Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/127691
The Vet World.Championships are Here! rFE PR? sport. For example, the Yamaha Serow 225 d ual sport is lightweight and easy to handle (with a 125cc-class chassis). It rides exceptionally well in the dirt with 11.2 inches of ground clearance, has an electric start, anddoesn't launch you into the air when you touch the throttle. It's a good idea to get all the basic infermation yo u can abo ut your poten tial bike. Know the engine size, how many , gears it has, the fuel capacity, and the total weight of the bike with all the fluids, If someone bumps into your bike at the grocery store and tips it over, you 'll have to be able to pick it up . The thing to remember is that you don't have to be a mechanic to ride a motorcycle. I don't know many people (men or women) that know exactly how their car works, but they have no problems driving one. I think about my bike that way . I probably couldn't rebuild the engine, but I can ride it without any difficulties and I get a great deal of enjoy, ment out of it. If you already hav e your motorcycle license, you may be able to take your bike for a test ride . This is a good way to get a basic feel for the bike. Be aware that not only will you have to present your license, you'll need to provide your own gear and proof of insurance, and not all dealerships provide this service. EilFlCJ-rl--ltSFlSfS \ ~ ~ CIRCUIT .I I H E L L I . . '7Y U.S.T. BSUBAKI • 1J/[];iJffJJJ ~o~~ ~" ~ 4~~~ ~ - '...., ,...~ '1. "'_ m~rn ~ ff!!i! ':OTORCYCLES ' VINTAGE. IRON •• t t • • • "o • • ~ Race Saturday or Sunday or Both Days! ANTE UP When you have chosen your dream bike and you si t down to buy it, the comparison-shopping rule still applies. If you 've chosen your model, call a couple of dealerships to see if you can get a better deal. Every dealer wants you to buy your bike from them, and they may be willing to undercut the other dealer who just assured you that they have the best buy in town. Also, many dealers have curren t or last-year models that they'd love to get rid of to make room for next year's models. If you can live with the fact that your new Serow has blue paint instead of green, you're in a better nego tiating position. The dealer will probably want you to bring the bike back for a 6DO-mile checkup and adjustment, so you'll want to inquire about the bike's warranties. Once you've negotiated the best price, it's time to choose the method of payment. Most dealers prov ide financing , which in today's market translates anywhere from 9.9% to 21% for up to about four years . Don't be fooled into thinking ' that you can sidetrack higher dea ler financing percentage rates by paying for the bike with a credit card. Most dealers tack an additional percentage (generally three to five percent) on top of the cost of the bike if you pay with a credit card. Keep in mind that credit card companies generally charge cash advance fees (anywhere from a flat fee to one to three percent of the total transaction) . If you have to finance, do n't forget to look into your local financial institution for a new or used motorcycle loan and then compare percentage rates for the best deal. So what are the most popular women's bikes? According to Ernie Gutierrez, a salesman at Del Amo Suzuki, "A lot of women either go for street bikes or dirt bikes. A lot of street bikes sell. The EX500 and the 535 Virago are the two most pop ular. The reason being , one is a cruiser and one is a sport bike, so it appeals to that particular type of person. If her boyfriend has a GSXR, then she's going to want a sporty looking bike. They're two-cylinder engines, they're lightweight, they're easy to handle and they're fun bikes to have." Don' t forget, when you' re prepared, buying a motorcycle is an exciting experience. a G .-, Oakland ~ OTORCYCLES Sport Center A PAR TS IN S TOCK 4232 Dixie Hwy. Waterford. MI 48329 (810) 673-3366 (810) 673-8144 FAX . UPS Daily PRO FLAT-TRACK---' MOTORCYCLE RACINS ........... Plus ClassesFor QuadsAnd Pee WeeMini Bikes Not AMA Sanctioned - No Membership Required Most races are on concrele• held in conjunction with Monster Truck Shows REGIONAL & NATlONAL SANCTlON5-UCENSE INFORM ATION (714) 855-1602 November 12· Evansville, Indiana $500 towin · 1994 Season Points Championship Open Pro Bikes plus Quads and Pee·W eesl (310)1l68-ll112 P.O. Box 46 NORWALK, CA 90650 National Motosporl Association November 19 · Steubenville, Ohio $400 1 win· Thisevent begins points 0 • for the 1995 Cha mpionship t Other dates inJanuary, February, March, May, July·Amarillo, Casper Indoor, CedarRapids, , SiouxFalls, Toledo, Missoula, Coeur d'Alene, ~ Casper HalfMileand alat More " $$ CASH PAID $$] USED STJlEET BIKES [ BERT'S MOTORCYCLES 818·334-1288/818·334·2926 ~ Motor Sports ofAmerica Ed Beckley 1-800-544-8714 M ·F 9 IL m.-5 p .m. central