foxtrapper
Jedi Trainee
Offline
You probably don't want a Magna. That V4 isn't the easiest thing to work on. Bit hyper in personality as well.
Don't kid yourself about not having enough speed with something like the Suzuki GS750. Russ Collins drag raced them for a reason.
Something I don't see is a description of what sort of riding your planning to do. The type and size of the bike have a tremendous impact on that.
I've got an old 60's 175 Honda for example that does just fine for puttering around town and such. Yea it's slow for a motorcycle, but I can keep up with anything 4 wheeled up to about 40 mph. While the bike will reach about 70 mph and is legal on the interstate, it isn't fun. But it's nimble and handy around town or exploring quiet back roads.
The old UJM (universal japanese motorcycle) bikes like the Kawasaki KZ, Suzuki GS, Honda C_ are all quite doscile and capable in the mid ranges, roughly 400-700 cc. The small side isn't as nice on the interstate, but they sure are easier to handle when puttering along or when considering falling over. Their engines are universally quite tame. They are all quite reliable and repairable.
You don't mention your leg length, and that's an important issue. If you can't solidly put your feet on the ground, things become quite interesting. Some bikes are quite tall at the saddle. Don't under estimate the importance of solid footing when astride a bike.
Don't kid yourself about not having enough speed with something like the Suzuki GS750. Russ Collins drag raced them for a reason.
Something I don't see is a description of what sort of riding your planning to do. The type and size of the bike have a tremendous impact on that.
I've got an old 60's 175 Honda for example that does just fine for puttering around town and such. Yea it's slow for a motorcycle, but I can keep up with anything 4 wheeled up to about 40 mph. While the bike will reach about 70 mph and is legal on the interstate, it isn't fun. But it's nimble and handy around town or exploring quiet back roads.
The old UJM (universal japanese motorcycle) bikes like the Kawasaki KZ, Suzuki GS, Honda C_ are all quite doscile and capable in the mid ranges, roughly 400-700 cc. The small side isn't as nice on the interstate, but they sure are easier to handle when puttering along or when considering falling over. Their engines are universally quite tame. They are all quite reliable and repairable.
You don't mention your leg length, and that's an important issue. If you can't solidly put your feet on the ground, things become quite interesting. Some bikes are quite tall at the saddle. Don't under estimate the importance of solid footing when astride a bike.