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From: gadfly@ihu1m.UUCP (Gadfly)
Newsgroups: net.cycle
Subject: Re: Considering a First Bike
Message-ID: <379@ihu1m.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 12-Apr-85 00:29:15 EST
Article-I.D.: ihu1m.379
Posted: Fri Apr 12 00:29:15 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 13-Apr-85 03:47:26 EST
References: <8382@watarts.UUCP>
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>    - Lessons (I've never been on one)                         $130
>    - Insurance (Legal min: 200K liab. & accident benefits)    $210
>    - Licencing (Myself & the bike in Ontario -- a guess)       $50
>    - Protective clothing (Just a guess at a mininum)          $300
>    - Saddlebags (another guess at a minimum)                  $200
>    - Fairing (near the bottom of the range)                   $200
>    - Helmet  (yet another guess)                              $100
>                                                           ============
>    Ouch!!                                                    $1190
> 
> Now the point of this posting is to get some comments a few questions,
> to help me decide if this is worth it.  My mother keeps telling me I
> can by a car for $1500 and be a lot safer and more comfortable.

Perhaps, but you have to pay license and insurance on the car, too,
and the fees will be much higher.  Maintenance costs on the bike will
be lower, as will gas and oil.

> 1.  How reliable is a 5-year old, Japanese-made, 500cc bike with about
>     25,000 Kilometers on it.  How far can I reasonably expect it to go
>     without major maintenance.

It'll be heading for at least a top-end rebuild.  But that could give
you a golden opportunity to get your hands dirty.  If you've never had
a bike before, you don't really know what will feel best for your needs.
So get in as cheaply as you can, with something a little beat up.
After all, you *will* dump it.

>  2. What kinds of problems am I most likely to encounter with such a 
>     machine on such a trip (I may do up to 15000 klicks in 6 months)?
>     What would they cost me to solve?

If the compression's OK, and the transmission isn't too loose, and
the pipes aren't rusting out, you might escape with just worn plugs
and maybe a flat.  Have a *competent* mechanic take a look *and* test-
ride it.

>  3. How much of a problem is theft?  I don't plan on insurance against
>     theft (which would cost me $100) 
>      ...but maybe I should reconsider.

It depends where you are--unless you've got a brand new or especially
sought-after model, theft insurance will be a significant fraction
of the value of the bike.  And there's usually a hefty deductable.
If you keep the bike covered (preferably garaged) and well chained,
you should be OK.

>            Curiously awaiting reactions,
> 
>                     Carlo @ the U of Waterloo

One tip for the used bike buyer:  Change your oil.  Often.
-- 
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