purchased it from Janet and that was her original starter bike.   
It has been a good bike and I hope whoever it goes to next enjoys it as well.   I'm just ready to move on to a spyder.. as soon as the finances allow.

[RainMaker]

I think I've had that shadow for 3 years now.   It has been a great starter bike for me.    My original intent to learn to ride was so that if something ever happened while we were on a trip.. I could ride the Valk if I had to.   Never had rode a bike before.     
I purchased it from Janet and that was her original starter bike.   
It has been a good bike and I hope whoever it goes to next enjoys it as well.   I'm just ready to move on to a spyder.. as soon as the finances allow.

I know the history and feel very comfortable with recommending it to Nikki, but waiting to hear from her if she has decided on a bike like this, a ninja rocket or even a scooter. 

The idea is to save money versus driving her pickup to work.  So mileage is a consideration.  I'd guess you got about 45-50 mpg with that.

rm

[f-Stop]

Austin is a "scooter" city. 

They're everywhere, economical and fun. 

Plenty of places around town have scooter/bike nights during the week. 

There's also a whole culture of small engine cafe racers that has caught the attention of all the cool kids. 

And don't forget, motorcycles park free in Austin!

 

[BuzzKill]

Yes RM, I think the average she's getting is 45.  PM Hollyday for more details as I will be out of town.