Buying first motorcycle - suggestions?

500cc is a bit small; you're going to get a better ride and more choices if you look to 750s. (Freeway/thruway travel on a 500 can be...adventurous. More than 60 miles on a 500 can leave you buzzin' from the vibrations.) Since you're asking for advice here, I'd say the first order of business is getting into some bike forums and meeting folks who live with their machines ;-) Hang out at the local cycle shop, etc.

Expect to buy new tires right away; just about nobody sells a used bike with good tires ;-) Note that bike tires are not like car tires -- it's critically important to have good treads and strong sidewalls on bike tires! Don't be surprised if the cam chain/tensioner and/or drive chain need replacing. Ditto with the battery. If it's a shaft drive, slip it into first and rock back and forth, checking for shaft lash (similar to bad u-joints on a car). Look carefully for signs that the bike has been dumped or "walked off" at speed -- abraded ends of handgrips or foot pegs, repaired tank where the bars hit it, scratched/dented exhaust pipes, etc. Look for signs of good care: clean oil sump with no shiny bits in it; clean shock tubes; properly tensioned chain; no loose spokes/corrosion on wheels; easy throttle movement; clean air filter chamber; no "lacquer" in carb throat(s). Watch out for excessive bluing on the pipes at the exhaust heads -- someone tried to "overclock" his bike ;-)

If it's water-cooled, open the radiator and look inside with a strong light to make sure there's no oil in the coolant. If air-cooled, use a strong light to look for bluing deep in the cooling fins. Anywhere you see a bolt on the block, look carefully for leaked oil or gunk.

Every model has its own quirks and shortcomings. When you find a model you like, take the time to learn about it, to get an idea of what usually goes wrong and how much repair will cost. (I've purchased maybe 8 used bikes over the years; all of them needed up to 25% of purchase price in repairs during the first year ;-) IMO, don't rush the process -- not going to be riding season for another 6 months...

I'd suggest asking for advice on a motorcycle forum, not an iPod one.

In the meantime take a look at this site ( http://www.timberwoof.com/motorcycle/faq/choosing.html) - there's some excellent advice there.

^^Best bit right there, completely agreeing. Also a bit more info would be good. Height, weight, abilities of rider, etc.

5' 5", 135 lbs, and no ability :D (I can ride a bicycle if that helps)

thanks for the link.

Id suggest, keeping under 600cc for insurance reasons. depends on how old you are, but Id suggest taking a riding course first, a neighbor of mine took a course thru Harley I think, and they didnt require a motorcycle to take the course, I think it would be your best bet to try your abilities before you take the plunge on a bike.

My dad's been riding for 40+ years. I've been riding for nearly 20.

Combined accidents: 0.

...but thanks for trying to jinx all of us who ride responsibly and within our limits.

My dad's been riding for 40+ years. I've been riding for nearly 20.

Combined accidents: 0.

...but thanks for trying to jinx all of us who ride responsibly and within our limits.
And are lucky enough that the people around them have never made a wrong move.

Dead graduate from my school (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07154/791260-122.stm)

What happened was he was coming down a 4-lane road, old lady pulls out against the light and he slams into her. He never had a chance. Not his fault.