Motorcycle, Where to start?

[Ace-o-fire]

First off, let’s cut out all that “You’ll die bullshit” because I have heard nothing but that from people so far and I don’t really care.

Alright so here we go.

So I’m looking to get my motorcycle license sometime over the summer, and I’m wondering, what is the best way to go about it? My aunt who rides recommends a RE (Riders Edge) program through like Harley Davidson or something like that. Is there anything else or any other programs a person can recommend for someone who has little to no experience on a bike.

I’m also looking at Suzuki TU250, GZ250 or Honda Rebel, mostly because they seem like easy bike for beginners and they don’t have a lot of power. I am not looking for some monster bike that can go 150mph+ just something that can get me from point A to point B and something for enjoyable rides.

If anyone can help me out in either that would be awesome, or even know some places in north NJ that I could visit.

[Brill Weave]

Most community colleges will offer summer learner's classes. They are not expensive at all and give you a lot of bike time. If you're starting out I would highly suggest you save money and do not make any big purchases yet. Do yourself a favor and get a beater. Everyone beats the fuck out of their first bike and you will drop it at least once. It's like a rite of passage. You're starting on the low end in regards to power which is good. Most people who get the itch to ride automatically think they can handle a Hayabusa. Know your limitations. The only other piece of advice I can give you is one that has saved me numerous times over the years. If you're losing it in a turn never ever ever hit the brakes, lay off the gas and try to recover just by coasting. Hit the brakes and you're eating some asphalt. And don't be an organ donor. HELMET HELMET HELMET. Resist the urge to look cool with the wind blowing in your hair. Fuck that shit. Keep your head in one piece.

[miokomioko]

I don't know how it works exactly in Arizona, but in CA, there are a number of programs in every city (that I'm actually about to take because having a jeep in the city blows) that is a 3-day class that yields a certification upon completion on basic motorcycle safety/training, everything from walking the bike, to running a slalom. If you're under 21, it's required by the state and it costs $150. If you're 21 or older, it's $250. Either way, it completely waives the DMV motorcycle driving test and you're only required to take the written test with the certificate in your hand, which is a pretty nice benefit on top of getting comfortable with riding on the street in a controlled environment.

I don't know anything about Rider's Edge, but it might even be more affordable since Harley Davidson is probably just wanting you to get comfortable with their bikes so you become a more potential customer.

I highly recommend taking a course either way, especially if you've never actually ridden a motorcycle.

[kareface]

I just picked up a 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250r myself. I agree with what's been mentioned above. Full riding gear is clutch. Also, if you get into it you'll likely come to a point where you'll be riding too fast for the roads. It's important to realize that's the day you need to start looking into some track time to get your speed fix. Best part about the track is it's really hard to kill yourself and you can get a cheaper bike to really let loose with.

[Dmitry]

In PA there was a class I signed up for through the DMV website that was a few days over the course of 2 weeks, where it was half classroom and half riding and at the end you took the motorcycle riding test and got your license if you passed. It was a great experience since I had never driven a motorcycle before, plus they gave me a voucher for a discount on insurance.

Starting out with a smaller bike is a good idea (the bikes in the course were 150s or 250s, I can't remember which), but definitely don't buy new like Uncle Brill said. Dropping it will happen plus when you want more power you won't be out too much money on that first bike.

[Jodwahh]

Make sure you're a registered organ donor.

[*Shinzon*]

First off, let’s cut out all that “You’ll die bullshit” because I have heard nothing but that from people so far and I don’t really care.

Alright so here we go.

So I’m looking to get my motorcycle license sometime over the summer, and I’m wondering, what is the best way to go about it? My aunt who rides recommends a RE (Riders Edge) program through like Harley Davidson or something like that. Is there anything else or any other programs a person can recommend for someone who has little to no experience on a bike.

I’m also looking at Suzuki TU250, GZ250 or Honda Rebel, mostly because they seem like easy bike for beginners and they don’t have a lot of power. I am not looking for some monster bike that can go 150mph+ just something that can get me from point A to point B and something for enjoyable rides.

If anyone can help me out in either that would be awesome, or even know some places in north NJ that I could visit.

First thing is first. Take a certified MSF course, motorcycle safety foundation course. It should be a requirement for licensing. The course will cover all the basis and teach you all the techniques you'll need for slow speed maneuvering and teach you good riding habits. They have courses all over the place and you just need to either search the MSF website or google MSF and your location and it should be that easy to find a course. Just make sure whatever course you take that it is MSF certified. Yes it does matter. At the end of the course they'll give you a test and if you pass their test you get a waiver to take to the DMV. It'll also help with your insurance.

To answer your second part, don't assume that you should automatically go for a 250. First off 250s are small bikes, very small, and some taller people have issues with control placement. You need to find a bike that is comfortable for you, even if that means going for a 500-600cc bike. Bikes are dangerous but only as dangerous as you make em. Take the course first, which will actually take place on a 250, and then decide if you like the way it feels. If it doesn't feel right you can move up. Also never buy a bike before sitting on it, and never buy a used bike unless you know what to look for in a bike, frame, fairing, engine, controls, maintenance.

Here is a guide to buying used bikes: http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html

Hope that helps if you have more questions you can pm me or I'll check back here I guess. Just remember, all gear, all the time or you will end up an organ donor.

[Fhqwghads]

First off, let’s cut out all that “You’ll die bullshit” because I have heard nothing but that from people so far and I don’t really care.

If you lived in a shitty state like I do I'd be inclined to agree with the "you'll die" bullshit, because drivers up here are morons and it rains so often you'd find your bike parked way more often than you'd be riding it. I'm jealous of all the sun you get, and I miss riding around on my piece of shit Honda.

Also, you didn't mention it but motorcycles get astronomical gas mileage, and with the way things are right now riding one is incredibly smart (stupid drivers and bad weather aside) and will save you a ton of money both in cost of the bike, gas, and insurance.

[kareface]

I agree with your comment, but the one good thing about Seattle riding is during the summer you get the super long & beautiful days. It's only a 4th of the year, but man when it comes

[Ace-o-fire]

First thing is first. Take a certified MSF course, motorcycle safety foundation course. It should be a requirement for licensing. The course will cover all the basis and teach you all the techniques you'll need for slow speed maneuvering and teach you good riding habits. They have courses all over the place and you just need to either search the MSF website or google MSF and your location and it should be that easy to find a course. Just make sure whatever course you take that it is MSF certified. Yes it does matter. At the end of the course they'll give you a test and if you pass their test you get a waiver to take to the DMV. It'll also help with your insurance.

To answer your second part, don't assume that you should automatically go for a 250. First off 250s are small bikes, very small, and some taller people have issues with control placement. You need to find a bike that is comfortable for you, even if that means going for a 500-600cc bike. Bikes are dangerous but only as dangerous as you make em. Take the course first, which will actually take place on a 250, and then decide if you like the way it feels. If it doesn't feel right you can move up. Also never buy a bike before sitting on it, and never buy a used bike unless you know what to look for in a bike, frame, fairing, engine, controls, maintenance.

Here is a guide to buying used bikes: http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html

Hope that helps if you have more questions you can pm me or I'll check back here I guess. Just remember, all gear, all the time or you will end up an organ donor.

Well I'm not a big guy 5'5'' 5'6'' on a good day so that is why i was leaning to something smaller. Anything you would recommend looking through for a used bike in terms of like cycletrader or ebay motors, or am i better off with print adds?

and this is what i'm looking for in terms of finding a course right?

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Licenses/...g-courses.html

[*Shinzon*]

Well I'm not a big guy 5'5'' 5'6'' on a good day so that is why i was leaning to something smaller. Anything you would recommend looking through for a used bike in terms of like cycletrader or ebay motors, or am i better off with print adds?

and this is what i'm looking for in terms of finding a course right?

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Licenses/...g-courses.html

@ the link, yeah that looks about right. Says its an MSF course which is what you need. I took it a course at a place a friend recommended so I knew the place already and the course was legit. Give them a call and just ask they should be giving you material printed by the MSF for course.

As for the bike, again it's all personal preference. You need to really sit on a bike to determine whether or not its comfortable. For instance, I'm very uncomfortable on standard/cruiser style bikes. I just don't like having my feet that far out in front of my body. So I gravitate towards the sport bike, streetfighter type of bike. My favorite feeling bike is the GSX-R because rather than feeling like you're sitting on top of the bike, like the Kawasaki and Honda's and Yamaha's you feel like you're sitting inside the bike. That's something you'll only be able to tell sitting on them. The Javitz center in NYC should be hosting the international motorcycle show sometime this year, unless it happened already. That would be the perfect place to sit on all types of bikes if you could make it into the city.

[Zeb]

First thing is first. Take a certified MSF course, motorcycle safety foundation course. It should be a requirement for licensing. The course will cover all the basis and teach you all the techniques you'll need for slow speed maneuvering and teach you good riding habits. They have courses all over the place and you just need to either search the MSF website or google MSF and your location and it should be that easy to find a course. Just make sure whatever course you take that it is MSF certified. Yes it does matter. At the end of the course they'll give you a test and if you pass their test you get a waiver to take to the DMV. It'll also help with your insurance.

To answer your second part, don't assume that you should automatically go for a 250. First off 250s are small bikes, very small, and some taller people have issues with control placement. You need to find a bike that is comfortable for you, even if that means going for a 500-600cc bike. Bikes are dangerous but only as dangerous as you make em. Take the course first, which will actually take place on a 250, and then decide if you like the way it feels. If it doesn't feel right you can move up. Also never buy a bike before sitting on it, and never buy a used bike unless you know what to look for in a bike, frame, fairing, engine, controls, maintenance.

Here is a guide to buying used bikes: http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html

Hope that helps if you have more questions you can pm me or I'll check back here I guess. Just remember, all gear, all the time or you will end up an organ donor.

+1ing what Shinzon said.

Definitely take the MSF class. Don't be afraid to buy a 500/600cc bike as your first bike. You will drop it at some point, so used is good to an extent but can be bad if you don't know what to look for when buying. After you've bought your bike and you find you're doing a lot of riding, you might want to look into getting a Corbin seat. I never would have been able to ride 1500 miles in two days without mine. If there is any bike festivals out there, you can go there to get a lot better selection on riding gear than what you're going to find at a dealership.


Also also. Do not buy a helmet without wearing it for 30 minutes in the store. Seriously, it may sound stupid to wear a helmet around the store for 30 minutes, but you can't really tell how comfortable it's going to be in a short amount of time. Different brands/models have different shapes. Some helmets are more oval, some more elongated. So an medium Arai Corsair helmet is going to fit differently than an Arai RX-Q.

[*Shinzon*]

+1ing what Shinzon said.

Definitely take the MSF class. Don't be afraid to buy a 500/600cc bike as your first bike. You will drop it at some point, so used is good to an extent but can be bad if you don't know what to look for when buying. After you've bought your bike and you find you're doing a lot of riding, you might want to look into getting a Corbin seat. I never would have been able to ride 1500 miles in two days without mine. If there is any bike festivals out there, you can go there to get a lot better selection on riding gear than what you're going to find at a dealership.


Also also. Do not buy a helmet without wearing it for 30 minutes in the store. Seriously, it may sound stupid to wear a helmet around the store for 30 minutes, but you can't really tell how comfortable it's going to be in a short amount of time. Different brands/models have different shapes. Some helmets are more oval, some more elongated. So an medium Arai Corsair helmet is going to fit differently than an Arai RX-Q.

@ the helmet comment yea. Really there's 3 types. Arai heads, Shoei heads, and HJC/combination heads.

[Militant]

Suzuki SV-650. V-twin power/torque. Enough power to last you more than a season or two (You will out grow a 250 or 500 fast), but not too much power for a novice to handle (like the 4 cyl race bikes, gsxr600, r6, etc). Comes in two styles, full fairing, and naked. Amazing starter bike.

[kareface]

Suzuki SV-650. V-twin power/torque. Enough power to last you more than a season or two (You will out grow a 250 or 500 fast), but not too much power for a novice to handle (like the 4 cyl race bikes, gsxr600, r6, etc). Comes in two styles, full fairing, and naked. Amazing starter bike.

I disagree with this. Most of my friends that race prefer going around town on a 250 over their higher cc racing bikes. Unless you're carrying a lot of weight or a passenger a 250 is more than enough for most people. When a friend of mine was trading his 600 for a 250 and cash, they both test rode each others bikes and Levi left the guy on the 600 in the dust. It's how you ride, not how big your engine is. If you have to commute on the freeway often picking up a 600 makes sense. However for having fun, real knee dragging, a 250cc bike will handle a lot better than most of the heavier 600 in the turns. Power isn't everything, especially starting out.

[jmc]

I just pulled the plug on a 2010 suzuki gsx-750r, its a good fit for someone of my size (6ft).

Can't really say much about the classes, besides take them like everyone else has said.

as for buying a bike, just do your homework on it..... and sit on many different styles before you settle on one.

[Boyiee]

I disagree with this. Most of my friends that race prefer going around town on a 250 over their higher cc racing bikes. Unless you're carrying a lot of weight or a passenger a 250 is more than enough for most people. When a friend of mine was trading his 600 for a 250 and cash, they both test rode each others bikes and Levi left the guy on the 600 in the dust. It's how you ride, not how big your engine is. If you have to commute on the freeway often picking up a 600 makes sense. However for having fun, real knee dragging, a 250cc bike will handle a lot better than most of the heavier 600 in the turns. Power isn't everything, especially starting out.

wut.

Cruisers are much better for riding around, but a 250? Christ. Riding a 600 doesn't make sense for a highway/freeway either. 600s are like toys, they want to be in high rpms, they are shitty for any distances.

2010 suzuki gsx-750r, its a good fit for someone of my size (6ft)

Crotch rockets have nothing to do with a persons size. Go look at the difference in dimensions of a ZX6, gsxr750, zx10, and 14.

As mentioned, you should take the safety riding courses. You should start out small, nothing larger than a 600 especially if its a crotch rocket. Cruisers are much easier to ride around on, drive slowly on, do the motorcycle test and do those little turns and maneuvers on. Much better for every day riding, riding distances, etc. Also, the bigger bikes are just heavier, they aren't any harder to drive. In fact if anything they are more balanced and easier to ride. A cruiser is a better bike to start out on, like a rebel or shadow. Crotch rockets are a completely different ride. They are fun, but they suck for doing distance on.

[*Shinzon*]

That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. I'm sure they enjoy being laughed at when they are on their honda rebels instead of their zx10s. Cruisers are much better for riding around, but a 250? Christ. Riding a 600 doesn't make sense for a highway/freeway either. 600s are like toys, they want to be in high rpms, they are shitty for any distances. Man I've never seen anyone say their friends who 'race' or take bikes to the track ride a shitty 250 around town. Everyone I know just wants something bigger and faster, even if they do take it to the track.

Crotch rockets have nothing to do with a persons size. Go look at the difference in dimensions of a ZX6, gsxr750, zx10, and 14.

As mentioned, you should take the safety riding courses. You should start out small, nothing larger than a 600 especially if its a crotch rocket. Cruisers are much easier to ride around on, drive slowly on, do the motorcycle test and do those little turns and maneuvers on. Much better for every day riding, riding distances, etc. Also, the bigger bikes are just heavier, they aren't any harder to drive. In fact if anything they are more balanced and easier to ride. A cruiser is a better bike to start out on, like a rebel or shadow.

It does matter about the size of the rider. For several reasons. First of hand controls vary in terms of height and ergonomics. Some people who are taller may have difficulties on certain bikes, and vice versa. For example, I'm a shorter guy at 5'10 and I don't at all feel comfortable on Ducati's because I have to reach a bit further on the controls than I'd like to. Similarly I have that same feeling on the R6. The GSX is perfect for me as I mentioned above.

As for power, bikes are different and have different uses. A ninja 250 is actually a really great track bike and long distance, canyon twisty bike. Great mileage and it's light. Same with the 600s. Great track bikes because they are lighter than the litre bikes offer sharper steering response. Litre bikes typically get destroyed on the track by 600s. Litre bikes and above are great for people who do a lot of straight line riding.

[FNH]

wut.

Cruisers are much better for riding around, but a 250?

There are 250cc sport bikes. They handle the stop and go of city driving better, better gas mileage, more than enough acceleration, etc.

[Boyiee]

Guess I thought he meant his friends that race get on shitty honda rebels for riding around... which is a fucking joke lol.

It does matter about the size of the rider. For several reasons. First of hand controls vary in terms of height and ergonomics. Some people who are taller may have difficulties on certain bikes, and vice versa. For example, I'm a shorter guy at 5'10 and I don't at all feel comfortable on Ducati's because I have to reach a bit further on the controls than I'd like to. Similarly I have that same feeling on the R6. The GSX is perfect for me as I mentioned above.

As for power, bikes are different and have different uses. A ninja 250 is actually a really great track bike and long distance, canyon twisty bike. Great mileage and it's light. Same with the 600s. Great track bikes because they are lighter than the litre bikes offer sharper steering response. Litre bikes typically get destroyed on the track by 600s. Litre bikes and above are great for people who do a lot of straight line riding.

The controls on my cbr600, gixxer 750, and my brothers zx10 are almost identical. Not to mention, you can change all of that shit. The bikes are the same height, and only vary by a few pounds in weight once you get over 600 (as far as crotch rockets go). Some bikes the seat lets you sit up more, some force you on the tank more. Otherwise, they are the same height off the ground and don't vary all that much anywhere else.