Thinking about getting a motorcycle. Opinions wanted.

[Mondo Zappa]

I kind of like the Guzzi California Custom. It has a nice, classic look to it. The others kind of look like something out of Akira, which is fine if you like that kind of futuristic look.

 

[The Dude]

I kind of like the Guzzi California Custom. It has a nice, classic look to it. The others kind of look like something out of Akira, which is fine if you like that kind of futuristic look.

I think the Valkyrie looks like Judge Dredd's motorcycle.

 

[The Hunter]

I ALWAYS wear my kit when riding. Good boots, heavy duty riding gloves, heavy leather riding jacket with crash padding, and a high quality skid lid (helmet). I always shake my head in disgust when I see dumb asses not wearing riding gear.

No, don't wear helmets. Not only do they make you look totally faggy, but I heard that the big helmet corporations just want your money! Your docto- I MEAN your wallet will thank you!

 

[Some JERK]

Don't get a Harley. For the most part they're expensive shit for accountants and dentists who want to pretend they're badass on the weekends. If you aren't locked into the brand name, and I reckon you aren't, you'll get a far, far better bike for your bucks with a Japanese cruiser. Can't really go wrong with one of the big Japanese companies - Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki...

My personal dream bike is a Bonneville, preferably an old one with a kickstart, but that's my own personal preference.

I had a Vstar 650 for a while (My first Japanese bike). My only complaint is that it really really needed a 6th gear, and it kinda sounded a little like George Jetson's space-car. Otherwise, it was awesome, reliable, pretty decent on gas, and kinda fun even though it wasn't exactly high-speed/low-drag.

 

[hellbound]

@The Dude of the ones you posted I would go with the Ducati Monster personally but that's just me.

 

[The Dude]

After talking to Mrs. Dude we both agree is should get a newer uses bike, probably a cruiser because my back isn't what it used to be. I'm thinking one of the newer Yamaha VMAX 1700's. I can get a user one with low miles for a decent price and I've ridden them and really like them.

 

[A-№1]

Always wear a helmet. It always pisses me off/worries me whenever I see people riding motorcycles without wearing a helmet. It's like they want to be concussed/quadriplegic/a premature organ donor/dead.

Kind of wondering why you separated organ donor from dead in that list. I would have thought one necessitated the other.

Seeing as how the world needs more live organs and fewer live idiots, I personally wouldn't fret at all about idiots going out without helmets were it not for one thing: their terrible propensity to end up a burden to the public health care dollar.

So after much deliberation, consideration, and scouring of pics and specs I've come up with this list of my top bike choices in no particular order.

That not much of a narrowing down from your earlier list. My preference is the Goosey Greasy because of the engine and final drive and that for their performance, they are still an engine you can work on if you're so inclined. I vaguely remember reading somewhere that they are one of the least likely motorcycles to get stolen, assuming that's something you care about. Based solely on appearances, I think most of the rest would be a disappointment because they probably don't transform into power armor.

That new valkyrie doesn't look much like a valkyrie; it looks more like a rhinoceros. Is that a photograph of an actual bike, or is it a computer generated image?

After talking to Mrs. Dude

D'oh. First rule of motorcycle purchasing: Never discuss it with the wife. If you're not careful you'll end up in a minivan.

But seriously…

we both agree is should get a newer uses bike, probably a cruiser because my back isn't what it used to be. I'm thinking one of the newer Yamaha VMAX 1700's. I can get a user one with low miles for a decent price and I've ridden them and really like them.

I'm not very familiar with the VMAX. Isn't that the one with the odd air intakes on sides? Isn't it also fairly pricey ($17k) when new? If there's a huge price drop after just a few years and a few miles it might not be a very durable bike.

 

[Grand Number of Pounds]

I saw this one list of jokes for nurses, and the code word nurses use for motorcycle riders is "organ donors"

I also remember TFUBSB (totally fucked up but still breathing) and the fact that nurses can be at the store and see 3 types of bodily fluids on their shoes and not bat an eye.