Interested in an entry level motorcycle for commuting, never rode one before

[Throwmeabone]

What do I need to know?

I'm currently reading the New York State motorcycle manual. I'm also going to buy "Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well" and probably "The Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Guide to Motorcycling Excellence." Unfortunately, I haven't driven a manual car significantly, so I that will make it more challenging to learn how to ride.

I plan to get a learner permit now, and then take the Basic Rider Course this summer and use it to get licensed. I guess I will get insurance then and buy the bike. How much can I expect insurance to be? I just turned 20, and I've been driving since 16 if that matters.

I really don't care for speed, even while driving cars. I just want a motorcycle to get from point A to point B inexpensively. I can get to most places I need to go without getting on the highway.

I live in a suburban area, and while driving here is generally uneventful, I know people do not pay attention. I think that's what can make riding a motorcycle comparatively safer in developing countries. For one, everyone is forced to go slow due to the congestion and roads, and more importantly, people know to look out for non-automobile traffic. Here, I've been NAILED from behind by an inattentive, elderly driver while waiting for a left turn. The thought of that happening while on a motorcycle really scares me.. If there is anything holding me back, it is the fear of being injured in a crash. I'm definitely going to get a jacket and a helmet, but leather pants and boots wouldn't work for me since I'm planning to go to work and school on this thing.

 

[jagec]

+1 on the books, +1 on the MSF course.

Insurance is very cheap, especially if you don't get collision and don't ride a sport bike. The older the bike and smaller the engine, the less you have to pay. For reference, my insurance (25yo single male, nothing on record) is about $15/month for a 2007 DL650 (650cc, obviously) with liability, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured coverage.

Gear: ATGATT--All The Gear, All The Time. Every single time you ride, you should be wearing a full-face helmet, jacket, gloves, boots, and overpants. Actually, if you plan on riding as a commuter, I'd buy a 1-piece riding suit...they offer great protection, good waterproofing, and decent temperature regulation in a package that you can slip on over your regular work clothes in 15 seconds. Get a motorcycle with bags for a commuter--that gives you a place to put your helmet, suit, gloves, and boots, changing out to shoes for the office. Throw in a comb, and you're fully professional again.

Something which is getting more and more common for 2-wheel commuters is the max-scooter--higher-displacement scooters which are big enough to be noticed, have plenty of power for the freeway, and still get good mileage and don't need to be shifted. I prefer shifting my own gears, but I can certainly understand the appeal.

The smaller, older UJMs ("universal japanese motorcycle") like the Seca, Nighthawk, and other standards make great starter bikes. So would the old BMW boxers, so do old cruisers like the Shadow or Rebel. For newer bikes, the SV650, Ninja 250, Versys (possibily a little big), and the smaller, lighter cruisers work well.

Really I'd recommend getting an old, light, cheap POS for your first bike. They make great commuters, and you don't feel bad if you drop it. Once you're more experienced, move up to the bike you like.

As for safety, I actually feel safer on the freeway than in the city. The worst situation is medium-to-high speed roads (~40MPH) with plenty of intersections branching off to lower-speed roads and lots of other traffic. What a mess! At least on the freeway everyone's pretty much going the same speed. But if you keep your head about you, LOOK everywhere, and wear high-visibility clothing, you should do fine. One good tip is to weave a little as you approach intersections...that separates you from the background and helps you get noticed. The safest way to proceed through an intersection is in the left lane, with a car to your right--that way the people trying to turn left will see the car and not turn, and the people trying to turn right-on-red are also blocked by the car. People usually give hints of what they're about to do, though, so if you stay attentive you can usually spot the bad drivers before they make their move.

 

[DougK62]

I recommend an older bike, too. At least for starting. I suggest an older Honda like the CB350 or 360. My first bike was a CB350 and I still love riding it. Good gas mileage, easy to learn on, and I think they look really great.

 

[MiataNC]

Go used and get your skills up. You will save a ton of money, and all of the bikes listed below can be resold for what you pay for them if you find a good deal...

Kawasaki..
Ninja 250R
Ninja 500R
Ninja 650R

Suzuki
Bandit 400/600
SV650
DL650

Buell Blast

Honda
CB250
599
CB750

 

[MovingTarget]

I'm looking into doing the same thing considering the price of gas. It sounds fun anyway. Bikes/scooters are a lot more practical than my Caprice in downtown Birmingham, AL. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find any MSF courses nearby. Heck, even the state manual doesn't specify if there is a separate road test in the licensing process.

But yeah, in researching this myself, it seems that it would be better to start off in a larger scooter. You may also want to check out a Scarabeo, which is more of a hybrid between the two, an "automatic motorcycle" if you will. The operation would be much simpler.

http://www.apriliausa.com/mode...beo/modello.asp?id=121

 

[JulesMaximus]

Definitely take the MSF course and get your license. After that I'd get a small cc motorcycle that doesn't cost much and gain some experience on that before getting something bigger. Give it 6 months on the smaller bike and by then you should have some idea of what you want in a bike and then you can buy the bike you want.

Oh, and never drink and ride. They say alcohol is involved in something like 50% of motorcycle fatalities.

 

[angry hampster]

Originally posted by: jagec

The smaller, older UJMs ("universal japanese motorcycle") like the Seca, Nighthawk, and other standards make great starter bikes. So would the old BMW boxers, so do old cruisers like the Shadow or Rebel. For newer bikes, the SV650, Ninja 250, Versys (possibily a little big), and the smaller, lighter cruisers work well.

My step-dad had a SecaII a few years ago. That was a really great bike. Plenty of power, but super smooth and easy to ride. I'd definitely recommend that to a new rider. I think he sold his '96 with 15,000 miles for about $2400.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: DougK62
I recommend an older bike, too. At least for starting. I suggest an older Honda like the CB350 or 360. My first bike was a CB350 and I still love riding it. Good gas mileage, easy to learn on, and I think they look really great.

I started with an '82 CB450SC, love that bike. Still own it, but it's mothballed.

The old 350-500cc Japanese standards are wonderful starter bikes. Simple to work on and still reliable.

ZV

 

[Arkaign]

VALKYRIE!!!!!

That is all

(just kidding, obviously, but damn I love those things, I think I'll pick one up next spring)

 

[desy]

Reminds me I should put the battery in in 82 650 Seca today

 

[MiataNC]

Originally posted by: MovingTarget
I'm looking into doing the same thing considering the price of gas. It sounds fun anyway. Bikes/scooters are a lot more practical than my Caprice in downtown Birmingham, AL. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find any MSF courses nearby. Heck, even the state manual doesn't specify if there is a separate road test in the licensing process.

But yeah, in researching this myself, it seems that it would be better to start off in a larger scooter. You may also want to check out a Scarabeo, which is more of a hybrid between the two, an "automatic motorcycle" if you will. The operation would be much simpler.

http://www.apriliausa.com/mode...beo/modello.asp?id=121

I agree that scooters are a great option, but only up to a point.

Once you hit 250cc in a scooter capable of highway speeds (@65mph), you are bumping into Ninja 250R price ranges, and you won't get better bang for the buck than a Ninja 250R.

 

[mwmorph]

Originally posted by: MiataNC
Go used and get your skills up. You will save a ton of money, and all of the bikes listed below can be resold for what you pay for them if you find a good deal...

Kawasaki..
Ninja 250R
Ninja 500R
Ninja 650R

Suzuki
Bandit 400/600
SV650
DL650

Buell Blast

Honda
CB250
599
CB750

You forgot one,

Suzuki GS500F

I started out on one fo those, between a Ninja 250 and 500 in performance, looks better than the 500 and is reliable since the base hardware has about as much history as the Ninja 500R

 

[xgsound]

Absolutely take the MSF course with hands on (actual riding) lessons. They teach how to use the front brake (70% of your braking), how to plan for evasion (when someone turns left in front of you), and how to TRY to keep yourself visible to other drivers. All of these things will save your life by totally averting many disasters.

Helmet, jacket, eye protection, and gloves should be your absolute minimum to ride.


Jim

 

[imported_Imp]

If you like Sport:
Kawi ZZR/EX-250
Kawi ZZR-500 (heard it's ok for beginners, but I'd start lower)
CBR125 (not sure if US has it)

Other:
Buell Blast (rumours/discussions about piss-poor reliability)
Yamaha Virago 125(?)
Kawi Eliminator 125+

There's a bunch of other bikes out there. Just keep in mind that shit happens, especially when you're a new rider, you will probably drop it. Get something used/cheap that has plenty of cheap replacement parts available. Wear your gear, and don't forget about leg protection (knee pads, leather/armored pants). Jeans are shit, I've been down at very slow speed in them.

And since you've been driving, and already know about how retarded other drivers are, weigh the risks a few more times. I got bitten by the riding bug last summer, would love my own bike, even plan on getting one, but am constantly having second thoughts. I go biking (pedal) on a regular basis now on side streets, and I think I'd be dead already if I weren't going an average of 20 Kmh. I haven't had a single accident yet, but the number of people who've almost pulled out infront of me is astounding. I'm thinking about just picking up dirt biking; at least if I get hurt, it'll probably be my fault entirely.

 

[BarneyFife]

You're not going to save anything. Don't waste your time.

 

[Foxery]

Originally posted by: Imp
Other:
Buell Blast (rumours/discussions about piss-poor reliability)
Yamaha Virago 125(?)
Kawi Eliminator 125+

The Virago is 250 CC, but aesthecically, it looks like the larger cruisers. (VStar, or Harleys)

80+ miles per gallon, but with a lot more style than a moped

 

[Pantoot]

Originally posted by: BarneyFife
You're not going to save anything. Don't waste your time.

As sour as this post sounds, he is probably right. Since I bought my bike I have been finding myself taking the long way to and from work, and going out "for a ride." Although the bike gets 2x the mileage of my car, I probably end up spending about the same, especially once you figure in the gear/insurance.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Pantoot

Originally posted by: BarneyFife
You're not going to save anything. Don't waste your time.

As sour as this post sounds, he is probably right. Since I bought my bike I have been finding myself taking the long way to and from work, and going out "for a ride." Although the bike gets 2x the mileage of my car, I probably end up spending about the same, especially once you figure in the gear/insurance.

You only have to buy the gear once though. And a good used motorcycle is cheap.

My bike gets about 2.5x the fuel economy of my car...and it's a lot more fun to ride.

 

[Foxery]

Originally posted by: Pantoot

Originally posted by: BarneyFife
You're not going to save anything. Don't waste your time.

As sour as this post sounds, he is probably right. Since I bought my bike I have been finding myself taking the long way to and from work, and going out "for a ride." Although the bike gets 2x the mileage of my car, I probably end up spending about the same, especially once you figure in the gear/insurance.

So I get a new hobby, and plenty of enjoyment, practically for free. That works for me

 

[Ktulu]

If my wife weren't so against me getting on bike or scooter or probably get this to commute to work: Honda Ruckus

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Pantoot

Originally posted by: BarneyFife
You're not going to save anything. Don't waste your time.

As sour as this post sounds, he is probably right. Since I bought my bike I have been finding myself taking the long way to and from work, and going out "for a ride." Although the bike gets 2x the mileage of my car, I probably end up spending about the same, especially once you figure in the gear/insurance.

You only have to buy the gear once though. And a good used motorcycle is cheap.

My bike gets about 2.5x the fuel economy of my car...and it's a lot more fun to ride.

It also costs me half as much to ride the ferry (and I go straight to the front of the line), is free and easy to park, and only runs $15/month to insure.

 

[rstrohkirch]

ex250 would be my prime choice if the only thing I cared about was gas mileage/total cost of ownership

average cost is $1500-2000/maintains value at those prices/super low insurance costs/65mpg average/light and easy to ride/still have has decent rubber available for it

 

[Nessism]

I'm a huge fan of older bikes but they typically need a lot of work...because they are older bikes. I currently have two old Suzuki's, GS550E and GS850G. Super reliable but had to do complete rebuild of the brake and fuel system before the bikes could be trusted.

Had two different Kawasaki EX500's (500 Ninja) and they are nice bikes. Plenty fast enough for all but crazy people, and light enough for a beginner. Stay clear of high mileage bikes though since the valve train is not the most durable.

And yes on the gear. Wear it!

Good luck.