New rider in Seattle

[sgtcall]

I always liked Partzilla, they were easy to deal with and had a good amount of OEM parts.
https://www.partzilla.com/?msclkid=d809 ... tzilla.com

[Designer]

eBay will have caliper rebuild kits with pistons if you ever need - and in fact eBay is a good source of most consumable parts for older bikes. But be warned - sometimes Mr Suzuki still has parts and sometimes cheaper than aftermaket so it's always a good idea to check OEM first.

Solid tip. Seems like eBay has plenty. Any insight on how to determine a reputable source, besides the feedback rating?
Yep, I'll always try to find OEM first.

From experience, buying from sellers on Ebay, even with good ratings, can prove problematical.
To make as sure as you can that you keep from having to re-do what you have rebuilt, I recommend shopping OEM.
Price point differences far outweigh the Time you spend redoing it over again.

That is Riding Time Lost.

[hillsy v2]

eBay will have caliper rebuild kits with pistons if you ever need - and in fact eBay is a good source of most consumable parts for older bikes.

But be warned - sometimes Mr Suzuki still has parts and sometimes cheaper than aftermaket so it's always a good idea to check OEM first.

Solid tip. Seems like eBay has plenty. Any insight on how to determine a reputable source, besides the feedback rating?

Yep, I'll always try to find OEM first.

I always search for items in my country first (Australia) for a couple of reasons - generally faster shipping plus dealing with a local seller is easier when it comes to any issues.

Other than that feedback rating is a fair indicator.

Plus I ALWAYS pay with PayPal - as a buyer their protection is amazing. Any dispute I have raised about an item has always been resolved in my favour.

[navigator]

Hi All, and thanks for creating and sustaining this forum for all us new folks.

Brand spanking new rider here. Spent decades on bicycles and cargo ebikes, both wrenching and riding, but that's all the experience I carry with me. Taking a riding course next week to get my permit and looking to move right into my first bike.

The one I have my eye on is a seemingly pristine 1986 Suzuki Intruder VS700GL. The big question: is this a good option for a first bike, specifically around repairs? Will I be able to find parts and accessories? I'm reasonably confident in my ability to learn a bike, mechanically and riding-wise. I know it will take time, and that's fine. What concerns me is that the greatest challenge won't be riding or performing the actual repair but instead to be scouring the world over for a part that simply doesn't exist.

Very eager to hear your thoughts, and thanks in advance.

-Ben

IMO the vs700 is a great starter bike, and a keeper.
Most vs800 parts fit the 700, engine internals and radiator are different, along with some wiring, but body parts, caliper, hydraulics, etc. can all be 800 parts which are readily accessible.

[hillsy v2]

Hillsy
Your avitar looks like an eye test for color blindness

Only just saw this FA - that's a photo they took of the tendon anchors they put in my shoulder during surgery. They did it all by keyhole so it's pretty amazing how they got those images.

[Designer]

Hi All, and thanks for creating and sustaining this forum for all us new folks. Brand spanking new rider here. Spent decades on bicycles and cargo ebikes, both wrenching and riding, but that's all the experience I carry with me. Taking a riding course next week to get my permit and looking to move right into my first bike. The one I have my eye on is a seemingly pristine 1986 Suzuki Intruder VS700GL. The big question: is this a good option for a first bike, specifically around repairs? Will I be able to find parts and accessories? I'm reasonably confident in my ability to learn a bike, mechanically and riding-wise. I know it will take time, and that's fine. What concerns me is that the greatest challenge won't be riding or performing the actual repair but instead to be scouring the world over for a part that simply doesn't exist.Very eager to hear your thoughts, and thanks in advance.
-Ben

IMO the vs700 is a great starter bike, and a keeper.
Most vs800 parts fit the 700, engine internals and radiator are different, along with some wiring, but body parts, caliper, hydraulics, etc. can all be 800 parts which are readily accessible.

I can back up what you say there, navigator. All good points you make.
It is a worthy choice in size and wize move above anything smaller in cc's.

[hillsy v2]

You can start on any bike you like - but the best starter bikes for someone to LEARN HOW TO RIDE are ergonomically neutral bikes - like naked / standard / UJM bikes.

Cruisers and sports bikes are not the best to learn on. Not just my opinion.

[bdschultz]

Took the plunge. Here it is:

[Designer]

WOWSER!

That's OneHeckUVa beautiful Bike you have there. Good For YOU!

As you can see, the Lower Seat Level and More Relaxed Riding Posture makes it a Wonderful First-time, Learn How To Ride Bike.

Follow what navigator says,......... he KNOWS.

[bdschultz]

IMO the vs700 is a great starter bike, and a keeper.
Most vs800 parts fit the 700, engine internals and radiator are different, along with some wiring, but body parts, caliper, hydraulics, etc. can all be 800 parts which are readily accessible.

Thanks for chiming in here, navigator. This is reassuring, especially since I’ve recently committed.

Two questions: first, when you say body parts, would this include an engine guard/crash bar? Been much easier to find used engine guards located stateside for VS800 than the VS700, so that would make my search much easier.

Second, would this approach apply to body parts made for any year VS800 or only certain years?

[FallenAngel]

Nice looking scooter
Not to big and not to small
When do you start your class's

Also may I suggest "Ride like a pro"
https://www.youtube.com/user/motorman857

[hillsy v2]

Congrats!

[navigator]

IMO the vs700 is a great starter bike, and a keeper.
Most vs800 parts fit the 700, engine internals and radiator are different, along with some wiring, but body parts, caliper, hydraulics, etc. can all be 800 parts which are readily accessible.

Thanks for chiming in here, navigator. This is reassuring, especially since I’ve recently committed.

Two questions: first, when you say body parts, would this include an engine guard/crash bar? Been much easier to find used engine guards located stateside for VS800 than the VS700, so that would make my search much easier.

Second, would this approach apply to body parts made for any year VS800 or only certain years?

Any year VS800 parts should fit, including S50 parts.
The engine guards should bolt up no problem, you may need to adjust with some spacers (washers) but the frames are the same. The engine guards I've dealt with bolt with the front engine mount, if a new longer bolt is not supplied, you may need to buy one...or use threaded rod.

[navigator]

I've got a slew of parts if you run into a bind.
Your fork tubes are 37mm, 800's are 39mm
IIRC, Your rotor is 5 bolt, 800's are 6 bolt.

[sgtcall]

Nice looking bike!

One thing,
That windscreen needs to go. Just not the right look. Dart has some nice small screens if you want a little protection. Or you can even check out Walmart online. Believe it or not Walmart has a bunch of well priced motorcycle accessories.

[bdschultz]

Congrats!

Thanks, hillsy! I’m stoked.

[bdschultz]

Nice looking scooter
Not to big and not to small
When do you start your class's

Also may I suggest "Ride like a pro"
https://www.youtube.com/user/motorman857

Yeah, feels like a good fit. We’ll see.

Wednesday and Thursday this week in Auburn.

Thanks for the link, I’ll check it out.

[bdschultz]

Nice looking bike!

One thing,
That windscreen needs to go. Just not the right look. Dart has some nice small screens if you want a little protection. Or you can even check out Walmart online. Believe it or not Walmart has a bunch of well priced motorcycle accessories.

Thanks for the tips.

[bdschultz]

I've got a slew of parts if you run into a bind.
Your fork tubes are 37mm, 800's are 39mm
IIRC, Your rotor is 5 bolt, 800's are 6 bolt.

Great to know, thanks nav!

[FallenAngel]

Yeah, feels like a good fit. We’ll see.

Wednesday and Thursday this week in Auburn.

Thanks for the link, I’ll check it out.

Here is another link
Robert Simmons
https://bethebossofyourmotorcycle.com/
Also a retired Motor Officer

Jerry and Robert teach the same basic principles
Staying in control of the motorcycle at slow speeds useing the clutch Friction zone and rear brake.
Take a few minutes and watch one or 2 of their videos and I promise You will do much better in your classes
Some serious slow speed skills

Try to listen to the engines sounds when these riders are taking sharp turns