10 Things to Look For When Buying a Motorcycle

In case anyone is in a buying mood, I thought I'd re-post this article that covers topics like motorcycle ergonomics, luggage, windscreen (or not), style, and bike type. Oh, and of course, price. Happy reading during the winter doldrums!

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Ural Posts Third Consecutive Year of Growth - Motorcycle.com News

Even Ural (the Russian motorcycle manufacturer who copied the German BMW) had a bang up sales year.

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Faster and Faster: 2013 MTT Y2K could be out by July this year

Yeah, right.

420 hp.

Top speed expected to be greater than 250mph.

Anticipated to accelerate from 0 to 200mph in something over 5 seconds.

Price? ~$200K

[jaw dropped to floor]


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Brand New Suzuki RE5 Rotary with Zero Miles

I saw one of these Wankel engine oddities back in 1976 in the showroom. What I remember from back then is that it wasn't a very successful model. Here's one that has zero miles. Wow.

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Yamaha Produces 35th Anniversary Edition SR400 for Japan - Motorcycle.com News

I'm no marketing guy, but I think this bike would sell in the US. There are many folks my age that have fond memories of this model. Plus, it makes a superb starter bike that is not quickly grown out of for new motorcyclists. Come on Yamaha, bring this bike to the US.

Bring this bike to the US!

Bring this bike to the US!

Bring this bike to the US!

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BMW R100

Svelte, clean, very cool.

I know the color is true to the period, but it was ugly then and still is!

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Moto Guzzi Unveils New Vintage Racer - Forbes

Forbes? Reporting on motorcycles? Moto Guzzi no less?

I must be in an alternate universe...



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The toilet for all scooter lovers

If you really like scooters, you need one of these:

Zero Motorcycles Offers $2500 Added Bonus to Trade-ins of Gas-Powered Motorcycles - Motorcycle.com News

Want to get into motorcycling?

Want to lower your carbon footprint?

Want to save some $?

This deal is for you!

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Suzuki GT750 Water Buffalo

Very clean. I remember this bike, mostly because I thought water cooling on a motorcycle was a horrible idea. Now a days it's routine.

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BMW K100 custom

I never saw a BMW K bike I really liked...I'm not sure I have yet. :)

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Faster and Faster: Andrea Forni: “A sportsbike is still the best for me…”

Andrea Forni says, “When I was younger, I had to buy a motorcycle, and with my money I could only afford one – I always chose the sport bike, because it is first of all fun. A sportsbike is still the best for me. I understand it is uncomfortable and it has some limits. But when I was younger, I overcame those limits by putting sidebags on my Ducati Pantah or Ducati F1, and travelling Europe on those bikes. If today I have to make the same choice again, even if now I am old, I will always choose the same, a sportsbike.”


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Mooneyes motorcycle

Very clean. Very sharp. Click above to see this Triumph.

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Dead Biker Rides His Motorcycle from Bikes in the Fast Lane - Daily Motorcycle News

Yeah, I guess this is kind of creepy, but would sure put a smile on my face if I had been at the funeral.

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2013 Las Vegas Antique Motorcycle Auction features 600 Bikes with 3 of Steve McQueen's

Possibly the only reason to head to Las Vegas!

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France: You Would Think He Knew It Was There By Now from Bikes in the Fast Lane - Daily Motorcycle News

I guess the French don't particularly care for radar traps either...though this motorcyclist clearly pressed his luck.

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Two al Qaeda suspects killed in Yemen drone strike-official | Reuters

Whoa. 2 men on a motorcycle vs 1 drone. The drone won.


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2012: Best Year on Record for BMW Motorrad

Even pricy BMW had a good year last year. I think I've read that most of the motorcycle manufacturers had a generally good 2012.

via Facebook http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/1/15264/Motorcycle-Article/2012--Best-Year-on-Record-for-BMW-Motorrad.aspx

Dirt Track Heroes Exhibit at National Museum - Motorcycle USA

Back when men were men...

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What patents can tell us about your next motorcycle

Interesting: 4-wheel designs from Yamaha, twisted pistons, variable valve timing, sound systems and more.

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New motorcycle laws you need to know

While going through my news feed, I saw an article about new motorcycle laws that go into effect in Illinois. It is now legal in IL for motorcycles to run a non-responsive red light--if you've ridden motorcycles at all on the streets you know what I'm talking about. The new law requires the motorcyclist to wait at least 2 minutes to determine that the light will not be triggered by the motorcycle and can then proceed after determining the intersection is clear. (Other new laws for IL include handlebars higher than the motorcyclist's head are illegal and riding a wheelie while speeding will incur a higher fine. You have been warned.)

This got me to wondering about new motorcycle laws in VA. I discovered this very same law (the one about non-responsive red lights) is in effect in VA, and has been since summer of 2011! The VA law states the motorcyclist must wait 2 minutes or 2 complete light cycles, whichever comes first. How relieved I am to learn I won't get a ticket at several stop lights I have had to routinely run because my bike won't trigger them to cycle. :)

This law, for both IL and VA, also applies to bicyclists, but I've never seen a bicyclist follow the laws so I guess that's moot. (I'm not saying there are no such things as law abiding bicyclists...I'm just saying I've never seen one.)

Guess what else is legal for motorcyclists in VA? No, not lane splitting, alas.
Starting in 2012, VA riders can ride two abreast in a lane just like the motorcycle policemen do. Yea!