bike price question

i think im buying a bike soon so i have been looking on ebay motors. Anyone know why the bikes in Europe, mostyl UK, are so much cheaper than ones here? Thanks

[VR4_Craver]

because everything outside of the states is cheaper....because we rule Mainly because a lot of them are made over there. Beull and the such. Its like why hondas are cheaper over in japan. Because they are abundant and easy to get your hands on.

Buell is made by Harley Davidson.

Where are Harleys made again?

[Racing Rice]

Originally posted by SolPol
Buell is made by Harley Davidson.

Where are Harleys made again?

Sportsters are assembled in Kansas City.
Engines and Transmissions are manufactured in Milwaukee.
York, PA is the final assembly plant for the rest of the Harley models.
This may not be the same for the V-Rod however. Its engine was designed by Porsche, its a whole different animal.

Poleman,

What kinda bike are you thinking about buying? Bikes are very popular across the pond, that maybe why they are so much cheaper. They also have a larger selection.

600cc sport bike.......ninja, r6, cbr, etc.......no anyone looking to sell?

[black95gs-t]

That and in the UK some of their money is more valuable than ours. My top three starter bikes are 99-02 Yamaha R6, 97-02 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, or 98-02 Suzuki GSX/R 600. If you want to start a little smaller than that I would suggest a Yamaha YZF 600R(tame version of the R6), Kawasaki 500cc Ninja, and the Suzuki GS 500(I think. What ever their 500cc sportbike is.) If you don't buy it outright expect to pay an outrageous amount on insurance. Sportbikes have crazy rates for full coverage. "Liability only" is the only way that most of us can afford insurance on sportbikes. Call for insurance quotes BEFORE you buy a bike. Don't buy cheap gear either. I never ride without my helmet, jacket, and gloves. The way I think of it is, I could spend $400 on a jacket, $250 on a helmet, and $100 on gloves, and that is still cheaper than a skin graft and all of the broken bones you might have without those things. If you need more info or have more questions, put them up here. I will be more than happy to share any knowledge I have with you.
J

cool thanks.......now that u mention it I actually do have another question or two.

Yeh i'm defentley putting some money away for good gear and stuff....but how much should I expect to pay for a bike...like a rx, gsxr600, ninja zx-6r, etc......and what about miles? obviously a lot different than a car....i dont know how much is to much....just stuff like that. I don't have a ton of money to spend but I think I will have enough by summer. thanks again

[Racing Rice]

Im sorry, but I dont agree. If you have no experience on a bike I dont think any 600cc Super Sport bike is a good starter bike. I highly recommend a GS500, Ninja 500R, Ninja 250R, etc. Even bikes like SV650s can be to much for some noobs.

Im not saying these bikes are impossible to learn on. Because its not impossible at all, its just not the best idea. They arent high performance bikes for nothing. They are serious high performance machines. Not to mention plactics are going to cost a lot more if/when you drop it. Plus GS500s, Ninja 250R/500R are just cheaper to buy, you can pick them up for about $1000-$4000 depending on how old they are and what kinda shape they are in.

As for buying used sportbikes. Im always leary about buying used sportbikes. The majority of the people that by them are very hard on them. Mileage isnt as much of an issue as how they have been treated. Ive heard of many people with 80K-100K miles on bikes with just minor repairs done. Then again, I know a lot that have 3000 miles or less and are trashed. Be very cautious when buying a used sportbike. Search google there are several sites out there about what to look for when buying a used bike.

A good source to find used bikes at is www.cycletrader.com

[black95gs-t]

I somewhat agree. 500 is a good bike to start with, but there are many 600's that are in the same category as a GS500. The SV650's power to weight ratio is actually less than the new GS500. In all honesty, a 250cc Ninja will bore the hell out of him a month after he learns how to ride. You can go older and get less power as well. The main thing to look for in a bike is, NO MODS! If the bike has been modded it is a pretty safe assumption that it has been ridden pretty aggressively. If there are any scratches at all, keep looking, you will find more. The side of my bike has never been scratched while it was upright. Only when it fell. Get the VIN and run it on one of those car reports. If you know someone that can ride, have them bring it to a mechanic. If you don't, have the owner ride it there. Make sure to take one of the motorcycle safety classes prior to getting a liscence. It will give you good riding habits to start with and help lower your insurance. I can't stress enough, that the most important part of a bike is your safety equipment. I never leave my house without my helmet, gloves, and jacket. When you get gloves and a jacket, make sure they are for motorcycle use. I sent my buddy to get some the other day and he came back with a jacket from Dillards and gloves from Wal-Mart. He thought they were just to keep him warm.
J