Hi and Advice

[Chahlz]

Hey, I'm buying a bike and need some advice:

1. If I don't go through a dealer, whats a good place to get a loan? The personal loans I saw were 10%, nuts.

2. Thoughts on a Street Triple (R) - what I really want, and going bigger, Speed Triple - what are some disadvantages of going big early?

Thanks guys/gals I look forward to getting real advice instead of dealer talk.

Charles

[OreoGaborio]

Hey Charles, welcome to the forum.

First bike shopping, I take it? (I'm assuming here, forgive me if I'm wrong) Very cool



Personally, if you ask me, buying a bike used private party should be a cash transaction. I wouldn't get a loan for a private sale bike, especially if it's your first bike. Save your pennies, get enough saved up to buy yourself some training (www.msf-usa.org), some decent gear & blow the rest on an inexpensive bike that's mechanically sound and will help you learn the ropes.

Regarding the Street & Speed 3, they're both damn nice bikes. I've never had the pleasure of owning either, but I've ridden a 675 and a Speed 3 and liked them both very much.

The disadvantages of going big early are many, but they're subjective and tough to quantify, thus easily disputable. I personally stared riding on a 600cc supersport (albeit a '00 model which is ancient compared to today's 600's) and I ended up fine. However that doesn't mean that I would recommend it to others. New riders REALLY can't comprehend how quickly a 100hp, 400lb machine can get them into trouble. The power is addictive and incredibly tempting to a lot of new riders. Getting into trouble is easy... it's getting OUT of it that most people have trouble with.

Frankly, I think something like an SV650, kawi 650r etc is about as big a beginner bike most new riders should have. 70-80hp in a 400lb machine is plenty of juice to get anyone going and the bike itself is more FORGIVING to newer riders than a race replica. There are a lot of great looking beginner bikes out there, especially if you're not looking for a fully faired race replica like you seem to be doing. Check out the Ducati Monster 620 for instance. Great entry level bike. As is the Kawi EX500 and the GS500.

When choosing a first bike, you gotta remember that it's your FIRST bike, not your last... Buy the tool that fits the job. Get something that's forgiving and won't get you into too much trouble. It will serve as a better learning tool than something you're tempted to go way too fast on and don't yet have the fine motor skills to control precisely.

[nixoid]

I don't know the Street Triple that well but the mantra "go big or go home" isn't the best one for a first bike. I may be a wuss but I think you should start with something a little down in the power and get used to the mechanics or riding. There will always be bigger, badder, and better bikes out there. I suggest finding a cheap 500cc machine and just figuring out if:

• You like riding.
• What type of riding appeals to you.
• Which bike will fit your skills once you have some.

Once you have a clue on those variables you will also be more bike savvy and less likely to be fleeced on a purchase. I guess the more appropriate manta would be "You have to learn to walk before you can run"

Motorcycles are a blast but more dangerous than people will let on. Besides danger.... you are mostlikely going to drop it, or make a silly mistake and beat it up a bit so it might as well be on a cheap learners bike. Besides you can always pass it on to the next guy or gal that wants to learn... be a Johnny Appleseed of the MC world.

[Trouble]

I agree with buying an inexpensive used bike that you can pay cash money for. If you can keep it upright or at least not do too much damage to it you'll be able to get your money out of it when you sell it. Ride it for a year or two, get your skills up to speed, then get what you really want. Step one is taking the MSF class, certainly before spending much time on the street.

[Doc]

Is this a first bike?

[Subee13]

A credit union will have the best loan APRs. Mine is less that 5% but I paid cash for my bike. If this is a first bike just be careful. I bought a new bike had a loan and got into a big wreck early on. Best of luck with everything.

[Chahlz]

Yep, its a first bike. Thanks for the advice. I have some good leads on some SV's and FZ6's so I'll stear my focus away from an expensive first bike (triumph).
Thanks again.

[eboos]

Hey, I'm buying a bike and need some advice:

1. If I don't go through a dealer, whats a good place to get a loan? The personal loans I saw were 10%, nuts.

2. Thoughts on a Street Triple (R) - what I really want, and going bigger, Speed Triple - what are some disadvantages of going big early?

Thanks guys/gals I look forward to getting real advice instead of dealer talk.

Charles

Hey Charles,

I am a Triumph dealer. Triumph has some pretty aggressive financing right now. We can hook you up.

Erik
Precision Triumph
401 724-0010