| Author | Message | ||
     Wannabeabueller |
Well it's tax time again, and the money is burning a hole in my pocket. I am looking for a new toy. I was wondering yalls opinion as to whether a M2 would be suitable for a first bike or not. I currently have an old Honda XR250R that I have been riding for about a year, but have never owned a real street bike. I have ridden a friends '02 X1 once, and anothers big bad HD cruiser, but I dont have any real longterm experience on a bike of this caliber. I have looked at and considered a blast, but I feel it does not fulfill my desire in the mechanical greatness as the big V-twin does. I am an engineer by heart and trade and is what leads me to the wanting of motorcycle. The thing I love about a bike is this exposed mechanics of them and the ability to tinker. I think that is why Buells appeal to me so much. I love working on things (cars, etc.) and doing my own work, so I look forward to doing maintenance and such. I'm not really into speed and pulling wheelies, but love the HD sound and mystique that comes from just cruising. I would only consider the Blast b/c of my "other half" and the fact that it doesn't look so much like a crotch rocket as the M2, so convincing her wouldn't be as hard. I would definately be looking used as I am on a tight budget. Any thoughts and or experiences would be great in helping me make my decision. BTW, I am 6'2" 185lbs, so holding up the extra 700cc's does not worry me that much. Other than that, it's up to yall to convince me otherwise. Cheers | ||
| Koz5150 |
I owned a Honda 700SC Nighthawk for all of 4 months before I bought my 2002 M2. I don't see anything wrong with it. Here are a few things though that will help you with this transition. 1. Make sure your head is on straight! This bike is heavier and more powerfull. If you do not respect the bike, you will hurt yourself. Take plenty of time to learn how to ride it before you head into downtown traffic. 2. Learn how the bike turns. The first day I had the bike I almost dropped it leaving a parking lot. My Honda could turn the handlebars much sharper then the M2. I leaned over and started turning, but the bars stopped. As the bike began to feel like I was going to drop it I put my foot down while moving. I rolled my ankle, but was smart enough to give the bike some gas making it stand back up. It hurt for a good week. 3. Buy a service manual. Even if you don't plan on doing service this is a great resource for you to understand what it takes to maintain this bike and when you should take things in to have them checked out. Mine looks very used at this point, but I do all my own upkeep. Oh yeah, I am also 6'2" and this bike is great for riding all day. It is also great for riding all day with a passenger! Hope this helps... Se my profile to see how happy I am! | ||
| Wannabeabueller |
Yeah I would definately plan on only doing rural riding for a while. I will for sure take a Motorcycle Safety Course before I even get on it. Keep 'em comin. | ||
| Hacksaw |
Go with the Cyclone, plenty of smooth power when you want it, riding position is good. I have been riding a street legal XR250R, and a 883 Sportster. I enjoy riding the Cyclone far more than any bike I have ever owned, and I have only had the Buell since last September. | ||
| Wannabeabueller |
I have checked NADA and for a '99 the low is around 2500 to high at about 3500. Realistically, will I be able to find one in this price range? I'm all about searching around for the best deal. Oh yeah, I am in Texas. (Message edited by wannabeabueller on March 15, 2005) | ||
| Captainkirk |
I bought my M2 three years ago as my second "real" street bike and have never looked back. Respect it tho...blink your eyes and she will make a fool of you quickly. But oh, what a ride! You will be instantly smitten and spoiled forever the first time you roll on the throttle (Ok, I mean really WHACK it!)and hear that snarl! And if, like me, you actually ENJOY working on bikes, this one's a peach.  | ||
| Cerbero |
My first bike was a 1976 BMW R90/6... so while my 1997 M2 may not be my first "real" bike, its certainly my first "modern" bike... Once you get used to the power (I was popping wheelies at every intersection for a week!) you should feel right at home on an M2. I ride it every day on the mean streets of San Francisco... I've taken it on several long trips (the longest was a 12 hour, 800 mile ride) with no unexpected fatigue... all told, I've put over 10,000 exceedingly enjoyable miles on it in the last year. The M2 is an amazing vehicle. I have never regretted buying it, and I can't imagine parting with it! If you can manage the physical size of the bike (which it sounds like you can) then you shouldn't have any trouble with it... It may be powerful, but its not uncontrollable! (Message edited by cerbero on March 16, 2005) | ||
| Koz5150 |
I think if you were to stretch your doller up around $4000 you can do very well for yourself. Blastard has on for sale in the classifieds. I also saw a very nice looking grey with black framed 2002 on Cycletrader for $4000. I found mine new on cycle trader and have been extremely happy. There are a good number of Bueller's from Texas on this board, you may want to ask them for info too. | ||
| M2nc |
My first bike is my Nighthawk 750. The toughest thing to get use to the M2 was riding it in slow in-town traffic. The bike shake at anything south of 3000 rpm, and will fly anything north of it. You will need to learn to ride it out in the country. Give yourself time to get use to the character of the bike. You will be able to find an M2 in that range, I did. My M2 had 26,000 mile on it and minor damage from a slow speed drop. I just got back from Daytona. I rode the bike 1200 miles in three days. I spent overall two days in stop & go traffic and the bike was great. I was really impressed with it on this trip. | ||
| Koz5150 |
M2nc Try a 26 tooth front sprocket. It will help with your around town driving. It made a big difference on mine. | ||
| Reepicheep |
If you have significant dirt experience, I don't think an M2 is an unreasonable first street bike. In fact I think it would be a very good choice, especially if you are not the type to freak out about an occasional mechanical "bike bonding moment". You should be able to score one under $3500 easy, though it will have a decent amount of miles on it. That being said, based on my experience, I am not sure that a new M2 is any more reliable then one with 20k miles on it. If it made it to 20k, lots of parts that always break were already replaced with updated parts. | ||
| Carguyinok |
IMO, Go for it. It sounds like you know what your doing on a bike. With a year under your belt on a older 250 honda dirt bike you should know alittle of bolth worlds. #1 how to handle a bike when things dont go the way you want. #2 how to fix your bike after #1 . Your doing things the way I tell people to. Learn in the dirt & live on the blacktop. I say go for it!!!! But respect your bikes power. One more warning, Keep your head on with others. It seems that every time I go out there are people that feel they need to race you or pass me. I feel the trick is to remember you made you point when you hit the starter. For me it's getting to the point where I want " If your passing me I am letting you" on the back of my lid. Enjoy the ride | ||
| Wannabeabueller |
Thanks for the replys guys. Yeah, very good point about making the "point" when hitting the starter. Thats what the HD engine is all about and what I love. I would definately have nothing but respect and fear for this bike as I feel that is what keeps you from doing stupid stuff. If your not scared then you end up doing stupid things. Any advice on convincing the wifey that an M2 is not as much a crotch rocket as it looks compared to the blast. I always try to tell her..."It's just a pretty Harley." She had a good friend from high-school die in a cycle accident one day while joyriding down the street from their house. Of course, he wasn't wearing a helmet, and albiet wasn't using his best judgement in speed either (on a friends crotch rocket). My dad's always trying to tell me that every person he has ever known that rides a bike has always been in an accident, thats why I have only be able to sofar get into a dirt bike. But hell, I'm 24, been married for 3 years, have a 3 year old, and I just wanna bike. | ||
| Rek |
Not that I would advise this approach...but the last bike I purchased was a total impulse-buy. Stopped by the dealer, saw the S3 and fell in love, took it home the same day. My wife would hardly speak for 2-3 days, then she was PO'ed like you can't beleive for a couple weeks. Finally she loves me once again. Long story short, if I had negotiated we'd still be at the table. Do what you gotta do and beg forgiveness later.  rob (Message edited by rek on March 16, 2005) | ||
| Ceejay |
my M2 is the coolest thing in my world, with the exception of my one year old son. I have wrecked it, beat on it, spit on it, shined it, brag about it, p--s and moan about it, put my kids on it, my wife on it, and it still begs for more. Sometimes I have to work on it more than I would like, and other times don't need to touch it. I used to have a 78 Kaw which in no way compares, my dad has owned several bikes including harleys and he says it is the best bike he has ever ridden, my wife while she bit--es about it too much, says it rides much better than a road king from the female seat and she gets a smile when ever I get a baby sitter and we go for a ride. Wouldn't pass up getting another if I had the dough. | ||
| Jlnance |
Any advice on convincing the wifey that an M2 is not as much a crotch rocket as it looks compared to the blast. I always try to tell her..."It's just a pretty Harley." Having just gotten an M2 after 9 months on a Blast, I can assure you an M2 _IS_ _DEFINITELY_ a crotch rocket compared to a Blast. Of course that's not what you asked. Lets see, how to convince your wife that the bike is tame ... How about leaving the choke 1/2 on when you give her a testride?  | ||
| Wannabeabueller |
Thanks for all the advice guys. Yeah..It's definately easier to ask for forgiveness than permission! What are yalls insurance premiums running per month. Do yall carry all the uninsured motorist stuff, collision, comprehensive, etc. I have priced out progressive with bodily injury, and pip at the second to max coverage, no collision, or comprehensive and it comes out to be 57/month. If I add comprehensive to it it bumps it another 30 or so dollars a month. | ||
| Carguyinok |
Tire-tire loaded with roadside. I pay around 40 some a month or 500 a year with progressive.Thats on a 00 M2. It helps that I have a clean DL and over 30. Not that the roadside helps me. Being I drive the towtruck. But for the chance of an out of town brake down it's a nice plus. | ||
| Buellman50 |
Get the M2 and just try to keep the grin off your face.I ride a 2002 M2 and it was the best investment i ever made bikewise. It has a character of it's own and it is unlike anything else i have ever ridden. | ||
| Devdawg |
Get the M2...you'll love it and the wife will too, if you ever get her to get on it. She has to realize "it wasn't the bike that killed her friend," and not all of us that ride have been in accidents, maybe your dad runs with a "wilder bunch" I've had my M2 for a couple years now riding around Hawaii (when I'm here...) it's by far the most enjoyable bike I've ever owned. I still have my '73 Triumph 750 Tiger just in case I start jonesin' for a little "Old School" and to be honest I can't remember the last time I took it out.... Go with Progressive...best I've found. It seems they're the only company that knows an M2 isn't the same as a "crotch rocket" and doesn't add on any extra fees accordingly. | ||
| Jersey_thunder |
STUPID HURTS!!! ride safe, T | ||
| M2nc |
Kaz, thanks but I am use to the bike now. I was just making an observation from when I first got the bike. I was use to an I-4, smooth and rev it to go. I get on the M2 and just about stand it up on the test ride. Really after the trip to Daytona we were all talking about an overdrive or taller legs for Interstate riding. Constant 85-90mph riding really affects fuel mileage. Go any slower on I-95 and your a target. I would love a sixth gear but if I could find one, I would want to pay for it. After the trip, I just love the bike even more. As far as for convincing the wife, that's easy. It's got a cruiser heart. Even though it's one of the fastest Harley based bikes around, it still a street bike. Compare the M2 to a true race-replica and the M2 is just a great all-around street bike. | ||
| Socoken |
just tell her the M2 is a sporty-looking but mild mannered and has the high performance brakes and handling to get you out of trouble if it comes looking for you. i grew up riding dirtbikes and my first streetbike was a crotch rocket. the M2 is definitely conservative and responsible by comparison, but has the agility that other slower, big bikes dont have. get the responsible M2, then worry about making it not-so-responsible later. (i.e. hot rod it!!) Ken | ||
| Wannabeabueller |
All great advice guys...just got to get past the parental units...geez I sound like I'm in highschool or something. I just talked to my parents and whoa are they ever against the idea, more so my dad than my mom. All she said was...you better get some life insurance. Of course my dads response....every person I have ever known has been messed up on a bike...not even their fault, but from drivers hitting them. While that is definately a concern, does anyone have any factual information for ammunition or a website where such statistics can be found. My buddy with the X1 is prepared to trade me for my XR250R and about $2500 cash for his 2002 yellow X1 with about 12K miles. Overall great shape. Trying to get him down a little lower, but definately in my price range. Cheers | ||
| Wannabeabueller |
BTW, anyone ever heard of a MV Agusta F4-1000S. My dads long time friend just contacted me today asking me to design and manufacturer some LED taillight inserts to replace the little plastic turnsignals that come stock. OMG, that thing is freakin' sick, and mucho dinero, about 20k. He wants to make about 100 sets for him and then try to sell them. Pretty good idea as no one has come up with these as they are supposed to be recessed in the little cutouts in the tail. It was kinda like a omen to get a call from this guy, super cool, always rode bikes, road-races a C5 hardtop...maybe I can get him to talk some sense into my pops. | ||
| Captainkirk |
Wannabe; WRT your parental units; Not every biker has gotten up close and personal with the tarmac. Riding is in many ways like flying. There are inherent dangers. To deny this is foolish. What you have to do is minimize your risks, especially for the first three years or so. How? 1) Beg, borrow or buy a copy of David Hough's "Proficient Motorcycling". Read it cover to cover and take the lessons to heart. It just may save your life. 2) DO NOT, I repeat, do not ride without gear. Buy the gear before or at the same time as the bike. If you can't afford gear don't buy the bike. Finance it in with the bike if you have to. NEVER ride without a good skid lid...even around the block. Get a full face shield helmet with both DOT and Snell ratings. 3) Sign up for and take the MSF course in your state. 4)Don't ride with other inexperience riders. I find it is better to concentrate on the machine and the ride without worrying about keeping up with somebody. Ride your own ride. 5) Keep your rides short and rural if you can. You will better learn about your skills (or lack thereof) and your bike's abilities this way without having to deal with cellular morons changing CD's while applying lipstick ( "But officer, I didn't SEE him!" ) 6) Ride every day you can. Short rides every day will increase your confidence (and your family's confidence in YOU) and hone your skills. 7) Avoid "trouble situations" such as; * Sunset riding, when the sun in your eyes can blind you or reduce visibility * Riding in rain or high winds * Riding during heavy traffic times * Riding after drinking. * Riding in city traffic This may sound like wimping out,but according to Hough, most accidents happen AFTER the initial fear of the bike begins to wane and the rider gets a little cocky; usually in the second or third riding season. By avoiding unnecessary risks the first season or two, you will gradually begin to realize that people out there are totally stupid, and whether intentional or not THEY WILL KILL YOU IF YOU LET THEM!!!!!!!!!!!! 8) Treat each ride as a combat mission...not a party on a bike. Stay serious and totally in tune with the ride. Don't ride if you're overtired or upset about something that will affect your concentration. 9) Remember, you can get killed walking across the street. If you plan each ride and stay away from the loonies your chances of success increase dramatically. What combat pilot goes out for a lark in the sky and comes back alive? Ask the ones who DO come back if they enjoy it though!!!! And tell your pops to read this. Better yet, tell your pops to read this and RIDE WITH YOU!  | ||
| Captainkirk |
Oh yeah; the info you want (stats) is included in the book; it's called the Hurt report (no pun intended) and Hough does an excellent job of breaking it down in the chapter "How Far Are You Hanging It Out?" Ask your pops to do the evaluation on everyone he knows that got messed up and really find out just how far THEY were hanging it out when they kissed the tarmac. It's a real eye-opener.  | ||
| Wannabeabueller |
Captainkirk, Thanks for all the advice. I will try to find the book. I would never think of riding without a helmet. Yeah, my main concearn is the other drivers, but I think by defensively driving most can be avoided. | ||
| Rick_a |
An S1 was my first bike and my only prior riding experience was a couple weeks in the dirt 7 years prior. The hardest thing for me was getting used to the low speed handling and limited steering lock. Otherwise it's a very intuitive machine to ride. | ||
| Outrider |
Just get the thing and practice the weird maneuvers in the parking lots. Then go hit the road in a conservative manner until you really get the feel of the bike. Heck, I have been riding 40 years and do this as part of my spring warm up since I moved to the Snowbelt. Helps get the rust off my skills and is a shake down exercise for the bike. Read: I would rather break down within pushing distance of home than somewhere in the Outback. LOL I am confident that you will find the X1 handles much like your dirt bike, especially if you add a set of motocross or dirt track bars to it. I found this to be true as I used to do open desert racing on a stripped KLR650. Other than that, it is just a matter of getting the feel of the throttle and the brakes. | ||
| Socoken |
the best advice i have heard is, when in traffic, "ride like you are invisible." in other words, never assume anyone sees you, and always assume they dont. dont wait for someone to pull out in front of you, know they are going to before they do because they dont see you. riding in traffic always requires a significant level of concentration, pro or amateur, but you learn to get better at it, and get better at learning. its a lot like the way some fighters are trained to picture opponents or enemies as skeletons, envisioning the angles and placement of bones. this knowledge is a tool to better see opportunity and weaknesses. at first, it requires a conscious effort, but after a while, is second nature. ride like you are invisible slow is smooth, smooth is fast learning to ride defensively will make you a better cager!!!!!! it also gives you, and those around you a better appreciation and awareness of motorcyclists. just teaching them what you learn, and what to look for, and to be aware of motorcycles, could save lives!!! maybe your own, maybe even mine, SO GET RIDING!!!!! Ken |
