Any motorcycle riders in here?

[bj229r]

..............
Crash 1-  Heading to the DOT for my motorcycle license (ironic huh).  Hit sand at the end of my street.  Crunch.
Crash 2-  Perkins parking lot.  Car turned in front of me, had to lay it down to avoid being smooshed.
Crash 3-  Gas station.  Didn't see the oil on the pavement.  Crunch.
Crash 4-  Riding a wheelie when my boot lace got snagged in the chain.  Pulled my leg into the rear wheel and flipped over and over down the road.  Light pole stopped my forward momentum abruptly.
Crash 5-  Drag racing a cop on his bike, overclutched the start and wheelied over backwards.  Crunch.
Crash 6-  Meh, you get the point.  There's 4 other crashes in the books though.

Be very careful and implement all the safety measures you can.  My mororcycle history is a tad extreme but it can happen to anyone, anytime.  Good luck, and enjoy your new hobby!  

Lol, not most of that stuff (Oh yah, if Dell gets a Harley, he will NEVER have to worry about getting his shoelace caught in something while doing a wheelie )

[tf15pin]

From the specs and description the NT700 should not be too much for a beginner. It has features like ABS, linked breaking, and shaft drive so it is simple to operate almost to the point of being a scooter. It is a V-twin so it should have a smooth wide power band that makes it beginner friendly. If you are going to buy it I would definitely get the abs version due to the linked breaking. If I do not have specific control over how much force is being put on the front breaks I definitely do not want them to be locking up, front wheel skids are a tough thing to recover from.

I still say buying a cheap piece of junk to ride around on for the rest of summer would be a great idea. If for nothing else but to build confidence. If the beginners safety training course there is anything like the one here you were riding something like a GZ250, honda rebel, or 200cc duel sport. They use that type of bike because they are small and light so if you get in a bit of trouble you can basically put you feet down and be OK. It is like swimming in the shallow end of the pool. You figure things out and build confidence before you dive in the deep end. The NT700 is not the deep end but it is the expensive end, at $12k for the abs model it is a pretty expensive toy. If your only experience is the safety training course you could stand to get some more saddle time on a small bike before stepping up. It is probably twice as heavy and three times as powerful as what you have ridden so far so if you get it you are going to have a rough first couple months where you are anxious while you are on it. Best case is this will make you cautious until your skills catch up to your machine, worst case is it prevents you from enjoying ridding and ultimately leads to you not riding; there is an even-worse case but it probably does not have to be pointed out.

You can literally pick up a used bike for under $1000 ride it for 4 months and turn around and sell it for what you paid for it and get lots of experience with no financial risk, then go back to the dealership in March and pick up the NT700 and ride it home with a big grin on your face instead of stalling in the dealership parking lot.  

Long story short is is a good bike now but it will be a great bike next spring.


Last thing, it has a 31 1/2" seat height and pretty high pegs so if you are much over 5'10" you should probably look for something with a better fit.

[CAP1]

no bike is too much for a beginner, as long as that beginner can safely balance its weight.


 you don't need abs and other safety devices. in fact, having abs on a bike can lead to more trouble than it may avoid. people tend to devlop habits of using things such as that as a crutch.

 basic bike will be fine.

[Sonicblu]

Hey Del its not the motorcycle its the rider!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Most of us that have been riding since before we had a divers license. dirt bikes and the like. Or your 14 and mow the neighbors grass all summer just to trade them the motorcycle sitting under the eves of the house, that is falling apart.  

Most of us started off with what we could afford at 14. So most of us started off with small bikes 250cc and worked our way up.

I wouldn't get a  bike just because you can afford it. Get one you can comfortable ride without having to pull a wheely in sixth gear.

the Honda NT700v looks like a nice bike. Looks fine if you don't ride it like you stole it.

My guess is if your even asking yourself the question "is it to much for my first bike" then yes it is. Listen to yourself. you can always upgrade later.

Srry cap1 I disagree with ya here. We all start our kids out on smaller bikes. We don't put them on the largest machine they can safely balance....

Would you really let your friend who is a beginner get you your V-max or 1100rr and take it around the block. You know he would kill himself.

It makes a big difference if you get frozen throttle syndrome if something goes wrong. ( ya know where your muscle freeze up and your hand on the throttle won't let off, because to much is going on plus some unforeseen stuff running through your head. Smaller bike you can hit the brakes anyway and stall the motor usually, or at least slow down. A V- max or the like will melt the brakes and put you through the store front window faster than you can say OH toejamakemushrooms.

Firedrgn had this exact thing happen to him. A friend came over and said hey im thinking of getting a motorcycle can I try yours. Frozen throttle syndrome, it was like strapping a bottle rocket to and ant. Lucky he had a long straight road in front of him and finally got it stopped in time. If he was at a stoplight What a mess.

[Stalwart]

Buy the safest helmet (not necessarily the most expensive) that money can buy.

[AAJagerX]

Hey Del its not the motorcycle its the rider!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Most of us that have been riding since before we had a divers license. dirt bikes and the like. Or your 14 and mow the neighbors grass all summer just to trade them the motorcycle sitting under the eves of the house, that is falling apart.  

Most of us started off with what we could afford at 14. So most of us started off with small bikes 250cc and worked our way up.

I wouldn't get a  bike just because you can afford it. Get one you can comfortable ride without having to pull a wheely in sixth gear.

the Honda NT700v looks like a nice bike. Looks fine if you don't ride it like you stole it.

My guess is if your even asking yourself the question "is it to much for my first bike" then yes it is. Listen to yourself. you can always upgrade later.

Srry cap1 I disagree with ya here. We all start our kids out on smaller bikes. We don't put them on the largest machine they can safely balance....

Would you really let your friend who is a beginner get you your V-max or 1100rr and take it around the block. You know he would kill himself.

It makes a big difference if you get frozen throttle syndrome if something goes wrong. ( ya know where your muscle freeze up and your hand on the throttle won't let off, because to much is going on plus some unforeseen stuff running through your head. Smaller bike you can hit the brakes anyway and stall the motor usually, or at least slow down. A V- max or the like will melt the brakes and put you through the store front window faster than you can say OH toejamakemushrooms.

Firedrgn had this exact thing happen to him. A friend came over and said hey im thinking of getting a motorcycle can I try yours. Frozen throttle syndrome, it was like strapping a bottle rocket to and ant. Lucky he had a long straight road in front of him and finally got it stopped in time. If he was at a stoplight What a mess.

LOL, my lil bro killed a tennis court that way. 

[CAP1]

Hey Del its not the motorcycle its the rider!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Most of us that have been riding since before we had a divers license. dirt bikes and the like. Or your 14 and mow the neighbors grass all summer just to trade them the motorcycle sitting under the eves of the house, that is falling apart.  

Most of us started off with what we could afford at 14. So most of us started off with small bikes 250cc and worked our way up.

I wouldn't get a  bike just because you can afford it. Get one you can comfortable ride without having to pull a wheely in sixth gear.

the Honda NT700v looks like a nice bike. Looks fine if you don't ride it like you stole it.

My guess is if your even asking yourself the question "is it to much for my first bike" then yes it is. Listen to yourself. you can always upgrade later.

Srry cap1 I disagree with ya here. We all start our kids out on smaller bikes. We don't put them on the largest machine they can safely balance....

Would you really let your friend who is a beginner get you your V-max or 1100rr and take it around the block. You know he would kill himself.

It makes a big difference if you get frozen throttle syndrome if something goes wrong. ( ya know where your muscle freeze up and your hand on the throttle won't let off, because to much is going on plus some unforeseen stuff running through your head. Smaller bike you can hit the brakes anyway and stall the motor usually, or at least slow down. A V- max or the like will melt the brakes and put you through the store front window faster than you can say OH toejamakemushrooms.

Firedrgn had this exact thing happen to him. A friend came over and said hey im thinking of getting a motorcycle can I try yours. Frozen throttle syndrome, it was like strapping a bottle rocket to and ant. Lucky he had a long straight road in front of him and finally got it stopped in time. If he was at a stoplight What a mess.

my first bike was a honda cm450. i was warned to not get that bike, as i'd get tired of it too quickly. i had it for less than 6 months, before i got my first shadow 1100.

 crotch rockets.....i'd not let any of my friends have one of them as a first bike, given the choice..............cruisers though, are a bit easier.

[phatzo]

my first bike was a honda cm450. i was warned to not get that bike, as i'd get tired of it too quickly. i had it for less than 6 months, before i got my first shadow 1100.

 crotch rockets.....i'd not let any of my friends have one of them as a first bike, given the choice..............cruisers though, are a bit easier.

I would more likely say that somewhere in the middle is better. Anything with good low speed handling ie. Honda CB etc. Although to you and me getting a cruiser around a busy carpark would be fairly easy, a new guy may struggle in a low speed situation and end up on his arse. Small pain but still big scratches in the paint.

[lowZX14]

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.  

Exactly Jager that's what I have been telling everyone for a long time now but some people are so narrow minded to where they can't see it.  First let me expand on what I said earlier.  The ZX-14 was my first street bike, I have had more dirt bikes ranging from 50cc - 250cc than I could shake a stick at and had ridden a ton of my buddies bikes up to a YZF-R1 before I bought the big boy for my first street bike.  I said before, it will only do what you tell it to do, if you're not an idiot and don't act like one it doesn't matter what size bike you get, it'll hurt you but as always most of the crowd still believes you have to start on something small.  The only regret I have about buying that one at first wasn't that it was so big, it was that when it went down it hurt the wallet a little more than something smaller would have.  The 14 was great because most of my driving was on 4 lane highways running about 65 and slightly higher at times  back and forth to work and a little to town.  Like you mentioned, just as the 'busa is, the 14 is a very controllable, stable bike that rides like a Cadillac. 

Oh and for all the people who say it's too big to start with, Pops was riding a 600 back in the '70s which was his 3rd bike after selling 2 and riding for a few years, and hit gravel vs. me hitting sand, guess what his outcome was.......yup, he went down too.  So I'll stick to my guns in that it doesn't matter what size you get to start off with if you're not stupid with it.

There is a wealth of information here in regards to bikes, gear, riding techniques and everything.  I'm sure some more great and epic, I can't believe I used that word, stories will be soon to follow here.  Good luck to you Del, be sure to keep us posted.

Oh and Jager, I wanted that helmet when I bought mine but didn't get it because the dealership only had a L and it was too big.  If you still have hold of it next spring when the new one hits my garage I'll take it off your hands. 

[danny76]

Since 1994, currently VTR1000 FX.

[Delirium]

I've thought about it (even went to the Honda dealership yesterday) and I've decided to postpone getting the NT700v. It would be ideal for commutes to and from work and play but I'll go with something a little smaller and definitely cheaper as my first bike.

Thanks for advice gents, I knew I shouldn't go bit pricey on the first time out, I just needed to hear it from someone else.

[danny76]

You're main problem, other than those that have already been mentioned, is the phenomenal costs.

Partly because unlike most car drivers, you actually go out riding for fun, hence do more miles. Large capacity bikes are reasonable economical until you ride them with gusto, then they are pretty similar in mileage to cars (probably won't affect you in the states).

But the shinier gear will cost you arm and a leg. I have a room upstairs with more leather than a cattle farm, mostly purchased to match new bikes, and enough helmets to equip a small (if badly uniformed) guerrilla army. Tens of pairs of gloves, cheapo nasties from when I started out, right up to £100+ race gloves, same deal with boots.

And then just going to the bike shop gets you in trouble. Since 1996 I've owned:

1986 Honda Nr 250 Superdream (blew up)
1988 Honda Nc 400 Superdream (blew up)
2000 Honda NTV 650 Deauville (part ex'd)
1996 Honda VTR 1000 Firestorm (stolen)
2000 Honda VFR 800 F (part ex'd)
2000 Honda Pan European (crashed, write off)
1997 Honda VFR 750 F (part ex'd)
1990 Honda CBR 1000f (crashed, write off)
1989 Honda CBR 1000f (part ex'd)
1997 Triumph Daytona 955 (crashed, repaired, stolen)
and finally a 1999 Honda VTR 1000 FX which is my current bike.

Works out at one hell of a lot of money, coupled with the completely destroyed left wrist, (16 breaks, 13 pins, K-wire, 4 plates) Four broken ribs, 1 punctured kidney, 2 shattered teeth, subdural heamatoma, loss of a job etc.

Also impossible to explain to anyone who doesn't ride why you still would and unneccessary to explain to anyone that does.

All the best Del, enjoy and never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly. 
 

[Tigger29]

danny.. no offense, but the costs aren't so great so long as you don't go blowing up and wrecking every bike you own!  HAHA.. seriously though.

I'm on my third bike in 15 years... First was a '78 Honda CB400, next was a '81? Kaw KZ750... then I took a break for several years partly because of financial problems and partly because of the ex-wife didn't want me riding (come to find out she was the root cause of the financial problems.. go figure) but then she left so I got me a sweet deal on a Harley.

Yes it's a little skirtster, but I like it.. fast and nimble... and comfortable.  I traded a truck I no longer needed for it dead even with a guy whose wife didn't want him riding either.  Poor guy was almost in tears signing the title over, but whatcha gonna do?  His wife got transferred to Colorado and two days before the move she told him "the bike isn't coming with us".

Anyway, none of my bikes are what I would call expensive.  I change the oil every year with AMSOil, change trans fluid every other year with same, keep it maintained and ride safely.  I don't have to pop wheelies or ride like crazy to have fun... although a quick little street drag can sometimes be fun.  The Honda was $200 and the Kaw was free (cost about $400 to get it up and running).  My only accident on a bike (thank God) is when I got rear ended by a teenager in a DQ parking lot in the Honda.  Haha I was his boss at the time, and I made him follow me home.  The damage was a bit significant but I didn't even bother filing a claim.. I mean come on... $200 bike... heck I straightened out the handlebars with a hammer and sold it for what I paid for it later on.

As for spending money on gear... like I said before.. I don't necessarily believe in spending tons of money on it.  Yes.. wear some thick jeans and comfortable boots... and of course goggles/helmet... and jacket/gloves when the weather is cool enough for it, but for people to spend hundreds and thousands of dollars on riding suits and other gear.. especially for the reasons of 'matching a new bike'... I mean come on use some common sense here.  It'd be different if you were racing the thing... but come on now!

My gear consists of the following:

-Jeans.. $35  -Boots.. $65  -Leather Jacket.. $40 on clearance  -Leather Vest.. $120  -Helmet.. $120  -Goggles..  $15  -Leather Gloves..  $30

-Laughing at people riding around in $1000 riding suits just so they can look cool..  $priceless

[bj229r]

I've thought about it (even went to the Honda dealership yesterday) and I've decided to postpone getting the NT700v. It would be ideal for commutes to and from work and play but I'll go with something a little smaller and definitely cheaper as my first bike.

Thanks for advice gents, I knew I shouldn't go bit pricey on the first time out, I just needed to hear it from someone else.

One thing that would help from financial standpoint, don't buy a brand new bike. TONS of bikes are bought brand new....sit in the garage for a year....mebbe 1500 miles get put on them in the course of the year....then they sell em for a 25% loss

[morfiend]

I've thought about it (even went to the Honda dealership yesterday) and I've decided to postpone getting the NT700v. It would be ideal for commutes to and from work and play but I'll go with something a little smaller and definitely cheaper as my first bike.

Thanks for advice gents, I knew I shouldn't go bit pricey on the first time out, I just needed to hear it from someone else.

 A wise decision Del, although I wasnt familiar with the NT700 until I looked it up it seems like a nice bike and even has abs as an option.The weight at 560 or so pounds isnt to bad but with the luggage all packed it could become abit much until you have plenty of experence.

 I'd look at the 500 to 650 cc range,I wont suggest any bike as I'm not sure what type of riding you want to do and besides I'd suggest you get a used bike the first year or two then decide on "the bike" you really want.

  Myself I dont ride anymore,the wife calls them Donercycles,but I started at around 9yo on a honda 70 then a 125 then a 2stroke kawi tripple 250,after that I went to a norton 750,then a honda 400x4 then a 750 kawi.I also spent time on several track bikes and competed in some MX,so I have abit of experience. Geese I forgot somewhere in there was a Hodaka MXer.

 Once you actually get that first bike,go to an empty parking lot or a mall lot with no traffic and just ride around and practice stopping/starting,turns and all the silly little things.Nothing is as embarassing as stalling your bike at a light when there a lovely Blonde in the car beside you!!   ya been there done that!!!

  Good luck and safe rides!!