Thread: Street bikes

I will be in the market for a new bike very soon. '92 or older EX500, GS500 or maybe even a CBR600 -- basically a 500-600cc starter bike. I've been told stories that I'd have to blow like $800 on tires and that parts would be impossible to find. Does anyone here have any experiences with these bikes?

It depends on how well the bike has been kept up. 92 is pretty old for a bike like that, so you could be out some serious cash trying to replace any broken body pieces. If it has anything past minor issues, I'd stay away. Tires aren't really too much of a problem, it's engine wear that will get you.

well i had a vfr 750 about 10 years ago and it was a usa import and parts were easy to find..my brother owns a cbr 600 and he has gotten parts reallyu easy and his is 1990 i think but 800 on tires, i wouldnt think so, that seems a little excessive, so im sure it'll be fine.

to answer your question I've never had any problems with getting parts and tires for an old bike.

regards,simon

Ilija, just curious if you plan to ride it during the winter too? My friends in Chicago let their bikes hybernate for quite a while

Cheers
Ivo

No, parts should be easy to find. Of the three bikes you list, I'd suggest you start on either the EX (what I'd pick) or the GS. The CBR is a pretty fast bike for a new rider; it would intimidate most new riders and slow down the learning process. Also, when you drop your bike for the first time, it'll be a lot cheaper to drop a bike without a full fairing.

Thanks for the info guys. An older bike will be cheaper to get in the first place and to insure. The usual mileage is at about 40,000km/25,000mi. Our riding season is fairly short here. I don't intend to ride it past November and even then, maybe a couple of days until it gets just above freezing. That's when I'd winterize it and take it back out in April.

Hey Ilija,

man I miss having a bike. My vote is on the GS. Good frisky bike. The CBR is a bit more aggressive. Parts shouldn't be a problem.

Yeah I can start with the GS or the EX, learn all I can this seson. Then I'd get a 750cc gixxer next season and give the 500cc to my mom. She wants to get back into it and has already ridden a 550.

Gentlemen, I am just announcing that I just put a downer on a lovely Yamaha FZR600. It's a '91 and cost me $2200CDN, 24,000km (15,000mi), well maintained and owned by a gentleman in his 40s, with a family. Here she is


It also includes a spare stock seat, a brand new rear tire in addition to the one already on, that still has some life left in it, all the manuals and miscelaneous parts/items.

Nice... that doesn't look like a beginner's bike

Watch out
Ivo