Any motorcycle riders in here?

[Masherbrum]

Stay off the crotch rockets...Get a Nice cruiser, enjoy and remember, its not if you lay it down its When you will lay it down.

I started out with a 84' Yamaha Virago, then Bought a Honda Magna 87', then went with a Gold wing...

KAM

I'm slowly deciding on taking the course myself.   The words of a former co-worker still linger.   "Start with something like a Honda Magna, if it drops, no biggie.   But you will have a better understanding of maintenance and it won't empty your pocket."

I'd get a Honda Magna to start, if and when I myself, pull the trigger.

[AAJagerX]

I've got a joe rocket armored jacket and a snell/dot approved helmet that I'm letting go of for a really good price if your interested.  The Jacket is black with reflective stripes and removable pads (size L).  the helmet is unscratched and is a grey and black "fighter pilot" style KBC with razor wire and fake bullet holes and a mirrored visor (size M).  I sold my last bike and am willing to send them to a good home.  

[Delirium]

Part of me really wants to go with a Honda NT700v; I'm just concerned if it may be too much for me for a first bike.

I was wondering what the rest of you guys think.

[phatzo]

Part of me really wants to go with a Honda NT700v; I'm just concerned if it may be too much for me for a first bike.

I was wondering what the rest of you guys think.

I think a sensible person should have little trouble with it just get used to its weight. Not really a fan of dual purpose bikes or bikes derived from such as they are a compromise between two different disciplines. It should be easy enough for you to ride, get your low speed manouverability down and the rest should fall in place.

[CAP1]

I just got my license to ride but I'm not sure where to go from here, in regards to equipment and purchasing a motorcycle.

Does anyone have any tips (other than, 'don't drop it)?

i've not gone through the entire thread here. i'm sure you;ve already been told to wear helmet, and protective gear.

the best thing i can think of.......if it's powered by any sort of internal combustion engine, and occupies the road, assume that they are out to get you. be paranoid.
 pay VERY close attention to other drivers. they often see you, but don't care.

 ride offset in the lane. couple of reasons. 1)now, you're visible in 2 mirrors. 2)you don't want to be in the center of the lane, as that is where leaking fluids from cars accumulate.

 be careful, and have fun!!

[dev1ant]

You know a lot of people told me that I had too much bike with the ZX-14 to start off with and would be the same with a 'busa but in the words of my old supervisor, "it'll only do what you tell it to do."  Yes the temptation of having 195 hp on a sport bike is there and it will fly but it's like having a loaded gun in your hands, if you don't pull the trigger it won't go bang.  My wreck had nothing to do with the size of the bike like I have constantly heard too, it doesn't matter whether you're riding a 1400 or 250, if you hit gravel or sand you stand a 99.9% chance of losing it.

Garbage.  If you started out on a ZX-14 you are an absolute idiot of the worst kind.  The kind who not only willingly endangers himself but others around him for absolutely no apparent reason.  Even starting out on a 600cc sport bike with no experience is pretty stupid, a ZX-14 is absolutely insane. 

[Babalonian]

Part of me really wants to go with a Honda NT700v; I'm just concerned if it may be too much for me for a first bike.

I was wondering what the rest of you guys think.

Honestly, and this is more of what I personaly would do if I were in your shoes, get a bike you can learn to ride in and not worry about banging up a little if you think there might be a little learning hump to get over.  Choose a good beginers bike in that not only would it be good for you but whoever you might try to sell it to when you're done with it.  In 6-12 months down the road, trade or sell that in for a slightly used NT700v or whatever you want to move up to at the time.  After a year or two with that one and you confidently consider yourself a road warrior, then go all the way and get a brand-spanking-new bike to your order.  I had a discussion with a friend recently, he just picked up his second bike ever (minimal previous use, but used).  The first bike definetley had better days, and honestly at first it took him a while to break into using his bike ot go to work more than his car.  So now he's onto his second bike, he knows what he wants to dump money into it and is using it likely as a bike he will never get rid of and eventualy work on to become his toying around the track bike when he eventualy buys either a new car or a new bike.

[oneway]

Garbage.  If you started out on a ZX-14 you are an absolute idiot of the worst kind.  The kind who not only willingly endangers himself but others around him for absolutely no apparent reason.  Even starting out on a 600cc sport bike with no experience is pretty stupid, a ZX-14 is absolutely insane. 

Couldn't agree more...

Unless you grew up riding/racing dirt bikes...did some AMA stuff etc to 500 cc with 2-strokes

So many new riders make the huge mistake of biting off more than they can chew....

Grab a super modest dual sport and be happy for the first year....it will only cost you a couple grand...and not your life slapping on a rice-rocket...

Patience is a virtue...

Besides...you can MOTARD your dual sport with grippy street tires and get a feel for the 'drift' when you explore the edges of its performance envelope...

Oneway

[AAJagerX]

A ZX-14/Hayabusa is a bad decision...  If you're stupid.  They're very controllable, hold better resale value, and are good bikes all around.  It's not like you're strapping a missile to your arse.  ANY bike can kill ya.  May as well get one that you like, and ride within your capabilities.

EDIT:  Didn't think of this one till now.  Yamaha V-max.  Cruiser style with a BUNCH of torque.  

[kamori]

Just get this...The last bike you'll ever need or ride...I drag race one in 1987...WOW what a bike..Water cooled Shaft drive.

http://www.superstreetbike.com/scenes/0911_sbkp_200_hp_2010_star_vmax/index.html

[AAJagerX]

WAY cool on the new V-max. 

[FireDrgn]

What kind of riding will you be doing Del?      I have a 1000RR Honda. I just love it.     If I were in your position  i would Rent a few differant types of bikes and see what you like the best.  Its a small investment to find out what you like.

<S>   

[SmokinLoon]

I ride a Kawasaki Vulcan 900LT.  It is the first bike I've owned, but I've been riding for over 18 years now.

Do yourself a big favor and check out the 900 series.  For a first bike, it offers everything you need and more.  My wife and I ride the 900 2-up quite a bit, and we have no complaints.  However, I will be buying a Triumph Thunderbird next year "just because".  

[phatzo]

WAY cool on the new V-max. 

MT-01 is the new way cool Yamaha

[AAJagerX]

Oh wow, no kidding there.  6th gear stand up wheelie anyone?