Posted by Hog (216.166.228.231) on September 09, 2003 at 09:07:34:
In Reply to: Dirt bikes posted by Margaret (68.80.17.68) on September 08, 2003 at 18:42:43:
> Anyone own a dirt bike, or ever had one?
> I am thinking that although I'd like a street bike, the smallest ones out there are actually way too big for me. After getting the guts finally to go to my local HD dealer, (to my surprise there was 4 sales women, and only 1 guy!) I asked for the lighest, smallest bike, and the one lady had me sit on a Buell, but I still think it was too big. (She actually got mad at me and said snottily if I sat on a 20 pounder, I'll probably *still* think it was too big! But hey, I'm the customer, and it's my money, and she should have not been so snotty, because now I will no longer take my business there. So, there. Time for another dealer.
> Anyway, after doing some searching and going to the library, I figured maybe I should just forget about buying American, and just buy whatever is safest for me instead (whch means the lighest and smallest).
> Anyway, maybe street bikes isn't the way to go for me, so now I'm thinking how about a dirt bike that can ride on the street long distance? Maybe an Enduro, or, although a trial bike is only 160 pds, those also don't have seats, you have to stand, or maybe a dual. I don't know,
> Somethign that is ultra light and small, yet can ride long distance, as I'd like to have something that will take me out to Sturgis one of these days and maybe swing by Wyoming, and Mt Rushmore while I'm out there, and be able to bring me all the way back with very little maintenance and very very safely.
> I guess I'll have to keep looking. But anyway, thought I might ask. (besides, there's a sort of need to bring up a new topic on the board).
I'm not certain why you feel a lighter bike will be safer or easier to control; have you ridden motorcycles before? Once you get going, heavier bikes are more stable and easier to control than lighter bikes. If your concern is being able to pick it up should you dump it...I would advise you to take a motorcycle safety course - your goal should be to *not* dump it, ever; you can't afford to make mistakes on a motorcycle, as your first mistake is much more likely to be your last than in an automobile.
I have ridden an enduro style bike 20 or 30 miles before; they are not very good for anything longer than that. They just don't have much power typically and aren't made for long rides (and aren't very comfortable either).
I would not buy an American motorcycle personally; Japanese bikes are faster and more reliable. Harleys have the name and are louder, and have a style that appeals to a certain type of consumer.
If you already know how to ride, test drive a 500 or so, any of the Japanese brands will do. BMW's are supposed to be very nice for touring if you've got the cash to blow. Go for a "cruiser" style if that's what appeals to you; if you're looking for speed try a "crotch-rocket". I would stay away from an enduro style unless you plan on going off-road; they just aren't much good on the highway and aren't comfortable at long distances.