Motorcycles, a newbies guide.

[Dantrag]

I just stayed out of the middle of the lane in the rain.

[Boyiee]

Just... no. High beam isn't even needed 90% of the time.



you'll be fine, just don't try and take any sharp corners.

If you aren't riding with high beams, I'm sorry you are just fucking stupid and I can't put that any nicer. Maybe not at night, but during the day you'd be retarded not to be riding with them on.

edit: and yes get off the road for a bit for at least a few minutes. The worst part about the rain is if you aren't wearing gloves, shit is like tiny needles.

[Boyiee]

I just stayed out of the middle of the lane in the rain.

center position
it is not true that riding in the center of a lane is dangerous because of the grease
strip residue left by other vehicles. Still, it is best to ride slightly to the left or the
right of center. unless the road is wet with rain, traction on most grease strips is
the same as the rest of the pavement. However, big grease buildups found at busy
intersections or toll booths should be avoided.

From updated motorcycle manuals. In the rain all areas will be slick.

[Dantrag]

If you aren't riding with high beams, I'm sorry you are just fucking stupid and I can't put that any nicer. Maybe not at night, but during the day you'd be retarded not to be riding with them on.

Explain why instead of straight up calling me fucking stupid when I haven't even ridden in 3 years. Riding or driving any vehicle at night with hi-beams on full time is not even remotely safe.

[Boyiee]

at night with hi-beams on full time is not even remotely safe.

High beams. All times of day.

Day means day where I live.

[bluefan]

So I've been doing some searching. Ninja EX500 (any different than a 500R?) are seemingly difficult to find around here. The 250's are much more abundant. 250 just too little, even for starters?

No difference. It's just a naming thing Kawasaki changed to make it sound sportier. Though if you look at the engine blocks of the 500R, they say EX500 because the only thing to have changed on the bike in the last couple decades really is just the colour lol. Such a solid bike.

250s are definitely easier to find now. Plenty of 250s here used and new for sale here, but not a single EX500 like your area.

[Ghost_Wheel22]

Why does it seem like on a lot of bikes their headlights have a bit of flicker? Or am I just high?

[FNH]

You got fucking lucky son. Holy shit.

Oh I know I went probably 100 yards in the accident rolled on my back when I had a backpack on which flipped me in the air and slammed me on my helmet. I do not take this wreck for granted, I have not ridden since, but do wan to get back in the saddle.

[miokomioko]

Why does it seem like on a lot of bikes their headlights have a bit of flicker? Or am I just high?

Most are built to flicker so they are more noticeable to other drivers. A flickering light in your mirror is going to get a lot more attention than a standard headlight.

[bluefan]

Trading in my EX500 for a Gladius 650 on Monday. Can't wait.

[Zansho]

Yeah, I think I'm selling my S40 and getting something slightly bigger. I did think about a Harley 883, or perhaps a Suzuki Boulevard M50..

[bluefan]

S40 to M50 is quite the jump. Though I did sit on one when I was finalizing my trade in, very comfortable.

[Zansho]

I've been riding since 18, 35 now . I've handled a friend's Night Train (which fucking was amazing, but scary at the same time), and have ridden some other stuff like some HD Vrod bikes, couple of Wide Glides, and rode a Goldwing XD. I think I can handle an M50. I'm very careful of how I ride, and it's not my main means of transportation - I use it as a weekend thing to hang out with buddies on couple of trips and jaunts.

[jmc]

Yeah, I think I'm selling my S40 and getting something slightly bigger. I did think about a Harley 883, or perhaps a Suzuki Boulevard M50..

If your looking at newer 883's, i must say the '12 superlow is a nice comfortable ride

[Dngnhack]

I say get a gsxr1000.... they have modes that let you turn them down to "beginner" or something so its like riding a smaller powered bike and if you want to be faster once your more experienced you flick a switch, not write a check. I think beginner mode is 600 or something not quite sure... wifey said no to bike so i bought a vette.


edit: googled it to be sure has 3 modes A B and C .... A = 100% power... B= roughly equiv to a 750.... C= Roughly equiv to a 600.

[FNH]

I say get a gsxr1000.... they have modes that let you turn them down to "beginner" or something so its like riding a smaller powered bike and if you want to be faster once your more experienced you flick a switch, not write a check. I think beginner mode is 600 or something not quite sure... wifey said no to bike so i bought a vette.


edit: googled it to be sure has 3 modes A B and C .... A = 100% power... B= roughly equiv to a 750.... C= Roughly equiv to a 600.

Prob goes without saying, but don't listen to this guy.

[Grimeybob]

I say get a gsxr1000.... they have modes that let you turn them down to "beginner" or something so its like riding a smaller powered bike and if you want to be faster once your more experienced you flick a switch, not write a check. I think beginner mode is 600 or something not quite sure... wifey said no to bike so i bought a vette.


edit: googled it to be sure has 3 modes A B and C .... A = 100% power... B= roughly equiv to a 750.... C= Roughly equiv to a 600.

I usually lurk, and don't post much... But do not listen to this guy. Please god don't listen to this advice. I haven't read the full thread, but if it's your first bike, start with something small. You have the rest of your life to upgrade. Notable mentions being: 250 anything, ninja 500, or SV650/ ninja 650. To not be hypocritical, you can start on a 600 (I did, years later, still here) but it's alot more comfortable/easier to learn on a lower bike. If you happen to panic and jerk the throttle on a 250... Nothing happens. Panic and jerk the throttle on a 600? Sup wheelie. A literbike? Sup rainbow wheelie. You can learn to ride on any bike... But weaker bikes are generally the best to ride on, based on statistics and facts from however fuck many years motorcycles have been around.

[seppuku-gb]

I've been riding for 5 years on the street now and I started from the same point you did. I had no clue about motorcycles at all and I had very little guidance. My first bike I ever bought was an old kawasaki ZZR600 and looking back on the purchase now I would have done differently. Getting a full fairing sports bike is a pretty bad way to start out due to many reasons. It attracts the wrong kind of attention for a new rider (red light races, etc...), it takes more effort to perform basic maintenance (due to having to take off the fairings to do a good job), its more difficult to learn to ride on, and it costs MUCH more for full insurance.

My recommendation would be to by a standard style motorcycle. You can pick them up cheap and they are the best type of bike to learn on. Something like an old sv650, speed triple, or fz800 is still sporty but is actually a standard bike. Replacement parts are less expensive in general (you will drop your bike) insurance is less then half the cost and they are plentiful. I was pretty hesitant to sell my R1 and switch to a standard, but now I doubt I'll ever go back. I just picked up a new Monster 696 and it is by far the most comfortable and easy to drive bike I've ever owned.

Anyone who tells you to buy something bigger then a 600cc bike is giving you bad advice. the difference between a 600cc and liter bike on the street is marginal but the cost of owning a liter bike is much more and it is a heavier, more cumbersome bike to drive. I didn't even drive my monster when I lived in Japan, I would use my ninja 250. Just don't let the superficial shit get to you and you'll have tons of fun for much less money (I've learned the costly way).

Edit** If you live near a track you should try to attend during track days. Its a great way to meet more experienced riders and they'll teach you how to handle your bike better. It's not racing, its more for fun and learning.

[Zansho]

If your looking at newer 883's, i must say the '12 superlow is a nice comfortable ride

Went to look at some today, and I did fancy the Superlows - but wayyy more than I wanted to spend. A father who was at the dealership saw my nice S40, and tried to convince me to sell it to him to give to his son as a starter bike, lol. The S40 is definitely a great starter bike, but will probably stay with you for a good while too.

[Nemesio]

As a first bike I bought a Yamaha R1. Many said I was dumb, and many said it would be a poor idea. It ended up being one of the best decisions I feel. The power was a lot to deal with at first, but I think it helped me gain respect for it a lot quicker. Not to mention it teaches you damn fast what it can and can't do. As long as you aren't retarded, I don't think the power is that much of a concern. The option to do something dumb is there, but it doesn't mean you HAVE to do it. A small amount of restraint has kept all my organs on me, and me off the road.