My niece wants to buy her boyfriend a sportbike in the $1500 to $2K zone. She came to me for help and I know nuttin about bikes so I came to you nutcases for advice.
He is not a small guy, say 6' and 220 to 240lb.
He is not to know about the bike before it is given to him.
He has ridden some, not sure what experience but he isn't yet 21, soon though.
He has a son, so survival is preferred.
Go ...
Sportsbike with lots of plastic, or a sporty bike?
97 GSX-R 600, $1800, Anderson Ohio: http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/2680439061.html
Suzuki Bandit.
BoxheadTim wrote: Sportsbike with lots of plastic, or a sporty bike?
This.....A gsx-r 600 and a bandit 600 share the same mill, but they are completely different bikes
Chances are a Katana 600 would fit the description and budget.
The platform's long-in-the-tooth (been around for a decade plus), it's dead nuts reliable, at least looks like a sportbike. and is only a slip-on away from sounding like one. There are plenty around for donor body panels and various parts when it gets dropped.
I'll recommend the ubiquitous SV650. Mine was $1800, I've dropped it twice (whoops!), I park it outside, it has almost 40k miles, and it still runs like a top. At least locally, it also appears to be less of a theft target than the 600 bikes. Knock on wood.
I second the sv650, they are fantastic bikes for the price. If he wants an inline 4 look for a fzr600, they can be had pretty cheap in good condition and are fun.
SV650
Any Honda Four that doesn't have 90+ hp - CBR600F2 or earlier, Nighthawks and CB750s of all descriptions, a 599 but good luck finding one at that price, a VFR500...
Kawasaki Ninja 500. I would want to keep the horsepower as low as possible while avoiding the penalty of a 250cc. The SV650 and Bandit are great bikes, which might encourage enthusiastic riding, and a trip the morgue. (He is 20 after all, and therefore a complete bonehead. I know, I was 20 once.)
SV650 or Ninja 500.
My first bike was the Kaw Ninjette 500. Fast enough to scare the inexperienced, made for decent highway commuting (a little buzzy).
but that little bike could corner.
Is it just me or is this scary? Bike choice's are all about the person. This would be like picking a girls wedding dress... Sure he'll be happy she got him a bike but it might not be his exact liking.
44Dwarf wrote: Is it just me or is this scary? Bike choice's are all about the person. This would be like picking a girls wedding dress... Sure he'll be happy she got him a bike but it might not be his exact liking or skill level.
I know where a GREAT Honda MB5 is hiding...
I just ran it this weekend, too. Still a blast!
Suzuki GS500.
I know where there's an '86 Interceptor basket case for $500. Can get you contact info if you like.
In reply to 44Dwarf:
I would have a hard time feeling sorry for someone who is 20 years old and got a sport bike as a gift - even if wasn't his first choice. 
A Suzuki GS500 would be about perfect; I've got one myself. (If you're in the Atlanta area, it's for sale - no time to ride it with a new baby...)
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