Which bike to buy?

**Michael Smith** · 11th February 2009, 15:31

Hi.

My first bike was a Norton Commando 1974 M2A. I spent a lot of money doing it up, thinking it would be more reliable - duh. I love the look of Nortons and Cafe racers in general.

I'm wanting to buy another bike. I like the styling of the Ducati Sport 1000 (2007 onwards models). I also like some Harley Davidson's. The Lowriders apeal to me more.

I am not a speed freak, but, do appreciate power and handling. I like the raw sound of some HD's. The Ducati Sports sound good with Zard or Termingoni exhausts.

Can people give me a run down on these two bikes in terms of reliablity and maintenance cost - and any other helpful points.

Thanks.

**Hitcher** · 11th February 2009, 15:33

Buy an Aprilia Shiver.

**Michael Smith** · 11th February 2009, 15:39

Why an Aprilla?

**jim.cox** · 11th February 2009, 15:41

Originally Posted by Michael Smith

I am not a speed freak, but, do appreciate power and handling..

Well that rules out a Hardley then

**Michael Smith** · 11th February 2009, 15:44

Havn't ridden a Harley - do they really handle that bad?

**jim.cox** · 11th February 2009, 15:47

Originally Posted by Michael Smith

Havn't ridden a Harley - do they really handle that bad?

Yup

Until you upgrade the suspension and brakes they are awful

But the Twin Cam engine aint too bad , as is the V Rod

Try one and see for yourself

**Michael Smith** · 11th February 2009, 16:04

Whats a ball-park figure on suspension and brake upgrade?

**Horse** · 11th February 2009, 16:46

Originally Posted by Michael Smith

Whats a ball-park figure on suspension and brake upgrade?

Ignore the FUD. Harley-bashing is de rigeur on KB, and considered a sign of taste and maturity, generally by people possessing neither.

Just go test-ride a few somethings that you like the look of. If you like the way it looks, and you like the way it feels, buy it.

**2wheeldrifter** · 11th February 2009, 17:02

Go for the Duc.... just an honest unbiased opinion!

**Dean** · 11th February 2009, 17:51

Buy what puts a smile on your face when you twist the wrist in a fashion you prefer. When you find undiscovered twists and turns chasing a speed demon that entices you at every bend and lures your greatest desires through a 40kph corner and marry that beauty in the vanishing point.

Youngbiker16

**98tls** · 11th February 2009, 18:06

Originally Posted by Horse

Ignore the FUD. Harley-bashing is de rigeur on KB, and considered a sign of taste and maturity, generally by people possessing neither.

Just go test-ride a few somethings that you like the look of. If you like the way it looks, and you like the way it feels, buy it.

What he said, its that simple.Dont just go for a trip round the block on whatever you test ride take it for the day and ride the wheels off it before making a decision on what to part with the hard earned for.

**Maha** · 11th February 2009, 18:15

Originally Posted by youngbiker16

Buy what puts a smile on your face when you twist the wrist in a fashion you prefer. When you find undiscovered twists and turns chasing a speed demon that entices you at every bend and lures your greatest desires through a 40kph corner and marry that beauty in the vanishing point.

Youngbiker16

I was never that good at cryptic stuff....what the hell are you on about?

**Dean** · 11th February 2009, 18:20

Originally Posted by Maha

I was never that good at cryptic stuff....what the hell are you on about?

Just keep on reading it and then you will realise its about the joys of riding.

**Hiflyer** · 11th February 2009, 18:27

Originally Posted by youngbiker16

Son, someday when you grow up you will understand, we will have that talk someday, you cant ride a motorcycle until you know what riding is all about..

hahahaha "son" haha wat an old wise man you are.

were you the guy with gold or frankinsence? (sp?)