Looking to get into motorcycling

[kamikazekyle]

I've been wanting to get into motorcycling for over a decade, but always kept putting it off due to relationships or money. Now that the former and latter are in place, I'm looking to finally get started riding. But, I've mostly just been following racing and motocross to reduce the temptation to outright buy a motorcycle I see, so I'm out of the loop when it comes to normal consumer stuff.

My first step is to get an MSF course in. But beyond that, I suppose I'm looking for advice for everything else from experienced riders: motorcycle choice, gear recommendations, tips, etc. I know of two or three other local riders, but I rarely see them and I'm not even sure if they're local anymore. I'm not sure how much they can help me on the motorcycle recommendation, though, as they're all 100% Harleys.

So, can anyone recommend some things and point me in the right direction beyond an MSF course? For the most part, I'm mostly going to be on 50 MPH or less city roads, some of which are on the rougher side and some with turns I can barely make in my Tiburon, if that matters. However, I'm going to need something that can also easily get up into the 80-90MPH range for the freeways and interstates. I'll usually be going 9 miles back and forth to work. As I work third shift, that'll also involve a lot of riding at night. Adverse weather is usually pretty mild, though temps can get into the 20s and 30's in the winter if I decide to ride then. Styling, I'm looking for a sports bike. Oh, and I'm also a lightweight -- 128lbs on average, 5'8" -- if that matters in choice or what models I should be looking at.

Gear wise, I suppose I'm pretty open. I've read plenty about all gear, all the time and the people I know personally that ride all follow that mantra. If I can get a jacket that has reflectivity on it, that's a plus as it's a requirement for me to get onto base for work. Otherwise I'll probably have to grab a reflective vest.

I'm probably going to be buying within a month or so, or early next year with a budget somewhere around $10,000 for motorcycle + fees (taxes, tags, etc) + upgrades/repairs/modifications + gear. If I can save some money, I'm for it, which is another reason for seeing what I can get off-season. I could also go more if it'll bump me into a good range. I'm probably going to be purchasing from a dealer so I can get a warranty unless I can find a good deal used. While I can do basics, I've been having a difficult time finding a reasonably priced and trustworthy mechanic in my area for anything but tires.

I'd also like to purchase something I could use for at least 2-3 years without feeling the need to get an upgrade to something else. I've heard recommendations of getting a low-powered small bike to get used to driving, then in 6 months to a year upgrade to something larger. But, of all the people I've spoken with that have followed that mantra have upgraded within a month or two.

Thanks all; appreciate the help. Let me know if you need/like more info.

 

[jlee]

I'll let some of the more experienced riders elaborate, but you should try helmets on before buying one. Different brands fit differently, even in the same size.

As for the bike.., honestly I would go for a used motorcycle in the $2000-3000 range. Chances are you'll drop it at some point, and it'd really suck to drop a brand new $10k machine. Also, that'll give you plenty of money in reserve so if in a couple of years you decide you want an upgrade, or perhaps a different style altogether, you'll be able to do it without any difficulty.

Perhaps look at a Kawasaki Ninja 250, Suzuki GS500, or a Ninja 500.

I may look at a Honda ST or Kawasaki Concours at some point, but not just yet.

 

[manimal]

nin 250 as jlee said is a great first bike. Dont get something so big that the weight of the bike adds to the learning curve. Expect to outgrow your first bike fairly quickly.


Rebels are easy to ride and have good low speed manners which help a biginner a great deal.


Make sure to take your state motorcycle riders course. When I took it a lifetime ago there were very helpful and will get you a discount on insurance and sometimes even qualifies as your drivers test!!

If your a large bloke like me you could get away with a 500 or a nice vtwin from the 80s.

 

[satyajitmenon]

Before the "card carrying members of the Turbo Hayabusa for n00bs club" jump into this thread, let me throw in my $ 0.02

If you haven't ever ridden a motorcycle before, then the MSF is the best thing you can do. Aside from teaching you the basics, you'll also get to ride around on someone elses bike and see if you actually like riding. You'd be surprised at the number of people who ride bikes for the first time during their MSF course and never want to ride again.

Choices for your first bike are plentiful (especially used). From Ninja250s/500s to Turbo Busas. If you've got 10k to spend on bike + gear, would suggest you get good gear, and a cheap used 1st bike (non supersports) for 3k. You can sell that 3k bike in 6 months (if you want to) and spend the rest of your money at that point on something you'd really want (like a turbo busa ).

 

[JulesMaximus]

Nevermind. Just get a turbo hayabusa. It's a great beginners bike.

 

[SViper]

I'll echo a little of what Jules said above. Before I seriously started looking at bikes, the only thing I knew was Harley and I was put off from the sport because of the price. I ended up with a used 2006 Honda VTX 1300C (cruiser). Got an awesome deal on craigslist from a guy just trying to get rid of it.

If you've never ridden a motorcycle before, MSF is your first stop. Teaches you the very basics and it makes sure that you learn good riding habits early. Nothing worse than developing bad riding habits that you have to un-learn for the course.

Have you ridden anything with 2 wheels before in your life? I ask because if you have absolutely no experience, I absolutely recommend starting off on a smaller bike, especially if you want a sport bike. If you buy used, you can flip it easily for just about exactly what you paid for it.

I would definitely recommend starting on a used bike. Odds are you'll be dropping your bike at least once as your test your skills and your bike. Look for craigslist deals. People are unloading bikes at a loss just to get rid of them. I found my '06 VTX with 4400 miles on it for $5100. Blue book last I checked was $6200, so I could have flipped the bike and made a profit right after buying it.

As for gear, you should try it on in a store first. Even if you end up buying online, try it in a store first, especially helmets. Each manufacture has different fittings for the same size, and not to mention the helmet itself can have a different shape. Because you will primarily be riding at night, you want to make yourself as conspicuous as possible with highly reflective gear. If you do not have reflective material in your gear, you can always get a reflective vest or something. The reflective vests that military have to wear looks pretty nice.

Don't rely on your reflective gear as a crutch though. As just about any rider will attest to, some drivers will look right at you and not "see" you because their brain is expecting to see a car.

Ultimately it's your money and you can buy what you want, but I would hate to hear about you in the newspaper in a crash that takes your life because you were inexperienced on a bike that you couldn't handle. Others who ride would echo the same sentiment: we all want you to enjoy the sport and be as safe as you can be. Develop good riding habits early on an easy to manage bike so you can at the very least learn the limits of your own skill.

 

[hanoverphist]

Ultimately it's your money and you can buy what you want, but I would hate to hear about you in the newspaper in a crash that takes your life because you were inexperienced on a bike that you couldn't handle. Others who ride would echo the same sentiment: we all want you to enjoy the sport and be as safe as you can be. Develop good riding habits early on an easy to manage bike so you can at the very least learn the limits of your own skill.

well said.

 

[DVad3r]

Buy whatever bike you want, I started on a big bike as my first and it was a piece of cake, then again, I am a pretty calm rider and I respect the machine. Go online, pick out some bikes you like, do some research on them, go to specific bike forums, ask around if they are reliable, check for problem spots, then go from there.

I have several friends who bought "starter" type bikes and they regretted doing so. IMO get something that you know you can ride/keep/be happy with for a few years. Personally when it comes to cars/bikes I buy the best version I can.

My 2 cents.

 

[Fenixgoon]

Buy whatever bike you want, I started on a big bike as my first and it was a piece of cake, then again, I am a pretty calm rider and I respect the machine. Go online, pick out some bikes you like, do some research on them, go to specific bike forums, ask around if they are reliable, check for problem spots, then go from there.

I have several friends who bought "starter" type bikes and they regretted doing so. IMO get something that you know you can ride/keep/be happy with for a few years. Personally when it comes to cars/bikes I buy the best version I can.

My 2 cents.

yeah, let's throw him on a yamaha R1 or equivalent. i'm sure that's the best place to start for a new rider :hmm::hmm:

for new, i'd go for a ninja500 or suzuki gs500 - both should have plenty of getup and go, but will still be plenty torquey around town.

if you look at older bikes, you basically can't go wrong with a 1970-1980's japanese motorcycle.

 

[DVad3r]

yeah, let's throw him on a yamaha R1 or equivalent. i'm sure that's the best place to start for a new rider :hmm::hmm:

for new, i'd go for a ninja500 or suzuki gs500 - both should have plenty of getup and go, but will still be plenty torquey around town.

if you look at older bikes, you basically can't go wrong with a 1970-1980's japanese motorcycle.

Hey I started on something similar, I was scared shitless but nevertheless here I am

 

[JulesMaximus]

Nevermind. Just get a turbo hayabusa. It's a great beginners bike.

 

[satyajitmenon]

yeah, let's throw him on a yamaha R1 or equivalent. i'm sure that's the best place to start for a new rider :hmm::hmm:

Hey I started on something similar, I was scared shitless but nevertheless here I am

You started on a V-Rod IIRC. V-Rod is not the same as an R1...not even close.

 

[SithSolo1]

You said you want a Harley, get a Sportster 883 or the 1200.

I believe he specifically said he wants a sport bike. I dunno, maybe I just can't read.

Look into an sv650 as a starter sport bike if you don't want to start off super small.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I believe he specifically said he wants a sport bike. I dunno, maybe I just can't read.

Look into an sv650 as a starter sport bike if you don't want to start off super small.

Wow, reading fail on my part. I was just kind of skimming the post earlier today at work. Didn't have a whole lot of time. :biggrin:

I agree, SV650 is a good choice. I spent 3+ years on one and it still made me grin when I rode it. I had quite a bit of mods on mine though.

I have a friend who came from an older GSXR750 and went to a 2006 Kawasaki RX10R. He was blown away by the power of that bike and he put 4,000 miles on it in 3 months. He's getting comfortable with it but it's a steep learning curve.

Nevermind. Just get a turbo hayabusa. It's a great beginners bike. Very forgiving.

 

[Fenixgoon]

cmon, Rossi is just going for a walk!

 

[Turin39789]

Turbo Busa is the only real option. Wear ATGATT, take the MSF, and ride for enjoyment - not for image or to impress anyone.

Keep your eyes open.

 

[Zap]

A Ninja 250 will out accelerate most cars (except exotics and the odd Corvette, GT500, Viper, CTS-V, etc.) so while it is considered a beginner's bike it will be really fast compared to 95% of the vehicles on the road. Plus, as others have said, they hold their value at resale time.

FWIW back when I was considering buying a street bike (used to ride dirt bikes) the one I wanted was a Buell Blast. They are discontinued and slower than the Ninja 250, but I loved the "naked sportsbike" looks.

 

[jlee]

A Ninja 250 will out accelerate most cars (except exotics and the odd Corvette, GT500, Viper, CTS-V, etc.) so while it is considered a beginner's bike it will be really fast compared to 95% of the vehicles on the road. Plus, as others have said, they hold their value at resale time.

FWIW back when I was considering buying a street bike (used to ride dirt bikes) the one I wanted was a Buell Blast. They are discontinued and slower than the Ninja 250, but I loved the "naked sportsbike" looks.

Internet seems to say mid-14's to mid-15's quarter mile time for a Ninja 250. No need for an exotic to match those numbers (for reference, V6 Toyota Camry at 14.3).

They're certainly great starter bikes - I wouldn't mind trying one out, but I don't see myself riding anything for long if it's slower than my Forester.

 

[SithSolo1]

The 250r is in the high 5s, low 6s for 0-60. Most modern cars over 280hp can pull that.

I'm not saying it isn't quick, but its no rocket ship.

 

[kamikazekyle]

Thanks all, much appreciated

I have been eying Ninjas since they seem to be a good amalgam of affordable, performance, and newbie friendly. They also seem to be plentiful in the used sections as people unload them. And I'd imagine a Hyabusa would be a bit much from the get-go (500cc to 1300cc?), but it does look like it has a pretty low center of gravity and would hug corners.

MSF is my first stop before I do anything unless I just happen to come across a screaming deal on Craigslist or something. Here, if you take the MSF it'll automatically qualify you for your motorcycle license so you can skip the state test. I'll need to get an MSF no matter what since that's a requirement to get on base for work (ditto on some sort of reflective gear). They also provide all the bikes and gear for the basic course, so that'll also let me get my feet wet and see if I really wanna continue.

I have some experience on dirt bikes years ago, and have recently did a lot of road biking with what amounted to track tires. My roadie had a uber tight center of gravity, so I've become quite good at balance. Due to the biking, I also know the value of a properly fitted helmet and gear (see improperly fitting biking shorts...)

Anywho, thanks again. I'm going to see if I can get back into contact with old coworkers that are motorcyclists. Even if they aren't into sports bikes, I'm sure just having an experienced rider help me out with technique will be loads beneficial.

 

[WackyDan]

Thanks all, much appreciated

I have been eying Ninjas since they seem to be a good amalgam of affordable, performance, and newbie friendly. They also seem to be plentiful in the used sections as people unload them. And I'd imagine a Hyabusa would be a bit much from the get-go (500cc to 1300cc?), but it does look like it has a pretty low center of gravity and would hug corners.

The Busa is a great bike... But I can walk away from it on a 500 or 750 in repetitive twisties. Great for straight line wide open throttle, but not very practical for a beginner's bike. I've seen some guys ride the Busa extremely well in the twisties, but even they'll admit they can do better on a lighter, more nimble bike.

And yeah... that is a spyder in my sig, but I came off of sport bikes and muscle bikes to embrace the touring bug.

My first bike was an 82 Suzuki GS450-TL air cooled twin. I laid it down twice and didn't worry too much about it when I did. It did great on gas and only did about 85 Mph, couldn't stop for shit, but was probably the most reliable bike I've owned. I rode it for almost two years and nobody cared but me.

 

[DVad3r]

I started on a 84 Honda sabre v65 which isn't an r1 but I would say a much harder bike to ride. Lots of power, jumpy clutch and throttle, not to mention tall as hell.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Thanks all, much appreciated

I have been eying Ninjas since they seem to be a good amalgam of affordable, performance, and newbie friendly. They also seem to be plentiful in the used sections as people unload them. And I'd imagine a Hyabusa would be a bit much from the get-go (500cc to 1300cc?), but it does look like it has a pretty low center of gravity and would hug corners.

MSF is my first stop before I do anything unless I just happen to come across a screaming deal on Craigslist or something. Here, if you take the MSF it'll automatically qualify you for your motorcycle license so you can skip the state test. I'll need to get an MSF no matter what since that's a requirement to get on base for work (ditto on some sort of reflective gear). They also provide all the bikes and gear for the basic course, so that'll also let me get my feet wet and see if I really wanna continue.

I have some experience on dirt bikes years ago, and have recently did a lot of road biking with what amounted to track tires. My roadie had a uber tight center of gravity, so I've become quite good at balance. Due to the biking, I also know the value of a properly fitted helmet and gear (see improperly fitting biking shorts...)

Anywho, thanks again. I'm going to see if I can get back into contact with old coworkers that are motorcyclists. Even if they aren't into sports bikes, I'm sure just having an experienced rider help me out with technique will be loads beneficial.

We are kidding about the Hayabusa. Everytime a new rider comes along asking which sport bike they should start out on, and this happens every few months it seems, it turns into a flamefest between those who think a 600cc supersport is a great first bike and those of us who think it is better to start out on something smaller and more forgiving.

Thus, the Turbo Hayabusa for n00bs Club was founded.

It is generally accepted among people who teach new riders professionally that it is best to start out on a smaller, lighter standard bike than it is to start out on a big heavy cruiser or high powered sport bike. You learn the fundamentals much faster on a smaller, lighter, less powerful bike. Most developed countries build their motorcycle licensing laws around this concept.

Here we sell Hayabusas to any idiot who can get financing or has $13k cash and wants to become das busa.

By the way, the military might have some advanced motorcycle courses available to you on base. I know Camp Pendleton offers this for Marines stationed there. They've lost service men and women to motorcycle accidents and take it seriously enough to offer MSF and other riding classes to their people. I think they might even do performance riding courses (track days) on base.

 

[Zargon]

Internet seems to say mid-14's to mid-15's quarter mile time for a Ninja 250. No need for an exotic to match those numbers (for reference, V6 Toyota Camry at 14.3).

They're certainly great starter bikes - I wouldn't mind trying one out, but I don't see myself riding anything for long if it's slower than my Forester.

but it runs out of gas around 75

its way quicker than most cars to 60

 

[JCH13]

but it runs out of gas around 75

its way quicker than most cars to 60

7.7s 0-60 time according to Motorcycle USA

That is...

As fast as a 2010 Toyota 4 Runner Trail Edition, 1995 Toyota Avalon, 1987 Mazda 626 GT, 2007 Mazda CX-9 Touring, 1998 Volvo V70 XC Cross Country, 2006 Honda Ridgeline RTL... etc.

It's not terribly slow, but there are many faster cars out there.