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should i get a motorcycle

OBLAMA2009

OBLAMA2009

Diamond Member
i dont know anything about motocycles at all but living in a city it would be a lot more convenient to park for longer distances when i dont want to bike or drive my car. so im like checking them out and you can get a cheap ninja for 4 grand, that would be totally worth it. not knowing anything about bike though is that too junky (would i regret getting the budget model/what features would i get on a more expensive bike)

also if you park a motocycle on the street do you have to worry about people screwing with them/stealing the parts off them like you do with a bicycle
 
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OBLAMA2009 said:
it would be a lot more convenient to park for longer distances
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What does distance traveled have to do with ease of parking?

If you do get a bike, don't get a crotch rocket with a potentially uncomfortable riding position. But you don't have to buy a fat-lawyer-turned-50 cruiser, either. There are many bikes available with upright riding positions that aren't cruisers.

Start slow, with a small displacement bike, just to lessen the probability of killing yourself. Have a friend who knows bikes help you buy a used bike. You'll regret laying down (or dropping) a new bike, which is probably going to happen. More importantly, I wouldn't recommend commuting by motorcycle until you have at least a month or two of riding experience away from heavy traffic and rush-hour craziness.
 
Carson Dyle said:
What does distance traveled have to do with ease of parking?

If you do get a bike, don't get a crotch rocket with a potentially uncomfortable riding position. But you don't have to buy a fat-lawyer-turned-50 cruiser, either. There are many bikes available with upright riding positions that aren't cruisers.

Start slow, with a small displacement bike, just to lessen the probability of killing yourself. Have a friend who knows bikes help you buy a used bike. You'll regret laying down (or dropping) a new bike, which is probably going to happen. More importantly, I wouldn't recommend commuting by motorcycle until you have at least a month or two of riding experience away from heavy traffic and rush-hour craziness.
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what i meant was, when im in a big hurry and have to go a moderate distance, and dont want to take my road bike, a motocycle would have the ease of parking advantage over my car. also i could cut between cars which would be very convenient in city traffic.

so ninja is a "crotch rocket"? i just looked at ninja cuz i saw it was cheap. i dont know anything about brands, what brands should i be researching for commuting type transportation?
 
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I've been trying to get everyone I know to ride. When it isn't frostyass weather here in Colorado I'm on two wheels. No feeling like it and the gas savings are sweet. I didn't know anything and had never even driven stick but luckily I had a buddy who was savvy enough to show me the ropes. The most important thing he taught me was how to properly strap on a helmet. I went with a Suzuki SV650S which is a lot more power than normally recommended for beginners but I needed the added size (I'm 6'9") and plus I can't imagine how underwhelming a 250 would feel for me now as I am craving a liter bike. The V-Twin motor in the SV has a very linear acceleration curve which I attribute to my learning well and safely, there is no 'powerband' of torque that can sometimes unpredictably cause bursts of speed while you're trying to pay attention to traffic.

Anyhow, I started out feathering the clutch and paddlewalking and getting accustomed to the controls. Then graduated on to running around the neighborhood in second gear then regular traffic, getting a permit, then the endorsement and license. After about 40 miles your instincts as a driver kick in because through muscle memory your body helps manipulate the controls without paying much mind and pretty soon your attention is on how shitty car drivers are. As someone said a long while ago, ride like everyone is trying to kill you.
 
PliotronX said:
I've been trying to get everyone I know to ride. When it isn't frostyass weather here in Colorado I'm on two wheels. No feeling like it and the gas savings are sweet. I didn't know anything and had never even driven stick but luckily I had a buddy who was savvy enough to show me the ropes. The most important thing he taught me was how to properly strap on a helmet. I went with a Suzuki SV650S which is a lot more power than normally recommended for beginners but I needed the added size (I'm 6'9") and plus I can't imagine how underwhelming a 250 would feel for me now as I am craving a liter bike. The V-Twin motor in the SV has a very linear acceleration curve which I attribute to my learning well and safely, there is no 'powerband' of torque that can sometimes unpredictably cause bursts of speed while you're trying to pay attention to traffic.

Anyhow, I started out feathering the clutch and paddlewalking and getting accustomed to the controls. Then graduated on to running around the neighborhood in second gear then regular traffic, getting a permit, then the endorsement and license. After about 40 miles your instincts as a driver kick in because through muscle memory your body helps manipulate the controls without paying much mind and pretty soon your attention is on how shitty car drivers are. As someone said a long while ago, ride like everyone is trying to kill you.
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so suzuki is a recommended brand? if you dont know anyone who bikes, how do you learn/do dealerships offer classes to show you?
 
Dibs on OP's liver. And spleen. Oh, and one testicle, I don't really want a 370z, but I could use the cash for something better.
 
Get a Honda for your first bike. They are well known for being friendly and easy to ride.

For your needs, I recommend this model...
RussColins03_l.jpg
 
OBLAMA2009 said:
so suzuki is a recommended brand? if you dont know anyone who bikes, how do you learn/do dealerships offer classes to show you?
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I love my Suzuki but covet Yamahas even though I cannot fit on them due to my height. Your area probably has two days classes that I would highly recommend. They are fun, very educational, and the certification you get will lower your insurance premium. You meet a lot of motorcyclists that are downright cool that way too. Only problem is if money is tight, that may have to come later because the classes in my area are $250.
 
Sure, why not? I have a 2010 250 Ninja with just over 1k miles that I'm looking to sell for $3k, but I doubt you're anywhere near Colorado....
I don't regret buying it, but I wish I had more time to ride it. Sounds like you'll be able to make your purchase justified.
As far as people taking stuff off your bike while parked, I keep my bike in a garage at home, and I've always worked on an Air Force base so no worries for me but couldn't tell you otherwise.
 
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Oh, and a Ninja 250 may be somewhat classified as a "crotch rocket" but it's nowhere near what a bigger engined bike would be. Sure, you'll be able to beat many cages up to 65mphish...and up to maybe 95mph but that's about it. Great learner bike with rider position and "won't kill you" speed.
 
Cyco said:
Oh, and a Ninja 250 may be somewhat classified as a "crotch rocket" but it's nowhere near what a bigger engined bike would be. Sure, you'll be able to beat many cages up to 65mphish...and up to maybe 95mph but that's about it. Great learner bike with rider position and "won't kill you" speed.
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True, they look faster than they actually are. My buddy and I were on an epic ride and randomly he decided to try to outgun me from a redlight. Surprisingly through first and partway through second gear he was about matched because he weighs probably 120lbs and is 5'8" whereas I'm 6'9" and about 230lbs. After that I shot out from him :biggrin:
 
How often does it rain where you live?

The drivers that annoy you on your daily drive are the very same drivers who will try to kill you if you are on a bike.
 
Brand new 2008 Ninja 250 was my only transportation from 2008-2012 and it worked out great.

Maintenance was a lot more money than I expected but I learned a lot and did a lot of the work myself. Finding a local group that hosts tech days helps a ton!

Other than the top speed, it was faster and more maneuverable than any car I've ever driven. I commuted on it daily at high speed (90+MPH indicated) and only had trouble passing if I wasn't smart about it. I almost always made sure that I was moving slightly faster than traffic and when the need to pass arose I was easily able to add a bit more throttle and pull it off safely. I weighed well over 200lbs too, so don't let people say that it won't be the case.

I had a few close calls but no accidents. I crossed the country on it almost as soon as I got it despite having never been on a motorcycle before. Do take the MSF course though! It definitely prepared me.
 
Yes.

Get a reasonable bike. Sv650s is/was my first bike.
Commuting in a city is dicey and be prepared to get bumped and knocked off. I have done 6000 miles on my bike in SF and have had a pedestrian run into me (yes I am serious) and been hit Lane splitting twice. Make sure you get proper gear and wear it. All the times I have been down I was wearing all my gear and have walked away everytime with only some bruises.

Also get some proper training MSF course counts but isn't real world training. If you are in the bay area of California I know a great motorcycle teacher.
 
If you have never driven one, no. They can kill you. You need practice. Buy a low cc scooter and get the hang of it first.
 
Yes!, get the fastest and most powerful one you can afford and have the most fun!, do it tomorrow before you change your mind!!!
 
As a crotch rocket owner, honda 600rr, I will speak from experience...

If you want a good "starter/commuter" bike, get yourself a 250cc bike, Ninja 250cc's are pretty popular for that.

If you are not too smart, and you feel you want to jump into the sport of motorcycle ownership, get yourself a 600cc of some kind. The position/geometry of the bike will not be as comfortable as a 250cc, a 600cc is going to be more oriented towards a "sporty" riding position and can take some getting used to.

Chances are, a 250cc ninja would suit you best, you should have little to zero concern over leaving them in any half-way decent parking lot or parking garage.
 
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