Motorcycles, a newbies guide.

[Tyche]

If a man wanted a bike, yet has never driven a bike, what would one suggest as a starter bike? Since it'd be a man's first foray into biking, a man would like to buy used and spend little. What should a man look for?

[bluefan]

Ninja EX500.

[BaneTheBrawler]

A girl should be bloody too. This is her work.

[jmc]

If a man wanted a bike, yet has never driven a bike, what would one suggest as a starter bike? Since it'd be a man's first foray into biking, a man would like to buy used and spend little. What should a man look for?

What style bike are you looking for?

[Tyche]

More ninja and less Harley? I'd look fucking goofy on a Harley. I'm neither muscular or tattooed, and I don't wear leather.

[LittleSlurpee]

I've asked this same question to a friend of mine who rides bikes.

Crotch rocket is going to be less comfortable than a harley type bike.

You don't *need* tattoos to ride one. Leather is just to protect your skin in the case of a fall, because if you don't, you're likely to get road rash (which hurts like hell, makes for terrible scars, and terrible business plucking out bits of rock and other debris from your flesh in the event of a fall). To begin, wear at least jeans in either case for riding, and a helmet. Don't be one of those idiots who go without.

If you're determined to get a crotch rocket, I don't know what you should get. I'd just say whatever has the least amount of power.

In respect to a harley type bike, I think I was told something like a C400? Same idea is something low in power. You don't need to go screaming fast when you're just learning.

That's about all I can think to say. I'm sure someone with more experience could be more helpful.

[GRT]

http://www.pipeburn.com/home/2012/4/...aschine-5.html

http://www.pipeburn.com/storage/20_0...=1334918576628

[Zeb]

A lot of people are going to say buy a smalled used bike, because you will most likely drop it. Some people will say buy something a little bit bigger because you'll grow out of the small bike. But you weigh 12lbs so stick with the advice from the former people. If you plan on spending more than an hour on the bike at a time, put more emphasis on something comfortable in the seat and riding position areas. Also look for comfort in the helmet. Look for a MSF class, it's like a 3 day class that will earn you your motorcycle endorsement for your license. It may also help on insurance if you go that route for your bike.

[miokomioko]

Look for a MSF class, it's like a 3 day class that will earn you your motorcycle endorsement for your license. It may also help on insurance if you go that route for your bike.

This is the first thing you should be doing before even considering what kind if bike you might want. The information is invaluable for those who have have little experience riding. I'm not sure about other states, but in CA, it's $150 if you're 21 or under and $250 if you're 22 and up... passing the course waives the DMV driving test, and the certifcation almost always can get you a discount on insurance.

[Tyche]

http://www.pipeburn.com/home/2012/4/...aschine-5.html

http://www.pipeburn.com/storage/20_0...=1334918576628

See, I love that bike. If I had unlimited funds and experience, I'd restore something like that. I love the old Honda CLs.

Harley isn't going to work though, although I'm sure some guy riding a Harley in hospital scrubs would make for a beautiful dichotomy. I'll probably be using it ,ostly for work travel. My wife will not ride it with me, and I think it's against some god-written rule to tote other males along with you.

Edit: found a nearby msf course. $100, 3 days. Shouldn't be a problem doing that.

[kareface]

I have a kawasaki 250r and I'd heavily suggest it for street riding. The only good reason to own a bike that is higher cc is track riding. The idiots who get the 1000+ cc bikes and ride on the street are rolling coffins. The only reason you'd need that much power is if you are racing. If you want a rush, get a track bike and avoid killing yourself on the freeway.

[Ragnus]

I have a kawasaki 250r and I'd heavily suggest it for street riding. The only good reason to own a bike that is higher cc is track riding. The idiots who get the 1000+ cc bikes and ride on the street are rolling coffins. The only reason you'd need that much power is if you are racing. If you want a rush, get a track bike and avoid killing yourself on the freeway.

The man speaks the truth about the higher cc bikes. My motorcycle, which is my first, is a 650cc and I've never had to break 4th gear on it so far. 250cc is nice for street riding and learning but I wouldn't feel safe on one since they don't have the power needed to emergency accelerate or the ability to really go on the highway. Look for a bike in the 500-700cc range and it will be more than you'll ever need.

Start by going to a used dealership and just sit on bikes without having any notion of actually riding it. See how it feels, whether the height is too restrictive in either direction and, if they let you, try walking it around while sitting on the seat because you're going to be doing that a lot when parking.

As mentioned, get into a riding class as soon as you get a permit. It will be about a weekend of work but, at the same time, it will teach you everything you need to know about the basics and, in some states, will let you bypass the motorcycle license exam while netting a discount on insurance for life.

Now then. Gear. Helmet, Cycling Jacket, and Cycling Gloves at the very least in my opinion. Make sure the helmet is Snell approved because it seems like the DOT will approve just about anything that sits on your head from a full face helmet to a chrome pot with a pillow for padding. I have an HJC helmet which I do recommend but watch out since they also make helmets that are not Snell approved. My girlfriend too a wipe at 75mph with this stuff on and lucked out by only getting some road rash on her side.

Watch out for things like leaves and road paint when it's wet. They're just as slippery as ice.

Keep it slow at first, practice in a parking lot, and don't push yourself. Despite being really dangerous, motorcycling has been one of the best things that's come into my life.

Some pics

My bike:



My helmet:

[Clash Perez]

Seconding pretty much everything Ragnus said.

There are plenty of non-Harley 'cruisers' out there. I got a 2001 Suzuki Volusia (805cc) used for $2600 with the idea that it would be a starter bike, but I've since seen no real reason to buy anything else.

pic:

Spoiler: show

stock photo ofc
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gal...ru%20Volus.jpg

Hopefully your MSC will have a few of each style so that you can get a feel for which fits you best. Personally I can't imagine spending much time at all on a crotch-rocket due to the riding position.

[Dantrag]

Don't buy a Super Sports. Waste of money. I bought an R6 a while back and regret it to this day. I would buy a cruiser in a heart beat though.

[*Shinzon*]

Take the MSF certified course as mentioned. Learn on a 250cc bike. Suzuki GS 250 or Ninja 250r are bikes you can get for about a grand and learn to ride safely on.

[Ragnus]

Hopefully your MSC will have a few of each style so that you can get a feel for which fits you best. Personally I can't imagine spending much time at all on a crotch-rocket due to the riding position.

Yeah. I was the same way. I trashed my lower back in a bad fall snowboarding so the hunched forward position was uncomfortable for me. Despite having the look of a sport bike, the Versys has a very upright riding position.

[Dantrag]

Take the MSF certified course as mentioned. Learn on a 250cc bike. Suzuki GS 250 or Ninja 250r are bikes you can get for about a grand and learn to ride safely on.

This as well, I took the course and it was decently fun enough. I wouldn't consider getting a 250cc bike for real world roads though. They're a bit too slow for me to be comfortable riding in every day situations.

[Ragnus]

Yeah. I think I was almost all the way open in 3rd gear on my 250cc in class and only going like 30mph. Despite looking like one, a 250cc bike is a scooter in disguise. You'll outgrow it in less than 3 months.

[Zansho]

What I started out with was a Honda Rebel (my dad's old bike) then when I knew I wanted power and a bit more comfort, I bought myself a Suzuki Boulevard S40, single stroke, about 650 CCs. I rarely find myself hitting 5th gear on most riding I do, and it has plenty of power for the highway.

If you're curious, the S40 can be had used for around 2.5-3k. The "Cafe Runner" type bikes are actually a lot of fun to ride - I've ridden a few restored Honda Cafe'd bikes, and they were tons of fun.

Here's a link to the S40 - http://moto.suzuki.ca/Product%20Line.../2012/S40.aspx

They also have some cool classic style bikes: http://moto.suzuki.ca/Product%20Line...12/TU250X.aspx

If you want to go more into cafe style - I strongly suggest looking at a Triumph. Great bikes. http://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/mo...range/classics

Word of advice though. If you're planning on doing a shit ton of highway riding, I strongly suggest getting windshield, not only for the bugs, but also for the shit ton of wind that's going to be hitting your body at highway speeds, tiring you out a quite a bit on the long rides. Get some comfortable riding gloves, a bit longer pants than you normally wear, and a GOOD jacket that lets you be seen from the sky. If you're gonna get a black bike or something like that, you better get something that helps you be seen by the idiots out there who don't give a rats ass about people on bikes. Helmet is a MUST, and good sunglasses, if you're going visorless.

[Dantrag]

And be prepared to be hit by rocks if you ride on the interstate. Those fuckers hurt. Even a big bug feels like a paintball hitting you in the shoulder...