Would you ride it?

Well here I go off doing something I probably shouldn’t do once again in my life. My grandson has a thing for motorcycles and has had sense he was very little anyway it was before he came to live with me just before he was two. I bought him a moped that he needs a learner’s permit for so he can have an endorsement for it and that got me to thinking why not get a motorcycle permit also so he and I can ride together. Of course I need to pick up a couple of bikes that shouldn’t be a problem.

Well I looked for a couple of months and I found this as my cheap way out for me, a 2006 Yamaha V Star 650 Classic with only 5000 miles on it.
It’s nothing but a Harley wantta be but it’s lighter and lower along with smaller just what my old legs need. I’m not crazy about the looks and it didn’t take much effort to find this photo but I’m thinking cutting the fenders down new bars, pipes and seat this thing could be fun to get around on.
I figure all in paint, parts etc I will have less than $1500 in it. I’m not enthusiastic about riding again but reworking the bike should be fun…

 

I bought the same bike. Its an 04 I bought in 05 with 17 miles on it. Still have it with close to 40K miles on it. They are dependable and well supported in the aftermarket... At least they once were. I have mine dressed up with more chrome, wide 39inch handle bars and white walls. Two people have asked me over the years if I restored it thinking it was late forties/early fifties.

 

The clutch doesn't engage until the lever is almost all the way out. They are all like that. Not a problem, just a quirk. They make kits where you can adjust it to come in earlier and not have a floppy lever.

 

The top one?............... Meh, not so much.
The bottom one?........ You would have trouble getting me off it.

 

Yea, I’d ride it. But Harley’s are more comfortable.

 

Ride it like you stole it ! Be safe and wear a brain bucket

 

52 years ago I gave up Harley's and went back to building hot rods, I had a front wheel bearing lock up and ripped the spokes out of the rim doing about 60 miles per hour, I still like motorcycles but at my age I can't take another accident. HRP

 

Ride it and have fun, life is short.

 

If you’re comfortable on it, go for it. You’ve got a chance to ride conservatively and teach your grandson while you’re enjoying it. Teach him the ropes while you can, and let him learn right.

My bike days were limited, and were behind me when my son had to have an R 6. Not a monster, but scary fast. I wish I’d been in a position to teach him more. Fortunately he got thru that ok.

 

If the price is nice, those Japanese bikes are pretty good quality & fun to ride. Ride smart & make some memories with your grandson.

 

You would be the cock of the walk and the talk of the block around here, go for it.

 

Take any M/C safety course you can find. There is a lot of good riding tips in every one.

 

I don’t need one but it would be great for my grandson but unfortunately there’s none in my area.