First motorcycle?

[nigel99 466]

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When I started there was no direct access so the progression was 50cc -> 125cc -> unlimited, it was the only way to do it. But direct access isn't a great idea in my opinion. I know one guy who bought a Fireblade after passing his test and T-boned a car killing himself a month later.

No Direct access is not good. As a mid-thirties biker I went through DA, although as a teen-ager I rode dirt bikes alot and at one stage skydiving budgets meant I rode a 49cc scooter (actually 2 up with our gear 600cc bikes who have recently passed their test and hence the safety days are mail shoted to us.

Experienced jumper - someone who has made mistakes more often than I have and lived.

[EvilEagle 0]

I've been riding for 21 years and have owned 14 or 15 bikes in that time. (i forget which), I've had only two "incidents" but I landed in the hospital for both of them. One of them I got there in a helicopter and was in the trauma ward for 2 weeks. I started racing back in 96' and am still an avid racer. (although skydiving has seriously cut into my race weekends!)

Now you know sorta where I'm coming from. Riding is dangerous, but so is living. Bikes are great but they will kill you if you don't respect them. You can't be a new rider and respect a 750 or 1000cc sportbike. It's just not possible. Hell, even the new 600's have almost as much horsepower as race bikes I rode in the 90's.

CC's are relative -- don't let the fact that someone says "buy something between 600-750" lure you into something you can't handle. There are 250's that new riders shouldn't be on. (Aprilia 250 Cup, NSR 250's, etc, etc) A 600cc sportbike will (usually) have WAY too much power for a new rider. Most people start on them because they are the easiest to find (sportbike wise) and cheapest. (normally)

First thing you need to do is decide what type of bike you want: dual sport, cruiser, dirt, sportbike. Then, you can get some help deciding which one is best. A 600 or 800cc cruiser won't get you in trouble as fast as a 600-750 sportbike. (not saying they still can't kill you though!)

As far as riding to the DZ... I ride my BMW R1200GS Adventure to the DZ every weekend. I usually put my rig in the side bags, but have strapped it to the back seat and worn it over my shoulders. If people are worried about the pilot deploying while riding down the road -- check your BOC! Because if it could come out riding at 65 mph, what's keeping it from an early deployment when you are falling at 120+mph???

I still have a race bike, but I'm getting too old for it (I think...) -- I've put 17,000 miles on the BMW in about 8 months of riding and in the same time only about 200 on my Aprilia Mille. Go figure....

[sickandtwisted 0]

It's probably those things called corners which US riders might not be too familiar with.

I think there might be a culture difference at work here though. It is a fact that more sports bikes are sold in the UK than in any other country and hero blobs, knee sliders and chicken strips rarely stay intact for long. A lot of Brits tend to ride pretty aggressively and as a result they crash a lot so it's best to get it out of your system on a slower bike. As Jamie Witham said, "if you don't crash, you don't know where the limit is".

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WTF?

I think that those on GeorgiaSportBike.com (& most sport bike forums) would argue the opposite. I do agree with the graduated CC/Horsepower laws, but I think that there should be NO exceptions. I started on 50cc & have owned almost every cc available. I wear all of the proper gear (I was frowned upon by by friends for riding to bike night around the corner from my house once while wearing shorts). My bike does not have chicken stips or scratches. But it does have frame sliders & racing grade tires.

Skymama stalker #69!!!!

[JackC 0]

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WTF?

I think that those on GeorgiaSportBike.com (& most sport bike forums) would argue the opposite. I do agree with the graduated CC/Horsepower laws, but I think that there should be NO exceptions. I started on 50cc & have owned almost every cc available. I wear all of the proper gear (I was frowned upon by by friends for riding to bike night around the corner from my house once while wearing shorts). My bike does not have chicken stips or scratches. But it does have frame sliders & racing grade tires.

Don't worry mate, I can't spot a joke on here either.

[sickandtwisted 0]

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Don't worry mate, I can't spot a joke on here either.

Skymama stalker #69!!!!

[Rookie120 0]

My first bike was 600cc. Honda CBR. Wiped that one out and went to a Yamaha R6. Went to a R1 sold it and was out of the bike scene for a few years and now I am back on the R1. My best advice is to find some friends who ride and can teach the tricks of the trade. Go to a track and get some pro instruction to tune in your skills. Just remember to take it slow. The road is unforgiving and road rash hurts like a bitch.

If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck!

[FallloutboyDAoC 0]

i was just at the motorcycle shop.

I found a 250 cc cruiser i was comfortable on. The place has the safety training also that im going to take. I need my own bike to do it though, so im probably going to buy the bike. It's $4,000, and the safety training at the place is $50 an hour. Does this sound like a good decision?


This was the place i was at, http://cbxmanmotorcycles.com/

[RB_Hammer 0]

Must be pretty easy. My GF rides a 2004 Road King Custom, and rides a lot better than most guys I see. I just taught her how to drive my standard transmission car.
I find that women that take the MSF first rider course, and pass it without difficulty, seem to ride with a better 'head' on than many, many men I have seen that say, "Oh, I've been riding for years." and get a big twin.

"I'm not lost. I don't know where I'm going, but there's no sense in being late."
Mathew Quigley

[FallloutboyDAoC 0]

this is the bike im thinking of buying

http://cbxmanmotorcycles.com/united-motors-v2c-250t-cruiser-motorcycle.aspx

[kelpdiver 2]

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Get an automatic bike... there's plenty around.

Now there's a challenge to normal motorcyclist... I borrowed one a while ago an dam near killed myself... Slowed dowm, went for the clutch and all I got was brake


P.S Automatic transmissions are for puffs!!

In the US we call those mopeds or scooters. The only automatic motorcycle I can recall is the 1983 (84?) Hondamatic, a 450.

[kelpdiver 2]

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I want to get a motorcycle. Hopefully to save money on gas in the long run driving to the dz, and also for fun. Can some experienced bikers tell me what a good first bike would be? I'd like a crotch rocket of some sort, small, quiet, easy to handle, excellent on gas, and cheap (i dont know prices very well, but i was told there are some good ones around the $2,000 mark.) Any suggestions?

As alluded to by someone else, the cost savings are probably less than you think. It used to be nonexistent (when gas was < 2$). The other costs are higher for bikes than for cars.

Tires run 3c/mile - at the rather optimistic values of $300/pair, 10k miles per set.

Maintenence cycles are typically half that of cars - 5-7500 miles for the normal, 12-15 for the major. Brake pad typically lasted me 24k.

Insurance used to be cheap in CA, and still is for liability, but terrible for collision and horrible for uninsured motorist.

You also have helmet and gear expenses you don't have on the car.

Last though - sport bike mileage declined during the 90s,. I think the Honda VTR1000 was a low point, getting low 30s on a fuel injected bike. My Triumph Daytona 1200 is really terrible in the city - getting in the 20s. There are still choices that get 50s or 60s.

[FlyingJ 0]

Have you checked out the Motorcycle Safety Foundation website and searched for a class near you? Every basic rider class I know of that people have taken included use of their bikes. The main reason I really suggest going that route is so that you can actually get on a bike and ride around and make sure you like it before you lay down the cash for a bike. When I took the class there was a woman in there who went out and bought a decent sized Harley ($$$), decided she wasn't as comfortable as she should be so she took the class. She was a mess in the class and by the end of it just decided that riding wasn't for her and was going to sell the bike. In my brother's class two people decided halfway through that it just wasn't for them.

You are excited about the idea of riding, and rightly so as it freakin' rocks, but if it's possible why not try it out in a class beforehand rather than blow your wad on a bike and potentially find out it ain't for you. In the class you might even have the chance to try a couple different styles of bikes.

If you take the class, you can always ask the instructor what dealer they have an agreement with for replacement of bikes and potentially get a really good deal on a bike that's been loaned out to the training class. It might come with a few scratches, but it will be low mileage and well maintained.

Edit to add: If the dealer is telling you that it's not worth it to take the training if you can't do it on your own bike than you've got a shady dealer. I had two try to convince me that it would be a waste of time to take the class on a bike that I wasn't going to be riding.

Killing threads since 2004.

[FallloutboyDAoC 0]

the guy i was talking to at the bike shop said previous customers had said they have gotten 98 miles per gallon on this bike:

http://cbxmanmotorcycles.com/united-motors-v2c-250t-cruiser-motorcycle.aspx


this is the one i was looking at to buy and do the safety course on

[Squeak 17]

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Get an automatic bike... there's plenty around.

Now there's a challenge to normal motorcyclist... I borrowed one a while ago an dam near killed myself... Slowed dowm, went for the clutch and all I got was brake


P.S Automatic transmissions are for puffs!!

In the US we call those mopeds or scooters. The only automatic motorcycle I can recall is the 1983 (84?) Hondamatic, a 450.

there were quite a few more than just the hondamatic 450


My only concern for the OP on the UM250 is that if he is going to ride highway regularly, the bike will quickly become tiresome to ride, wind buffeting, and push, low power range and acceleration particularly with gear stowed on board. the seat will not be very comfy after a short while.
It's a fine 'round town commuter, but not really designed to haul your arse all day.

You are not now, nor will you ever be, good enough to not die in this sport (Sparky)
My Life ROCKS!
How's yours doing?

[FallloutboyDAoC 0]

Thanks for the reply.

The dz that i have to drive the highway to get to is only temporary, until i finish my aff there. (PM if you want to know why)

I would only drive back and forth there 4 times at the maximum, then im going to go to the dz that is half as far, a 40 minute ride. It is pretty much a country road the whole way there.

Do you still think i should look around some more? Or will the um250 be fine for that?

[Squeak 17]

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Thanks for the reply.

The dz that i have to drive the highway to get to is only temporary, until i finish my aff there. (PM if you want to know why)

I would only drive back and forth there 4 times at the maximum, then im going to go to the dz that is half as far, a 40 minute ride. It is pretty much a country road the whole way there.

Do you still think i should look around some more? Or will the um250 be fine for that?

for short runs like that it should be fine, but dont be expecting the bike to pull away fast or be zippy. they are not designed for that. they are designed at entery level riders who comute in the city areas. but as a starter bike it will suit your needs for a while If you decide that bike riding is where you want to be, you will change bikes after the 1st year.

You are not now, nor will you ever be, good enough to not die in this sport (Sparky)
My Life ROCKS!
How's yours doing?

[FallloutboyDAoC 0]

Thanks for the reply!

I think it's good it cant pull away fast or be zippy, it'll stop me from being stupid or trying stupid things. I think i'd be more comfortable on a 250. I sat on some bigger 600 bikes, and they were way too big for me.

[Eagle7 0]

Hi;

I see you are from Pennsylvania. I am from Philadelphia and when I took the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Course 6 years ago the Beginners Course and Experienced Riders Course was free in Pennsylvania for Pennsylvania residents. I just checked the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program website and it is still FREE. You also use their motorcycles for FREE.

In Pennsylvania the MSF is authorized to give you your motorcycle license test. I ride a sportbike. My suggestion to you is to take the MSF course first so you have more knowledge about riding a motorcycle. Also, look for motorcycle forums on the internet. This topic is discussed a lot.

Also, check out cycletrader.com for used bikes. Check out kbb.com for invoice and retail pricing. I hate to see you buy a new bike and drop it. You are going to also need money for gear. Riding a motorcycle is dangerous and you could be killed. Know the risks.

The MSF website is at http://www.msf-usa.org/ Information for Pennsylvania Residents is here: http://www.pamsp.com/

Be Safe

[dropoutdave 0]

Get the bike you like most, doesn't matter what engine size, you can kill yourself on any bike just as easy, all about how you ride it, they only go as fast as you make them.

------------------------------------------------------
May Contain Nut traces......

[Bolas 5]

First bike pic on my '72 Honda CL350 and my first story:


I Just got the bike today. The weather was not cooperating so was thinking no ride for me. The last thing I wanted to do was ride on wet roads...

Was doing other things and the weather teased me a few times but cleared up nicely. Since it has been 80-90 degrees plus the roads dried very quickly. Decided I'd ride to the closest gas station and fill the tank. Yeah, sure it was an excuse... shut up.

Get on the bike and start out of my garage, stalling it once or twice. Drive up and down my little side street a few times to get a better feel. Had ridden it on a test ride before I bought it but that was a whole two days ago.

Pull up to the stop sign and wait until there are no cars, either direction. I'm out in the boonies so that didn't take too long. Get on the road and start accelerating and going through the gears. As I glance at my mirrors, I realize I didn't set them. I'm not about to try moving them right now while I'm "flying" down the road at what felt like superfast but was really only 45-50 mph. It's only another mile to the gas station and there is a turn lane.

Get to the gas station and actually pull too far forward. Okay, it might have been fine, but it felt too far so I pushed it back some and closer. Adjust my mirrors some and get off the bike and give them some money and decided to pick up some oil since it is an older bike and it piddles a bit. Get back to the bike and then try to open the gas tank coming to the realization I had not done this yet. I'm kind of mechanical minded so I could see which end was the hinge. So now all I had to do was figure out the lever. Pushing and pulling it didn't work either. Another biker had ridden into the store, and I was about to start an "Can you help me, I'm a dumbass.." conversation when I discovered you had to push down on the lid and the lever at the same time.

Fill up the bike and go look for oil. Didn't see any made especially for motorcycles so I got regular mobile 10W40 oil like the oil cap said. Pay for my purchase and walk back out to the bike. At this point I discovered I did not have something to put the oil in or a way to put it on the bike nor was I wearing a backpack. I was just going out for gas. DOH!!!

Thought about going back in and just returning it but decided to see what I could do with it. The first plan of putting it under my shirt or down my pants was quickly nixed. While looking at the bike I realized I was wearing a belt. Using MacGyver like ingenuity I thread the belt under my seat, and was able to secure the oil down to the rear of the seat. The thinking was, at worst the oil would slide off the back of the seat. I had it pretty tight.

So I'm all proud of myself and ready to head out. The starter doesn't really work well but it has a kick start (fairly easy plus that's way cooler.) Try to kick start it and it doesn't crank. Try again. Nothing. Now I'm wondering, "Did I put too much gas in?" While thinking I look and see that the switch is still in the off position. I move it to run and waddayaknow starts right up.

The oil did make it home fine.

Stupidity if left untreated is self-correcting
If ya can't be good, look good, if that fails, make 'em laugh.

[Squeak 17]

Giddyup you hells angel
Nice story and glad you are enjoying your bike.

since you are "mechanically" minded get yourself a HAYNES manual for your bike it will savbe you a load of $$$ doing your own maintenance. it will also outline ALL of the required specs. (oilk, valves, timing etc..)

You are not now, nor will you ever be, good enough to not die in this sport (Sparky)
My Life ROCKS!
How's yours doing?

[Bolas 5]

Thanks. I will get myself a manual but I prefer leaving normal maintenance to professionals.

Stupidity if left untreated is self-correcting
If ya can't be good, look good, if that fails, make 'em laugh.

[Squeak 17]

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Thanks. I will get myself a manual but I prefer leaving normal maintenance to professionals.

part way down it's a fun thing to tinker with the older bikes mate. they are NON eleterctronic so you can strip em and rebuild them with a Haynes and a shed amd small tool kit.

I love mucking with old bikes

You are not now, nor will you ever be, good enough to not die in this sport (Sparky)
My Life ROCKS!
How's yours doing?

[Gato 0]

I have quite a bit of experience on bikes, though I'm nowhere near current. I've advised a few friends on their first bikes, so I'll tell you what I told them.

The best thing you can do for yourself (as others have already said) is to go get into a safety course.

(Here's where I start sounding parental, by the way.):

Next, buy a full face helmet. Get a new one that fits you just right. I know most cruiser guys will prefer an open face lid - but I've had THOUSANDS of dollars in dental work, and if I fall, in addition to protecting my gray matter, I want to be able to eat. This is provided that I'm able to feed myself in the first place.

Of course, a good protective jacket, boots, gloves. I never wore protective pants in the olden times, but they have a lot to choose from now.

Good starting bikes are in the 350-450 range, depending on your weight. The reason I say this is because a 250 doesn't have enough power (still will kill you), and it will absolutely beat the shit out of you on the highway - you WILL be too tired to jump for awhile if you drive a 250 for a long time.

Whatever you do, under no circumstances should you buy a "crotch rocket" for your first ride. I have too many friends who fucked themselves up on the first-generation Honda 500 Interceptors. The problem is that they give you a false sense of confidence - they are very nimble, very quick, and you can get out of a tight spot pretty easily, but they will fuck you up faster than any other vehicle on the road. Just my opinion.

Also, there are some older bikes out there whose brakes are insufficient given the size and power of the motor. Be warned. Just like the first Ford Taurus SHO cars, they are very, very dangerous. Imagine blazing around a long curve, and you come to a 90 degree turn you didn't know was there, and your brakes aren't strong enough to slow you down enough to keep you from going through a barbed wire fence. Not fuckin' cool at all.

My first bike (that I owned), my father gave me when I graduated high school: a 1976 Honda 750 Four with a red tank and charcoal covers on the sides. I was already experienced on other bikes belonging to family members. They included a Honda QA50, XL125, XL175, and a Yamaha XT250. I had taken them all on the street (not the QA!) and on the dirt, so it was really no big deal to get the 750. Remember, we're talking about 1985.

Thankfully, I've never had a real accident on any bike, though I did lay the 750 down at a stop sign at low speed - ran over the tiniest patch of black ice, and the thing came out from under me and spun 180 deg. in the opposite direction, where a school bus was headed for me. Scared the absolute crap out of me.

But just like skydiving, it's risky, but a hell of a lot of fun!

So I'm done being your dad, now. Just be careful - assume NO ONE can see you, and everyone wants to take you out, and you'll be fine.

Just kidding - have fun, be safe.

T.I.N.S.

[JackC 0]

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Tires run 3c/mile - at the rather optimistic values of $300/pair, 10k miles per set.

What tyres are you using? Depending on brand, I get about 2-3k for a rear and about 5-6k for a front during normal road riding.