Would you feel weird...

LightngSVT said:
So whats the difference? That scooter specs out almost identical to a motorcycle. Look at a bike like the Honda Shodaow Spirit 750 and the scooter side by side. Size, price, height, weight, etc are almost identical, just a few cc's smaller thats all and given the size of the engine you may have to register it like a cycle. Why not stick to one of the less expensive 150cc scooters and save your $$ towards that new car you were talking about?
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Chuck, you bring up such good points. For some reason my dad doesnt want me to get a real motorcycle or crotch rocket because he knows I would do stupid stuff on them just because he did when we was younger. Not too mention I dont think I could afford the insurance :( And you are so right about the sticking my money to the new car Im talking about...however after doing some checking yesterday with my insurance company, Im not in for another insurance drop for another three years, and I dont have the prettiest driving record. So I might be stuck with less than $10,000 cars until then so I might as well just stick with what has proven to me reliable, my Grand Prix :( Which isnt a bad car at all, but of course being a car nut I always want something different.



I checked the Majesty out yesterday...on paper though :( The dealership didn't have a shipment in but they should withint a week or 2 he said and I would be called. Insurance is going to run me $70 a month for full coverage and $130/month with zero down.



So I have $200/month to pay for this thing - - I figure I'll save at least $40 a month in gas - - So that brings it down to around $160.



Now I just have to decide...is this what I really want - - In a way, I am dying for something new to put in my garage, it isn't really *that* dorky in my opinion :) and I should get what pleases me...not what other people might think of me..and hey they might even be jealous that I can afford to have such a cool little toy that can probably beat their car haha - - Im going to keep thinking about it and hopefully come up with a decision soon, Im glad they didnt have any Majesty's in yet...it will allow me to think straight and figure out all the costs and saving benefits and cons.



I appreciate everyone's help with this :thx
 
TexasTB said:
You can put regular fuel in your Grand Prix GTP!!!!!!! Just take off your belt fot the SuperCharger. Then you would have a N/A 3800 engine.
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I'll stick with the supercharger...the savings wouldn't be that great from removing the belt compared to getting 70mpg+



Ive gone a week without my supercharger belt because it broke, performance was well below a regular 3800 grand prix. The car new something was wrong, never again



My gas cap says premium fuel only, Im not going to put my engine/tranny at risk either..Im not that desperate to save $$
 
TexasTB said:
You can put regular fuel in your Grand Prix GTP!!!!!!! Just take off your belt fot the SuperCharger. Then you would have a N/A 3800 engine.
Click to expand...

What about the ECU settings? It should be set for boost no?
 
TexasTB said:
You can put regular fuel in your Grand Prix GTP!!!!!!! Just take off your belt fot the SuperCharger. Then you would have a N/A 3800 engine.
Click to expand...



Wouldn't the compression also be a little lower in the SC engine v. the NA one? Less power and just not a good idea.
 
Ahhhhh...all these questions!!!!! LOL



I used to have a GP, but not the GTP. A few of my friends own GTP's and take their belts off. One took it off as soon as the prices spiked and it hasn't been on since. Not sure if you are on a GP forum, but check out clubgp.com

I know there are a few discussions on it.

I agree though, what is a supercharged car without a supercharger!??!

If I was off base....sorry



I traded my N/A GP for a big arse Trailblazer (extended) A few weeks later, prices went up....I put in about 75 bucks every 2 weeks, sometimes more, as it is used for my business.
 
Personally, I would never take my belt off just to save a couple penny's. Especially with the way my car was running with it off, it was slower than GT's and did not have the same response at all. I stay away from clubgp for the very reason most people don't know what they are doing/talking about and you can never truly know how safe/or not it is for your vehicle. Also, Im not looking to alter anything on my car, I get good performance now, 22-24 mpg, and the insurance of a v6. Im going to stick with what I have now rather than start messing with the reliability I've been having.
 
drew.haynes said:
Know how it is. My parents wouldn't want me on a sport bike.. and my TA gets 13mpg, Premium also.
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Drew, shut up you have my favorite car :nana: haha Never knew they were *that* bad on gas mileage...eek! I use to have a V6 Firebird, doesnt even compare to yours though :) Anyways...you should get a scooter too so I dont feel so alone in this boat.



Picture



Kinda sucks they only have Blue or Silver :(
 
Would your Dad let you look at a bike like the Honda Rebel or other 250 - 500cc sized cruisers? Many of them are actually in the $3000 - 3500 price range, or about $2000 less than the scooter you are looking at and they might be a bit more nimble too? I stopped in at a local dealer yesterday to look at the V-Star 650 and Boulavard C50 (neither were in the showroom, grrrrrr), but I saw your scooter. Its pretty mean looking (for a scooter) and its bigger than I thought it would be.



I understand your wanting for a new toy, I think as car guys we are all like that. Im going through that now too. Its normal, but I give you alot of credit for taking a few weeks to really think your choices over!
 
I guess I was under the impression you were looking for something economical. Those payments basically cancel out any savings in fuel economy. I am with Chuck on this, why not look for a 250cc motorcycle rather than spend that kind of money on a scooter. I would look at a Kawasaki EX250/Ninja 250R, basically a baby Ninja. They are tough bikes and as long as you keep it in good condition they hold their value well. It will be able to do highways speeds and still get around 60mpg. Brand new they are under $3000. I doubt your parents would see it is a "sport bike" and insurance should be reasonable. Of course you would have to get a motorcycle license. That is not difficult though, just take the MSF course. It is a GREAT bike to learn on and will help you gain experience for when you are ready to buy a larger motorcycle.



http://www.kawasaki.com/HTML/MOTORCYCLES/SPORTBIKES/250r_frame.asp



pshot_23_full.jpg




Just a suggestion...
 
Bob, I am looking at the Kawasaki 250cc right now..What do you think the top speed on it is? To persuade my dad on something I need to know all the facts :) It's only a 250cc which the Majesty was a 395cc I dont know if that makes it any more "sellable" to my dad. Could you give me any insight you may have since Im not so informed on comparing the two so I could sell him on it. Thank you! Its a very sharp looking bike..and something like that would only run me $115/month for payment and insurance.
 
Joshua312 said:
Bob, I am looking at the Kawasaki 250cc right now..What do you think the top speed on it is? To persuade my dad on something I need to know all the facts :) It's only a 250cc which the Majesty was a 395cc I dont know if that makes it any more "sellable" to my dad. Could you give me any insight you may have since Im not so informed on comparing the two so I could sell him on it. Thank you! Its a very sharp looking bike..and something like that would only run me $115/month for payment and insurance.
Click to expand...



Not sure about top speed on the bike but, there is a Ninja 250R board with forums where I imagine you could get more information than you ever cared to on the bike :D



http://www.ninja250.info/index.htm
 
Do you know of any good general motorcycle forums? Id like to find a place to ask some questions about 650 - 900cc cruisers since Im considering one.
 
LightngSVT said:
Do you know of any good general motorcycle forums? Id like to find a place to ask some questions about 650 - 900cc cruisers since Im considering one.
Click to expand...



Wish I could help you Chuck, never been much into cruisers, the sites I frequent are all oriented to Sport Bikes or Sport Touring bikes. You might try http://www.sport-touring.net , just make sure you come in with a thick skin as the group there can be rather sarcastic but, there are a wide variety of bike owners there. Other than that there are generally model specific forums for just about any bike out there so just try and google for the model bike you are looking for and the word forums, should turn up something.



Just out of curiosity what have you been looking at so far?? What are you planning to use the bike for??
 
My first street bike was a Suzuki GS500e from there I went to a Ninja ZX6. Since seeling that I havent riden in 5-7 years on the street. Ive had the urge to ride again this year, the bikes Ive been considering are the Honda Shadow Spirit 750, Harley-Davidson Sportster 883, Yamaha V-Star 650 or the Suzuki Boulevard C50. I really am considering the Honda because it has the "sportster" look, has Honda quality and I can get one brand new for around $5600.



I still like the look of the sport bikes but dont want to pay the insurance, or put up with the ride, etc of that type of bike since Im old now (33). Besides I know how I used to ride and dont want to kill myself. I like the idea of a sport-touring bike but they are all 12-1300cc and cost $12-16000. Are there any 650-750 sport tourers? I want a bike that I can ride to work or take and cruise for half a day if I choose.
 
LightngSVT said:
My first street bike was a Suzuki GS500e from there I went to a Ninja ZX6. Since seeling that I havent riden in 5-7 years on the street. Ive had the urge to ride again this year, the bikes Ive been considering are the Honda Shadow Spirit 750, Harley-Davidson Sportster 883, Yamaha V-Star 650 or the Suzuki Boulevard C50. I really am considering the Honda because it has the "sportster" look, has Honda quality and I can get one brand new for around $5600.
Click to expand...

I would have a hard time chosing between the Honda and the Suzuki from that list. They are both great bikes and I doubt you could go wrong with either. I think though I like the looks of the Suzuki better. If I were to ever get a cruiser I think it would have to be something like the Boulevard M109R. I like the blend of sport technology into a cruiser form. I am not that big a fan of Harley's as I really don't believe you get what you pay for unless you are paying for the lifestyle :nixweiss



LightngSVT said:
I still like the look of the sport bikes but dont want to pay the insurance, or put up with the ride, etc of that type of bike since Im old now (33). Besides I know how I used to ride and dont want to kill myself. I like the idea of a sport-touring bike but they are all 12-1300cc and cost $12-16000. Are there any 650-750 sport tourers? I want a bike that I can ride to work or take and cruise for half a day if I choose.
Click to expand...

Old, you aren't old Chuck, I am gonna be 43 in November and I am still pretty comfortable on a Suzuki GSX R :D I am not sure I could ride a race repica like the GSX R for half a day but, I can easily do several hours without any troubles. The manufacturer's have eased up on the ergonomics over the years realizing that older guys are buying these bikes as well. If you are looking for something with a more relaxed riding position in the <800cc there really is only one choice "in my opinion".



Honda VFR800 anywhere from 1998-2006. The VFR is an all around bike with a less agressive riding position than those race replica bikes. It has long been called a gentleman's sport bike or the old man's crotch rocket :D



You can easily find a 5th gen (1998-2001)(pre VTEC) VFR for around $5K. The 5th gen is the last of the VFRs that still have gear driven cams. One of the things I love about the VFR is the gear whine from the engine. If that sound doesn't appeal to you than a 6th gen might be a better choice.



01vfr6r03.jpg




The VTEC model (6th gen)(2002-2006) started in 2002 and most will agree that the 6th gen handles better than the 5th. You can get factory hard bags on the 6th gen VFR. Good examples of the 6th gen VFR will go from $6K on up.



02vfr05.jpg




If you ask me the VFR is the ultimate do it all bike from commuting to carving corners and all day touring. If you can find a good example which is usually not hard I don't think you can go wrong. Don't be afraid of buying used here as these bikes are rock solid reliable. The best site for information on the VFR is http://www.vfrdiscussion.com



Here is a link to Motorcycle.com, one of the odlest motorcycle websites on the net. They have a long list of tests that they have done on just about every motorcycle out there.



http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/manufac.motml



Another great source for tests is the magazines like Sport Rider, Cycle World and the like.



http://www.sportrider.com

http://www.cycleworld.com
 
LightngSVT said:
My first street bike was a Suzuki GS500e from there I went to a Ninja ZX6. Since seeling that I havent riden in 5-7 years on the street. Ive had the urge to ride again this year, the bikes Ive been considering are the Honda Shadow Spirit 750, Harley-Davidson Sportster 883, Yamaha V-Star 650 or the Suzuki Boulevard C50. I really am considering the Honda because it has the "sportster" look, has Honda quality and I can get one brand new for around $5600.
Click to expand...

I would have a hard time chosing between the Honda and the Suzuki from that list. They are both great bikes and I doubt you could go wrong with either. I think though I like the looks of the Suzuki better. If I were to ever get a cruiser I think it would have to be something like the Boulevard M109R. I like the blend of sport technology into a cruiser form. I am not that big a fan of Harley's as I really don't believe you get what you pay for unless you are paying for the lifestyle :nixweiss



LightngSVT said:
I still like the look of the sport bikes but dont want to pay the insurance, or put up with the ride, etc of that type of bike since Im old now (33). Besides I know how I used to ride and dont want to kill myself. I like the idea of a sport-touring bike but they are all 12-1300cc and cost $12-16000. Are there any 650-750 sport tourers? I want a bike that I can ride to work or take and cruise for half a day if I choose.
Click to expand...

Old, you aren't old Chuck, I am gonna be 43 in November and I am still pretty comfortable on a Suzuki GSX R :D I am not sure I could ride a race repica like the GSX R for half a day but, I can easily do several hours without any troubles. The manufacturer's have eased up on the ergonomics over the years realizing that older guys are buying these bikes as well. If you are looking for something with a more relaxed riding position in the <800cc there really is only one choice "in my opinion".



Honda VFR800 anywhere from 1998-2006. The VFR is an all around bike with a less agressive riding position than those race replica bikes. It has long been called a gentleman's sport bike or the old man's crotch rocket :D



You can easily find a 5th gen (1998-2001)(pre VTEC) VFR for around $5K. The 5th gen is the last of the VFRs that still have gear driven cams. One of the things I love about the VFR is the gear whine from the engine. If that sound doesn't appeal to you than a 6th gen might be a better choice.



01vfr6r03.jpg




The VTEC model (6th gen)(2002-2006) started in 2002 and most will agree that the 6th gen handles better than the 5th. You can get factory hard bags on the 6th gen VFR. Good examples of the 6th gen VFR will go from $6K on up.



02vfr05.jpg




If you ask me the VFR is the ultimate do it all bike from commuting to carving corners and all day touring. If you can find a good example which is usually not hard I don't think you can go wrong. Don't be afraid of buying used here as these bikes are rock solid reliable. The best site for information on the VFR is http://www.vfrdiscussion.com



Here is a link to Motorcycle.com, one of the odlest motorcycle websites on the net. They have a long list of tests that they have done on just about every motorcycle out there.



http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/manufac.motml



Another great source for tests is the magazines like Sport Rider, Cycle World and the like.



http://www.sportrider.com

http://www.cycleworld.com



PS Sorry about hijacking your thread Joshua312, when I get started talking about bikes it is sometimes hard to stop :D
 
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