Help a Newbie pick a bike (I have specs).

[BONER493]

Looking into getting my first Mid bike. I currently ride a 2004 Suzuki Marauder 1600, so I know how to operate a bike. I'm looking at a Mid bike for another project (Professional Auto tech/certified Internal Combustion engine nut) that is cheap and easy to do when I want to do it. I want a manual clutch 4 stroke with 110+ccs. I currently don't race and really don't have plans to, but I do like to ride hard and fast. I like to be different and I like to customize things(but not in a show-bike way).

So far my fav. bikes have been


the Avanti 125 (looks like they are almost impossible to find and I can not find a single modification available for them)
the x-15/X19/GS-57(same bikes except plastics or what??)
the x-22 looks nice (Love the cluster, not much on the front end looks tho), except for the semi-auto/auto (Is it available in both or what?). Not sure how long I'll put up with the stock motor-- so is this bike worth it considering I'll probably swap in a much larger motor (150+ more than likely).

I'm skipping the super popular x-18 for a few reasons.

I plan on possibly registering this bike in Louisiana also. La requires inspections to register bikes. And they require M/C endorsements to get an inspection and register the bike. (If you are a new rider on a new bike you have to fail your inspection first, then get your endorsement, and to then pass your inspection-- Gotta love La.) I would assume that I will get VERY funny looks when I ride my bike to the Inspection station to get it inspected and would like to make sure I pass the inspection. What I want to know i

La. requires the following on a motorcycle/scooter:

at least one and not more than 2 head lights (yet my bike and many others on the road have 3+ driving lights) between 24 and 54 inches from the ground
Tail lamp(s) no less than 15" from the ground with one stop lamp
Equipped with one muffler in good working order
Equipped with at least one mirror


So, with these things considered, what do you think is my best choice would be. And more importantly, WHY?

[Holeshotz Performance]

Considering the X18 is out of the question, It sounds like your only choice is the X19. The Avanti is a decent bike but it is very hard to find and parts for it are even harder to come across. The X15 will need blinkers and a brake light added to make it street legal. The X22 is only available in automatic and there really is not anything to favorable about it.

The X19 is a nice bike, the body design is slightly different then the X15 but they are similar.

[The Nutty Professor]

In my opinion the X22 will take to many modification to make it street legal. The rear tail light is a brake light only. Even-though the headlights are on the tail-light only functions at the brake lever so you'd have to add a bulb and wiring. It's been a while but if I remember right the turnsignals are only in the front also thinking_smilie I was so pissed about that when I found out at O'dark 30 that I drove home and started pulling out the wiring. If a larger motor will fit in the engine cradle without modifications I would be extremely surprised. The front part is very narrow. The X15 looks like the baby you're looking for.

[Holeshotz Performance]

In my opinion the X22 will take to many modification to make it street legal. The rear tail light is a brake light only. Even-though the headlights are on the tail-light only functions at the brake lever so you'd have to add a bulb and wiring. It's been a while but if I remember right the turnsignals are only in the front also thinking_smilie I was so pissed about that when I found out at O'dark 30 that I drove home and started pulling out the wiring. If a larger motor will fit in the engine cradle without modifications I would be extremely surprised. The front part is very narrow. The X15 looks like the baby you're looking for.

The X15 would be no good because it does not have any blinkers or a brake light, thats why i said the X19 would really be the only option since he said the X18 is out of the question.

[BONER493]

So, are the x-15/X19/GS-57 the same bikes frame wise? The X22-- is it a fully auto or semi- auto bike (or both?? The x-19-- doesn't it also have a lower cradle? And if so, does it have problems fitting larger motors?

Turn signals do not bother me, I have not found a single mini that I can say I know for sure has Turn signals 12" apart. So, no mater which mini I get I am planning on installing add on turn signals to make it legal, but it would be nice if I don't have to run too much wiring and find turnsignal switches.

I guess one of my main concerns is if the headlights are atleast 24" from the pavement. Can someone measure for me?

[BONER493]

Does anyone know if the X-19 has high and low beam headlights?? It looked to me that the bike had 2 different bulbs, one of top of the other, is this correct?

And if anyone has any answers to my questions above I'd appreciate it.

[rene13]

So, are the x-15/X19/GS-57 the same bikes frame wise? The X22-- is it a fully auto or semi- auto bike (or both?? The x-19-- doesn't it also have a lower cradle? And if so, does it have problems fitting larger motors?

Turn signals do not bother me, I have not found a single mini that I can say I know for sure has Turn signals 12" apart. So, no mater which mini I get I am planning on installing add on turn signals to make it legal, but it would be nice if I don't have to run too much wiring and find turnsignal switches.

I guess one of my main concerns is if the headlights are atleast 24" from the pavement. Can someone measure for me?

All of these bikes headlights are at least 24" inches off the ground. Do you have to have Highbeams in "The Boot"?

[BONER493]

Don't know for sure, but I was curious as to if It did. I'll probally install an H4 zenon kit on the bike anyway(if it hits the streets), but It would be nice to have a seperate light that I could install a flasher on-- to make the bike more visible for normal riding.

If no one knows, I guess I'll post it up when mine comes in-- Probaly late next week to early the following week I would think.

[Superbikeracer08***]

Yes, the x19 has a high and lowbeam control on the handlebars.

[x18ryda]

i currently live in slidell la and i have an x18 that is street legal registered insured and was recently passed for inspection. it can be done and i have done it it just takes patience. you need to put a mirror and a liscence plate frame.

[BONER493]

Just to update you guys, I have ordered and received my x-19 from Jay@HoleshotzPerformance. I got it (in Baton Rouge, La) 7 days (only 5 business days)after I ordered it, 12:00 Monday April 28th.

At the same time, I also ordered about 10 "upgrades" from him, these came in a 14 days (10 business days) after I ordered them. He did not have 2 of the parts in stock, this is why the parts took so long. The only 2 things that I was not 100% happy about was that he told me all the in-stock parts had been shipped out on April 23rd, but they did not actually get shipped out until the 2 "out of stock" parts came in on April 30th, and were delivered on May 5. Also, they mistakenly forgot to put my dual stabilizer kit in the boxes for shipment. Jay was notified of this May 6th (actually Monday night{May 5th}-- but well after business hours). He told me he would look into this and I have yet to hear back from him since.

Overall, I'm EXTREMELY happy with the price, and satisfied with the service (for the money) upto this point. I have already sent a handfull of people to Jay for future purchases of there Mid bikes.

Oh, and the reason I wrote this entire post is to let you guys know that I also insured my bike with Progressive. When I added it to my renewal policy of my 2004 Suzuki Marauder, it cost me an Extra $26.00.............................. For the year.

[Superbikeracer08***]

What does the insurance cover?

[BONER493]

It's Liability coverage for me to drive the bike on the street. Now I can legally get it registered and drive it to and fro work. This way, WHEN I get pulled over, I can get a shake of there head, and not a shake of the pen.

[Superbikeracer08***]

Hahah, ncie. Is your X19 Manuel or auto

[BONER493]

Manual. So far I've only got it upto an indicated 30mph before I run out of room, but I still have not really got to ride out 4th either.

[Superbikeracer08***]

Manual. So far I've only got it upto an indicated 30mph before I run out of room, but I still have not really got to ride out 4th either.

ah i hate that, on a small street? By any chance, do you use motorcycle or just 4 stroke oil

[luke y]

so how hard would it be for me to get a x18 street legal in michigan. would i need to get a motorcycle license for it.

what would happen if i got pulled over without a motorcycle license

[Superbikeracer08***]

so how hard would it be for me to get a x18 street legal in michigan. would i need to get a motorcycle license for it.

what would happen if i got pulled over without a motorcycle license

Umm... well, where do you live? West Bloomfield, Ann Arbor? All you would need too be honest is mirrors, licenses plate holder, driver's license, and get this insured pretty much...

[BONER493]

ah i hate that, on a small street? By any chance, do you use motorcycle or just 4 stroke oil

Actually, my dealership's parking lot. I am using the original oil that came in it, and I added a little BMW Castrol 5W-30 synthetic. I'll be changing the oil to Castrol R4 full synthetic pretty soon.

[BONER493]

so how hard would it be for me to get a x18 street legal in michigan. would i need to get a motorcycle license for it.

what would happen if i got pulled over without a motorcycle license

First of all, do you have a current DMV driver's licence to drive a car? If not, it's not gonna happen. If you do get pulled over without your Motorcycle license, you could get away with nothing, or you could get a not so nice cop that takes your bike to impound and you to jail.

[luke y]

i have a drivers license but i am under 18

our cops are pretty nice in our town, its small
but campus saftey are jerks haha


wait so you dont need a motorcycle license just a drivers license
and where would i get mirrors and a license plate holder

[BONER493]

HMM, some states don't allow you to get a Motorcycle endorsement/licence untill after you turn 18. I would talk to your local DMV and see if they can provide you more information. I strongly recomend you request any writen information they can provide you with. In Louisiana, there is a Motorcycle endorsement book you can get that provides all the info you need to pass the Endorsement test and all major laws that you will need to abid by (this includes specifics like number, placement, and height requirements of lights and handle bars).

[rene13]

so how hard would it be for me to get a x18 street legal in michigan. would i need to get a motorcycle license for it.

what would happen if i got pulled over without a motorcycle license

the bike gets conficated without a license or registration.

[luke y]

what if it was registered

[BONER493]

What if you just do what has to be done and avoid the hassle.

[luke y]

because im only 16 but my bro is 19 so he can get a motorcycle endorsment and get it registered

[rene13]

because im only 16 but my bro is 19 so he can get a motorcycle endorsment and get it registered

They impound it. unless you have a cool cop and he will make you walk it home.

[luke y]

well then i may just ride it around my neighborhood

[rene13]

well then i may just ride it around my neighborhood

They can still take it.

[luke y]

yeah but its less likely that they will be in a subdivision

[TomHines]

Bone I live in maine.. And you said something about the blinkers.. You have to change them? And also Living in maine the require a liscence plate and a light shining on it.. You know were I can get one?

[rene13]

If you don't have a license and are caught riding it. 1) cop can ticket you
2)impound the bike or both 3) if you get the nice cop you will tyicket you or not but will give you a chance to get someone with an endorsement to come get the bike.twocents

[ninja x1]

dam that sucks, when i got pulled over onmy x1, the cop was like you know your not soposed to be riden those on the street??? me and my friend on his dirt bike where like, no???lol he told us why, then he said he was gonna be a nice guy and let us go, with a warning, he said if i see you guys riden those agin im gonna take them away.??????