Buying a Motorcycle soon....new rider...need help...some questions, etc...

[chin311]

Well, a lot of my friends just got bikes, and have been riding alot so im thinking of getting into it...one just got a new r6 and the other a used suzuki bandit i believe...

anyway, ive never rode before but have already arranged to take the Basic Rider course which in FL also gives me my motorcycle license along w/ some basic training for a weekend...about 240$ tho

anyhow, the most i can probably spend is about 3k$ or so for now, and was thinking along the lines of a katana600, new ninja250?, ninja 500-600, or any bike 600 and under, i really only like the styling of sport bikes like gsx's, r-series, cbr's, katanas, and the like...what do you suggest?

my size might be important for bikes too, im 6'1 about 200lbs or so....that might be a factor for some bikes im not sure...

and the last question was pertaining to insurance, i live in FL and i was told insurance isnt required on bikes, is this true?

 

[PHiuR]

best thing to do is to probably ask your friends since they are into biking...but sports bikes/ crotch rockets = COOL ...but dangerous...basically the helmet is wearing you for protection if u get hit...

 

[dman]

Originally posted by: chin311

and the last question was pertaining to insurance, i live in FL and i was told insurance isnt required on bikes, is this true?

I was told that too. No idea though, call an insurance company. Just because it isn't required doesn't mean you don't want it. Might not be expensive either, worth asking.

I'd question owning a motorcycle in FL... but you probably have already decided it's worth the risk.

 

[Quixfire]

Life Insurance

 

[chin311]

Originally posted by: dman

Originally posted by: chin311

and the last question was pertaining to insurance, i live in FL and i was told insurance isnt required on bikes, is this true?

I was told that too. No idea though, call an insurance company. Just because it isn't required doesn't mean you don't want it. Might not be expensive either, worth asking.

I'd question owning a motorcycle in FL... but you probably have already decided it's worth the risk.

why would you question it? i live about 45 min from orlando, in an area where itd be nice to bike w/o a crazy amount of traffic...and you could do it year-round...

also:
well, im already paying out the butt for my car insurance and i didnt wanna add MORE to that...and i figured im not gonna damage much besides myself

 

[desy]

Your a big guy, you might want a 750 then. Alittle heavier and heavier is better on the Highway as you don't get pushed around so much.
Believe it or not even that will seem slow in a month or two.

 

[chin311]

Originally posted by: desy
Your a big guy, you might want a 750 then. Alittle heavier and heavier is better on the Highway as you don't get pushed around so much.
Believe it or not even that will seem slow in a month or two.

750 would prolly be a lot for me, considering ive never riden before :\, at least i would think and thats what ive read...

600 should be plenty fast...ive read that the katana is a pretty good beginner bike...or maybe a mid 90's 600cc rocket?

a NEW ninja250 is only 3k$, but thats probably too small considering my size...right?

 

[Crucial]

A 750 won't be too much. I was 6'2" 230lbs when I got my first bike. It was just enough and got to be too slow very quickly. 750 is a great bike to start out with. WHatever it is your riding you'll only go as fast as you make it. Don't skimp out now, you'll regret it later.

Good Job on the riding course. Stay safe.

 

[desy]

I'm 5'6 155
My first bike was a 550 LB 1984 750 Interceptor.
Now I did have dirt bikes when I was a kid but thats totally different.
I know they tell you to start small I just going to save you time by buying the right bike first.
Your feet will hit the ground and you are big enough it won't push you around, You will find you adapt pretty damn quick
My buddy same size, went from a 250 to a 1100 GSX Suzy and he wished he'd just skipped the 250

 

[chin311]

Originally posted by: csaddict
A 750 won't be too much. I was 6'2" 230lbs when I got my first bike. It was just enough and got to be too slow very quickly. 750 is a great bike to start out with. WHatever it is your riding you'll only go as fast as you make it. Don't skimp out now, you'll regret it later.

Good Job on the riding course. Stay safe.

hmm, i guess thats true..my friend is about the exact same build as me, and he just bought a brand new r6, and i dont hear him complaining about it not being fast enough...i guess ill just stay between 600-750 and find whatever the best buy is in my market...

 

[malbojah]

/me quietly whispers ...'Busa'...'Busa'

 

[TheNinja]

Originally posted by: chin311

Originally posted by: desy
Your a big guy, you might want a 750 then. Alittle heavier and heavier is better on the Highway as you don't get pushed around so much.
Believe it or not even that will seem slow in a month or two.

750 would prolly be a lot for me, considering ive never riden before :\, at least i would think and thats what ive read...

600 should be plenty fast...ive read that the katana is a pretty good beginner bike...or maybe a mid 90's 600cc rocket?

a NEW ninja250 is only 3k$, but thats probably too small considering my size...right?

Anywhere from 600 at the very low end to a 850 is good for you. 250 is much too small, don't even consider it (i had abuddy that bought a 450 single cylinder I believe....it was slow and uncomfortable to ride). I can't help you out with models though, but I can tell you that motorcycle insurance was pretty cheap for me even when I was 20-22 years old, although I had a crusing street bike (a 750 nighthawk) not a crotch rocket, so I'd imagine there is a difference (I'm sure statistically crotch rocket riders get in FAR more accidents that street bike riders)

 

[The Stigenator]

arrgh..

Wont you guys ever learn.. Take it from a relatively experienced rider..

Do NOT start with a super sport. Those 600cc supersports will kill you or if you live you just wont know how to take turns properly.

I know florida is flat land and all you do is go in a straight line, but a supersport despite it looking cool is too much of a bike for a new rider.

The 250cc though underpowered is a good starting zone. I always tell people to start small, that's when you conquer your fears. However since your not wanting the 250cc Ninja look at the Ninja 500R.. its bigger brother. Its a sweet bike. If not that look at teh Suzuki GS500 (look at my sig). At the most I would say you should go is the SV650(S) model. The SV650 is a major wheelie machine.. i have seen new riders dump it the day they bought the bike.

Anything more and your in trouble.

Also just check how much your insurance is going to be for that supersport. From what I understand FL does have an insurance law, but if your over 21 (or is it 18) and you got full health coverage I think you can ride without a helmet. I think you still will need insurance though..

I would say stay off the 600cc super sport and above... you dont need a 750cc.. Yes I know 750cc is a useable bike, but its a useable bike for advanced riders. But even so its still a lot more power than you think.

For your weight even a puny 250 cc will give you enough pleasure. Its not about going straight, its how you take teh corners.

And while at it get some good gear.. Jacket, Pants, Gloves, Boots and Helmet (I recommend even if your state has no helmet law you still shoudl wear one if your a new rider).

 

[WinkOsmosis]

Originally posted by: The_good_guyAnd while at it get some good gear.. Jacket, Pants, Gloves, Boots and Helmet (I recommend even if your state has no helmet law you still shoudl wear one if your a new rider).

Shouldn't everyone wear a helmet?

 

[Vette73]

Originally posted by: The_good_guy
arrgh..

Wont you guys ever learn.. Take it from a relatively experienced rider..

Do NOT start with a super sport. Those 600cc supersports will kill you or if you live you just wont know how to take turns properly.

I know florida is flat land and all you do is go in a straight line, but a supersport despite it looking cool is too much of a bike for a new rider.

The 250cc though underpowered is a good starting zone. I always tell people to start small, that's when you conquer your fears. However since your not wanting the 250cc Ninja look at the Ninja 500R.. its bigger brother. Its a sweet bike. If not that look at teh Suzuki GS500 (look at my sig). At the most I would say you should go is the SV650(S) model. The SV650 is a major wheelie machine.. i have seen new riders dump it the day they bought the bike.

Anything more and your in trouble.

Also just check how much your insurance is going to be for that supersport. From what I understand FL does have an insurance law, but if your over 21 (or is it 18) and you got full health coverage I think you can ride without a helmet. I think you still will need insurance though..

I would say stay off the 600cc super sport and above... you dont need a 750cc.. Yes I know 750cc is a useable bike, but its a useable bike for advanced riders. But even so its still a lot more power than you think.

For your weight even a puny 250 cc will give you enough pleasure. Its not about going straight, its how you take teh corners.

And while at it get some good gear.. Jacket, Pants, Gloves, Boots and Helmet (I recommend even if your state has no helmet law you still shoudl wear one if your a new rider).

I second that also.

My dad teaches the local motorcycle class and he and I have both been in motorcycle accidents, neither out faults. Do not start with some super bike/crotchrocket. Something in the 500 engine size would be a good starter, after you have taken the motorcycle class and have your permit.