Help deciding on a second bike

[Jer]

I am considering a second bike to ride in the winter while in California. There are dirt roads in the Palm Springs area that would be a lot of fun to ride. I researched some of the 250 dual sport bikes, but thought I would need something more substantial for street riding. Something I could ride over to Beemerdons' place for example.

I am considering a used Suzuki V-Strom 650. I could ride it on dirt roads and also ride over for lunch with Don. This bike would be used like a second automobile. I plan on volunteering at the Air Museum in Palm Springs this winter and my wife wouldn't be stuck without wheels.

Looking for opinions and what to look for in a used V-Strom.

 

[jet mechanic]

Can't go wrong with the vstrom, just make sure it has ABS!

I hated riding in New England with a 05 non-abs during the early winter months. The back wheel would lock up on a dime on cold roads.

 

[petey]

Jer, I bought this for a trip to AK and liked it a lot.

 

[TripperMike]

........... something more substantial for street riding. ........... used like a second automobile.

Boss Hoss?

 

[Greg 03]

I've had two KLR 250's, two KLR 650's, and now I've got a '13 Vstrom 650... it is EVERTHING I wanted the KLR's to always be! Lot's of solid bikes for sale on the Stromtroopers forum, that's where I would check... fair warning though with a Vstrom your "second" bike can quickly take top billing! I love mine!

 

[Bugnatr]

I've had two KLR 250's, two KLR 650's, and now I've got a '13 Vstrom 650... it is EVERTHING I wanted the KLR's to always be! Lot's of solid bikes for sale on the Stromtroopers forum, that's where I would check... fair warning though with a Vstrom your "second" bike can quickly take top billing! I love mine!

Seems like a good testimonial Jer.

 

[Jer]

Thanks to all for your replies. I believe I should buy a bike here in Oregon where licensing fees are $48 for two years, and no sales tax. I will be riding this bike in the winter and the FJR summers. I am looking forward to riding into Joshua Tree National Park taking a short cut on a dirt road. Petey I will check the Kawasaki out, but the V-strom is looking good. Will go out next week and try both.

 

[MCRIDER007]

Looking for opinions and what to look for in a used V-Strom.

If buying used look for an aftermarket seat....or you will want to buy one after your first 100 mile ride.

 

[SouthernCruizer]

WeeStrom is fantastic bike, both as a second bike, or even as a first! I love my FJR, but i gotta say, that Wee brings a slightly bigger smile to my face when i ride it. Good luck on the search!

p.s. I have a Sargent seat on both my FJR and my Wee.

 

[Twigg]

Thanks to all for your replies. I believe I should buy a bike here in Oregon where licensing fees are $48 for two years, and no sales tax. I will be riding this bike in the winter and the FJR summers. I am looking forward to riding into Joshua Tree National Park taking a short cut on a dirt road. Petey I will check the Kawasaki out, but the V-strom is looking good. Will go out next week and try both.

You can buy it wherever you like ... You pay sales tax and registration in your home state, not necessarily the state you buy the bike in.

I bought my FJR in Texas and sales tax and registration in Oklahoma, a straightforward process if you ensure the Title is signed in the correct places, and notarized if the selling state requires it. (Texas doesn't).

 

[escapefjrtist]

Thanks to all for your replies. I believe I should buy a bike here in Oregon where licensing fees are $48 for two years, and no sales tax. I will be riding this bike in the winter and the FJR summers. I am looking forward to riding into Joshua Tree National Park taking a short cut on a dirt road. Petey I will check the Kawasaki out, but the V-strom is looking good. Will go out next week and try both.

You can buy it wherever you like ... You pay sales tax and registration in your home state, not necessarily the state you buy the bike in.

Jer lives in Oregon and can license the bike there. Very reasonable vehicle registration fees...but of course the state gets $$$ using other methods,

--G

 

[Twigg]

Thanks to all for your replies. I believe I should buy a bike here in Oregon where licensing fees are $48 for two years, and no sales tax. I will be riding this bike in the winter and the FJR summers. I am looking forward to riding into Joshua Tree National Park taking a short cut on a dirt road. Petey I will check the Kawasaki out, but the V-strom is looking good. Will go out next week and try both.

You can buy it wherever you like ... You pay sales tax and registration in your home state, not necessarily the state you buy the bike in.

Jer lives in Oregon and can license the bike there. Very reasonable vehicle registration fees...but of course the state gets $$$ using other methods,

--G

Yes, I got that. I was saying that he wasn't restricted to buying in Oregon. He pays OR taxes whatever state he buys a bike in.

 

[Jer]

Thanks to all for your replies. I believe I should buy a bike here in Oregon where licensing fees are $48 for two years, and no sales tax. I will be riding this bike in the winter and the FJR summers. I am looking forward to riding into Joshua Tree National Park taking a short cut on a dirt road. Petey I will check the Kawasaki out, but the V-strom is looking good. Will go out next week and try both.

You can buy it wherever you like ... You pay sales tax and registration in your home state, not necessarily the state you buy the bike in.

Jer lives in Oregon and can license the bike there. Very reasonable vehicle registration fees...but of course the state gets $$$ using other methods,

--G

There is no sales tax in Oregon. The problem is with my wife not wanting me to ride it to California. She thinks I should buy it in California but I am not sure if I want deal with California's Motor Vehicle Department. I have had enough problem with the California Franchise Board wanting to tax my income.

 

[Twigg]

There is no sales tax in Oregon. The problem is with my wife not wanting me to ride it to California. She thinks I should buy it in California but I am not sure if I want deal with California's Motor Vehicle Department. I have had enough problem with the California Franchise Board wanting to tax my income.

I guess I'm not following this. Why would you have to deal with the California DOT?

Buy the bike in CA ... Ride or trail it to your local Oregon DMV and register it.

As long as the seller completed the Title Transfer to you, what is the problem?

 

[Jer]

There is no sales tax in Oregon. The problem is with my wife not wanting me to ride it to California. She thinks I should buy it in California but I am not sure if I want deal with California's Motor Vehicle Department. I have had enough problem with the California Franchise Board wanting to tax my income.

I guess I'm not following this. Why would you have to deal with the California DOT?

Buy the bike in CA ... Ride or trail it to your local Oregon DMV and register it.

As long as the seller completed the Title Transfer to you, what is the problem?

Twigg, I spend winters in California and summers in Oregon. I am an Oregon resident. My wife and I quit the California Golf CC we belonged to giving us the opportunity to do other things in the winter. Recently my wife suggested that I purchase another motorcycle to ride in California. The FJR would remain in Oregon for summer riding. Our present argument is I want to purchase the bike in Oregon to avoid the sales tax and the higher licensing fees, she wants me to accompany her on our 1050 mile trip to our winter home and not be riding behind her on a motorcycle. I could have it shipped there. I don't think a dealer in California could forgo the sales tax and that is where the California DMV would get involved. I am not sure about this though.

 

[Twigg]

If you ride on an Oregon License, and plate the bikes (both of them) in Oregon, then you could probably keep one in California with no one being any the wiser.

If you buy from a CA dealer, for export to another state, they will not charge you CA sales tax. Ask the dealer about this. Private sales are not an issue but make sure the Title is signed in the correct places, and notarized if the selling state requires it for transfer of title. Some do, some don't.

 

[Jer]

If you ride on an Oregon License, and plate the bikes (both of them) in Oregon, then you could probably keep one in California with no one being any the wiser.
If you buy from a CA dealer, for export to another state, they will not charge you CA sales tax. Ask the dealer about this. Private sales are not an issue but make sure the Title is signed in the correct places, and notarized if the selling state requires it for transfer of title. Some do, some don't.

Maybe I shouldn't be so cheap and just pay the sales tax and high licensing fees and go riding. The bike wouldn't be exported to another state, it would remain in California. It would spend 6 months in the garage in California and six months out.

By the way, I was born in Oklahoma City.

 

[Twigg]

Born in OKC, huh?

Then you have already made at least one smart move.

I was born in the north of England, and I have no excuse

 

[escapefjrtist]

<snip> Maybe I shouldn't be so cheap and just pay the sales tax and high licensing fees and go riding. The bike wouldn't be exported to another state, it would remain in California. It would spend 6 months in the garage in California and six months out.

Jer, I wouldn't go there. Although you're claiming Oregon residency, licensing a vehicle in CA might give the FTB one more thing to look at. Once the FTB get their hooks in you, it'll be a battle...

--G