Motorcycles.

[Chako]

I am in a bit of a quandary and would like to hear about your experiences about motorcycles.

Well, a friend of mine stopped over a few days ago on his motorcycle and told me that I should get myself one. I immediately told him that I had never considered it, that my father once had one as a youngster and called them “Murder cycles” due to his losing a childhood friend in a bad motorcycle accident when he ran into a concrete abatement at top speed. And that I had no interest in one.

However, a few days roll on and I start to think that maybe I should get one for some enjoyment. Now I have never ridden on a motorcycle, and I do not have my license for one, however, I find myself looking at the local used listings. I found that they aren’t as expensive as I originally thought they were. Bloody hell, why am I even considering this…sigh.

My question is this…what sort of bike would you consider for a beginner? Is there anything I should know before getting one, etc?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Zed]

I cant say about whats around now mate, but i started on 125cc as all i could start on, then i got my full license and had a honda 250 wetdream (superdream)  solid little bikes and pretty safe, well was then, after that i got a honda 500cx shaft drive, solid but not quick, but safe and reliable, after that it was all quick bikes,ending with a 1978 z1000 that i miss a lot, i personally think its good to work your way through to bigger faster bikes and gain experience as you go,as for what to but these days ive no clue but sure there is plenty who can help, 

paul   

[Mr. Whippy]

Here's the deal:

1.  Sign up for a motorcycle safety course.  They teach the basics of good motorcycle control.  Most motorcycle accidents are alcohol related (90% of fatalities have EtOH involved).

2.  Buy good motorcycle specific gear.  FULL FACE helmet (protects your chin), jacket with elbow and back protection, GOOD motorcycle gloves with knuckle protection, Motorcycle pants with knee and hip protection and over the ankle boots with ankle protection.  Total gear costs may go as high as $800, if you miss the sales.  (Take a look at newenough.com for good gear at good prices).

3.  Start off with a low HP, USED bike.  You will drop it, likely at a stop sign, gas station or in a parking lot.  If the bike has prior damage, you're less likely to do something stupid like trying to stop it from falling when it's already past "that point".

If you're shortish, Ninja 250, if taller (like over 5' 7") Ninja 500. If you're responsible, Suzuki GS500, Suzuki SV650 or 650Vstrom. Basically, something less than 70 HP.

After a couple riding seasons, and/or a couple 1000 miles under your belt, if you feel the urge, get the bike that you want.

After a few thousand miles, a course at a closed track is an awesome thing to do to really develop skills.  These courses are NOT race schools, they're a place to safely learn about higher speed motorcycle skills.

Most importantly, have fun.

[Zed]

Here's the deal:

1.  Sign up for a motorcycle safety course.  They teach the basics of good motorcycle control.  Most motorcycle accidents are alcohol related (90% of fatalities have EtOH involved).

2.  Buy good motorcycle specific gear.  FULL FACE helmet (protects your chin), jacket with elbow and back protection, GOOD motorcycle gloves with knuckle protection, Motorcycle pants with knee and hip protection and over the ankle boots with ankle protection.  Total gear costs may go as high as $800, if you miss the sales.  (Take a look at newenough.com for good gear at good prices).

3.  Start off with a low HP, USED bike.  You will drop it, likely at a stop sign, gas station or in a parking lot.  If the bike has prior damage, you're less likely to do something stupid like trying to stop it from falling when it's already past "that point".

If you're shortish, Ninja 250, if taller (like over 5' 7") Ninja 500. If you're responsible, Suzuki GS500, Suzuki SV650 or 650Vstrom. Basically, something less than 70 HP.

After a couple riding seasons, and/or a couple 1000 miles under your belt, if you feel the urge, get the bike that you want.

After a few thousand miles, a course at a closed track is an awesome thing to do to really develop skills.  These courses are NOT race schools, they're a place to safely learn about higher speed motorcycle skills.

Most importantly, have fun.

great advice nate, 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Two bit's of advice

Get a 125cc Yamaha YBR, or Honda CBF125

And never get a bloody chopper

[jim guy]

get a  Triumph bonneville, they are good learner bikes. And there is a lot of hop up parts available for them if you want to go faster later. The new ones like I have are stone reliable and the dont leak oil.

[Mr. Whippy]

get a  Triumph bonneville, they are good learner bikes. And there is a lot of hop up parts available for them if you want to go faster later. The new ones like I have are stone reliable and the dont leak oil.

The new Bonnies are very nice.  Totally agree.

As for Mike LotS...

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

get a  Triumph bonneville, they are good learner bikes. And there is a lot of hop up parts available for them if you want to go faster later. The new ones like I have are stone reliable and the dont leak oil.

The new Bonnies are very nice.  Totally agree.

As for Mike LotS...

But chopper's are such a slow, and dull ride

[Mr. Whippy]

get a  Triumph bonneville, they are good learner bikes. And there is a lot of hop up parts available for them if you want to go faster later. The new ones like I have are stone reliable and the dont leak oil.

The new Bonnies are very nice.  Totally agree.

As for Mike LotS...

But chopper's are such a slow, and dull ride

Yea, but some people like them...Just not too raked out.

[jim guy]

choppers are nice for riding around town from bar to bar. I have to disagree about slow, look up Kendall Johnson on the internet. He builds some very good power and fast bikes, as long as the road is straight.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I took a test ride on a HD Sportster back in the day (not a chopper I know) and it was a completely uninspiring ride

Slow, heavy, agricultural, wouldn't turn in, and wouldn't change line mid corner without an enormous amount of counter steering and was truly gutless (nice torque though)

I don't doubt they sorta work over on your side of the pond, but they just don't over here

I was glad to ride my 'Blade home again though

[jim guy]

Im not a chopper person either or for that matter a v twin fan. I love to ride twisty mountain roads on my bonnie. The country side here in arkansas is probably similar to yours, narrow and twisty roads.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Im not a chopper person either or for that matter a v twin fan. I love to ride twisty mountain roads on my bonnie. The country side here in arkansas is probably similar to yours, narrow and twisty roads.

Proper Bonnie country

[Mr. Whippy]

I took a test ride on a HD Sportster back in the day (not a chopper I know) and it was a completely uninspiring ride

Slow, heavy, agricultural, wouldn't turn in, and wouldn't change line mid corner without an enormous amount of counter steering and was truly gutless (nice torque though)

I don't doubt they sorta work over on your side of the pond, but they just don't over here

I was glad to ride my 'Blade home again though

No choppers for me mate  

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I took a test ride on a HD Sportster back in the day (not a chopper I know) and it was a completely uninspiring ride

Slow, heavy, agricultural, wouldn't turn in, and wouldn't change line mid corner without an enormous amount of counter steering and was truly gutless (nice torque though)

I don't doubt they sorta work over on your side of the pond, but they just don't over here

I was glad to ride my 'Blade home again though

No choppers for me mate  

(Image removed from quote.)

I've always had a soft spot for the Strada

I always used to lust after a BMW GS, as I always thought that style of machine made for the best road bike around

Superbikes are all well and good, but the roads are rarely smooth enough over here to make them a comfortable ride

[Mr. Whippy]

My problem with the big GS (not the 650GS) is that it's a top heavy pig.  When those things start to go, it's all over but the swearing.  A good 100 lbs heavier than a Multistrada.

Did you see the battle Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman had with them?

And lets face it, if you're gonna do real off-road more than a gravel road/dirt road, a Dual sport (KTM 450, Husqvarna, etc) is the way to go.

Nah, after having a R1100S, I'm not too interested in going back to a wide fat cow.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I agree, it's the last bike I'd choose to ride around the world on

I'd of plumped for a humble Yammie Xt600

[Fisting_Chili]

For a starter, I would probably recommend a 650 cruiser style instead of any of the Japanese rice rockets.  Something like a Suzuki Intruder (do they still make those?) or a Honda Shadow.  Buy it used, not new.  Invest in a good helmet and jacket as well as all weather gear if inclined. 

No suicide clutches.  No ape hangers.  You're not easy rider yet....
Good luck

[Fisting_Chili]

I took a test ride on a HD Sportster back in the day (not a chopper I know) and it was a completely uninspiring ride

Slow, heavy, agricultural, wouldn't turn in, and wouldn't change line mid corner without an enormous amount of counter steering and was truly gutless (nice torque though)

I don't doubt they sorta work over on your side of the pond, but they just don't over here

I was glad to ride my 'Blade home again though

My buddy had his 883 sportster bored out to a 1200 and put 44,000 miles on it his first year.  Live to ride!

[Grant Lamontagne]

Here's the deal:

1.  Sign up for a motorcycle safety course.  They teach the basics of good motorcycle control.  Most motorcycle accidents are alcohol related (90% of fatalities have EtOH involved).

2.  Buy good motorcycle specific gear.  FULL FACE helmet (protects your chin), jacket with elbow and back protection, GOOD motorcycle gloves with knuckle protection, Motorcycle pants with knee and hip protection and over the ankle boots with ankle protection.  Total gear costs may go as high as $800, if you miss the sales.  (Take a look at newenough.com for good gear at good prices).

3.  Start off with a low HP, USED bike.  You will drop it, likely at a stop sign, gas station or in a parking lot.  If the bike has prior damage, you're less likely to do something stupid like trying to stop it from falling when it's already past "that point".

If you're shortish, Ninja 250, if taller (like over 5' 7") Ninja 500. If you're responsible, Suzuki GS500, Suzuki SV650 or 650Vstrom. Basically, something less than 70 HP.

After a couple riding seasons, and/or a couple 1000 miles under your belt, if you feel the urge, get the bike that you want.

After a few thousand miles, a course at a closed track is an awesome thing to do to really develop skills.  These courses are NOT race schools, they're a place to safely learn about higher speed motorcycle skills.

Most importantly, have fun.

I disagree.

Step One- Add Multitool.org as a beneficiary in your will.

Step Two- Get the biggest bike you can afford and a bottle of tequila.....

Seriously, I would definitely look into an accredited safety course, and I would also seriously pay attention to other bikes you see on the road.  Watch how you and other drivers treat motorcycles in traffic and on the highways, so that you can prepare yourself to be in those positions.  Most drivers don't have the sense to give a bike a full lane when passing them, and that can be a serious problem.  Remember, there are a lot of idiots on the road, and you'll have less protection from them on a bike.

That's not to say that you are likely to get injured or killed on a bike- lots of people ride their entire lives without injuries or accidents, but it always pays to be well aware of your surroundings,  Good leathers and a helmet are always a good idea, but your best defense on a bike, as anywhere, is a healthy dose of situational awareness.  See the problem before it's a problem, and deal with it before it hits you head on.

And, either stop giving detentions, or get a bike that's easy to pick up when it "accidentally" falls over in the parking lot! 

Def

[Chako]

Yeah....and I was thinking the same thing Def earlier. 

I am well aware of how drivers treat motorcyclist. Def, you know how bad the local drivers can be. I mean, we had a female who was on Canada's Worst Driver TV show, and they kicked her off because she was too dangerous! 

Well I emailed the local safety course giver for some information. Haven't heard from them yet...mind you...I only emailed them a few hours ago.

I am thinking more along the lines of a cruiser or touring bike. I do not need high performance, and will be staying away from those racer styles, nor do I need any off road capabilities. If I get one it will just be used on the weekends or during the summer for small trips and to enjoy the ride.

Thanks everyone for the great advice.  It has been very helpful. 

[jim guy]

If you want a touring bike take a look at BMWs they make some very nice bikes.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I think a cruiser or touring bike would be your best bet.  At our age, comfort is much more important than cramping yourself up on some crotch rocket like Wile E Coyote.



Plus middle aged, portly gentlemen just look stupid riding those things.







The last thing you want is to hit a bump and have to get your proctologist involved for your next oil change.

As for Angelina, well, she's probably even messed up a little too much for Micky! 



Def

[Chako]

Yep...I was thinking of Donna Hicks from season 4. Angelina is another scary one. At least she lives a good 3+ hours away from me. Mrs. Hicks on the other hand....

[cgk]

I really do not know Mr. Whippy all that well, but I do know....he knows cycling....listen to his advice.
I started out on a Honda Ascot about fifteen years ago.  I had a ten year hiatus and re-entered cycling last year...and I love it! 
The reasons I got out of it was 1-kids, 2-I wanted a boat (got rid of that 3 years later), and 3-I have been to too many bad accidents.  I have come to learn first hand hand that by-and-large most accidents involve alcohol and/or speeding.....I do neither.  I also wear pants, coat, boots, gloves, and a helmet. 
Come to realize that you will get another bike at some point, do not start off getting what you want, get what you need.  The bike I have now is a Ninja 650r (it looks sporty but it is truly just a street bike) and it works very well for me, I would go along with the Ninja 500.  They will get you where you want to go and do not have too much power.  DRIVE SANE and LOOK-LOOK-LOOK!!

[ratslash7]

I'm with the group here. Buy small and used. There's a good chance you'll make all your money back when you eventually sell sell it. to buy the bike you really want. There's also a good chance that what you think you want a bike to do is not really what you want once you get some miles under your belt. Lot's of folks buy cruisers and the realize they're not happy riding bar to bar. They want to ride state to state. or vice-versa. Your little used bike will introduce you to motorcycling and who knows, you may find you like going fast. You may not like motorcycling at all.

For the record, I've been riding for 30 years. the last 10 have been on old air-cooled BMW's...yeah...I'm not so into going fast anymore.

[Chako]

Dang...just got some news in. Looks like it will take me 2 years to get my full motorcycle licence...this graduated stuff is painful. But the more I think about it, the more I do want to get my licence, even if nothing much comes out of it. The safety driving course is 425, and is a two day course given every weekend during the summer at the local college. You have to get your first level motorcycle licence beforehand along with some protective gear to join up. I think I will go this route. Not sure what the requirements are yet to get started...going to have to call the local MTO office to get the ball rolling.

As for the advice given in here....all taken to heart. When I do get something, it will be small, cheap and as practical as I can get.

[scibeer]

Great advice so far (except Grant's tequila deal...(stick to beer     )

A cheap enduro bike is always fun since you can do both on and off road.   Plus they are made to take a beating so you don't have to worry about letting it go when you're practicing wheelies.

Stay on under a quarter liter bike for a while to learn on and get some seat time, then if you really like it, get something bigger.

And a motorcycle safety course is mandatory if you've never ridden before.   Never go out without all the gear on.  

Most importantly, you have to develop a paranoid fear of cars, especially driven by little girls on cell phones!   I just succumbed to one last year after somewhere around a half a million mile on 2 wheels.  

She took my 1200GS adventure away from me forever but luckily didn't kill me although I wasn't right for a while.

The big beemers get smaller after riding them for a while Mike!   You can do more than you would think on them.   Plus, try carrying a full keg, jockeybox full of ice, CO2 tank and camping gear on anything else and see how you do...

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Well I'm a tree hugger now so big Bikes are out for me anyway (still thinking about getting a 125-400 because of my stupid foot though )

Beside's it's Nate who's the BMW hater not me

[Mr. Whippy]

I really like the Hexhead GS.  Just not the price.  The thing I like about DS bikes is when you drop them, replacing plastic is pretty cheap.  On a BMW, not so much.

Have you seen the new Testatretta Multistrada? 
Programable suspension, ABS, traction control... (for about the same as a 1200GS)