M-Class License.

[Zansho]

For what it's worth, I got my M Class about 6 months ago, and took the riding lessons. I was all hardcore about getting a Honda CBR or something like that, and when I rode it, it was fucking uncomfortable. Short rides, no problem. Long rides (I live in Austin, where everything is really far apart if you want to go somewhere.) were a real bitch.

So, after a bit of research, and all kinds of stuff, I gave the Harley type stuff a try - the cruisers and whatnot.

Tried a Sportster. Bleh.
Tried a Wide Glide. Bleh.
Tried a V-Rod.. hmm.. I like this but a little bit of a stiff ride.

Then I went to Suzuki, and got a good look at the M50. Got on it, and it felt "right." Rode, and have been riding it ever since, and I'm thrilled with it. I thought I really wanted the sport bikes, but I have to say, getting the M50 was probably the best decision motorcycle wise I could ever make.


If you're curious, this is what I have:

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photo...levardM50b.jpg

Mine looks EXACTLY like that.

[Furtwangler]

Another thing I'm going to want to look for is a bluetooth capable helmet, or is it cheaper to get a normal helmet and just add a kit? I want to stay as cheap as possible without cutting corners, as I don't have much money to spend on extra gear, but like I said I don't want to skimp and risk getting hurt when I could've payed 50 more bucks. Any suggestions on helmets?

[FNH]

Another thing I'm going to want to look for is a bluetooth capable helmet, or is it cheaper to get a normal helmet and just add a kit? I want to stay as cheap as possible without cutting corners, as I don't have much money to spend on extra gear, but like I said I don't want to skimp and risk getting hurt when I could've payed 50 more bucks. Any suggestions on helmets?

Helmets are not where you want to skimp, I'd recommend saving up for the gear before you ride. scorpion helmets are really nice, but if you have the money to spend get a shoei. Try on a few brands see what feels comfortable to you. Not real hip on the bluetooth idea as carrying on a conversation can be distracting while driving a car think how it would effect your riding, then again I listen to an ipod.

[Meat]

This thread made me go out and get a bike.

http://a.imageshack.us/img692/5000/129306784.jpg

The 750 is cut off the side of the picture there.

is that an 06? i love katana's, my 1st bike was an 02 katana

[*Shinzon*]

The only Helmet you should buy is a Helmet that is both SNELL and DOT certified. The SNELL foundation was created to increase the safety standard for helmets and they exceed what safety requirements are usually DOT certified. So in other words manufacturers build their helmets on average to meet the Snell standards rather than state by state or country by country standards.

Whatever helmet you choose, you need to make sure that the helmet's shell is comprised of either Carbon Fiber or some kind of composite/kevlar shell. Carbon fiber helmets are much lighter and are usually more expensive. Also it is unlikely that you are going to find a helmet that has a built in communication system because building in such a system might compromise the construction of the helmet.

There are several companies however that build accessory equipment that can attach to radios for communication between a group of riders, but the bluetooth accessory I saw at the NYC international motorcycle show was sealed in a box so we couldn't take a look at it. And these accessories are expensive. If you need to make a call or get a call you really should be pulling over anyway.

[Meat]

are there a SNELL certified germans? the one i have is dot but I've gotten ticketed for it before

[*Shinzon*]

are there a SNELL certified germans? the one i have is dot but I've gotten ticketed for it before

Is Germans a brand? I'm not sure I've never heard of it. The 3 big brands in the US are: HJC, Shoei and Arai, and all 3 aim to build according to the SNELL standards.

[Meat]

no it's a style, umm, they're half faced, like this
http://www.leatherup.com/images/prod...-carbon-01.jpg

[*Shinzon*]

Ooooh I know what you're talking about now. The answer is no, typically that style of helmet actually gets a lot of people killed. It doesn't protect anymore than really the top of your head and they only meet the DOT standards, at least all the ones I've come across.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcyc...helmet-faq.htm

The above website has very, very good explanations of the SNELL requirements and addresses myths like more expensive=more protection. It also reviews helmets in a way that even new riders can understand what benefits each helmet offers.

[FNH]

I would never buy one of those brain bowl helmets, closed face only for me. As a closed faced helmet is way cheaper than plastic surgery for a rashed up face. I'm not even sure if those are truly DOT certified, I think it has a fake sticker on it iirc.

[*Shinzon*]

I would never buy one of those brain bowl helmets, closed face only for me. As a closed faced helmet is way cheaper than plastic surgery for a rashed up face. I'm not even sure if those are truly DOT certified, I think it has a fake sticker on it iirc.

DOT standards are shit really, so they probably do meet the requirements. In NYC I think its actually illegal to sell those helmets if they dont at least meet DOT standards, but most cops dont stop people on the road because they don't know better.

[FNH]

www.scorpionusa.com

my favorite manufacturer. take a gander at their lids, pretty comfortable and a nice look.

[*Shinzon*]

Those are actually pretty nice. I bought myself a Joe Rocket RKT101 Carbon, made by HJC, for 200 great fit and so light it's awesome.

[FNH]

Those are actually pretty nice. I bought myself a Joe Rocket RKT101 Carbon, made by HJC, for 200 great fit and so light it's awesome.

I'm a fan of Joe rocket jackets and gloves, the phoenix jackets worked really well for me in the temperatures in my area.

[Akumaronin]

Just wrote up a long post about why 250s rock, but it got eaten.

Summary: 250s will tear the asshole out of twisties, and you can do it easily. 600s and up will take a lot more skill and trust in your bike.

If you are thinking of getting a Monster, spend the money on 2 used bikes instead.

[Akumaronin]

And for gear: Newenough.com

Their deals are good, and their customer service is amazing.

[Zeb]

I would never buy one of those brain bowl helmets, closed face only for me. As a closed faced helmet is way cheaper than plastic surgery for a rashed up face. I'm not even sure if those are truly DOT certified, I think it has a fake sticker on it iirc.

Co-signing. After getting hit in the neck at 65mph by a june bug, I'd fucking hate to think about getting hit in the face with one because I was wearing a open face helmet.

Like I said before about helmets. Do not buy one without having worn it at a store for atleast 15 minutes and finding it comfortable. And don't just try on a friends either, those pads loosen up a little after a long time, so the fit you're getting off of it won't be correct. Even if you can get a better price online for a helmet, atleast go try it on at a shop first.

[*Shinzon*]

Co-signing. After getting hit in the neck at 65mph by a june bug, I'd fucking hate to think about getting hit in the face with one because I was wearing a open face helmet.

Like I said before about helmets. Do not buy one without having worn it at a store for atleast 15 minutes and finding it comfortable. And don't just try on a friends either, those pads loosen up a little after a long time, so the fit you're getting off of it won't be correct. Even if you can get a better price online for a helmet, atleast go try it on at a shop first.

I ordered mine online, but I did exactly what you said. I went to the store, tried it on and told them that they either matched a price online or I buy it online. You'll always get a better price online, but don't be afraid to go into a store to try gear on.
I actually need to find a pair of boots, but I don't know a good store to go to here in the city to try some on :/

[FNH]

I ordered mine online, but I did exactly what you said. I went to the store, tried it on and told them that they either matched a price online or I buy it online. You'll always get a better price online, but don't be afraid to go into a store to try gear on.
I actually need to find a pair of boots, but I don't know a good store to go to here in the city to try some on :/

Boots aren't that big of a deal if you know what size you wear in any other boot. Ordering those online isn't a problem.

[Arrmani]

It's not expensive at all. Look at it this way: The course provides with you with a safe environment to learn with all gear and the bikes provided. Then upon completion of the course you are given a road test by your instructors instead of having to make an appointment at the DMV, find or buy a bike, and pay for the DMV testing and then the paperwork costs. On top of that the MSS course provides students with certificates that give 10% insurance. It's really the only way to go.

I guess I'm not say it wasn't worth it, I'm just kinda shocked since it was free where I took it.