Can't decide between a Z and a motorcycle!!! Help!!

enenen

I've wanted both a Z and a motorcycle for years. Now i'm in the position to get either one, and I only want to buy one toy at a time. I can't decide what to do!

The Z is more practical. I can carry a passenger easier than on a bike, and I don't think I would want a passenger on the bike anyways. In the Z I could drive my buddies around, not so on the bike. Another advantage to the Z is that I could drive it in the winter, weather permitting. Also serves as a second vehicle if something happens to my truck.

The bike I want is a suzuki sv650. Pretty good beginner bike. Would still be faster than a Z. The experience of riding a motorcycle would be more fun than driving a car. Plus I could get the bike for $5000. I could go pay cash instead of getting a loan for the Z. And insurance is cheaper.

So, what do you guys think? I'm posting this on my motorcycle board as well. Thanks!

k.alexander

I ride a bike, a Ninja. Most of my friends, own SV650S, as well as some other bikes, but it just so happen that a lot of them own SV650s'.

They are two completely different things and no one can advise you on which one to get. I will say, however, that you don't need to get a new bike (and I guess, you're not getting a new one for $5k anyways). You can pick up a very nice used bike for 2-4k, and maybe still be able to get a car.

Two things. If this is your first bike. DO NOT BUY A NEW BIKE AS YOUR FIRST BIKE. Lots of reasons, including the fact that you will almost undoubtedly go down at some point, probably earlier than latter, (I'm not trying to sound like one of those kill-stories guys), but everyone goes down eventually, or at least drops the bike in the parking lot at 5mph. Point is, it's going to hurt you soooo much more if the bike you drop is new.

Second, you definitely dont want to buy these two things at the same time. When i got my first bike, I put 1k miles on it, in like 3-4 wks, and that's without using it to go anywhere, that was just riding around. I also put 1500 miles on my Z in a month after picking it up, but that's because i drive a lot for work, and I was really trying to break it in. Point is you'll want to enjoy whichever toy you get, and it's gonna be really hard to pick one over the other.

Tough decision you've got there. I will say though, that Spring is coming, and it's of course, bike weather.

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SoCal 370Z

Have your ridden a motorcycle before? If not, I strongly suggest that you learn on a beater as k.alexander pointed out—and take a riding course. Some people are not meant for motorcycles, period. Although they want one, own them, and ride them, they still are not meant for motorcycles. I do not know how many times I have had friends take to riding motor, and then have a excruciating close-encounter with death only to sell them—all against my advice that they not ride motor to begin with as they are not meant for it. You must have a certain aptitude and mental mindset to ride motor.

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clamphibian

I have a GSXR and a 370Z. It would be hard for me to have to choose between the two. Although I would easily take a Z over a Sv650. I also bought my first bike brand new and it still looks that way 3 years later.

bluzman

I'm in the fortunate position of owning one of each...Solid Red 370Z and Candy SunGlo Red Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic. Been riding an H-D "bagger" for almost 20 years. See the last couple of pictures in my gallery (My gallery).

StLRedrider

I agree with SoCal, if this is your first bike ,on-road or off it is a totally different world. All the other yahoo's out there don;t watch out for you. There's not a day that goes by that somebody is not paying attention and comes into your line or worse you just never know. It might be better to get a beater first and get use to it. If you never ridden before maybe you can take a course, it helpes with insurance prems. too!!!!!!!!!

arcticreaver

personally i think owning a bike is pretty awesome. it's just the riding part that scares me.

frost

I love bikes, but the traffic around here is a little too crazy to frequently ride one. If I didn't have that problem, I would be all over it.

enenen

I have taken the MSF course already and have my license. The class was my first and really only riding experience. It went very well though. Not to toot my own horn, but I was pretty much the best rider in the class, and just about everybody else had many years of experience, and were just riding on their temps for years. The instructors asked how long I had been riding, and didn't believe me when I told them it was my first time. Granted, that's a lot different than riding on public roads, but I feel like I have the skill set. I am young and athletic with good vision and reflexes, and am good at anticipating other drivers' moves. Again, I know it's different than a car, but I don't think I'll have too much of a problem.

The bike wouldn't exactly be a beater, although not being fully faired, not as big a deal if I/when I drop it. SV650s are relatively cheap, and supposed to be pretty good for beginners. Maybe not as good as a Ninja 250 or something, but I pretty much refuse to ride one of those.

k.alexander

^ The SV is a great beginner bike, you've got that right.
I guess you're not getting the 650s model, so yeah, it doesnt have much fairing, or a windshield or a speedo last I checked. They're tough to ride at speeds on highways, because of lack of windshield, and wind covers around for your hands, etc. Not to take this off topic, but just know what you're getting into by buying a non .....S model. One of my friends has one, and definitely has some regrets about it.

PS: I'm sure you know about SVRider.com. My buddies are all on there, they're good guys, and by that I mean, they're not "idiots", many have been riding for 10-20 yrs, and they know more about bikes than most people.

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enenen

well, I probably would get the S model. Still isn't fully-faired. Just has the upper fairing. Which I would probably take off anyways. I just like the clip-ons vs. the regular bars.

and yeah, I'm a member on SVrider as well.

k.alexander

You can get full fairings for the S model, for rather cheap. I remember installing them on one of my buddy's SVs. Didnt take more than an hr or two, bike looks a 100 times btr w/ them on. I really dont like the way the SV looks unfaired.

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molamann

Sigh, I know this is a Z board and all but I would get the bike considering you already have a truck for regular transportation. I personally love riding(ZX-6R) and it's a whole new experience opposed to driving. I don't know how the riding season is in MA but be safe out there.

chubbs

Get the Z - it's nicer to you if you crash.

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XBadgerX

This is def. a tough decision. My situation is similiar to yours in a way. I currently have an 07 Honda 600rr ( had an 02 Honda F4i) There is nothing that is comparable to driving a motorcycle. Having almost supercar acceleration, the thrill of leaning into the turns and almost becoming one with the road, I know it sounds cheesy, but it feels so true. It truely is a great stress reliever.
Like alot of members have mentioned, and I totally agree, you are either going to love it or hate it and to be honest alot of people on bikes shouldn't be riding them. If you are scared, then get off. There is no reason to put yourself or anyone else in danger.
Going back on topic though. I had an S2000, I loved that car. I traded it in on an Honda Ridgeline. Right now I have mixed emotions. The bike is def. great in the summer time, and the truck serves it purpose, but I def miss the passion of driving a sports car too. The feeling of getting into a vehicle that you truely love that puts a smile on your face.
The question I keep asking myself is. Do I really want to sacrafice the utility of a truck when I already have a speed demon for the summer time? Or to have that immense feeling of getting into a 370z ( test drove one) plus having the sport bike?
One side of me keeps saying, "keep the truck, you have the bike for summer time." While part of me never forgets the thrill/handling of the s2000 (well....a sports car in general) and the smile one gets on their face when they are driving a vechicle they truely love.
Like I said, very tough decision, but more than likely I will be selling the ridgline for the 370z and keeping my bike also. Call me spoiled, but I guess I love speed