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BOOOOOORN TO BE WIIIIIILLLD (motorcycles)
Andorien
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
It's come to pass that I need a method of cheap transit where there isn't a public transportation system to speak of. To this end, I'm considering getting a motorcycle.
I only have a standard class D driver's license, and I really have little idea as to how to go about doing this, in terms of acquiring a license, learning to ride, where to get equipment, etc. The only person I'd be willing to go to for actual lessons would be my Dad, but he almost has heart attacks about my actions already.
I only have a standard class D driver's license, and I really have little idea as to how to go about doing this, in terms of acquiring a license, learning to ride, where to get equipment, etc. The only person I'd be willing to go to for actual lessons would be my Dad, but he almost has heart attacks about my actions already.
Andorien on
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You're also going to need, at least, a full-face helmet, jacket and gloves. Boots are a good idea, too. Expect to lay out anywhere from $300-$1000 on gear. I know that sounds expensive, but remember that your gear is the only thing between you and the drivers that won't see you (which is everyone). New Enough is my favorite spot to order gear, but I'd recommend that you go to a brick and mortar store to try stuff on. Helmet fit is especially important, and someone at the store should be able to get you properly fit. HJC and Scorpion make good, decently priced helmets. Jackets and gloves range from the cheap Joe Rocket and Alpinestars to the high end Vanson stuff, and they're all pretty good. The only brand to outright avoid is ICON.
As for a bike, I'd recommend a 1988 or newer Kawasaki Ninja 250. They're cheap as hell, easy to maintain, and get great mileage. As a bonus, after a couple years riding when you decide that you want a bigger bike (or that you hate riding), you'll be able to sell it for what you bought it for. Other bikes you might look at would be the Ninja 500 (which would be a little more comfortable on the interstate), or maybe a Suzuki DRZ400 if you're really tall or into the dirt bike/supermoto thing.
Basically, they take you through everything you need to know about riding, plus the take you out to a big empty parking lot and give you actual lessons on small cc bikes. Often, this course is FREE, which is amazing, since it's so useful. Plus you'll probably get a break on your insurance if you pass.
How heavy and tall are you? This also matters when it comes time to buy (After the course, preferably). Regardless, I wouldn't buy anything over 650 cc as a starter bike. If you're small, 250 might be enough.
I'm gonna go look up the bikes Fats recommended.
If you're feeling particularily rich there's also the SV650 and Kawasaki's new Ninja 650, but the bigger you go the more expensive it gets. Those two bikes are pushing the limit on what I'd recommend for a beginner, too.
No need for me to go over 100, and the main point of this is doing it on a budget anyway (since I figure I wont be paying as much as I would for a car even when equipment is factored in, especially considering fuel economy). I have no real desire to be a speed fiend, I'm looking for efficiency.
I wikied the Ninja 250, and I like what I see, so I'm gonna start seeing about how much it'll cost me.
Also investigate the resale value. Ninjas resell pretty well, I think. But certain small bikes (Honda Rebels) don't have shit resell value. Just something to keep in mind.
Thanks guys.
My "starter bike" is a Yamaha V-Star 1100 Custom, and I couldn't be happier with it. I'm 5'9" and around 165 lbs, I think the size is perfect for me. It seems like you want a sport bike though, and although I've never rode the Ninja I've heard nothing but good things about it.
Good luck and happy riding!
Buy some useless stuff at my Cafepress site!
If all you're interested in is cost, buy a used honda civic.
Why? Bikes are almost as expensive to own as cars. Maintenance like valve and chain adjustments will kill if you aren't planning on doing the work yourself. New tires every ~7k miles adds up. This doesn't even factor in your gear, your MSF course, or the repair costs you'll have the first time you drop the bike. And you WILL put it down sooner or later. Hopefully it won't be bad, but even dropping it on it's side in your garage can cost a lot depending on the plastics.
Buy a bike, but buy it to ride not to try to save money. I'd recommend against an older bike since tech has advanced and gotten better ('88? fatz - that's almost 20 years old). So try to get around a 2000 or later. Mid 90's is ok, any farther back and I'd be wary. Don't be afraid of high-ish mileage. A 5 year old bike with 4000 miles might sound good, but that's a lot of sitting and will probaly need a fair amount of work to be in good working order. Machines don't like to sit. A bike with high mileage has been driven so it should have been maintained.
As for the bike, i got a '96 Ninja 500 for $600, only cosmetic damage. Was a great starter bike. Look in your local Auto Trader (or some areas even have a Moto Trader)
As for other lessons learned: When shopping for Helmets, you get what you pay for... don't cheap out on the head gear.
Understood. I'd still like to get one, as I have been wanting one to ride, and this seems like a good opportunity.
First thing I plan on doing is the MSF course. Getting the bike itself will be pretty much the last thing on the list.
things are different in canada though, so i dont know about US regulations and things, just wanted to say to make sure you check the ventilation on any helmet you buy, as it can add alot to your comfort while riding.
I started out on a Suzuki GS500 and it was a great bike (for the first 2 months at least) to start on. Ninja 250's are great but really if you want any logevity with at least a small amount of power I'd get an EX500 ora GS500. 250's are great start bikes but they really are only for small girls and the first month or 2 of riding. A 500 is barely any cash more and the bike will be rideable for the foreseable future and unless you really get the itch to ride hard.
Personally I got bored after 3 months on the GS500 and upgraded to an 00 Honda VFR800...now that was a fun bike. But again, got bored and upgraded to an 06 Ducati 749s. Now THAT is a fun bike ;-) It really is a slipper slope.
The only other important thing is GEAR GEAR GEAR GEAR. Do not skimp. Full faced helmets are the ONLY way to go. After you take the MSF course you'll understand why. When you high side and go down on your front, your chin is going to hit and you'll have nothing but a bloody stump for a face. Decent quality leather jacked and pants. Gloves and boots, no exceptions. My buddy who has been riding and not gone down once for 4 years just high sided going around a corner at 15 mpg yesterday. If he didn't have gear he'd have road rash ALL over him, but he barely has a scratch. There are 2 types of riders, those that have crashed and those that will, DO NOT skimp on gear...it's the only thing that will keep you alive and looking human.
Oh and for finding a bike Craig's list is the best place, 100's of bikes go up EVERY DAY there.
http://jeff.dean.home.att.net/swisher.htm