r/SuggestAMotorcycle • u/s13rr4n0v3mb3r • 1d ago
Second Bike
Hello, I’ve been riding for a few months (literally every day) and am comfortable with my Rebel 500 now. I ride on rural asphalt roads that goes for 10km at a time with constant curves and hills (fun) with no traffic control. I can safely take the corners at 50-60km/hr.
I would like to buy a second bike and use my Rebel 500 as a backup or during rainy days. I see the Rebel 500 as a toy to learn maintenance and play around with (already modded out and first break in maintenanced myself).
I have been watching YouTube and researching several hours a night and change my mind every week on an Indian Scout, Harley Fatbob, Triumph Bobber, Ducati Diavel, Ducati Streetfighter, CB650/1000R, XSR 700/900 or another retro bike.
I don’t think I should get another cruiser since I already have one? I read that sports bikes are fun on curved roads, and would prefer a naked or retro. I want something that has a lot of torque right away as I really feel the Rebel 500’s limit.
Would like to hear from the pros.
Thank you,
a noobie that’s super into bikes
2
u/Original-Leg8828 1d ago edited 1d ago
Sv650 is a very fun bike with plenty of torque/character. Also it won't break the bank.
Wouldn't go for any of the cruisers or american bikes based on your description. Newer Triumphs are very unfriendly to home mechanics, and Ducatis are a blast but they sure come with a price tag both when you buy them and when you own them.
2
u/gkrash 1d ago
Yeah, after only riding a couple months this is where I’d go. Try riding that rebel for a full season or 2 before thinking about something more. Maybe try and take a longer trip or 2 on it.
3
u/s13rr4n0v3mb3r 1d ago
Yeah I’m not in a rush and am taking my time. Been looking at used ones too to see if I can snatch a good deal.
I’ve taken the Rebel 500 into the city and on the main highways up to 130km/hr and the bike shakes .
Rode into the city and back so about 200km total for the trip.
1
u/gkrash 1d ago
Nice! See if you can stretch the legs a bit more though, maybe take it camping, or just for an overnight. Plan an interesting ride and try for 400-500 km each way, see what works or doesn’t work for you.
Alternatively see if you have a local track you can try it out on for something different. All these things will help you figure out what’s next for you, and if something goes wrong or you hate it, that’s valuable to know too.
For reference, my first big ride on the last bike I bought was a bit over 1600 km over 2 days.
2
1
2
2
u/Certain_Bet_2491 1d ago
What do you intend to use the second motorcycle for?
So here are my thoughts. Maybe someone's desires are to travel long distances, 'I am going to ride my motorcycle from Seattle to Miami!' This could be accomplished by strapping on a backpack on and riding a Honda XR150L (in theory). Or, perhaps there is a better choice?
Flip side of that coin let's say someone's primary use is going to be a commuter motorcycle; going to ride to the office and back home every day and very little else. And, that commute happens to be in a big city with steep streets, lots of sidehills, tight fits, stop and go congestion and in a state where filtering to the front of the line at a traffic signal is illegal. Well, one could buy and ride a Honda Goldwing, or a big Harley touring bike like a Road Glide. They are big, they are heavy, but this is done every day by thousands so maybe you as well. Or, perhaps there is a better choice?
Perhaps the scenario is where someone wants a street legal race bike, and is primarily going to use it on the track but wants the opportunity to hooligan it around town also. Well, in theory, I guess someone could buy a BMW R1300 GSA .... Or, perhaps there is a better choice?
So, I would think about what you are intending to use the second motorcycle for; what is its primary purpose, what else might you want to do with it as a secondary purpose, and how does the Rebel fit in with this? Based upon that, refine your search to at least a category or class of motorcycle that you should be researching. From there, start researching. Be honest with yourself; what is too much, what is too little? And be researching questions like, "what are the downsides of owning a Triumph Tiger Sport 660?' or whatever the heck it is that you are considering.
It is not just initial purchase price, but you need to consider maintenance expenses, resale, reliability, etc., etc.
2
u/Clio_Vita Burgman 650 Rider 1d ago
Come on man, practical thinking?...
The OP is all about the dream, not the practice. He's been on his current bike A WHOLE COUPLE OF MONTHS! You can't expect him to endure that old beater that can't get to major felony speeds in less than 4.6 seconds. How is he going to impress the Tik Tok crowd? He needs a fresh hit of endorphins to fill the void. [/sarcasm]1
u/s13rr4n0v3mb3r 14h ago edited 14h ago
Huh? I really like my brand new Rebel 500 and started with that because I’m a beginner. I’m keeping it for a reason. I came here for advice and appreciate all of it that I’ve been given. There’s no rush with anything.
I live in a rural town with very little traffic control and there are tons of hills and curves here. Don’t think there’s anything wrong with looking for more fun with a second bike.
Haha I don’t use social media except for this platform. You’re right about filling the endorphins though. I have major issues from military deployments that will affect me until I die, and riding the bike everyday makes life enjoyable.
The psychologists agree that riding helps and I thought this would be a nice community to be involved in.
Cheers dude.
1
u/s13rr4n0v3mb3r 14h ago
Thanks so much! This helps a lot. No rush at all and gives me more direction. Cheers.
1
4
u/ramsfan6239 1d ago
If you want torque right away look at the hornet 750. My vote is cb650r but it’s a 4 cylinder so power is up top. Dont buy another cruiser