Did you look at this motorcycle? It's cool ))
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ural_motorcycle

Heh.... too big. :-)

And too much of a pain in the ass. Urals are super cool to look at, but shoddily made. They'll break your heart and wallet.

Holy shit ! When is Amber leaving town ???

Sunday afternoon/morning.

Well shit then, that's what I get for neglecting LJ *scrambles to send her text message and/or email*

No phone with her. Just email.

Shit, ok thanks for the heads up :)

KTM bikes are pretty fantastic, and definitely worth a look. They are awesome machines. I say 990 Super Duke in black, or maybe Supermoto.

Posts mentioning motorcycles are never boring!

I highly recommend an electric one [Oakland based manufacturer ;)] and would get one myself if I could afford it and it wouldn't be such a bastard to get serviced in Australia :P

Interesting. Not so impressive range/charge time, though. I figure even if I burn gas, it's nowhere near what my A6 would waste, so I'm still being somewhat nice to the environment.

Battery technology is always improving - that's the biggest drawback at this point in time, but there's alot of R&D going on, and while it will never approach Moore's Law, the sooner we demand alternatives to oil by choosing to say no to it when the alternatives are there, the faster we get better batteries and better range. But yes, even a gas bike has much better mileage than your average car. Good luck! :)

Is there any particular bike that you are looking at?

Not big (not a Harley, cruiser). Not a bright green crotch rocket with knobby tires. Don't want to be sitting upright, don't want to be laying on stomach.

Maybe something looking like what Tiffany posted below?

plzadvize.

Sounds like you want what I ride, but that's too big for a first bike (1200cc, 500+ lbs). I recommend getting something used for your first bike and putting a couple of thousand miles on that before you buy something new or more permanent. That way you'll know better what you want from a bike.

I tend to recommend BMW's 650cc bikes as they are solid performers and super forgiving for a new rider. Otherwise you want a "standard" or "sport standard" type of bike. Also have a look at the Suzuki V-strom (I know, it looks like an offroad, but it's a great bike), the Bandit and the SV650 (not the SV650S). Don't be tempted to get a huge engine, you'll have more than enough fun with 600cc or so for now.

The yamaha below is a crotch rocket. Note the height of the handlebars compared to the seat and the foot peg positioning is far back and high up. You'll be practically in the fetal position to ride that thing ;)

Some bikes to look at:
http://bmwmotorcycles.com/bikes/bike.jsp?b=f650gs
http://suzukicycles.com/Products/DL650AK7/Default.aspx
http://suzukicycles.com/Products/SV650AK7/Default.aspx
http://suzukicycles.com/Products/GSF1250SK7/Default.aspx

All of the above are available used these days with minor differences. The Bandit came in a 600 for a while, that was my first bike.

The SV 650 would be a most awesome bike for you, Brad, if you like the style. They're comfortable, small enough to be handled by a new rider, but big enough you won't get bored of them. THere's a shitload of cheap parts for them out there and they're cheap to have fixed. Really great machine all around.

And if you haven't found it yet, be sure to check out the Bay Area Riders Forum aka BARF: www.bayarearidersforum.com

Another great thing about the BMW bike is that BMW owners are great to hang out with. :-)

I've gone to BMW motorcycle rallies run by the BMWMOA a couple of times with a friend of mine. They have an LJ feel to them, only with less complaining about parents and more pancakes.

Are you leaning toward a street bike or a cruiser?

I've been researching cruisers a bit and I am deciding between the Suzuki Boulevard C50T or C90T, or the Kawasaki Nomad.

Three very important things on these bikes. Shaft driven, liquid cooled, and electric fuel control. Shaft drive means you don't have to worry about a slipping belt or problems with a chain. Liquid cooled means that you can handle traffic or extended idle without worries of overheating. EFI is the only way to go for hot or cold starts. It makes them a dream and takes a bit of the maintenance out. The Nomad is the one I like the most. It looks like a Harley, but rides like a true Japanese bike, at half the price.

Just a little info for you. Enjoy.

Street bike, I think.

please upload the pictures, sirbradly!