Child on the way, and i want a motorcycle....

[JeffreyLebowski]

Originally posted by: Tbirdkid
Considering that i am as heavy and as tall as i am, i dont think i want to buy a bike that i will grow out of in the next 4 to 5 years. Yes, there is this itch saying go get one... and i have ridden before, just on dirt. I know its a whole new animal, and i know how dangerous it is. But i also know that i want to live my life too. I dont want my son to grow up fatherless either. Its a hard decision.

You are probably right, i probably shouldnt have come here and asked this question.. but i thought i would get some decent replies and i feel like i have. But i have also gotten some moronic replies. My car insurance for one will be 40 bux a month full coverage. I already have a helacious (i think i spelled that right) life insurance policy.

Yea i probably am in a midlife crisis mode for some reason... but then again, what is living life if you arent truly living it? I think i have done well for myself. I own my own home, i have an awesome job, i make plenty of money. I have a beautiful wife, with a child on the way. College education... etc. I feel like i have it all. So why not go ahead and get something im sure i will enjoy? Other than the fact that there is a possibility i can get hurt. The probability is there... since its my first street bike.

Just stuck deciding on what i should do morally. Probably sink the time and money into the family, but then again, there is always me too. When do i think about myself? When is it PC to think about myself? when i am old and grey and half limp? NO.

This answers the question I posed already. You have never ridden a bike in your life. a 250 will get up and go with a fat man on it. I have seen it 1st hand when i took the MSF class 4 years ago. If you want a sporty looking bike, get a Katana 600. That's what I did. I know have a GS500e that I'm fixing up and will use for a 25 mile one way commute every day.
What you don't realize is that a lowly 500cc bike may only be rated at 40hp and you think it is slow or under powered. 40hp is a lot of power when the bike and you wiegh 700lbs. That's roughly the same power/wieght ratio as my 1991 5.7L v8 trans am and you in it rated at 245hp.

If you want info from a group of rider, check out www.sportbikes.net There are many posts there about begining riders and even experienced riders going down hard because they underestimated the bike. FYI, the new gsxr 1000 was rated at 160hp at the wheel. :shocked:
That bike has the ability to wheelie on a slightly aggresive roll on in 1st gear.

And another point of note, a SS (supersport) bike is going to be very uncomfortable for your 40mile commute. Imagine having to hunch over and have your balls smashed against a metal tank for the whole trip. A bike like a Katana or SV or Bandit is much more suited for commuting.
Please read the www.sportbikes.net forum before you purchase a bike.

 

[Bryophyte]

Originally posted by: TekDemon
On a side note, my family stays off motorcycles these days because of what happened to other family members, which is probably part of why I don't ride a motorcycle even though I really really really want one.

We stay off them because my husband has an 8-inch long scar running from his forehead to the back of his head as a reminder of what happens when you crash a motorcycle and land on a curb on your skull. Knocked a year of college out of his head, had to repeat that year because it was just literally gone after the wreck. Brain injuries rock.

 

[alembic5]

Wow... what a fun post! First off, I will say that I am a proud owner of a 2001 GSXR-1000, and I have a 4 1/2 month old baby girl. However, I had the bike long before I was even married. I have over 10 years riding experience, and I love motorcycling a great deal. I think another question you should ask yourself is "How much self control do I have?" What type of driver are you? Agressive? Speeding all the time? I for one almost never break the speed limit when I am commuting, and ride as if I'm invisible. Accidents can, and will, happen. The more you pay attention (as wellas learn proper riding techniques), the longer you will live. I would also recommend the SV... and buy one used. You can get one 3 years old, ride it for a year, and sell it to upgrade if you feel you need to for minimal cost out of pocket. I have a friend that lost his leg on a motorcycle. It sucked. However, I am still riding. Save any agressive riding for the track, where it is a great deal safer to do so. And no matter what... invest in some top quality gear!! Spend the $500 on a good helmet... you won't regret it. Get the full leathers. And being a dirt rider, make sure you go to a MSF riding course or something of the like. The only time I ever laid my bike down was because I was used to the braking patterns of a dirtbike. Streetbikes are exactly opposite! Whatever you decide, have fun, and be smart about it. Your chances of surviving are very good... but make sure you are prepared in the case that the worst does happen. Best of luck to you!

 

[KingPhil]

I LOVE MY BIKE!

45-50MPG!

750CC
Stage 1 jet kit installed, aftermarket pipes, custom ignition.........

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

Originally posted by: KingPhil
I LOVE MY BIKE!

45-50MPG!

750CC
Stage 1 jet kit installed, aftermarket pipes, custom ignition.........

Nice bike. If I were to get a cruiser that would be the one. Or a Yamaha V-max(not really a cruiser though)

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Tbirdkid
my wife supports everything i want to do. she says if its what i really want... then she supports it.

Wow, that's great. Hopefully, she can work that into your eulogy.

So, your wife doesn't care if you die then? Do you think your child would care if you die or not?

 

[Ornery]

You know Jules, dying isn't the worst thing that can happen! And, having a several million dollar life insurance policy isn't much help if you continue to cling to life in a paralyzed or vegetative state. Cheery thought, eh?

 

[Kaieye]

The chance of dying statistically on a motorcycle vs. a car is about four-one. I have owned almost a dozen motorcycles and am sure that I have ridden almost twenty years( a lot of cafe racing on the Sunday morning ride in Marin County) - it has been a lot of fun. I am glad that I got all that rush and excitement out of me because I cannot stand the heat and cold of motorcycle riding as I got older. The MPG that everyone brags about on a motorcycle is killed by the cost of tires on a motorbike. Some of these tires cost almost $200 bucks and rarely last 8000 miles. For myself, I got out of riding a motorcyle about a year after my first child was born. I felt that my family's needs were a lot more important than risking my life having fun. But I am so glad to have experience of riding a motorycle that I really believe it helped me be a better car driver by being more aware of what is around me when I drive. It has given me a sixth sense that trouble might be brewing and to be extremely careful on how to safeguard yourself.

Your an adult - make your own decision.

 

[The Stigenator]

God you are such a turd.

I wouldnt recommend even an SV650 to you. It still isnt a beginner bike. Get a GS500 or a Ninja 500, ride the crap out of it for 2-3 years then get an SV. Reason: I know ppl who crashed on an SV650. I told them not to get an SV but they did. The SV has a lot or torque and that can be an issue when you hit it around a corner.

Your body size has nothing to do with the bike. A 250 will happily get you where you are going, abiet a bit slower but will get you to 60mph faster than your truck can hit 60. The GS500 (i ride one) is plenty fast to get your ass to 60 in 5.5 seconds or less.

My point is that you dont know what you are saying when you pick a bike. Take it from experienced riders who tell you the truth. Get a boat load of insurance and get your gear. You are going to need it.

A 500cc is no small bike, its plenty to get you going. I have done 400miles in a day on it. I know guys who tour on the ol' GS500. I mean a 500 is perfect for things. If you want plastic, the 2004 GS500f has it. I personally perfer the naked look.

I highly suggest you taking the MSF course and then decide.. at MSF even a 250 cc bike they use will haul your ass. But just because you can ride a 250 at ease doesnt mean you can ride a 750 at ease... the reason you can ride the 250 easily is because they are designed for new riders.

Juliusmaximus> your friend had a Nighthawk 750, which is a good 4 cylinder street bike. Its not that powerful, that's why he survived, but its got torque. However the nighthawk 750 is heavy.

 

[StageLeft]

So, decision yet made?

 

[Tbirdkid]

My decision is that i am going to get one... it may not be a 750 but it is going to be a sport bike. Probably something around a 600 gixxer. The reason i posted this question to this forum is just to find out the theories around peoples thoughts...

I have ridden dirt before, not that it is anything like street... but i have ridden. I have also ridden a street bike a few times and it was a liter bike. Either way, im doing what i want.

 

[Triumph]

Originally posted by: Tbirdkid
My decision is that i am going to get one... it may not be a 750 but it is going to be a sport bike. Probably something around a 600 gixxer. The reason i posted this question to this forum is just to find out the theories around peoples thoughts...

I have ridden dirt before, not that it is anything like street... but i have ridden. I have also ridden a street bike a few times and it was a liter bike. Either way, im doing what i want.

so there really was no point in this thread, since you haven't listened to any of the excellent advice given here. as someone stated above, you already had your mind made up, you were just looking for validation from us. there's not much more to be said, it's your life you can make your own decisions. but they sure aren't the right ones!

 

[boyRacer]

*squid alert* w/ extra chicken strips on the tires please

 

[boyRacer]

oh and i'm not here to try and change your mind since you said you already had it made up but i honestly don't see the point in buying a full blown race replica, be it a 600, a 750 or a literbike, and using it for "commuting". Granted the newer bikes have more ergnomic riding positions... but the thing was meant to go fast which means your riding position is still agressive which doesn't really feel that great if you want to commute with it everyday.

anyway buy what you want... good luck to you. you're a liar if you say you're not going to go fast on a gixxer.

 

[Rike]

Originally posted by: Tbirdkid
My decision is that i am going to get one... it may not be a 750 but it is going to be a sport bike. Probably something around a 600 gixxer. The reason i posted this question to this forum is just to find out the theories around peoples thoughts...

I have ridden dirt before, not that it is anything like street... but i have ridden. I have also ridden a street bike a few times and it was a liter bike. Either way, im doing what i want.

From one dad to another, what ever new toy you get, make sure you have a good life insuance policy in place. If something happens to you, you should make sure that your wife and son will only miss you and not your income also. There aren't too many things in life that you can buy that give you real piece of mind. Good life insurance is one of them.

(No I don't sell. I just have a wonderful wife, four kids and no worries about what will happen to them if I kick off before they do.)

 

[Calin]

I only want to tell you this: you being a big man, the center of gravity of your bike (with you riding) goes up as well. The higher the center of gravity, the least stable the bike is. Just let this sink in your mind - your weight is a disadvantage, and you might be able to wheelie a bike easier than someone that weight only 100lbs.
Hmmm... what would you say if your wife would like to ride a bike also?

 

[Chaotic42]

It's been said, but I'll say it again. If you're going to start riding motorcycles, start with a slower, safer bike and work your way up. Get skilled at it before you get crazy.

In covering the news, I've seen enough people scraped off of the pavement and somewhat reassembled. They're still alive, if that's what you call it.

 

[Calin]

Also, I really don't think you will ever outgrow even a 500cc sport bike - and an engine with alot of torque will be extremely unsafe on wet conditions (like you certainly will encounter on your daily commute). Much less safe than a smaller engine. Also, will your bike have air conditioning or heating for summer or winter days?

 

[Amused]

80 miles a day on the interstate???

Is ANYONE looking at what he wants to use it for???

I wouldn't get a sport bike at all. A touring, sport-touring, or cruiser would be a much better choice.

And a 500cc bike WILL be outgrown VERY quickly if he does 80 miles a day on the interstate. Small engines are very buzzy at highway speeds. Talk about numb hands and feet...

But I agree with many here. Buy a smaller bike and ride it for a season or two if you're just learning. THEN buy a larger, highway worthy bike. 80 miles of interstate a day is NOT fun on a sport bike.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

If you have made up your mind on a sport bike, then I suggest a 500cc. It's enough. Stay away from a 600cc superbike. If you decide against this advice then get one used because WHEN you dump it, it won't be such a costly mistake. I dumped my Hayabusa once just by turning left after stopping at an intersection. Wasn't going fast, but there was an almost invisible layer of beach sand. Cost 2K to fix. Hopefully you won't get injured (you will be wearing leathers, gloves, boots and a helment, right?)

Take the MSF course, and then practice what they teach. If you take a 600cc bike as your starter don't be suprised if they roll their eyes at you. After all you have just done the equivalent of a 16 year old showing up for the first day of driving lessons with an F1 race car.

Assuming you don't crash during the MSF course, then ride around AWAY from traffic. Go to parking lots and practice getting off the line. Sounds easy, right? Well you have to do that every time, and you had better know how any bike is going to respond when you have to hit the throttle to get out of the way of that ancient Buick with the little old man in a hat who is peering through his steering wheel smiling all the while but really doesn't see you. Learn to fear old people with hats. Your most vulnerable moment on a bike is when you aren't moving, but stopped at a red light. Getting rear ended isnt pretty. Get used to looking in the mirrors at all times while stopped. Always leave yourself enough room between the vehicle in front and yourself to have an escape. You will need it some day.

Sport bikes (500cc included) have three assets which offer you some advantage. Acceleration, agility and braking. None of those are useful to you at all in the beginning as you don't know how to use them. You have no protection against a direct collision. No metal and airbags and belts. Nothing. Remember that. Every vehicle is your enemy. Get to thinking that way.

Get so you instinctively know where every vehicle is in you immediate vicinity. Every one. I used to drive my wife nuts because I drive like I ride. I know where everything is. I'll change lanes to account changes in traffic flow she hasnt even detected. You must learn the same.

Can you do this with a 600cc (or larger) true sport bike? Sure, but chances are you will be a poorer rider for it. Why? Because almost everyone who buys a bike beyond their level becomes afraid of it. Make no mistake, these are beyond you. You can reach an uneasy truce and maybe one day master them, but it will take longer than getting something more survivable which you can enjoy riding.

BTW remember I am one who LIKES to see people ride. I don't enjoy seeing them set themselves up for failure or worse.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: Tbirdkid
My decision is that i am going to get one... it may not be a 750 but it is going to be a sport bike. Probably something around a 600 gixxer. The reason i posted this question to this forum is just to find out the theories around peoples thoughts...

I have ridden dirt before, not that it is anything like street... but i have ridden. I have also ridden a street bike a few times and it was a liter bike. Either way, im doing what i want.

You're quite right, it's nothing like the street. I've ridden dirt bikes too, but trees don't often broadside people on dirt trails.

Ooo, you do what you want, DAD. Just don't look back on this thread in 18 months from your hospital bed, which in fact is exactly what happened in another thread I read about; some guy was asking about a bike and a person in the thread gave all the reason not too...later on a new thread was made by the OP and he was paralyzed. But hey, he showed them!

so there really was no point in this thread, since you haven't listened to any of the excellent advice given here

Seems that way, but in most cases on AT when advice is asked the person already has advice they want to hear, and if they don't hear it they stick to their initial desires anyway.

Anyway, nobody can commute 80 miles/day on a sport bike. Totally ridiculous.

 

[CVSiN]

Originally posted by: Skoorb

Originally posted by: Tbirdkid
My decision is that i am going to get one... it may not be a 750 but it is going to be a sport bike. Probably something around a 600 gixxer. The reason i posted this question to this forum is just to find out the theories around peoples thoughts...

I have ridden dirt before, not that it is anything like street... but i have ridden. I have also ridden a street bike a few times and it was a liter bike. Either way, im doing what i want.

You're quite right, it's nothing like the street. I've ridden dirt bikes too, but trees don't often broadside people on dirt trails.

Ooo, you do what you want, DAD. Just don't look back on this thread in 18 months from your hospital bed, which in fact is exactly what happened in another thread I read about; some guy was asking about a bike and a person in the thread gave all the reason not too...later on a new thread was made by the OP and he was paralyzed. But hey, he showed them!

so there really was no point in this thread, since you haven't listened to any of the excellent advice given here

Seems that way, but in most cases on AT when advice is asked the person already has advice they want to hear, and if they don't hear it they stick to their initial desires anyway.

Anyway, nobody can commute 80 miles/day on a sport bike. Totally ridiculous.

Oh well we tried to help him man...
bet he cant even do a figure 8 at under 5 mph within 1 parking space....
or perform a emergency stop from 60 mph on a sportbike without going into a full blown inadvetant stoppie...

i can see this guy wadded up within 6 months.. or maybe just maybe after.. when he starts to get brave... and thinking he has control....
thats usally when young riders get in trouble...
soon as they "think" they have mastered it...
problem is they havent built up the instints that save precious seconds that mean life or death when things go wrong...

BTW skorb I did 85 miles round trip every single day on my CBR929RR.. but then again its about the most comfortable sportbike on the market.. high bars (clip ons lifted stock above the tree) and very large padded seat..

 

[Calin]

You might not help him (as he already had his mind set about it), but you might help others to think at it long before even thinking how cool sport bikes are. Anyway, the thread was interesting

 

[hevnsnt]

Originally posted by: Tbirdkid
My decision is that i am going to get one... it may not be a 750 but it is going to be a sport bike. Probably something around a 600 gixxer. The reason i posted this question to this forum is just to find out the theories around peoples thoughts...

I have ridden dirt before, not that it is anything like street... but i have ridden. I have also ridden a street bike a few times and it was a liter bike. Either way, im doing what i want.

Just so you know you are not the only one in this stuggle.. (See Here)
I found out that my wife is pregnant
too, and for some reason I decided that I had to have a motorcycle.. I am 28 and been riding motorcross (for fun only) since I was 6.
I talked with a bunch of people who ride bikes around town. I originally was going to get a 900 (I ride a 250 Motocross right now) and they talked me out of it. They told me that for a starter bike a 500-600 is the best class. They also told me that if I was going to get a sport bike, now is the time. My wife and I are DINKS (dual income no kids) and I can afford the bike now.. I may not be able to afford it in 9 months, So I am paying cash for it now..

There is one BIG difference between you and I though. I will be riding my bike on weekends & other times when I just "need to get out" I am not looking for it to be my primary transportation. I visit richmond/reston all the time and that suburb is very similar to where I live in KC. I have made a deal with my wife that I wont be taking the bike on the highways.. So get your bike, cruise around and stay off 495!

oh nate is a stupid little girl. <-inside joke

 

[Triumph]

Originally posted by: hevnsnt

Originally posted by: Tbirdkid
My decision is that i am going to get one... it may not be a 750 but it is going to be a sport bike. Probably something around a 600 gixxer. The reason i posted this question to this forum is just to find out the theories around peoples thoughts...

I have ridden dirt before, not that it is anything like street... but i have ridden. I have also ridden a street bike a few times and it was a liter bike. Either way, im doing what i want.

Just so you know you are not the only one in this stuggle.. (See Here)
I found out that my wife is pregnant
too, and for some reason I decided that I had to have a motorcycle.. I am 28 and been riding motorcross (for fun only) since I was 6.
I talked with a bunch of people who ride bikes around town. I originally was going to get a 900 (I ride a 250 Motocross right now) and they talked me out of it. They told me that for a starter bike a 500-600 is the best class. They also told me that if I was going to get a sport bike, now is the time. My wife and I are DINKS (dual income no kids) and I can afford the bike now.. I may not be able to afford it in 9 months, So I am paying cash for it now..

There is one BIG difference between you and I though. I will be riding my bike on weekends & other times when I just "need to get out" I am not looking for it to be my primary transportation. I visit richmond/reston all the time and that suburb is very similar to where I live in KC. I have made a deal with my wife that I wont be taking the bike on the highways.. So get your bike, cruise around and stay off 495!

oh nate is a stupid little girl. <-inside joke

Wow. I gave you all that good advice. You even PM'ed me and told me you would take it to heart. You bought a new bike (waste of money), you bought the one that loves to get headshakes (even after I posted a nasty headshake video and a link to a thread on Kawiforums about what happens to n00bies on ZX-6R's with headshake).

And as a side note, with the exception of this area and 495 because its insane, highways are pretty much the safest place for a motorcyclist to be. A majority of crashes happen within something like 5 miles of home. But these are things that you don't learn on dirtbikes, which makes you a complete newbie all over again. You can learn about balancing the clutch, throttle, brake, and shifter on a dirtbike. But those actions account for about 25% of street riding. The other 75% is all mental.