Motorcycle, Where to start?

[kareface]

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.

We know very different riders. The most experienced riders I know are the ones that are more interested bikes that are fun drag your knees with rather than rockets for getting around. The biggest idiots I've known are the type of people who would do something like laugh at other riders for not buying a cruise missile with wheels. Pick up a 600+ and by the time you get to use most of that power you'll be breaking laws or worse. I can see having them for track day, but if you're ripping down the freeway at speeds to justify the difference in engine size you might as well donate your organs now to save people the trouble of scraping them off the pavement. Most good bikes below 600cc's are lighter and easier to maneuver than their higher cc counterparts. Unless you weigh more than shamoo, why on earth would you ever justify getting a crotch rocket over 600cc for street riding?

[Boyiee]

Depends on the street we are riding on, doesn't it? A 600 is a toy, anything smaller is even more of a toy. For doing wheelies, stoppies, beating the shit out of, snapping off a line, etc. By the time you use the power you'll be breaking laws... well duh? People get crotch rockets go to fast, not for the ride. Never said I'd laugh at someone for not buying a cruise missle with wheels, but I'd sure as hell laugh at a guy getting off his busa and getting on a 250 rebel just cause he wants to ride some side streets.

Drag your knees with? Like you'd do with any 600+ bike on the track?

The people I ride with buy one bike at a time, not 2. They want a zx10 to go to the track with, they arent also buying a shitty 250 to go get groceries with.

Unless you weigh more than shamoo, why on earth would you ever justify getting a crotch rocket over 600cc for street riding?

Why are we bringing up weight? The difference in street bikes over 600 isn't how big the rider is.

[jmc]

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.

I rode a harley roadking for awhile due to work, so I know its a whole different ballpark going to a crotchrocket.

as for distance driving, i'll still always stick to my subaru lol

[Zeb]

I'll 2nd the SV650 suggestion, I did a test ride on one at Bike Week in Daytona a couple years ago. Great bike, was comfortable, had enough power and didn't feel like a pig.

Still going to buy an Aprilia Tuono when I win the lottery.

[Boyiee]

Also fyi most dealers and used sellers won't let you test drive the bike... some wont even let you sit on them.

[Zeb]

If you go to a dealer where you can't sit on the bike, walk the fuck out and don't come back.

or stop being black.

[*Shinzon*]

Anyway, you're not going to be buying a litre bike or a 1200cc+ machine until you're an experienced rider because that's too much torque and power for a novice. Riding in straight lines is nothing more than commuting and doesn't matter how much power your machine has. Simply put 600s are that perfect balance. A more than capable street machine, daily commuter and twisty road carver. Unless you're always going to have a passenger 600s will be more than enough power to get you in trouble with the authorities. Only reason litre bikes are so mainstream is because most people gauge penis size by top speed since very few people actually make the investment to track and those who do own multiple bikes. Cruiser/tourer bikes have 1200cc+ to carry the extra passenger weight and unless you need to go 150mph with some regularity by yourself, well yea.

[kareface]

Depends on the street we are riding on, doesn't it? A 600 is a toy, anything smaller is even more of a toy. For doing wheelies, stoppies, beating the shit out of, snapping off a line, etc. By the time you use the power you'll be breaking laws... well duh? People get crotch rockets go to fast, not for the ride. Never said I'd laugh at someone for not buying a cruise missle with wheels, but I'd sure as hell laugh at a guy getting off his busa and getting on a 250 rebel just cause he wants to ride some side streets.

Drag your knees with? Like you'd do with any 600+ bike on the track?

The people I ride with buy one bike at a time, not 2. They want a zx10 to go to the track with, they arent also buying a shitty 250 to go get groceries with.



Why are we bringing up weight? The difference in street bikes over 600 isn't how big the rider is.

With a 250, someone like me who weighs 145 will see a notable difference when going up hills over someone who weighs 300+. Having a passenger on the back of a 250 will noticeably kill the performance. Lot's of hills here so it stands out.

As for the track comment, take whatever you want to the track. It's much harder to kill yourself or someone else on the track than on the street. Riding is like a drug, you don't realize when it's time to take yourself to the track until you've almost killed yourself. If you want to go through the pearly gates upside down in a ball of fire, I'm all for it; just don't do it where you're going to kill someone else in the process. The streets are dangerous enough for motorcycles. My friends brother lost both his legs when he rammed into a tree trying to dodge a dear. My other friend totaled his 250r when he hit a patch of oil in a turn. Luckily he was fine. One of the guys I know who races was in a casts and in and out of surgery for years when he was hit by a car. I can't even imaging what it would be like to be in a series of casts for as long as he was.

[kareface]

Also fyi most dealers and used sellers won't let you test drive the bike... some wont even let you sit on them.

What? I think the bike scene where you are is crazy different from where I live, lol.

Edit: I'm one of those idiots that loves a smaller cc bike, I'll deal with the laughter.

Spoiler: show

http://static.blogo.it/motoblog/kawa...250r_se_01.jpg

[miokomioko]

If you're buying a used bike from a private party, let them hold onto a chunk of the money for a test drive (I see this a ton on Craigslist). I would never even consider purchasing a bike without getting to at least drive it a few blocks. That's insane.

[Plow]

Have you considered starting out on a trike? They're much easier to learn on and while still nothing like a car level of safety, they are a lot safer.

[Boyiee]

Go to a Harley Dealer and ask to test drive, you'll be laughed at. Most private sellers don't want you driving it first either due to risk of scratching or dropping and lowering it's value. Same reason some may not let you sit on it, who wants a nice big scratch to the gastank when they are selling a bike.

[miokomioko]

Most private sellers don't want you driving it first either due to risk of scratching or dropping and lowering it's value. Same reason some may not let you sit on it, who wants a nice big scratch to the gastank when they are selling a bike.

Which is why any private sellers that even consider a test-drive demand to hold onto the money. It makes sense.

[bluefan]

I only have 5 years of riding under my belt, so my experience is pretty limited. IMO, I think it's a good idea to take a course of some sort, even if you have some riding experience. Instructors can give some insight that may prove valuable in time. For me, on more than one occasion, its saved my sorry ass. Plus, you get to know some possible future cruise buddies.

As for a first bike....well, I decided to go with the Ninja 500. Sure, I guess you can consider a toy, which it has become for me, but value wise, and for beginners, it's a great bike. They're like the Honda Civics, everywhere, plenty of spare parts for them, cheap, reliable and a good resale value. The only real problem I have with it is aesthetically, but whatever, it's just a first bike.

I already have 2 buyers interested in my bike, for about 80% of what I paid for it. Took a 650 for a ride a couple of weeks ago, and I'm fairly certain that'll be my second and final bike. Only 5'7 and 130lbs, so anything larger just feels too bulky to me. Plus, I live in Winnipeg. Not really known for our roads...well, not in a good way.

[*Shinzon*]

I only have 5 years of riding under my belt, so my experience is pretty limited. IMO, I think it's a good idea to take a course of some sort, even if you have some riding experience. Instructors can give some insight that may prove valuable in time. For me, on more than one occasion, its saved my sorry ass. Plus, you get to know some possible future cruise buddies.

As for a first bike....well, I decided to go with the Ninja 500. Sure, I guess you can consider a toy, which it has become for me, but value wise, and for beginners, it's a great bike. They're like the Honda Civics, everywhere, plenty of spare parts for them, cheap, reliable and a good resale value. The only real problem I have with it is aesthetically, but whatever, it's just a first bike.

I already have 2 buyers interested in my bike, for about 80% of what I paid for it. Took a 650 for a ride a couple of weeks ago, and I'm fairly certain that'll be my second and final bike. Only 5'7 and 130lbs, so anything larger just feels too bulky to me. Plus, I live in Winnipeg. Not really known for our roads...well, not in a good way.

Most 600s retain value very well. Same with 250s because of the quick rollover rate. Someone buys one, learns, upgrades to a 600. My friend just got a brand new ZX-14 that he and his wife ride for 9k. A brand new bike that was 3 years old on the dealer floor and retails for 14k. Not a real good market for those bikes lately.

[Furtwangler]

I only have 5 years of riding under my belt, so my experience is pretty limited. IMO, I think it's a good idea to take a course of some sort, even if you have some riding experience. Instructors can give some insight that may prove valuable in time. For me, on more than one occasion, its saved my sorry ass. Plus, you get to know some possible future cruise buddies.



As for a first bike....well, I decided to go with the Ninja 500. Sure, I guess you can consider a toy, which it has become for me, but value wise, and for beginners, it's a great bike. They're like the Honda Civics, everywhere, plenty of spare parts for them, cheap, reliable and a good resale value. The only real problem I have with it is aesthetically, but whatever, it's just a first bike.

I already have 2 buyers interested in my bike, for about 80% of what I paid for it. Took a 650 for a ride a couple of weeks ago, and I'm fairly certain that'll be my second and final bike. Only 5'7 and 130lbs, so anything larger just feels too bulky to me. Plus, I live in Winnipeg. Not really known for our roads...well, not in a good way.

I'll second this, as well as what Shinzon said about the courses. I bought a Ninja 500 right off the bat, for 2k, with 11k miles on it. Got my permit, rode around my street a few times, then took the Motorcycle Safety Course, which imo you really should be required to do. Cost me 250 I believe, and you get your full license if you pass their road/written test at the end. Also a small % out of your insurance.

I'm more than happy with the power the 500 gives me (5' 10" 160 for reference) even with a friend on the back, it's not bad although I wouldn't make it a habit carrying people with that bike, it's a chore. Has good resale value, and I use it at my University 2 hours away during the warm months, works well on the thruway going 75mph with plenty of room to spare if I need to gun it around some large trucks etc.

Can't go wrong with this bike for a starter. I wouldn't go any larger.

[miokomioko]

Like what was mentioned, you can turn around most common Japanese bikes super fast, so don't think you're making a long-term investment by buying one, especially if it turns out to simply not fit your body type after a few days of straddling it. It's absolutely nothing like dealing with buying/reselling cars. Even if you really like the idea of some unnecessary Italian/British/etc. bike (I have my eye on a Speed Triple...), just start out with pretty much anything on your local Craigslist for 1~2 grand tops. There's always going to be someone else at this same point in their riding experience ready to buy it off of you when you decide to graduate into a beefier bike, if it's even necessary.

[AidenCarby]

If you're absolutely just starting, I'd recommend a cheap 500 dollar dirt bike you can run into the ground until you get a feel for it. Then work your way up. Also, never handle beyond your means..since you're starting I'd say don't drive in the dark, nor when it rains. If you absolutely have to drive your bike wait until it's done raining so the roads aren't as slippery. Don't be a dumbass like my friend Darius who killed himself, driving out of his means. Have his LE all Black Yamaha 1k sitting in my garage under the covers as a result :\

[Brill Weave]

Oh forgot to add this. When you're buying a helmet don't go cheap. Seriously. Don't go into Kmart and buy a forty dollar helmet. Your helmet needs to be great quality.