I'd really, really like a motorcycle.

I would love to get a motorcycle, but I need something comfortable for long rides, something not too crazy speed/power wise, and something not horribly expensive.

I do NOT care about top speed, massive power, super acceleration. I have two kids, I'm not going to go out and kill myself on a bike. Figure it needs to go fast enough to be on the highway, handle well enough for regular curvy Rhode Island, CT, and Mass roads, and be comfortable enough to fit me (6'3", 185) and my GF (5'3", 115). She would also want to be able to ride it herself locally if she wants, so I don't want a 1500 cc monster.

I kinda like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2006-...QQcmdZViewItem

This seems ok, too:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2000-...QQcmdZViewItem

This is just awesome:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Kawas...QQcmdZViewItem

What would you guys recommend? Any experience with these bikes or similar? I don't want a Harley (too many fuckin' wannabe Harley guys around here, anyway) or anything that looks like a Harley. Lynn's Dad has a Yamaha that looks like a Harley, and while it's a nice bike, it's just not my cup of tea.

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Many will tell you to go with a 600cc, but I think you should get a Ninja 250. They sell new for just under 3k IIRC. They can go on the highway and they handle very well.

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I'm a jerk.

Vert is a big fan of crotch rockets

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Let's see how long this lasts.

I agree with vert, The Kawi Ninja 250 is a sweet little bike. It handles great too. I have a ZX-6 and you dont want your wife on it.

pretty much exactly what I was thinking.

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I'm a jerk.

Ninja 250's are fag bikes for total pussies.

I've ridden them, traded for them and sold them. They are anything but "sweet"

Look at some Suzuki SV650's or Bandit 600's.

Don't buy anything smaller than a 600. You'll regret it.

You're gonna have a hard time finding anything a girl a foot shorter than you is gonna fell comfortable on. It's a nice thought though. Do you also try to buy shoes that you can share?

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Hey, it was her idea: "Maybe I'd like to ride it, too!"

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Who the fuck rides SV650s? I work with a guy at Novurania that is a convicted child molester and HE rides one. See where Im going with this? Suzuki owners, child molesters....

Weak sauce.

I have a suzuki.

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Honda Goldwing.

Goldwing?

Thanks anyway.

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Im sorry. On a side note I bet you know in detail what the ass end of a Ninja looks like.

I'd get a V-rod if I were in your position...

When I get back to the states I think I'm going to pick up a cheap ass DD (early 90's honda probably) and a bike. Course, I'm 24 and single, so it's probably be a 750cc crotch rocket.. gotta be able to keep up (to an extent) with my buddy on his busa.

get a buick

A Buick you say?

I don't remember being that tan....

Why a Buick? is it cheaper to buy/maintain/insure than a Japanese car, with better gas mileage? I've NEVER owned a Domestic vehicle, and pretty happy about that, lol.