A few hours later and I've calmed down a little. The excitement is still there and I am enjoying it. Its almost like I've bought the bike already, but I haven't. I've just put my name on the list and a lot can happen between now and when they call to confirm and I have to give my $500 deposit to 'lock in'.
First lets get something straight. This is not my dream bike. If money were no object and all other things were aligned, I would be going for either a BMW F800gs or a Triumph Tiger 800. I'd also have a Triumph Scrambler for that classic look.
So lets consider what has played out to this point. I've wanted to be able to buy a motorcycle for quite a while now. At first I liked the BMW G650gs and was convinced that was the bike I was going to buy when I could afford it. Then after having that image as my desktop wallpaper for 4 months, I saw a few videos of the Triumph Scrambler with Jamie Robinson (Motogeo), and Ernie Vigil for Triumph America and I moved on to that for a while (be warned, watching these videos may have an adverse affect on your bank account).
First lets get something straight. This is not my dream bike. If money were no object and all other things were aligned, I would be going for either a BMW F800gs or a Triumph Tiger 800. I'd also have a Triumph Scrambler for that classic look.
So lets consider what has played out to this point. I've wanted to be able to buy a motorcycle for quite a while now. At first I liked the BMW G650gs and was convinced that was the bike I was going to buy when I could afford it. Then after having that image as my desktop wallpaper for 4 months, I saw a few videos of the Triumph Scrambler with Jamie Robinson (Motogeo), and Ernie Vigil for Triumph America and I moved on to that for a while (be warned, watching these videos may have an adverse affect on your bank account).
I spent about a month on the scrambler. I always did like the Triumph Tiger 800 though but there were some reviews online that suggested it was a little heavy and didn't make the best adventure bike for a beginner (or a returning rider) but then I saw another video and the scrambler was out.
So, after all that, how did I go from a 650 to a 900 to an 800. It was logical. Browse the forums long enough and you will see a trend in people suggesting that everyone should start riding by buying a used small displacement motorcycle. The logic is that it will be easier to learn on, you won't be upset when you drop it for the first time (and everyone seems to think you WILL drop it) and you will become a more proficient rider because your skills will develop better on a smaller bike.
First, I disagree with the "you WILL drop your first bike" mentality. I firmly believe that might be true for very young inexperienced throttle happy riders, but I also firmly believe that if you take the MSF course, practice what you learn, and take your time to progress your riding, you may not drop your bike. Many will argue with me and so be it but I think that is true, though I do understand the logic behind it.
All that said, I think the Cyclone is the perfect compromise which follows that logic. First, it is a small displacement bike, a little heavier than most in its class but I think that is a good thing for when you progress to a larger bike. Second, it is not used so you aren't buying someone else's junk and you have some warranty. Third, the price of this bike is similar to many used bikes for sale these days (at least in this area). With a low seat height of 31.5", light to moderate power at 250cc, 24.8hp and 16.5 lb.-ft torque, 6 speed transmission, fuel injection, and decent styling, I think this may be the perfect starter bike. Something that my wife can learn on and something I can refresh my skills on at a very reasonable price.
I think this is a good starting place.
First, I disagree with the "you WILL drop your first bike" mentality. I firmly believe that might be true for very young inexperienced throttle happy riders, but I also firmly believe that if you take the MSF course, practice what you learn, and take your time to progress your riding, you may not drop your bike. Many will argue with me and so be it but I think that is true, though I do understand the logic behind it.
All that said, I think the Cyclone is the perfect compromise which follows that logic. First, it is a small displacement bike, a little heavier than most in its class but I think that is a good thing for when you progress to a larger bike. Second, it is not used so you aren't buying someone else's junk and you have some warranty. Third, the price of this bike is similar to many used bikes for sale these days (at least in this area). With a low seat height of 31.5", light to moderate power at 250cc, 24.8hp and 16.5 lb.-ft torque, 6 speed transmission, fuel injection, and decent styling, I think this may be the perfect starter bike. Something that my wife can learn on and something I can refresh my skills on at a very reasonable price.
I think this is a good starting place.