midlife crisis aka want to purchase a motorcycle

[dabuddha]

Well I'm currently in a mid mid life crisis and decided I want to purchase a motorcycle. I've always wanted one but have never had a chance to get one before.
I've never ridden a motorcycle before so I'm new to this. The one I was looking at is the Kawasaki Ninja 250R

I don't plan on riding on the highways for a long time and I am going to be signing up for a motorcycle safety course at the local community college here. Is this a good bike for a beginner? Also what else should I look into purchasing? Any helmet recommendations? dabuddha doesn't want to die


UPDATE:
I went to the dealer yesterday and apparently they're out of 250Rs and won't be getting them in for awhile. He said kawasaki didn't make enough. He then started to tell me that I wouldn't have liked it because of my size (5'10.5" 185lbs ) and that the 500R would be a good beginner bike which I wasn't too kean on. I told him that dabuddha is not interested in dying from the get go but he said the 500 is pretty good.
Then later that evening, I was talking to a friend of mine and he was recommending a 500cc bike but instead of a sport bike, he said I should get a cruiser. So dabuddha is a tad bit more confused.
Oh and he also told me I should buy the bike from a dealer rather than getting a used one from an individual since I don't know much about bikes right now. That seemed to make sense because who knows what someone might try to sell me.

 

[Scouzer]

buddhas dont drive motorcycles

 

[dabuddha]

Originally posted by: Scouzer
buddhas dont drive motorcycles

This one wants to

 

[lokiju]

Save your life, don't get a crotch rocket.

I have a Honda Sabre 1100cc bike, has more fun and power than you'll ever need but isn't high revving like a crotch rocket and isn't as tempting to do stupid things on and kill yourself with.

Cruising>Racing

If you don't plan on racing around on a Ninja then whats the point of cruising on a sport bike?

 

[dabuddha]

Originally posted by: lokiju
Save your life, don't get a crotch rocket.

I have a Honda Sabre 1100cc bike, has more fun and power than you'll ever need but isn't high revving like a crotch rocket and isn't as tempting to do stupid things on and kill yourself with.

Cruising>Racing

If you don't plan on racing around on a Ninja then whats the point of cruising on a sport bike?

Which type of bike is easier to learn on?

 

[lokiju]

Originally posted by: dabuddha

Originally posted by: lokiju
Save your life, don't get a crotch rocket.

I have a Honda Sabre 1100cc bike, has more fun and power than you'll ever need but isn't high revving like a crotch rocket and isn't as tempting to do stupid things on and kill yourself with.

Cruising>Racing

If you don't plan on racing around on a Ninja then whats the point of cruising on a sport bike?

Which type of bike is easier to learn on?

I've ridden both and IMO a small cruiser is easier to handle.

Like a Honda Shadow 750 is a good beginner bike IMO and can be had for relatively cheap.

I started on a Suzuki GN-250 over 10 years ago now and then had a Honda Shadow 750 and now the Honda Sabre 1100.

I depends on your weight and height though, I 250 is a bit small if you're 6'3" like myself but a 750 is perfect since it's got decent power and is light and easy to maneuver.

Edit: I was just looking at Honda's site and they have a line called the Rebel it's their small cruiser line at 234cc but is a good bike to start on and cheap but again depends on your weight and height.

 

[dabuddha]

Originally posted by: lokiju

Originally posted by: dabuddha

Originally posted by: lokiju
Save your life, don't get a crotch rocket.

I have a Honda Sabre 1100cc bike, has more fun and power than you'll ever need but isn't high revving like a crotch rocket and isn't as tempting to do stupid things on and kill yourself with.

Cruising>Racing

If you don't plan on racing around on a Ninja then whats the point of cruising on a sport bike?

Which type of bike is easier to learn on?

I've ridden both and IMO a small cruiser is easier to handle.

Like a Honda Shadow 750 is a good beginner bike IMO and can be had for relatively cheap.

I started on a Suzuki GN-250 over 10 years ago now and then had a Honda Shadow 750 and now the Honda Sabre 1100.

I depends on your weight and height though, I 250 is a bit small if you're 6'3" like myself but a 750 is perfect since it's got decent power and is light and easy to maneuver.

I'm about 5'10/11" and weigh around 185. Maybe I'll look into a cruiser

 

[MikeMike]

they are all dangerous

DANGEROUS (graphic)

know what you are getting into before you get into it

Helmets: get the one that fits you best. they are all slightly different.

Arai are great helmets, scorpions are great as well. just find the one that is most comfortable to you, put it on at the shop, wear it for 15 minutes, you may look like a retard, but it will save you the hassle of having an uncomfortable helmet.

get full leathers, get good gloves.

 

[lokiju]

Originally posted by: dabuddha

Originally posted by: lokiju

Originally posted by: dabuddha

Originally posted by: lokiju
Save your life, don't get a crotch rocket.

I have a Honda Sabre 1100cc bike, has more fun and power than you'll ever need but isn't high revving like a crotch rocket and isn't as tempting to do stupid things on and kill yourself with.

Cruising>Racing

If you don't plan on racing around on a Ninja then whats the point of cruising on a sport bike?

Which type of bike is easier to learn on?

I've ridden both and IMO a small cruiser is easier to handle.

Like a Honda Shadow 750 is a good beginner bike IMO and can be had for relatively cheap.

I started on a Suzuki GN-250 over 10 years ago now and then had a Honda Shadow 750 and now the Honda Sabre 1100.

I depends on your weight and height though, I 250 is a bit small if you're 6'3" like myself but a 750 is perfect since it's got decent power and is light and easy to maneuver.

I'm about 5'10/11" and weigh around 185. Maybe I'll look into a cruiser

Go on down to a dealer and just sit on some different ones and you'll be able to get a better idea on what size is right for you, if you're a beginner then a 234cc bike would be fine but you'd out grow it soon, IMO if you feel the size and weight are OK then the 750cc would probably be the way to go since it will give you room to grow into and won't get old as quick.

 

[zoldar]

I would take the saftey class before you buy a bike.

The 250 Ninja is not a bad bike to start with (despite what lokiju says). The 250 does not have much power (good) but it does have fairings that will need to be fixed or replaced if you drop it (bad). If you decided on a Nija 250 there are usually good deals to be found on used models.

IMHO any 1100cc motorcycle is way too big for a beginner. The 250 is not a bad choice but you may outgrow it in a few months (my wife started on a Suzuki GZ250 and moved to a bigger bike about 6 months later).

You might want to visit a few bike shops...take some time to sit on a few bikes to see what whats comfortable for you.

Get a jacket and gloves along with your helmet - your skin will thank you should you ever go down!

 

[CombatChuk]

For helmets check out ZR1...

Text

The magazine Motorcyclist did a crash comparison with all the major helmets brands and these came out on top. Apparently the Snell Helmet standard calls for a too hard of a helmet (i.e transfers a lot of the of the crash force to the skull) and carry quite a bit of a price premium. These helmets are about $100 shipped versus $300-$600 Shoei, Arai, etc...

 

[lokiju]

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
they are all dangerous

DANGEROUS (graphic)

know what you are getting into before you get into it

Helmets: get the one that fits you best. they are all slightly different.

Arai are great helmets, scorpions are great as well. just find the one that is most comfortable to you, put it on at the shop, wear it for 15 minutes, you may look like a retard, but it will save you the hassle of having an uncomfortable helmet.

get full leathers, get good gloves.

Some site there, it's very true though.

You have to be 100% defensive all the time, assume always that the person in their car next to you has no clue you're there things like that.

I've had plenty of close calls on highways it's not even funny, people just aren't used to looking for something as small as a motorcycle next to them before changing lanes.

Nothing pisses me off more than someone cutting me off while I'm on my bike either, it's not like it would be a "fender bender" if they clipped me, I'd be more likely dead.

It's not just B.S. when people say how dangerous bikes are, but if you're overly cautious then you'll do fine.

Also, don't go taking people for rides with you until you feel 100% comfortable with the bike yourself, it's a whole different ball game when you have to make a quick decision move and then have to factor in the fact that the person on the back isn't going to be expecting that move and you're then trying to counter their natural reaction of leaning away for the direction you need to go.

 

[dabuddha]

Originally posted by: zoldar
I would take the saftey class before you buy a bike.

The 250 Ninja is not a bad bike to start with (despite what lokiju says). The 250 does not have much power (good) but it does have fairings that will need to be fixed or replaced if you drop it (bad). If you decided on a Nija 250 there are usually good deals to be found on used models.

IMHO any 1100cc motorcycle is way too big for a beginner. The 250 is not a bad choice but you may outgrow it in a few months (my wife started on a Suzuki GZ250 and moved to a bigger bike about 6 months later).

You might want to visit a few bike shops...take some time to sit on a few bikes to see what whats comfortable for you.

Get a jacket and gloves along with your helmet - your skin will thank you should you ever go down!

I don't mind upgrading my bike later. I figured I'd start out with a ~250cc bike and then work my way up. The bike shop visiting isn't a bad idea actually. I don't know why I didn't think of that lol. But I was planning on buying the first one used because I don't care about any cosmetic damages/blemishes since I'll probably be falling off of it a few times in the beginning.

 

[lokiju]

Originally posted by: zoldar
I would take the saftey class before you buy a bike.

The 250 Ninja is not a bad bike to start with (despite what lokiju says). The 250 does not have much power (good) but it does have fairings that will need to be fixed or replaced if you drop it (bad). If you decided on a Nija 250 there are usually good deals to be found on used models.

IMHO any 1100cc motorcycle is way too big for a beginner. The 250 is not a bad choice but you may outgrow it in a few months (my wife started on a Suzuki GZ250 and moved to a bigger bike about 6 months later).

You might want to visit a few bike shops...take some time to sit on a few bikes to see what whats comfortable for you.

Get a jacket and gloves along with your helmet - your skin will thank you should you ever go down!

I didn't recommend an 1100cc bike for him to start on, just stated that's what I currently have.

Reading comprehension FTL.

 

[iroast]

Too many dumbasses on the road.

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=38&threadid=1881562&enterthread=y
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=38&threadid=1891537&enterthread=y

 

[CombatChuk]

Originally posted by: iroast
Too many dumbasses on the road.

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=38&threadid=1881562&enterthread=y
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=38&threadid=1891537&enterthread=y

The first guy was struck by lightning, how does that make him a dumbass? :roll:

 

[lokiju]

Originally posted by: iroast
Too many dumbasses on the road.

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=38&threadid=1881562&enterthread=y
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=38&threadid=1891537&enterthread=y

Wow, getting killed by lighting on a motorcycle, never heard of that one before!

 

[iroast]

Oops. Didn't really read those links. Just the thread title. Thought they were killed by other drivers.

 

[zoldar]

Originally posted by: lokiju

Originally posted by: zoldar
I would take the saftey class before you buy a bike.

The 250 Ninja is not a bad bike to start with (despite what lokiju says). The 250 does not have much power (good) but it does have fairings that will need to be fixed or replaced if you drop it (bad). If you decided on a Nija 250 there are usually good deals to be found on used models.

IMHO any 1100cc motorcycle is way too big for a beginner. The 250 is not a bad choice but you may outgrow it in a few months (my wife started on a Suzuki GZ250 and moved to a bigger bike about 6 months later).

You might want to visit a few bike shops...take some time to sit on a few bikes to see what whats comfortable for you.

Get a jacket and gloves along with your helmet - your skin will thank you should you ever go down!

I didn't recommend an 1100cc bike for him to start on, just stated that's what I currently have.

Reading comprehension FTL.

Reading comprehension FTL. Good idea - you should go back and read my post again.

The 250 Ninja is not a bad bike to start with (despite what lokiju says).

 

[lokiju]

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
they are all dangerous

DANGEROUS (graphic)

know what you are getting into before you get into it

Helmets: get the one that fits you best. they are all slightly different.

Arai are great helmets, scorpions are great as well. just find the one that is most comfortable to you, put it on at the shop, wear it for 15 minutes, you may look like a retard, but it will save you the hassle of having an uncomfortable helmet.

get full leathers, get good gloves.

Well that site just lost some credibility with me.

This picture isn't from a motorcycle rider, I was just watching a show in the Discovery channel two weeks ago about this guy, he was in a truck and ran off the road and into a wooden fence when that went into him, NOT a motorcycle.

Granted a wreck on a motorcycle is going to most likely be a LOT more damaging than in a car though.

 

[halik]

Originally posted by: lokiju
Save your life, don't get a crotch rocket.

I have a Honda Sabre 1100cc bike, has more fun and power than you'll ever need but isn't high revving like a crotch rocket and isn't as tempting to do stupid things on and kill yourself with.

Cruising>Racing

If you don't plan on racing around on a Ninja then whats the point of cruising on a sport bike?

QFT

Althought I ride , if you plan on doing long rides, get a cruiser. I'm not really sure about a ninja 250, but anything over 30mins on my CBR strains my back and wrists

 

[halik]

Originally posted by: lokiju

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
they are all dangerous

DANGEROUS (graphic)

know what you are getting into before you get into it

Helmets: get the one that fits you best. they are all slightly different.

Arai are great helmets, scorpions are great as well. just find the one that is most comfortable to you, put it on at the shop, wear it for 15 minutes, you may look like a retard, but it will save you the hassle of having an uncomfortable helmet.

get full leathers, get good gloves.

Well that site just lost some credibility with me.

This picture isn't from a motorcycle rider, I was just watching a show in the Discovery channel two weeks ago about this guy, he was in a truck and ran off the road and into a wooden fence when that went into him, NOT a motorcycle.

Granted a wreck on a motorcycle is going to most likely be a LOT more damaging than in a car though.

Yeah I keep seeing that pic with varying motorcycle-accident scenario. The guy actually lived for couple days 'till infection got to him. In either case, you wouldn't get impaled like that by your own inertia. You definitely need something to ram that post thru you.

 

[dabuddha]

Another question I had is how can I secure my bike in an apartment parking lot? Or is it not possible.

 

[zoldar]

QFT

Althought I ride sportbikes, if you plan on doing long rides, get a cruiser. I'm not really sure about a ninja 250, but anything over 30mins on my CBR strains my back and wrists[/quote]


There are a couple of things that helped me with wrist strain.

Gel grips
I added 1" bar risers under the triple clamp
Added after market footpegs (about 1" lower than stock)
Throttle rocker comes in handy on longer rides

 

[lokiju]

Originally posted by: dabuddha
Another question I had is how can I secure my bike in an apartment parking lot? Or is it not possible.

It's hard to do this, but just gotta do the wheel lock and you can get the lojack for bikes now also.

There's plenty of anti theft crap out there but it comes down to if someone really wants your bike they just need some help and a truck/van and a few mins to just throw it in there.

Make sure to get a motorcycle cover though if it's going to stay outside or else it'll start getting rust spots if you don't keep up on cleaning/polishing it.

I just rent a garage in my apartment community for my bike though.