i already read the sticky thread and have yet to find my answer after weeks upon weeks of researching and learning...i am new to the bike scene and will be coming back to cali in july to earn my motorcycle license.

i think im at an age where id rather pick up a bike for the love of the sport rather than be reckless and want to show off, not to mention the ridiculous gas prices that we all have to endure. i know 600cc bikes are probably not the wisest for a beginner like me, but i will need to commute via freeway to a job either in beverly hills or santa monica and i will need something larger than a 250. i start my job in sept. so i am planning to practice day in and day out up until then...meaning no freeways for me until i am good and ready!

after i receive my license i will be looking for either a yamaha r6, kawi zx-6r or any other type of ninja, or honda cbr600r...probably somewhere in the early 2000 year range. ive read up on how much the damages can cost, how much insurance will be, how many people drop their bikes at stops or low speeds, etc.

my question is...would purchasing a salvaged (cosmetic) bike be of any advantage to me? i mean it is a learning bike above all and i dont think insurance will be extremely high for me. im not looking for a brand new bike so i can show off. i also need something that will accompany my height which is about 5'8"

also..i was wondering if you can point me in the direction to find some gear for cheap, ive heard of "new enough" and "knee draggers", thanks for any constructive advice!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JDM.Jay &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">my question is...would purchasing a salvaged (cosmetic) bike be of any advantage to me? i mean it is a learning bike above all and i dont think insurance will be extremely high for me. im not looking for a brand new bike so i can show off. i also need something that will accompany my height which is about 5'8"</TD></TR></TABLE> the only advantage is saving money. but bikes can be branded as salvage for a number of reasons, and put back up for sale as a simple 'drop in a parking lot'. so its really a gamble. not to say that all sellers are shady, but it happens fairly often

the craigslist around your area is great for used motorcycles, parts, and gear. if you want something new, http://www.newenough.com gets a from me

you mentioned that it would be your first bike. id recommend a cbr f2/f3, fzr 600, or 1st gen r6. all can be had for a great price, upkeep is relatively cheap, and they're good beginner bikes.

 

I won't touch the noobie on a 600 thing, I'll just answer some of the other things.

http://www.newenough.com is excellent for gear and customer service. I like to shop around locally to find the right fit (which is as important as the jacket/gloves/pants themselves), and then surf the web looking for the best price.

My EX500 was a salvaged title bike, but I bought it for $200 and got two cheap helmets and a Joe Rocket textile jacket included. A windshield and a headlight later my bike was perfectly rideable, reliable and ready to hit the freeway. It was a 500cc bike, but I assure you it is more than adequate for freeway cruising, maybe even more so than a 600 due to its more comfortable seat and riding position.

 

I wouldn't personally buy a salvage titled bike, you never know if the frame is jacked or not.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by bg-33p &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I wouldn't personally buy a salvage titled bike, you never know if the frame is jacked or not.</TD></TR></TABLE>

With a thorough inspection, and attention to key areas you can be fairly safe purchasing one.

 

Usually the insurance company will salvage the bike if there seems to be damages to the frame, so i would just be very cautious.

 

What's your budget? what's your time frame? factor everything as a whole.. then take it from there.. you got the right idea on buying stuff used, (bike & gear) it all adds up to be quiet a bit.

my personal opinion assuming you have time, would be to wait it out til winter time and you'll get more bike for your $$$. not necessarily all the time, but a good chance you will find a good buy.. spring/ summer time is peak season, bikes are outrageously overpriced..

 

From what I was told, insurance companies will not offer full-coverage for salvage-titles. I could be wrong though.

Anyway, like the other were saying, craigslist is your best bet for a bike. Search both Los Angeles and Orange County.

For gear, I'd suggest http://www.sportbiketrackgear.com . They have the lowest prices and you can't pass up their "blow out" sales. Go to bertsmegamall and try something on for sizing and buy it online.

 

thanks for all the insight guys

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EGlovr &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">you mentioned that it would be your first bike. id recommend a cbr f2/f3, fzr 600, or 1st gen r6. all can be had for a great price, upkeep is relatively cheap, and they're good beginner bikes. </TD></TR></TABLE>

ill definitely take your advice on this one

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by crxma22 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">my personal opinion assuming you have time, would be to wait it out til winter time and you'll get more bike for your $$$. not necessarily all the time, but a good chance you will find a good buy.. spring/ summer time is peak season, bikes are outrageously overpriced.. </TD></TR></TABLE>

i have factored out all my expenses and time, unfortunately i will need a bike way before winter time comes around...but thank you for the input

ill probably pass on the whole salvaged bike thing now that i think of it cause id rather not go through the problems of it possibly breaking down on me...of course any bike can do that, but im assuming these salvaged ones have higher risks of doing so.

 

salvage bikes can be a great deal, i don't have problems with buying one (nor have i had a problem insuring one)--but it does take a seasoned eye to know what to look for.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by bad-monkey &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">salvage bikes can be a great deal, i don't have problems with buying one (nor have i had a problem insuring one)--but it does take a seasoned eye to know what to look for.

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i agree, unfortunately i dont have that keen eye to see what could be wrong, nor do i know of anyone who are that experienced with bikes to help me out. i do believe that finding a salvaged bike that is in great standing condition is a great find, but i guess ill just have to pass until i attain more experience!