Thinking about buying a road bike...need input..

**408WS6** · 08-16-2010, 10:51 AM

Guys/Gals,

I'm thinkin about pullin the trigger and buying a bike this weekend. But I kinda am starting to talk myself out of it. There are alot of pros and cons about this. Here is some background: I've had many dirt bikes (motocross bikes) when I was much younger, but hadn't owned a bike in 20 years or so. I've never owned a road bike, but driven all of my dad's bikes whenever I wanted (he has had many).

When I bought my Firebird, I meant for it to be a weekend car, but it has slowly evolved into a track car an doesn't get driven much on the street anymore. I've let the tag and inspection expire. So I'm looking again for something that I can come home from work and take a ride to destress from work. I found some smoking hot deals on a 2009 Yamaha V star like this one:

http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/...1/0/image.aspx

They basically want $7500 for a $13k bike, and brand new (but 2009 model) It is extremely hard for me to pass this deal up.

My main concern is safety. I live in Houston, which is not the safest place in the world to own one of these things. I've heard of alot of people getting killed all the time on motorcycles (and not even their fault).

The other issue is money, I can afford it, but my wife is complaining because we agreed not to buy a new car (for her) and save the money. At least, that is her side of the story. My side is I practically begged her to let me buy her a new car, we looked around for weeks, and she could not make up her mind on what she wanted (too picky I guess). Anyway, the opportunity expired.

What do you guys think, should I go for it?

**Zinergy** · 08-16-2010, 11:20 AM

Your main concern is safety and what can we say about that. Your on a 400-1000lbs web of metal with no protection around you but the gear you are wearing. It is scary, most motorcycle accidents are not the cycle riders fault. I have owned 3 bikes, all CBRs, I have been hit from the side, bike totaled I had minor injuries, btw it took two years to finish that court case which was just settled right around the 1st of this month. I have seen 1st hand two people die in accidents while riding. I know the dangers but i keep doing it because it gives me a feeling i cant get from anything else. Living in or close to major cities like we do add to the danger. I ride in heavy traffic everyday i take my bike to and from work, its an hour ride that with light traffic would take 25min.

Alot of people do not look when they change lanes, you have to be watchful and notice when someones body language tells you they are gonna try and change lanes. Because people who dont look over there shoulder will not see a bike unless the bike is lined up nicely with there mirror view.

Only you can make the choice whether or not you wanna take the risk of riding a motorcycle.

**86 IROC-Z** · 08-16-2010, 11:30 AM

In my honest opinion it sounds like you are pining for excitement and adventure in your life but are held back by this idea of responsibility and structure that society has forced upon you. You are living a sheltered life feeling safe bound to your marriage, your mortgage, your routine. There are places far more dangerous than the streets of Houston, and let me tell you this: Those places were meant to be conquered by men like you.

My advice to you? Buy the bike.

Buy the bike and forget everything else.

Divorce your wife. Default on your mortgage. It doesn't matter because you'll now start the adventure of your lifetime. Start small. Yes, it might be hard being homeless at first, being so used to that king sized bed with payments that don't start until 2012, but worry not. You'll sleep enough when you're dead and buried. Your bike will keep you company. Travel the world. Get out on the streets, talk to strangers. Drink a beer with breakfast, take the ugliest girl home at a party. Go line dancing with some married women who wish they weren't married. Live your life. You never know what life will put in your lap, when you open your arms and embrace it.

Buy the bike.

**flat-top** · 08-16-2010, 11:40 AM

save your money.

coming from a guy who rides dirt and street...

**408WS6** · 08-16-2010, 01:34 PM

Originally Posted by 86 IROC-Z

Divorce your wife. Default on your mortgage. It doesn't matter because you'll now start the adventure of your lifetime. Start small. Yes, it might be hard being homeless at first, being so used to that king sized bed with payments that don't start until 2012, but worry not. You'll sleep enough when you're dead and buried. Your bike will keep you company. Travel the world. Get out on the streets, talk to strangers. Drink a beer with breakfast, take the ugliest girl home at a party. Go line dancing with some married women who wish they weren't married. Live your life. You never know what life will put in your lap, when you open your arms and embrace it.

Buy the bike.

You read my mind

**408WS6** · 08-16-2010, 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by Zinergy

Your main concern is safety and what can we say about that. Your on a 400-1000lbs web of metal with no protection around you but the gear you are wearing. It is scary, most motorcycle accidents are not the cycle riders fault. I have owned 3 bikes, all CBRs, I have been hit from the side, bike totaled I had minor injuries, btw it took two years to finish that court case which was just settled right around the 1st of this month. I have seen 1st hand two people die in accidents while riding. I know the dangers but i keep doing it because it gives me a feeling i cant get from anything else. Living in or close to major cities like we do add to the danger. I ride in heavy traffic everyday i take my bike to and from work, its an hour ride that with light traffic would take 25min.

Alot of people do not look when they change lanes, you have to be watchful and notice when someones body language tells you they are gonna try and change lanes. Because people who dont look over there shoulder will not see a bike unless the bike is lined up nicely with there mirror view.

Only you can make the choice whether or not you wanna take the risk of riding a motorcycle.

This is what worries me most. More than anything, I don't want my son to grow up without a daddy just because I wanted some excitement. Your right, it is very dangerous. It's not me I'm worried about, but all the other nutcases driving out there that probably shouldn't be allowed to push a shopping cart let alone drive a car. They scare me.

If it were out in the country, it would be a different story..

**86 IROC-Z** · 08-16-2010, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by 408WS6

You read my mind

**SMWS6TA** · 08-16-2010, 01:39 PM

If you get it do your family a favor, increase your life insurance. My Dad had 2 accidents last year less then 5 months apart because of dumb blind asshats in Denton/Dallas area that didn't look. Almost lost his arm. He has quit riding.

**Zinergy** · 08-16-2010, 01:49 PM

Originally Posted by SMWS6TA

If you get it do your family a favor, increase your life insurance. My Dad had 2 accidents last year less then 5 months apart because of dumb blind asshats in Denton/Dallas area that didn't look. Almost lost his arm. He has quit riding.

Yes, its even worse in parts of the country with long winters. People arent used to watching for bikes when summer roles around and then they swarm the streets and people dont notice them. Which is why April is motorcycle awareness month. I don't wanna be sexist but i was hit by a woman and out of the three really close calls i can remember they were all women. And i like how they almost kill you and then when you get mad and honk or flick them off they just give you a waive and keep on driving. Bitch you almost just killed me, saying sorry with your hand out your window doesnt really cut it. New law, if a female almost kills a biker you need to pull over and give them a proper BJ. Whether the biker is conscious or not.

**wheeliE-maxx** · 08-16-2010, 02:08 PM

People don't see my bright ass orange and chrome full size truck in Houston. Or even semi trucks.. Don't do it

**gwballin** · 08-16-2010, 06:04 PM

I spend a few months a year in Houston for work. I refuse to even drive a car in that city let alone a bike. In another city I'd say go for it but in Houston I wouldn't. Then again, I'm a pussy.

**wheeliE-maxx** · 08-16-2010, 06:08 PM

Not even a car? Op, you are way ahead of your typical fat balding dentist or accountant around here that gets a hardly and ass chaps. You can anticipate, wheelie out, all that goodshit. Houston is still the suck though
I've ridden for almost 14 years, so I know I can count on myself more than your typical nervous nubstick who goes out and buys a busa

**ibanez7** · 08-16-2010, 08:00 PM

I'm 6'3" 250 lbs...

I just bought a V-star 950... brand new... great bike.

have always owned yamahas, let me know if you have any questions

**pecha** · 08-16-2010, 08:34 PM

get it

**408WS6** · 08-17-2010, 05:47 AM

I'm still torn on this, but leaning towards not getting it. If I do get it, I'll probably be driving it mostly out of town and away from the city, avoid rush hour traffic like the plague. But really, I think I'm going to instead put more cash into the Firebird, plus I have an old boat that still needs work. I might put this on the back burner for now. There will be great deals later...

**CJREX** · 08-17-2010, 06:00 AM

Riding a bike in today's world full of soccer moms driving SUVs, while talking on their cell and beating the kids at the same time, is like a video game in which everyone is trying to kill you.

Except it's real.

Get a Jeep instead. Just as much fun and far safer.

It's what I did when I gave up my Magna

**pecha** · 08-17-2010, 07:21 AM

how about getting a used street legal dirt bike? cheap and can be taken anywhere

**Mike's02Z28M6** · 08-18-2010, 07:29 AM

In an effort to stay safe and alive I always assume no one can see me and I'm basically invisible to all the cages rolling around on 4 tires. Never stay in anyone's blind spot, always decel or accel out of it.

**ibanez7** · 08-18-2010, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by Mike's02Z28M6

In an effort to stay safe and alive I always assume no one can see me and I'm basically invisible to all the cages rolling around on 4 tires. Never stay in anyone's blind spot, always decel or accel out of it.

agreed.

assume every drive is out to run you over, when your on a bike..

I always use up my whole lane, swerving from side to side safely.

-this makes car drivers notice me, or think I'm drunk.
either way they stay away.

most dangerous spot are intersections, many oncoming drivers turning left cant see a bike and assume no one is there. watch for that.

also blinking modules for headlights and tailights are a great way to stay safe and be noticed.

**MeGoFast** · 08-18-2010, 10:31 AM

Maybe look at older cheaper bikes if the wife is against it, that way you don't take such a beating if you find yourself not riding it much. Living in the Burbs of Chicago with flat straight roads and traffic Mon to Fri, I didn't ride much and sold my bike. Riding is cool but is better if you have a buddy who has a bike too.