After performing a service bulletin procedure on our demo Bolt, I took her for a test run around the block. www.fzrphotography.com www.shawnsmoak.com www.spydertechnician.com
erik eibi - Awesome Erik! I don't think I've heard a single complaint from anyone who's purchased a Bolt from us, and we sell a ton of them... Glad you're loving it, they're an awesome bike! Thanks for watching and commenting Erik!
Shawn Smoak air filter in your knee stops the use of rear brake ....key can not be inserted unless off the bike , gauge washes out in the sun , or pay extra for a sun visor to see it ...what ?? pay extra to see the gauge ... oh hell no
Was just watching cause it came up on my feed. To my delight when you drove out the parking lot you were near my hometown right on industrial way in Longview. Glad a guy from back home is making quality videos.
Seen a couple rolling races between a bolt and a iron and the bolt always pulled on the iron like it was nothing. So from what this dude was saying. Better pull. Better suspension. Better brakes. But it has nothing on the iron 😂 hes a chopped up old dude set in his ways lol
It’s that Harley blindfold man that brand has been going down the shithole for years these Japanese clone bikes far superior in reliability and maintenance alone
I'm just looking for a Bike to Backroad my way to and from work 25 miles and enjoy. I hear so many good things about the Bolt. I appreciate your review
That was some of the best sound quality I've heard while someone is riding, great job! I've got a "small fistful" of dollars and I'm really wanting to get back into riding. I'm waiting for really cold weather or until I find a motivated seller. I've really been looking at the Iron, Bolt and Bonneville. I like all three for different reasons, but it may come down to the best deal I can find. Great video, keep it up!
Actually, from 2012 and up, the stock suspension is very supple and pleasant. Maybe a little soft for my 220lb weight... I ride the Iron more like a cafe bike, so the suspension was too short and caused dragging of exhaust and pegs too early for my taste. I installed 13' shocks (stock is 11") and a fork spring kit to reduce fork sag. I actually made the ride stiffer by doing this... The stock suspension was much more comfortable! Thanks for watching!
I'm in love with the the 48...! I will be purchasing one! Almost did a couple months ago, but Harley was too high on interest so i wisely (somehow) walked away... It was a sweet deal with the trade-in of my 2012 '72', but the interest just would not have been a good deal in the end. Thanks for watching and commenting marcos pereira!
Eight months down the road, and still working for Yamaha, my opinion is still exactly the same... It has nothing to do with specs, even if it did, the actual differences are marginal at best. It's all personal feelings towards the bike. It's not like I was going road racing and the specs were very important. Who would ever race an Iron or a Bolt? It would be pointless as they're both pretty much gutless... Thanks for watching and commenting maximus10463!
Shawn Smoak you just made the most valid point between these two bikes. Who cares, they're both gutless so the spec sheet doesn't matter. I ride a Raider 1900 but I would buy a 48, but not a bolt.
Shawn Smoak When it comes to bikes, it's all about how you feel about the bike when you first sit on it. Example: People say VWs are garbage, but I love them because that's the first car I drove, and even with a Honda...I traded it in and got a new VW. First bike I bought was a Yamaha Stryker...it feels great for me and it was cheaper than a HD...sounds great and it fits me. Nothing against a HD, not at all, but personal preference.
Okay, well, thanks for watching and commenting RandomAMemory! FYI: I've been in the motorcycle business since Feb of 1980 (almost 34 years), been riding and racing since 1972. Fully certified in all of the big four Japanese brands, Orange Level certified in KTM and Master Tech certified with BRP Can-Am, Sea-Doo, Ski-Doo and Spyder Roadster. Have worked for some of the largest dealers in the country, bla, bla, bla... So on and so forth... Just thought that might entertaining to know...
I've got a 2014 Bolt - love it. But I really have nothing to compare it with. It is hard on my butt at times but I've learned to deal with that - good posture or standing on the pegs at times lol.
The display of the digital odometer reminds me of one of those cheap watches you'd get as a toy when you got a kids meal at Burger King when I was a kid
I would too! That's why we don't do that unless instructed to do so by the manufacturer... This is our demo Bolt from Yamaha that has been ridden by many customer's. Thanks for viewing and commenting! - Shawn
actually looking into getting a bolt, also trying to figure out what im going to have to replace/add, so far new speedo, exhaust, air cleaner, swingarm bag, headlight, maybe do something with the seat not sure on that yet though
That wasn't really a deciding point in my purchasing the Iron, but it sure makes getting a lower interest loan much, much easier...! Freaks the bank out when you purchase a used Sportster that's worth more than it sold for new, ie: my 2012 XL1200V "72" I purchased 5 weeks ago... However, the best price I could find the Iron for was $800 over MSRP, the bank didn't like that. Some dealers were $1,900 over MSRP! Thanks for viewing and commenting! - Shawn
Great video I pretty tried 3 bikes before I bought mine I tried a 883, Vulcan 900 and the bolt. I'm not really a big guy 5"10 190 lbs but for me the bolt was too cramped n gave me a leg cramp after 5 miles, the harely was great but seemed heavy n kinda drug it's feet till 3d gear I ended up with the Vulcan cause it came with the sattle bags sissy bar n windshield the bolt definitely had more get up n go but wasn't my style of bike. Good vid tho
The speedo face is quite dark and hard to read in the sunlight. I hear that Yamaha may be coming out with an optional face that should help, but nothing has come of it so far... Awesome bike though! Thanks for watching!
I'm not so sure I'm crazy about the springer seat look either, but have you ridden on one? If so, how do they feel? I would like to try one on the Iron, as they seem like they might be comfortable. Heck of a price to pay to try one...!
Nice video, really appreciate it. I'm considering buying a Bolt for myself but I'm a bit insecure if I would "fit" on it. I am 6'1 @ roughly 240 pounds. Would the Bolt still be a comfy / cool ride or would it just look ridiculous? Secound choice would be a XVS 1300 Midnight Star. Which one would you prefer?
Thanks for response. New rider here I'm loving the HD sportsters, and the 883. I also like the Bolt. I know there is Kits for HD883 to upgrade to 1200 and it seems pretty simple. Does Star have anything like that for the Bolt? What would it upgrade to?
Thanks Ryan! I know that people are overboring the Bolts, but Yamaha is not offering a Star accessory kit to do so as of yet. I haven't done any research to see if any reputable companies are offering big bore kits for the Bolt, but I'm sure they're out there! And just so you know, you couldn't possibly go wrong with the Bolt or the Iron! It's all a personal thing from here as to which one you want. I'm sure glad I knew what I wanted to start with, because this would be a daunting decision trying to pick between the two!
My Sportster's speedo needle is perfect! I can tell my speed at a glance. This stupid dark digital non-display - even if I could see it - would be hard to read because it is square numbers. NOT good.
I'm not a fan of digital either. I'm 66 years old and I'm just more comfortable with analog. Oh, and I HAVE to have a tach. I don't care if they think I don't need it, I just like to have it.
I think the Bolt is an awesome bike, whether for a beginner or a seasoned rider. I've been riding for many years, and I'd love to have a Bolt sitting next to the Iron in my shop. I knew before it's release, that Yamaha was building their own copy of the Iron, but I never for a moment hesitated in my choice to buy the Iron. I chose the Iron for it's soul, character, deep routed heritage of the Harley company and the emotion it gives to me... Thanks for watching and commenting SINke!
Please reveal how you recorded the video with such great audio. Is it a Go-Cam, and where is the microphone? I want that technology. I already have the Bolt...
Hi Michael, this is a pretty easy to do setup. It's a GoPro Hero 3+ mounted on the side of my helmet (though I've since switched to the chin of the helmet) and a lapel mic stuffed into the cheek padding of the inner liner. The best mic I've found is the external mic from the Drift HD Ghost camera... Thanks for watching and commenting!
I suggest that you test ride the bolt rspec, if you havent already. Thats what I own and the rear shocks have you fealing almost nothing. My buddy bought a 2014 iron 883 around the same time I bought my rspec. My bike out performed his in every area except for [maybe] style. The new irons, in my opinion, are probably the best looking bikes on the street today. Like them or not, Harley got it right with the look of the iron 883. With that being said, great video and thanks.
No, it's my first bike, and I really don't know what I want to add or remove. The wife wants a back seat and pegs! The only complaint I have is the pegs are low and I can't turn as sharp as I want. But I'm still pretty new to bikes and don't even really know if they can be moved forward or not.
Jake Taylor There are so many possibilities for mods. Sounds like you're doing the right thing. Getting used to the bike and finding the different things to do in the future... Though you might want to make the wife happy first! LOL Ride safe out there.
I have a 883 as well, looking to buy the bolt. the motorcycle scene is like the car scene. if it's not done the way someone else is doing it then it's wrong and everyone bashes on it.
@Shawn I see you work on various bikes I came across a 2014 bolt for a hella deal, but the dealer is selling it used and as is (has 2nd gear noise) are the transmissions hard to replace or would it be better to have it rebuilt????
Nice unbiased review, much appreciated. . Annoyed that the bolt was bottoming out the suspension on you. I've heard that's a problem with the sportsters too. Shouldn't be this common! :(.
I should check around with the dealers. Surely they've set up a unit, or have a trade-in with the seat installed. Stumbled onto a video of a black denim 72 with a brown springer seat that looked pretty cool. Never been a fan of forward controls or apes, but the combo with the mini's are quite comfortable on the 72. That being said, I wouldn't install them on the Iron, as I like it's almost cafe-ish feeling and look... The contrast between the two bikes is very black & white, but both are fun!
Bolt is my first 'Big Boy' bike. I deliberated for ages over the Bolt (XV950 here in the UK) and the 883. Went with Yamaha in thr end. I watched this video before I bought mine, after owning it for 4 months I can say this is a real honest and accurate review of the bike. I paid more for the 'R' version which gives you slightly better rear shox and a comfier seat... The seat was worth it. (If only for the looks) But the rear still bottoms out alot and I will defnitiely swap out that awful stock exhaust for V&H when I can! Cheers for helping me make my choice!
I just got my 2014 regular version a few weeks ago. I love it! Now to start saving some money for the mods. Shame that the new exhaust law in California prevents some manufacturers from shipping here (90dB max, or something like that). Traded a 2008 Ducati Hypermotard to the Bolt and as a 5'5" rider, I must say it feels good to flat foot again.
Hey Smoak I ride a 1980 CB750 CUSTOM and I gotta tell ya rides better than the Bolt and the Sportster! And I never rode either lol! Yes I'm a bit biased considering! Ride safe!
I rode one. Imo a better bike than the iron and the bolt. Good ground clearance, goodlooking, great power and handling and looks awesome. It does cost 3 to 4k more than a standard bolt. With some luck, you'll find a HD Dyna for that price.
Shawn, what's your thought about this bike? Is more like a commuter/city bike or you think is a good bike for road travelling? Fuel consumption is average or it has a better ratio than similar bikes? Thanks for you excellent review!
I would say it's more of a around town and back roads kind of bike, bit I've no issues going on 200~300 mile rides in a day. Plenty of people travel on them, and the bike is way more than capable. But it's physically not a large and roomy bike, so you might feel a bit cramped with it loaded down for the long haul... On longer rides, I average as high as 57 mpg. My overall average is around 52 mpg. Thanks for watching and commenting Ariel !
Shawn Smoak Thanks for your response! I´m used to ride a not so roomy bike. I own a "Virago-Like" 250cc and I'm looking for a change to a bigger v-twin to ride on my country's roads. A year ago, I went into a 2400Km (1490 miles) round trip to one of the most beautiful cities here, with my bike, and it was an experience I will never forget. One of the flaws of my bike was the poor response on takeovers, due to lack of horsepower on the engine. Thanks again, Shawn. And as we say here, "Buenas rutas!" (could be translated as "Good trips!")
Hey man, i'm thinking about buying the bolt or the 883 and was wondering which would be better for a college student. My college is about 100 miles from home and it'd would be my main transportation. I'd use it to get around campus when i'm there to so a bunch of stop and go. Thanks!
To be honest, either one would meet your needs perfectly! Go test ride them both and see which one speaks to you heart... Thanks for watching and commenting!
Enjoyed the video - thx. Researching which would be a good first (re-entry) bike and am leaning toward the Honda Shadow (Phantom or Spirit), but came across the Bolt and your video. Which do you prefer? Which has better maintenance histories? Thanks!!
I'm a huge and loyal Honda fan, but in this case, I would go for the Bolt between those two. Not that there's anything wrong with the Honda by any means, I just think the Bolt is a way bigger bang for the buck. Plus, (and please don't flame me!) it looks and feels a lot like the Harley Iron... As far as maintenance, the Honda has a long history of being stone reliable and easy to maintain. Going by the XVS950 V-Star, which the Bolt is pretty much based on, they should do equally as well. In this category of bike, you simply could not go wrong with the Harley, Honda or Yamaha! Just sit back and see which one pulls you in. Which one do you see yourself riding down the road with a huge smile on your face...? Thanks for watching and commenting!
This guys quick review is spot on. The Bolt suspension, seat, and digital read out leaves something to be desired. On the upside makes nice smooth power, shifts good, feel to the frame so-on. The 883 feels a little heavier to me, slightly less peppy, decent suspension, endless aftermarket set ups. The Suzuki S80 or older vs800 is a nice bike in this category too. Sporting good suspension, shaft drive, smooth and strong engine, make this bike a good contender in this category. The VS800/S50 is nice too, but has pretty small ergonomics. Both the Suzukis, like Honda, have that metric cruiser exhaust note that I'd rather not hear, unlike the the Yamaha, though not exactly Harley, has a very nice tone.
Oh man, that's a tough one to answer and the source of much debate. You can't go wrong with either one... This is a question that only you can answer. If you've never ridden before, I would find something used, small and cheap to get you up to speed with riding. It would be a shame (and spendy!) to drop one of these beauties while learning... Shawn
The Bolt is unproven but it'll have its heritage just like the Yamaha RD350 does today. The Honda Ascot VT 500 was in the same position, now it's a vintage collector's bike. I'm also guessing that the limited-run Honda VTX 750 Shadow RS is also going to be a collectable. Harley tried to patent their sound just to block the Shadow RS from the iconic rumble. lol
They are really, really close... Yamaha was after the Iron and did a good job of making feel like one, right down to the footpeg placement. If you could close you eyes, only the engine sound and brakes would give them away, though the Iron got greatly upgraded brakes for 2014. I haven't compared fiscal specs, one could be bigger that the other... Thanks for watching and commenting!
I've had my '91 1200 Sporty for over 20 years but when they come out the factory, they don't go, handle or stop, at least the earlier ones like mine don't. I put on Koni shocks, Progressive front springs, fork brace, PM brakes, SE floating discs, and did a lot of work on the engine including cams, single fire ignition, headwork, balancing and truing the crank etc and now it is a great bike and it is a sleeper as well because I didn't change it in the looks department. I am pretty sure the Bolt would come out the factory without needing all this work to make it a good bike, but let's face it, it is a Sportster copy, and I would rather have the real thing.
gm16v149 Sounds like you've made an awesome bike out of your 1200. 20 years, that's a good long time to keep a bike. You should post a video on it sometime... I'd love to see it! Thanks for watching and posting an awesome comment!
Shawn Smoak Yeah well I'm just about to go for a ride because it's a nice day (90 deg) and I've just bought a GoPro so I'll get around to it sooner or later. Btw I'll bet the weather atm isn't like in your video lol. Probably silly question but what state are you from?
Wow, 90 degrees! It'll be a while before we see anything like that... That would be cool if you get around to GoPro'n a ride! I live in Washington state...
What would you say all-in-all about this bike? I'm considering in buying this one for my first bike. I rode some Harley's and am a big fan of those but would like to know what would you say about this being my first one? :) Cheers!
So glad yamaha made this bike. I'd almost consider the iron 883, if anyone else but harley made it. They'd also have to put less worthless brakes on it, but by now that might be fixed.
Cool motorcycle for sure! I haven't had any issues with the brakes on my sportsters, but they were vastly improved for 2014... I should have waited a few months for the 2014's to come out! I'm going to pick up a 2014 Sportster Forty-Eight in the next month or so. So I'll get the new brakes, but I just wish they were on my Iron. Get yourself a Bolt, you love it! I'm really starting to have a fancy for the green R-Spec's we just got it...! Thanks for watching and commenting!
It's been a little while since I test drove the Iron, so maybe your 2013 has a different setup still than what I rode. The main thing I have against HD is the culture and the mark up on used bikes. Riders are split, so many people own them it doesn't matter. However, sales reps/associates and parts managers are so irritating! And non riders get real annoying over a love of a product they'll never own. Every time I walk in to a Harley dealer, I get aggravated and it turns me off. People like you though are changing my mind. You reply to so many comments in an honest way, and your videos are on point. Then again, I think you're a tech and techs are always cool! If I could just talk to the mechanics directly at *any* dealership, I'd be happier.
I know what you mean about the HD culture! But those guys all shun Sportsters. Maybe that's what attracts me to them, the anti-culture... Lol Sorry to hear that you've had bad experiences at dealers. The four dealers in my area that I go to have been nothing but top notch! Half the guys working there don't even ride Harleys, and they're cool with that. I even showed up to the closest one north of me on a Can-Am Spyder and they didn't chase me off. They just asked about a million questions about it... All their parts and service prices are legal theft! I literally have ordered parts from their very own online store and selected in store pickup and saved almost 50%... Crazy markup! Some of the dealers around here have huge windows that you can watch the techs, but it's like trying to walk into Fort Knox try to speak with one... We are very open with that at our stores. Sadly, we don't sell Harley's though... We work on so many, you would think we did! When I decided to get an Iron, they were selling for more used than new! What is that? But anyway, culture or not, I love these little suckers for their stone reliability, build quality and fairly cheap parts when ordered online or aftermarket. They are crazy easy to perform maintenance on. Plus, just like the Bolt, they are just fun as hell to ride!
Adam Wallace - It was for early VIN range models were the brake light switch wire from the pedal could come in contact with the rear head pipe. Very easy bulletin to perform, only had about two or three of our units need it performed... Thanks for watching and commenting Adam!
This may be a dumb question, but isn't the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 in the same category in price and performance as these two bikes? I know some people hate the water cooling radiator look on the Vulcan, but apart from that, any thoughts on it?
The VN900's are awesome bikes that are stone reliable! Nothing wrong with them at all. For me personally, they just aren't my style and build quality. Not that there is anything wrong with them, they just seem 'stamped out', if you know what I mean... The radiators are very well disguise and most people don't realize they are liquid cooled. Thanks for watching and commenting +brotherted !
I'm starting to think that the Vulcan 900s aren't often in the Star Bolt vs. Harley 883 comparisons because those last two are "bobbers" without a second seat. And so maybe it's the back seat that makes the Vulcan 900's natural competitors more the Honda Shadow Aero & Suzuki C50t?
I just bought a Vulcan 900 Custom a few weeks ago, so far I love this bike - previously owned a vstar 650, and Honda Sabre 1100. And it has all the things I loved about both of those bikes. Power similar to the 1100, feels more flickable like the vstar. For me the water cooling is a plus - I don't mind the looks of it and living in Texas it's really nice to get that heat off the engine. But I agree, it's not the same style as the bolt or iron - more traditional cruiser than bobber.
Man I feel for you! If I wasn't so prefocused on the Iron long before the Bolt was announced, I would have had a tough time deciding too... Thanks for watching and commenting!
Cycle World compared the bolt and sportster and revealed quarter mile times for both. The Bolt did the quarter in 13.78 and the sporty in 14.53. In quarter mile times...that's quite a difference. That should be an obvious difference when it comes to that "seat of the pants" feel. The couple of drag races here on You tube between the two, shows the Bolt running away from the sporty. Adding 13" shocks is the obvious smart addition. Better ride quality and more clearance to boot. I never cared much for the low look, but I do like the chopped look and the longer forks on the bolt give the bike that low in the rear, high in the front stature. I owned a 99 XLX 1200 Sportster sport, bought brand new, for 4 years. It was a nice bike...a handsome brute in silver. I didn't much care for the stock seating position though and since rubber mounting wasn't yet available, cruising at much over 65 mph wasn't very comfortable for long, due to the enormous amount of vibration. My hand controls would even loosen up on me. I stick with Japanese or Italian bikes these days. Thanks for the videos.
That would be impossible for me to give you an unbiased opinion between these two bikes... One, is that I fell for the Iron when it was first introduced in 2009. I loved the barebones, no flash, bobber/cafe vibe that it gives off. And secondly, no matter what your thoughts are about Harleys, there is no mistaking the mustique of them... People just love the look and sound of a Harleys! Their fit & finish and the solid well built feel to them when you ride them is unsurpassed. But that's just my thoughts... Sorry Ryan, I warned you that I couldn't give an unbiased opinion!
***** - Look a little closer... The Iron 883 (XL883N) was introduced by Harley-Davidson in 2009 after the success of the 1200 Nightster (XL1200N). It was an addition to their Dark Custom family of models. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I ride sportbikes normally but want to make a transition to cruisers. Would this be a good bike for me? I'm worried about power since sportbikes have alot of torque.
Well, generally sportbikes have a lot of horsepower and low torque, unless it's a Ducati, KTM, etc. twin... There will be a horsepower and torque loss for you depending on what you've been riding. The average 600cc sportbike would literally eat an Iron 883 alive! But you have to understand that a bike like the Iron has nothing to do with specs, power or speed. If any of that is important to you, the Iron will be a disappointment. It's all about the experience of the ride, the solid build of a Harley, along with it's rough and raw feel... It's a real biker's bike, so to speak! Not that it's a complete dog that you can't have a tremendous amount of fun on, or that is so raw that you have to get off and rest every hour. It's just never going to keep up in a canyon race with a pack of sportbikes or make a good touring bike... It's a bike that puts a smile on you face at the very thought of wanting to go for a ride! Harley shops allow the best test rides ever, swing by a shop and take one out, you'll either GET the idea of a Harley, or hate it. There seems to be no middle ground, you just need to experience it to find out... Thanks for watching and commenting Ernest!
Thanks for the advice. I've been thinking about changing to a cruise but deep inside I'm still a sportbike kind of person. But I'm thinking I could sacrifice the speed for the enjoyment of a good ride.
I believe deep down I think of myself as being a sportbike guy, as I grew up on them. But now that I don't even own one anymore, I don't really miss them. Like you say, I just enjoy the ride... I think I'll live longer this way too! Lol
Thanks +unholy7 ! Yeah, that's a tough decision between these two bikes! You'll be very happy, regardless of which one you choose. This was the standard Bolt, the R-Spec has much nicer rear shocks and seems to be toned for slight better performance...
Shawn Smoak i've decided to go with the r-spec as a starter bike. cheaper on the wallet and i've seen some really epic bobber builds from the bolt. thanks again!
I'm on the fence as well. This would be a 2nd Bike for me, I have an 2012 S1000RR, but a nice cruiser would be nice. The Bolt has a simpler Oil change ritual...Way simpler !! Sportsters have that Stupid Fucking Tube Drain underneath, then there's the Primary oil, and the oil filter just Gets oil all over the front of the bike. Sure the Sport has more goodies to put onto the bike, but that just puts a hole in your wallet too....Sure your Soul says Harley, but the Brain says Bolt ??,,,Who knows ?? And, plus a Harley built on a Friday is going to have problems, just with any American Made products, cause we all Know American Workers on a Friday Don't Give a Shit
BeaglePower G but a bike that was made on Friday will not have as many problems as one of the bikes made on Saturday when employees have to work overtime to fill a quota lol
Looks awesome! Harley spent a lot of time on this one, should be fantastic. I haven't ridden one yet, so I wouldn't be much help at this point. Sorry! Re-sent... Spelling... Shawn
I really want to get on of these. Out of all the reviews that I have seen it either matches or exceeds that standard. even this guy was not able to say anything bad about the bike. And given the price tag it doesn't make too much sense to buy and HD.
the Bolt costs only few hundred less then Iron, where Iron has better suspension, ABS, self cancelling turn signals, shows RPMs and gear, has security system and key-less ignition. Not mentioning the subpar finish of the Bolt, I mean that ugly (read it cheap) pressed tank, digital tach you dont see at sun, and all the ugly plastic everywhere. Sorry, but the Iron is much better value.
I'm trying to decide between this bike, an M50, and a V Star 650. I can't sit on one of these bikes because my dealership doesn't have one (small dealership). I'm 5'8" or 5'9" with a 32" inseam but i only weigh about 120 pounds, so the M50 makes me look ridiculously small. I like the forward controls of the M50, but it stretches me out a bit too much for comfort. This will be my first motorcycle ever (not even dirt bikes). I'm used to the principles of a clutch though because i drive my dad's truck some. I will definitely take the MSF course before i get a bike though. Any advice on deciding between these 3 bikes (probably coming down between the Bolt and the V Star 650)? Edit: Also, what all is on the display exactly? I know obviously they have a digital speedometer and an odometer, but is there anything else?
Buy a used bike! I cannot emphasize this enough. But a used bike! You will drop your bike in the first year. If you're lucky, you won't wreck it. But a used bike!
Hikaru Katayamma i know, i know...My friend's dad said he'd keep his S40 long enough for me to get it out of college and I can buy it from him. There's a 99% chance that his bike will be my first one. The only issue i have with buying used (via craigslist or things like that) is knowing how well it was maintained. He does his own basic maintenance on it, and he's the only person who's ridden it though, so i know it's been well cared for. It's just that when i go buy the dealership and sit on bikes to "get my fix" as the employees describe it, i sit on multiple different bikes so it makes me consider the possibilities hahaha.
If you're looking at a used bike, ask them if you can take it to a dealership to have it checked out. The dealership will charge you a fee to look at it and make sure it's good, but it would cost you a TON less than a new bike. Plan on owning a bike a year. If you spend $1000-1500 on a decent bike and don't destroy it, you can turn around and re-sell it for a similar price. If you DO destroy it, at least it wasn't a $6-10K bike!
