I've been looking into getting a motorcycle for a while now and i was wondering how many of ya'll have a motorcycle or motorcycles. I'm looking more at the sport bikes. what do ya'll ride. Any advice? I've ridden dirt bieks and dual sports. also i messed around on a 600cc yamaha sport bike i a parking lot. other than that no experience. Upon purchase i'll be loading it up into the F150 and taking it to a parking lot to learn. I'll also be taking the motorcycle safety foundations course.


Keith

 

having ridden dual sports, you should have no problem riding anything else. The MSF courses are good. I highly recommend them, if you've not ridden much.

I ride a 94 Harley Softail Custom (my avatar). I've ridden many different bikes over the last 31 years (how long I've been riding...not my age ), from the Honda XR75 that I learned on, many other dirt bikes, a 91 Goldwing, a few Honda road bikes, including my 93 CBR900RR (wicked sport bike at the time).

I like my Softail the most - its styling and its wonderful resale value! I could probably sell it today for more than I paid for it 2.5 years ago!

The best advice I can give - ride your bike relaxed BUT always defensively - treat every car/truck in every direction like it's out there to get you...from my past experience, i really think some of them are!

Good luck!
Scott

 

85 Honda Shadow, 83 Goldwing, 88 Harley Heritage Softail. Go out and ride them to see what you like. Or go to the shows and compare them. Whatever you get, ride safely. Good luck with it.

 

My best advice to you is to start small. It may seem like a waste of time, but trust me on this.


Go through the classifieds and find yourself something like a '78 CX500 Honda cruiser for $500. It's got 35 horsepower, weighs 550 lbs, and is built like a brick outhouse. My first streetbike was that exact bike. You have no idea how many times I wrecked it, tipped it over, and got back on and rode it home. I'm glad I bought that thing to learn the ropes on.

I have had many bikes since I sold that one (wish I still had it now). Now I'm on a 2000 Ninja ZX12R...it's the only vehicle I bought new.

The problems I see with a Sportbike right off the getgo when motorcycling are that:

1: If you wreck a sportbike, you don't get to ride it home. Typically sportbike engine lower cases (stator covers/clutch covers) extend beyond the frames and when the bikes go down, you're not riding again until you fix it. Also plastic damage often exceeds $3000 in repairs, even for minor lay-downs. I speak from experience.

2: I was 23 when I got my new bike. I had a spotless record and had owned many motorcycles in the past. Insurance was still $2850 for the first year. I had to sell one of my Fords to pay for insurance. I don't know how some kids these days can afford insurance on top of a brand new bike.....wait, yeah I do. That brings me to my next point.

3: Kid gets WAY too much bike. I was in the bike store last year when a kid (maybe 17) came in with his father. The kid was dead-set on a GSX-R1000. This bike is a ROCKET. The father didn't know any better and was all ready to slap down the Franklins, but the salesman WOULD NOT sell the bike to the kid....even though the father was paying for it. The kid was complaining about how he's been riding dirt bikes for years and that he was a good rider and on and on, but the salesman wouldn't budge. The father and son left the store mad, but I walked over to the salesman and told him he did the right thing.

Now, don't get me wrong, I am all for motorcycling. I don't try to be a mother to people, but geez. Uncle Sam thinks that people need protection from themselves WAY TOO MUCH already. All he needs is a little more ammunition and we're all riding enclosed mopeds. Who do you think the father would have blamed when his son wrecked his motorcycle doing wheelies at 150 MPH? Surely not himself or his son. "It's the manufacturer's fault." "The salesman should have known." etc. etc. He wouldn't think to do anything else but get a law passed that limits speed and displacement on motorcycles......all because of his ignorance. Besides, it's not uncommon for kids to have a lack of respect for a vehicle that is given to them and parents are way too eager to make the kids happy. "Here Johhny, here's a pacifier for you. Your mom and I hope that this makes you like us more....we're your friends." SICKENING

I sure hope I didn't offend anyone, but that's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

Cody

 

Cody,

VERY WELL said...ALL of it!!!

Regards,
Scott

 

This subject comes up every so often. I have been riding 29 years. And in addition to what has already been said....

Start on a bike 500cc or less. Trust me, they will still certainly do highway speeds and get you in plenty of trouble if you are not careful. If you really like the sportbike styling, look at the suzuki gs500f. Or better yet, look at an older gs500e (they were officially classified as a standard..cheaper insurance) Or the Ninja 250 or 500. Buell Blast, yamaha secaII or the like. All are good "midrange" bikes. Most in this size are also air cooled which means they are lighter and easier to control/pick up/ possibly save..... Starting with a used bike also means that when you drop it it will be cheaper to insure and easier on the mind. (and most do drop them...sometimes just by forgetting to put the kickstand down...ask my wife about hers <grin>) At any rate, get a common model with a local dealership that you can buy parts for.

Then after a year or two....move up to what you think you can reasonably handle. You will have a much better idea of the type of riding you do and what you want for that riding.

Trust me that riding a 600 around a parking lot does not count for real world experience (although I will give lots of credit for riding on dirt first). Riding a MC takes a whole different set of skillsets that driving a car, and everything is in a different place....

Most of the 600+ bikes anymore are based on racers and although the technology is great, is it what you are planning to do?

Sit on lots of bikes until you find one that is comfortable for you (everything comes easy to hand and foot. Think about whether it will bve comfortable after 30 minutes. Can you reach the ground comfortably? Will it hold up to the roads you regularly drive on (if you have any dirt roads on your commute...think about that). Is the seat comfortable for longer trips if you plan to take them? Can you stand it up if you drop it? Can you afford both insurance and repairs? Some insurance carriers will not even insure someone on a sportbike unless that have at least 3 years of riding experience first. Check with yours.


Oh yeah...and MAJOR kudos for taking the MSF course. When you are done, tell you car insurance company that you passed as well....many give discounts for any sucessfully completed driver safety course.


Jim

 

Keith,
Some good advice has already been given.
Keep in mind that 600cc sport bikes of today have as much or more HP than many 1000 or 1100 cc bikes of 15 years ago, AND weigh 50-100 lbs less. You can do the math. 600cc sport bikes can be brutally fast and get you in as much trouble just as quickly as a 1000 cc bike.
I have 3 different bikes right now (2 of which you can see in my gallery).

I think a Suzuki SV 650 would be a great bike to consider. They are V-twins and as such don't require 12,000 rpm to be at peak power. They are reliable, fun to ride, handle very well (you'll see many at club races), comfortable, do not have all the high-dollar plastic trim all over, and are reasonably priced.

Plus V-twins are just plain fun to ride!

Here's a little more info on the SV:
http://www.motorbyte.com/mmm/pages/r...review8_99.htm
http://www.speed-sports.com/PG_Suzuki_SV650/

I have ridden on the track and done quite a bit of "aggressive" street riding. I can tell you (I'd say it's my opinion, but I believe it is fact):
It is more, MUCH more, about the rider and far less about the bike.

I don't care what size bike you ride, it ain't going to go too fast if you don't twist the throttle too much. Likewise, ANY bike, regardless of size, is capable of going too fast for a given situation.

I do think a MSF course is a good idea.
Learn to use the front brake.
UNDERSTAND turning a motorcycle: it goes the opposite direction from which you force the handlebars.
Always remember to look where you want to go, NOT where you don't want to go (because all to often you can wind up going where you didn't want to go because that is where you were looking)

Anyways, whatever you do ride safe and have fun!

 

Great advice, guys. Couldn't agree more with mavinwy and BrianA. Maybe a CX500 isn't such a good idea....it's impossible to get parts for it. Also, riding on dirt first is a great way to become comfortable with unanticipated tire movement.

Words to live by. Especially on a sportbike...you're not turning at all without turning the direction opposite of that you wish to turn (and you don't have to turn it much!! It's almost unnoticable)

I'm only 5'6 and the race-replica bikes are MURDER on my wrists even for my scrawny butt. 5 minutes and I can't take it anymore.

I have a story about not being able to pick up a bike after I dropped it, but we won't go there.

Cody

 

I started on a 84 Virago 500, and it was a good starter bike, aside from a bit of carb trouble, and yes, it got layed down..... 3 times. Start with something small, light, and a short rake - its a lot easier to control at slow speeds (rake is the angle of the front end, for those who don't know). I can notice this between my current bike (91 Suzuki VS1400) and my dad's bike (95 Vulcan 1500), which is heavier, but easier to manuvre in tight spaces. Also, try to find something with wide handle bars - again, easier to handle at slow speeds. My Intruder has narrow bars and if you're not careful they will go over centre on you in a heartbeat.

This is a guess, but I'd think streetbikes would be hard to ride for a beginner, what with the akward riding position and the high powerband. I'd think they would be easy to stall, but maybe I'm wrong. I've never rode one before.

Now its story time. I was out with a buddy for a ride one day, and we stopped to chat with some friends. I stopped first, got off and walked away from my bike. He stopped, forgot to put his kickstand down, and his bike fell into my bike! Luckily he partially caught his (more slowed it down than caught it), and mine didn't fall and he didn't mark it up. I got screamin mad at him though, made some reference to his mother, then told him to go forth and multiply . He took it in stride though, since it was his fault and all. In the end, cooler heads prevailed (read my cooler head), and we rode home later, and still go for rides. He's just not allowed to park near me, thats all, or else he parks first. (Before anyone says this, I know I over reacted, but given the situation, who wouldn't.)

Trevor

 

Tons of good advise here. As posted above the SV650 is a great bike and used ones can be bought for pretty cheap. Another good starter bike would be a 600 from say 87-91 that era of bikes can be picked up from 1000-1300 bucks,just make sure they don't have a ton of miles. My first bike was a CBR-600F Or more known as the Honda Hurricane. After that I got a brand new CBR600F4i but sold it because it was too small(ok I got bigger) Currently have 2 ZX-9R's If you do buy a bike please buy good gear and wear it at all times. yes its hot in the summer or maybe your just gonna go down to the store and back,It takes less time for some cell yacking moron to kill you than it does to put on your gear. Buy good gear wear it all the time. Leather is great,textiles are getting better but stay away from "mesh" jackets. One last thing I can add to this thread is insurance. Stay far far away from gieco and progressive for MC insurance. They are a few of those companies charging between 2 and 3 thousand a year for insurance,they can charge this because some people figure thats what it costs or don't shop around. State Farm is the lowest you will find for MC coverage but you have to have an auto policy too. Also a lot of MC policies have no personel medical in them so ask about that too. Right now I'am paying 21 bucks a month to insure one 2002 ZX-9r. Thats full coverage,double Idaho state minimum coverage and 500 deductable,I am 25 and my record is not spotless. Sorry for the long post .Wear your gear,shop around for insurance.ride like every one is trying to kill you

 

Two different Suzuki Intruders, A Suzuki VX800, A Kawasaki Cavalcade dresser, and assorted other bikes. I've been riding since I was old enough to balance on a bike, although I haven't ridden in a few years now (boy I miss it too!)

A motorcycle safety course is a definite good move and like 78Explorer pointed out, when you get on a bike, you have painted "target" all over you...drive as if everyone on the road has the express intent of doing you in!

While I was lucky and never gotten into serious trouble, I had more than my share of near misses! take care of your bike (including a thorough checkout each and every time you ride) and develop a good spatial sense - know what's going on around you at all times.

And although it's an unpopular thing to some, wear a helmet!!

 

I have a 75 Honda CB400F SS, it's a really good bike. Nice torque, geared right, light and comfortable. About the only other bike I would really want is BMW R100 of the same year. Nice, low center of gravity and good power for cruising. IMO, the only reason to have anything over a 750 is to say you've got it, unless you actually are racing.

 

I ride a 03 SV 650 and don't really think it'd be a great starter bike. I've been riding for around 4 years now (nothing compared to some on here), and have the the SV for about a year and a half and 15k miles. It has lots of grunt below 6k, and wheelies VERY easy in 1st, and not much effort to do so in 2nd. Also, lots of engine braking, and good enough brakes.... I believe it'd be a little much for a beginner with pretty much no real experience... albeit, MUCH better than any of the 600 Super Sports out.

Get something used and small. A 600 would be an ok choice, but something atleast 10 years old if you go that route. A GS500 or Ex500 would still be a better choice. Get something like that, take the MSF course, and get some descent riding gear (motorcycle specific riding jacket, helmet, gloves, pants, boots). The cost of gear will be between $600 and a grand, but much cheaper than skin grafts.

Whatever you get, be careful. Drive like all the cagers are out to kill you...while they might not purposely be, it will seem like they are.

edit: Sv650's are great bikes. I love mine, and after 15k miles, I still have no real desire to upgrade. If you did decide to get an SV, get one that a few years old. the 1st gen (99 - 02) can be bought in good condition for $2000 - 4000, depending on year. Biggest differences between 1st gen and 2nd gen SV's were they switched to a different frame and fuel injection in 03. SV's have a following that is absolutely HUGE. Check out svrider.com's forums for all the info you could ever need on them.

 

I started out on the street with a Jawa 350, a major POS, but soon bought a Suzuki GS550, an excellent starter bike. I would suggest, as mentioned above, that you stay in the 500-600 cc range to begin with. I would also add that you might want to truck the bike out to the country for some practice riding, so that you can get familiar with it and its handling characteristics while riding in an area with less traffic...and ride with an experienced buddy. Remember, as far as other cars are concerned, riding a bike a like strapping a giant target on your chest. People will either aim for you, or simply not even see you, so you want to get comfortable with the bike in a more rural setting till you know what to do when faced with all the buttheads you'll find in the city. Good luck, have fun, and keep the rubber side down! -TD