Used Motorcycle and Gear

movieman on 07/11/2023 - 12:45

Hi Everybody,

I'm in the market for a used motorcycle.

I've had my Rider's Licence for a number of years, so currently no restrictions on what I can ride - I've just never ridden on the road in Australia (legally).

Only off-road, and on the road overseas (Thailand, Vietnam, etc).

What do you suggest for a reliable used bike, and gear also? Obviously a new helmet is the go. No experience on road riding in Australia. Just want something that's somewhat comfortable, and fun.

Will use it for riding around, possibly a Tasmania road trip down the track, and possibly eventually commuting.

Then when I'm done with riding, planning to sell it.

Recently finished the book Die With Zero, and realised that it's important to do things (like skiing or riding a motorcycle) when you have have energy, fitness, time, and willingness to do so, hence why now is the time.

Thanks!

Automotive Motorcycle

Comments

  • DashCam AKA Rolts on 07/11/2023 - 12:48
    +11

    Ol' "dress for the slide not the ride" is good advice from experienced riders.

    • freefall101 on 07/11/2023 - 12:57
      +5

      Having come off a bike myself before (with gear on), I cringe so hard when I see people in shorts and tshirt on a hot day. Might as well stick your skin on a belt sander.

      • DashCam AKA Rolts on 07/11/2023 - 12:59
        +3

        Helped at an accident years back, pillion was wearing a light sun dress over bathers, heading to the beach. Landed on her palms and knees. Not pretty.

  • freefall101 on 07/11/2023 - 13:02

    Will use it for riding around, possibly a Tasmania road trip down the track, and possibly eventually commuting.

    Might want different bikes for that, a nice touring bike for a road trip is different to a little pocket rocket for the city (although you can always add storage to a bike).

  • bobbified on 07/11/2023 - 13:21
    +1

    Used Motorcycle and Gear

    Don't buy a used helmet. A helmet might look perfectly fine on the outside, but you have no idea whether it's been dropped or how it's been treated.

    • coffeeinmyveins on 08/11/2023 - 08:55
      +1

      Literally the next sentance from OP

      Obviously a new helmet is the go

      • bobbified on 08/11/2023 - 09:19

        lol.. just saw that! My engrish is no good!

  • BigBirdy on 07/11/2023 - 13:25

    A bit hard without a budget, and bit more info. Were you wanting a road bike, or something suitable for road and dirt (adventure / dual-sport)? Personally, I like dirt road adventuring, not keen on road riding, so can't advise there.

    • movieman on 07/11/2023 - 19:43

      Was thinking $5,000 to $7,000 roughly, but if it has good resale, I'm ok with spending more.

      I mainly want something for the road, to have some fun, and within a year (or 2 / 5 years), be able to sell reasonably easily.

  • Nugs on 07/11/2023 - 13:42
    +1

    450 plus cc motard
    .

  • barge-in hunter on 07/11/2023 - 14:28
    +1

    1 - don’t bother with used gear. Just shop smart, on sale, and you’ll get decent gear for a decent price. Don’t skimp on your helmet either.

    2 - I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Suzuki 650cc vtwins in the sv650 and vstrom. Hugely reliable and plenty of torque for longer rides & commuting - with lams variants. Having said that, I would recommend a smaller bike that you don’t care about for the first 6 months. Learn the basics on something that’s easy to control and pickup.

    • chartparker on 07/11/2023 - 18:34
      +1

      Big thumbs up for SV650 here. Borrowed my mate's one when I got my license and the torque and riding position makes it very usable every day

    • movieman on 07/11/2023 - 19:46

      The SV650 looks great, but unfortunately in Victoria there aren't any currently selling for under $9,200 (used).

      Probably a reason for it, as it's a great bike.

      • Brick Tamland on 09/11/2023 - 20:37
        +1

        Look for a Gladius. They are a SV650 but cheaper because the styling was a bit controversial. Something like this is good value.

        https://www.stock.peterstevens.com.au/used-bikes/for-sale/su…

        It’s in SA but being a dealer they ship them from dealer to dealer.

        • movieman on 09/11/2023 - 22:49

          Looks good, but as it's a 2011, I think I may struggle with reselling it down the road - will see if there's something comparable but newer in Victoria.

          Thanks!

          • barge-in hunter on 10/11/2023 - 07:32

            @movieman: Don’t worry about reselling - the bikes are incredibly reliable and have not changed much over the years. They sell quickly

  • inherentchoice on 07/11/2023 - 14:55
    +1

    possibly eventually commuting

    If you commute in traffic then perhaps a sports bike is the way to go, or certainly something narrow enough to do lane filtering.

    I use a Ninja 300 to go nearly everywhere, but never on long trips. It's fun! But also practical and cheap.

    Apparently the Kawasakis are one of the few makes with a gearbox to avoid going into neutral when the bike is in motion.

    I bought my 2013 used Ninja in 2022 for $2100 and with only 8,000 kms. Most eBikes cost more than that!

    Gear-wise I personally use ALDI stuff and this Kmart backpack. It's $35, quite spacious and somewhat water resistant. You don't need to put on jacket and backpack separately, just leave backpack permanently on the jacket. When I go anywhere I just leave the backpack on the bike, attached to the ALDI jacket, and no one ever steals them, even though I did have multiple helmets get stolen that I just left on top of the bike. I'd say this is way simpler and more efficient than panniers or a top box, but also probably not going to give you enough luggage for touring in cold Tasmania.

  • coffeeinmyveins on 08/11/2023 - 08:57
    +4

    Ridden for many years in Sydney. One thing to be aware of is just how utterly stupid Sydney drivers are. They (we) are bad on a good day with other cars, but with motorbikes drivers become some special sort of stupid.

    1) Never ride in blind spots of cars. They can and will swerve at any moment.
    2) Never trust an indicator.
    3) Never trust a lack of indicator.
    4) Assume every car is trying to hit you.

    Honestly it's best to just assume that everyone on the road is drunk and has been told their wife is sleeping with another man so they're rushing to get home.

    Stay safe.

  • poohduck on 08/11/2023 - 11:04

    any of the honda 500 twins. Several models (adventure, scrambler, sport, cruiser etc), they all use the same motor that has proven to be reliable over the years. Personally I'd choose the CL500 scrambler - it's very popular, although it's a new model and therefore not really the 2nd hand market. The CB500X has been around for years (adventure bike), so should be good in the 2nd hand market.

    • movieman on 09/11/2023 - 22:48

      Excellent.

      I know Honda's used to be reliable - thanks for narrowing down the search.

  • Brick Tamland on 09/11/2023 - 20:51

    Bike-wise I'd suggest something like a Yamaha MT-07. They are good value, if you get the LAMS version it should hold value and be easier to sell. Could look at the MT-09 too but maybe getting a bit too much power for a newer rider.

    Nothing wrong with second hand gear. I've managed to source some really nice jackets for well under half the price of new with very little use. Just buy your helmet new.

    • movieman on 09/11/2023 - 22:48

      Perfect… thanks, will look into it.

  • Sinnerator on 12/11/2023 - 10:01

    used gear = used sweat and splunk

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