Any motorcycle riders in here?

[CAP1]

  LOL Cap,I didnt just grow old,I grew out too......



   

sorry sir!!!  it's been awhile since i've been in here, and couldn't turn down the opportunity for a little friendly fun.


 if it makes ya feel any better, i gained a couple of ounces the other day.............

[CAP1]

Del,

I just started riding at the beginning of the season last year, so I'm almost in the same position as you.  

My first bike was (and still is, I haven't gotten a bigger one yet) a Ninja 250.  Its a 'sporty' bike, not so much a sports bike.  The riding position is comfortable though, your feet are under you and not behind you like they are on pure sports bikes.  It gets great gas mileage for going back and forth to work, and it is very nimble.  It is not fast, although I think it is definitely fast enough for a first bike.  

I would recommend against getting anything bigger than a 500 cc if you are looking for a 'sport' bike (and honestly, I'd get a 250 if I were you).  I'm less familiar with the cruiser bikes, I did my MSF on a 250 cruiser (Nighthawk 250), I'm pretty sure the Ninja is faster and better handling, but the Nighthawk may be more comfortable for longer trips.  Of course, you probably wouldn't take a long trip on a 250.

I did plenty of research about good first bikes on the internet before I pulled the trigger on the 250.  Getting a 250 has a lot going for it - they are cheap for one, and in relatively high demand for another.  I got mine for $1800.  When I sell it I'll probably try to get $1500 for it, although if the price of gas spikes again I could probably get $2500 for it.  Plus it is easier to get some experience on a slow learner bike then sell it and get a bigger and faster one than it is to wreck a bigger and faster one and try to work up the courage to get back on a bike (assuming you are still able to ride).

I'd also recommend a full face helmet, and a jacket and gloves, and boots.  I don't wear any special pants when I ride, just jeans, but I would like to get some eventually.  Jeans really aren't going to do a damn thing unless you literally fall over on the bike at a dead stop, but I figure they are better than shorts.  As was said before, you want to make sure your laces are short (I double tie mine).  

All of the advice about really anticipating people actively trying to kill you is good - I've only been riding for just over a year now and I couldn't tell you how many people have pulled out right in front of me.  Only got caught by surprise once though, and that was because I couldn't fathom a lady pulling out in front of the monster truck that was coming the other way.  I locked up the front brakes for a split second on that one, but I recovered quickly and didn't drop it.  Just goes to show you, always anticipate.

However you come to the decision, I'd pick the bike you are most comfortable with.  If you have any doubts at all about going with a big bike, I'd listen to them.  You don't have to impress anyone else with your bike, and I can tell you that I have more fun riding my little 250 than I have ever had driving any car.  Welcome to the club and be careful out there

actually....contrary to something i said earlier...........listen to these guys.......keep it small for now.

 i just saw a couple of guys today........they were easily able to balance their bikes at traffic lights.......but watching them get to those lights....and then take off from those lights......lets say i thought i was going to have an accident or 5 recorded on my dash cam.

[morfiend]

All in good fun Cap.

 but actually you made my point for me that good equipment lasts so it's worth it to buy the best you can!

   

[FiLtH]

Brake for moose

[oneway]

Brake for moose

And if you find yourself at the front end of a red light...slide over and grab the shoulder line to the left or the lane line to the right...

Your are far less likely to get turned into a snowplow shovel if some idiot rear ends you because he was taking a bite of his big mac...

Don't put yourself in vulnerable positions, assume everyone is inattentive around you, assume your invisible...and ride defensive...and then lather rinse repeat...

Every thing and every car on the road around is a potential life threatening bogey....operate your machine accordingly...

Oneway

[dkff49]

And if you find yourself at the front end of a red light...slide over and grab the shoulder line to the left or the lane line to the right...

Your are far less likely to get turned into a snowplow shovel if some idiot rear ends you because he was taking a bite of his big mac...

Don't put yourself in vulnerable positions, assume everyone is inattentive around you, assume your invisible...and ride defensive...and then lather rinse repeat...

Every thing and every car on the road around is a potential life threatening bogey....operate your machine accordingly...

Oneway

This reminds me of one rule of thumb that i use. If you are stopping at a red light or stop sign behind another vehicle, make sure that you leave enough room that you can pull forward and get around it. This way you can move if it looks like someone is going to hit you. Thus preventing you from being a biker sandwich.

[BiPoLaR]

whatever you do, dont buy a harley. Theyre over weight, loud, over priced, slow POS.
And stay away from a busa till you get some experience. Youll end up road burger.

[phatzo]

Just another shameless plug for the most fun to ride motorcycle on the road today.

[Delirium]

Anyone have any experience with 2003 Kymco Venox?

[jd]

Start small, seriously small, and feel your way up. ANY bike will go faster than you ever need to go. Find something that fits YOU. Leather works really, really well, the alternative sucks.

<S>MajChaos

[Terror]

To make a statement like "DOT should stop certifying half-helmets" to me is as ridiculous as wearing a space suit on a 100 degree day.  Nobody is arguing that it's not a pretty sight, and nobody is arguing that motorcycles are dangerous, but seriously the line has to be drawn somewhere, or else we'll all be riding around with a safety cage around us.  Then a bike will catch fire and somebody will be trapped in that cage and it will open a whole new debate.

I make the "DOT should stop certifying half-helmets" because I feel it is misleading to riders using this helmet.  The DOT certificaton giving a false sense of protection and safety.  If you want to ride with a half-helmet, then so be it, but don't claim or believe its going to provide much protection in a crash.  I'm sure it will provide a small margin of additional protection over a bare skull, but not much.  Kind of like the "jeans as riding pants" protection. 

Terror

[Delirium]

My wife and I bought a 2007 Rebel for her with a 1,100 miles on it today. She'll have it by Friday...

Still looking for a bike for myself, nothing more than I can handle hopefully.

[Bronk]

My wife and I bought a 2007 Rebel for her with a 1,100 miles on it today. She'll have it by Friday...

Still looking for a bike for myself, nothing more than I can handle hopefully.

Del go sit your rear on a Triumph street triple. While at 675cc, adult ridden it can be grown into quickly.

[Flench]

I rode with a club for 15 year's out of Memphis and starts with an S , some of you probity know . Had more wrecks than I can remember but we stayed drunk all the time . Seen one of the old member's last week and he looked to be 100 year's old . Glad I got out when I did . 48 now , so my riding day's and sleeping on the ground are over . If I do it again it will be in a mini Van , LOL !

[bmwgs]

Del, your going to get opinions about bike and stuff that will vary from personal experiences to geographical locations of where the riders live.

I will give the following simple advise.

If you have not taken a MSF or Rider Education course then do so as soon as possible.

Wear the basic protective gear, such as a glasses, helmet, gloves, boots, long pants and armored jacket.  There is a bunch of stuff out there and a lot of it is good stuff.  Prices vary greatly, but for the best bang for your buck, I like Joe Rocket accessories.

As for what bike to buy.  It's simple.  One that you can sit flat footed on, and when you sit on it and take it off side stand, it doesn't feel so heavy that you think it will fall over.  I would buy used, odds are you probably will drop it as a new rider, and I would rather drop a used bike rather than a new one.

The best experience is time in the saddle, but experience won't get you out of everything.  When riding always be prepared for the unexpected.

Now do my opinions mean anything, well, that's for you to decided.  I currently own three bikes, one being a trike. I have traveled around a million, and yes I said a million miles on bikes, and all my riding is pleasure.  I do not do any commuting on them.  I have ridden in 49 states, most of the provinces in Canada, and a bunch of Mexico.  My favorite pass time is riding, and I play Aces High when I'm not doing that.  For the last 30 years my life has revolved around riding and traveling on a bike.  It is a life style for me not just a hobby.  Just for the record, and I have nothing against them, but I do not ride a Harley.  

Just my Opinions,

Fred