Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Common Interests Opinions on what to purchase for a new toy

Alright, CEG'ers, help me spend my money!

I'm going to be moving to the Corpus Christi, TX shortly, and have been seriously considering getting a new toy to play around with while I'm down there -- my dilemma: I'm torn between whether I should get a motorcycle or a waverunner. I've ridden both plenty of times in the past but don't have a ton of experience with either...

If I go for the motorcycle, I'm leaning towards a naked bike, like a Ducati Monster 600 or 750, or possibly a Triumph Speed Four or Speed Triple, probably buying one that's a few years old.

If I go for a waverunner, I'd like a two-seater that would be suitable for tossing around in the waves, but would probably look for a slightly older/more affordable one and don't have any significant leanings towards a particular model right now.

So, what does everyone think? Bike or Waverunner, and what are your opinions on each?
Thanks for the input!

Waverunners can be alot of fun, but also can be a pain in the arse. I had a 96 seadoo XP, and it was a bunch of fun "when it ran right". My friend had a 97 seadoo spx which is basically the same thing as mine was "same hull and motor" except it didn't have the digital instument cluster. I've ridden a bunch of different waverunners, and always like the way mine handled better. Top speed was probably in the high 50's, right around 60, so definatley fast enough. It had a trim system which would make the front end pop up and you could jump pretty high when you hit a wave. Maintanance can be a bit of a pain. I went through a couple of batteries, and it seemed they would never last long. Nonetheless, alot of fun.

Would it be your first bike? The Triumph has a lot of engine... probably too much for a novice.

Ducati !!

no.. no.. Waverunner !!

No non no.. DUCATI !!!

No no no... WAVERUNNER !!!

Geez... i am confused...

Get BOTH !!!!

It would be my first bike, but I've ridden before, so I'm not a complete novice - that's part of why I'm leaning towards the Speed Four or Monster 600 if I get the bike...

motorcycle....unless you have truck to tow your waverunner and have friends that have them also. Riding a waverunner by yourself is boring.

Plus..the chicks dig the bikes

Well... I'd say get the bike... but I don't think I'd drop the $ on the Ducati Monster 600. You might wanna look at the Suzuki SV650. When I was looking for my first bike, EVERYTHING I read pointed to the SV: ridability, fun factor, moderately fast. I personally agree with everything that HAS been written about it. As for the Monster, if you're REALLY set on that model, I'd at least get the 750 or 900 model ( although I don't know if you really want that big of an engine as your first ). The Mon 600 owners that I've talked to have said that it's a great bike, but left them wanting more. Some have even thought of trading theirs in for an SV.

So... Just my 2/100$. If you get a bike, keep the rubber-side down! But either way, have fun!

--JamesT