Thinking about a first motorcycle...

[Ferzerp]

Well, it's happened. I've gotten old enough where I am no longer willing to spend enough on a fun car to actually get one that I'd enjoy driving (I spoiled myself on performance cars, and now I have overly high expectations). I decided I wanted something fun and relatively cheap, so I started looking around. What I want at a price I'm currently willing to pay is not really available in a car. I drove a new Miata. Yeah, no. That lightness apparently was gained by removing the engine and putting some hamsters under the hood, and removing the chassis and replacing it with a wet noodle. The steering at this point feels atrocious. My car tastes have grown beyond what I am willing to spend on a second vehicle.

That leaves me with motorcycles for a "toy" vehicle. Based on research and suggestions from motorcycle riders, for a first bike I am considering looking at things like a Ducati Scrambler. It's supposedly easy enough to ride that I won't immediately end up in 3 pieces, but isn't something that I will be instantly bored with. I'm sure that will happen before too awfully long, but I don't want it to happen day 1. I'm not really going to pay attention to "buy used" or "buy cheaper" comments. Making the cost lower than the type I am considering now isn't really something I am concerned with. I am looking for the correct choice as opposed to the cheap choice. This is entertainment money, if I scuff it up, or end up rarely using it, so be it. Does anyone who is far more knowledgeable about this have other options I should consider?

Keep in mind that as of today, my only two wheeled experience is with bicycles. I will be taking an MSF rider course before doing anything else obviously. Nor do I plan to really ever use the motorcycle in anything but a good weather/good conditions hobby type capacity.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

I've ridden for 35 years. Your reasons for wanting a motorcycle are what I usually attribute to squids. However, I'll try to be positive and say, you're a motorcycle salesman's wet dream.

 

[pauldun170]

Well, it's happened. I've gotten old enough where I am no longer willing to spend enough on a fun car to actually get one that I'd enjoy driving (I spoiled myself on performance cars, and now I have overly high expectations). I decided I wanted something fun and relatively cheap, so I started looking around. What I want at a price I'm currently willing to pay is not really available in a car. I drove a new Miata. Yeah, no. That lightness apparently was gained by removing the engine and putting some hamsters under the hood, and removing the chassis and replacing it with a wet noodle. The steering at this point feels atrocious. My car tastes have grown beyond what I am willing to spend on a second vehicle.

That leaves me with motorcycles for a "toy" vehicle. Based on research and suggestions from motorcycle riders, for a first bike I am considering looking at things like a Ducati Scrambler. It's supposedly easy enough to ride that I won't immediately end up in 3 pieces, but isn't something that I will be instantly bored with. I'm sure that will happen before too awfully long, but I don't want it to happen day 1. I'm not really going to pay attention to "buy used" or "buy cheaper" comments. Making the cost lower than the type I am considering now isn't really something I am concerned with. I am looking for the correct choice as opposed to the cheap choice. This is entertainment money, if I scuff it up, or end up rarely using it, so be it. Does anyone who is far more knowledgeable about this have other options I should consider?

Keep in mind that as of today, my only two wheeled experience is with bicycles. I will be taking an MSF rider course before doing anything else obviously. Nor do I plan to really ever use the motorcycle in anything but a good weather/good conditions hobby type capacity.

I've been riding for quarter century. Have owned standards and sportbikes. I've ridden cruisers as well.

What region do you live in?
What do you see your self doing on a motorcycle?
When you see riders out on the road, what appeals to you?
Do you have a garage?

 

[Ferzerp]

I've been riding for quarter century. Have owned standards and sportbikes. I've ridden cruisers as well.

What region do you live in?
What do you see your self doing on a motorcycle?
When you see riders out on the road, what appeals to you?
Do you have a garage?

South East, hot summers, hills, etc.
Mostly as an alternate form of transportation when I am not going far, need to carry nothing, and can accommodate the armor and helmet at my destination, but also in "a just feel like looking around/going nowhere in particular" type role. I get bored of only having the one option.
I honestly don't pay much attention to them (or anyone else on the road) beyond the "this is another person that I need to pay attention to and not run in to" factor. I know this isn't a helpful answer, but it is the true answer.
Yes, with plenty of room. I used to keep two cars in it, but I've since downsized to one car.

I've owned everything from econoboxes up to c7 Z06s in regards to cars. Right now, I drive a Model S. I need something that I will be drawn to and want to choose over the car from time to time. That's why I am trying to put a lot of thought in to the type of things I want to consider.

 

[Fenixgoon]

1) MSF class - find out if you like riding in the first place. maybe you end up not liking it as much as you thought. but the MSF class is the first start.

once you figure out whether you enjoy riding or not, then you can get a bike (or not). and if you decide to get a bike, always, always, always buy good gear. do you have to look like a motoGP rider? no. but proper motorcycle-specific apparel - helmet, boots, gloves, and textile/leather pants and jacket (they make both perforated and non-perforated versions, plenty of options) will make a world of difference in your riding experience. helmets not only protect your head if you fall - a full face (the only proper one, IMO) will also prevent rocks, bugs, and other stuff from whacking you in the face at highway speeds.

as far as a first bike, if you're looking for something sporty, just get a used ninja 250. they've been the same bike for almost the last 20 years, and they're going to be more or less bulletproof. once you've ridden around for a year, then you can decide whether you want something bigger, and what that something is. the ninja250 (or the newer 300s) are kinda the miatas of the motorcycle world. always more fun to ride a slow car/bike fast than a fast car/bike slow (which is what happened with my ninja 1000 on the street...140hp, only so far i can go).

if you decide you want to get into something bigger and do faster riding after let's say a year, i recommend a track day. track days will not only let you exercise your skills and learn more, but let you do so in a controlled environment. after i did a track day, i stopped riding like an asshole on the streets. just too much risk with gravel, animals, and frankly, other drivers.

after 7 years of riding i simply didn't have the energy or make the time for riding, so i sold my bike. but it is a very enjoyable hobby, with some very cool people (and also some very not...sigh).

the last piece of advice i have is to not stress yourself when riding. motorcycles carry that much more risk than cars, and therefore require that much more focus. if you're feeling tired, there's no shame in not riding, or taking a little bit of a rest. i don't think i ever finished out a track day because i simply ran out of energy, and it wasn't worth the risk of crashing to keep riding in what probably would have been poor form.

oh, and keep the rubber side down

 

[Meghan54]

The truth....and well said.

And, I too, just got too old to accept broken bones or road rash. But this was my last bike before I quit riding.

Loved that thing.

1) MSF class - find out if you like riding in the first place. maybe you end up not liking it as much as you thought. but the MSF class is the first start.

once you figure out whether you enjoy riding or not, then you can get a bike (or not). and if you decide to get a bike, always, always, always buy good gear. do you have to look like a motoGP rider? no. but proper motorcycle-specific apparel - helmet, boots, gloves, and textile/leather pants and jacket (they make both perforated and non-perforated versions, plenty of options) will make a world of difference in your riding experience. helmets not only protect your head if you fall - a full face (the only proper one, IMO) will also prevent rocks, bugs, and other stuff from whacking you in the face at highway speeds.

as far as a first bike, if you're looking for something sporty, just get a used ninja 250. they've been the same bike for almost the last 20 years, and they're going to be more or less bulletproof. once you've ridden around for a year, then you can decide whether you want something bigger, and what that something is. the ninja250 (or the newer 300s) are kinda the miatas of the motorcycle world. always more fun to ride a slow car/bike fast than a fast car/bike slow (which is what happened with my ninja 1000 on the street...140hp, only so far i can go).

if you decide you want to get into something bigger and do faster riding after let's say a year, i recommend a track day. track days will not only let you exercise your skills and learn more, but let you do so in a controlled environment. after i did a track day, i stopped riding like an asshole on the streets. just too much risk with gravel, animals, and frankly, other drivers.

after 7 years of riding i simply didn't have the energy or make the time for riding, so i sold my bike. but it is a very enjoyable hobby, with some very cool people (and also some very not...sigh).

the last piece of advice i have is to not stress yourself when riding. motorcycles carry that much more risk than cars, and therefore require that much more focus. if you're feeling tired, there's no shame in not riding, or taking a little bit of a rest. i don't think i ever finished out a track day because i simply ran out of energy, and it wasn't worth the risk of crashing to keep riding in what probably would have been poor form.

oh, and keep the rubber side down

 

[Ferzerp]

1) MSF class - find out if you like riding in the first place. maybe you end up not liking it as much as you thought. but the MSF class is the first start.


if you decide you want to get into something bigger and do faster riding after let's say a year, i recommend a track day. track days will not only let you exercise your skills and learn more, but let you do so in a controlled environment. after i did a track day, i stopped riding like an asshole on the streets. just too much risk with gravel, animals, and frankly, other drivers.

The MSF class is first on the list obviously.

I've already gotten that out of my system with cars and track time a few years ago.

 

[tweakmonkey]

Since you've got a model S I'm guessing you like the electric stuff. I'm not a bike guy (way too dangerous here with heavy traffic and inattentive drivers galore) but thought the Zeros look really fun if you want something for short trips.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ov7uqnMSDPg

I can't imagine they're nearly as nimble as a little 250 or something though which would be way more fun if you've got good twisty roads to play around.

 

[tortoise]

an alternate form of transportation when I am not going far, need to carry nothing

A flat-floorboard scooter offers the enhanced utility of transporting gallon jugs, 12-packs, and bags of pet food or water softener salt. Might include the Sym RV200 in your research.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I haven't ridden the Scrambler but it should be fairly easy to ride and a decent choice for a first bike.

You will spend more on maintenance with a Ducati and you will have problems with it. I have with both Ducatis I've owned over 6+ years and 30,000 miles I put on them. Both bikes were new when purchased.

My advice would be to find a dealership you feel comfortable with that has high ratings in the local motorcycle community. Personally, I wouldn't own a Ducati if it weren't for the excellent relationship I have with my local dealer.

I love my Multistrada and it still amazes me and puts a huge grin on my face when I ride it. Only problem I've had with it is repeated fuel level sensor errors and a faulty front brake master cylinder. They are quirky bikes but they are unique, Italian, performance oriented machines and I love them.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Personally, I would recommend you take the MSF course before buying a bike. It isn't for everyone and it's better to figure that out before buying a bike than after.

I love riding. It has spoiled cars for me a bit as it is very visceral, much more so than cars.

 

[jtworldwide3]

As much as i love the soul of the Ducati bikes, i would buy from the big 3. Check out the FJ-09 for something that is a good compromise between speed and comfort. It will have quite a bit more punch than the scrambler, but its more of a jack of all trades IMO

 

[Ferzerp]

Personally, I would recommend you take the MSF course before buying a bike.

This is a given.

 

[pauldun170]

Ducati Scrambler is fine for a first bike as long as you are comfortable sitting on it.
I would never buy one because a simple aircooled motorcyle should not require me to shell out money every 7500 miles for a valve check and a every 15K for belts and plugs.

If I were in the market for that class of bike I'd rather go with the Yamaha FZ07

 

[pauldun170]

The truth....and well said.

And, I too, just got too old to accept broken bones or road rash. But this was my last bike before I quit riding.

Loved that thing.

My first bike was an 83
I don't have a picture but it was in this color with a 4 into 1 exhaust

 

[monkeydelmagico]

If you have access to off road areas dirt bikes are a great way to learn without having to deal with idiot cage drivers. Then, when you feel more proficient in basic motorcycle operation, you can venture forth onto the tarmac. That's why I end up with dual sport bikes every few years. I learned in the dirt. It feels good to get dirty.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

I've owned everything from econoboxes up to c7 Z06s in regards to cars.

There really is no comparison. Bikes are much more visceral than any car.

 

[rstrohkirch]

Triumph has a couple of bikes similar in styling to the Ducati if you want more options. Husky has the new 401 in two styles. There is also the xsr900 but that isn't a beginners bike.

 

[mindless1]

You wrote that you don't want cheaper or used as if that just wipes out reality.

The reality is that you don't marry the first girl that catches your eye. The reality is that you are best off buying a standard motorcycle that is used, and driving it for a few months to make the learning curve easier and safer, that you can resell for about what you paid for it, and to give you some time with a median machine so as you get used to moto traffic safety and sanity riding, you get a better idea of what you want different.

With several months under your belt, you will appreciate more the function of the machine over the style. You may still end up picking the exact same motorcycle, but what did it hurt to explore the options if you buy used and resell instead of regretting a purchase then taking a bath on depreciation and still not having a baseline assessment about real world need?

I"m NOT suggesting to buy a 250cc Ninja. That's something for an 18 year old with no impulse control and/or limited traffic observational skills. I am suggesting that it's highly unlikely that the first bike you buy, will be your long term sweetheart.

 

[JulesMaximus]

You wrote that you don't want cheaper or used as if that just wipes out reality.

The reality is that you don't marry the first girl that catches your eye. The reality is that you are best off buying a standard motorcycle that is used, and driving it for a few months to make the learning curve easier and safer, that you can resell for about what you paid for it, and to give you some time with a median machine so as you get used to moto traffic safety and sanity riding, you get a better idea of what you want different.

With several months under your belt, you will appreciate more the function of the machine over the style. You may still end up picking the exact same motorcycle, but what did it hurt to explore the options if you buy used and resell instead of regretting a purchase then taking a bath on depreciation and still not having a baseline assessment about real world need?

I"m NOT suggesting to buy a 250cc Ninja. That's something for an 18 year old with no impulse control and/or limited traffic observational skills. I am suggesting that it's highly unlikely that the first bike you buy, will be your long term sweetheart.

Meh, bikes are cheap. Even a Ducati Scrambler can be had new for under $9k.

 

[pauldun170]

Years ago I would push folks to buy used.
Now I tell them to spend whatever they feel comfortable spending given the total market. I they have a tight budget then go used. If they have their eye on something new and they can afford it then go for it.
As long as they include within their budget the cost of gear which can add an extra $500 to 1K+ for boots, gloves, helmet, jacket(s) and preferably pants.

Concerning the whole "You will drop it!!" thing...
It's like any other vehicle . You get it fixed if you thinks its worth fixing. Doesn't matter if its fresh off the showroom floor or you are the third owner.
It's not like parts suddenly get super cheap when its a used bike

 

[Ferzerp]

You wrote that you don't want cheaper or used as if that just wipes out reality.

Costing less than the range of the one I presented isn't a virtue. If you'll notice, I said I am not interested in cheaper just because it is cheaper. If there is a better choice that happens to be cheaper, sure, but the price being less has absolutely no bearing on whether or not it is a better choice. That has to stand apart from the price.

Why would I buy something used when I have no way of knowing how it was maintained and taken care of?

 

[mindless1]

The point of used is your first bike probably isn't the one you're going to want a year later so you don't suffer the depreciation nearly as much.

If you can't tell if it was maintained and taken care of then you'll probably going to be taking your bike to a mechanic either way. Just like a car you can have one inspect it pre-purchase if that's important to you.

 

[Ferzerp]

The point of used is your first bike probably isn't the one you're going to want a year later so you don't suffer the depreciation nearly as much.

This is a money thing and has no bearing on the suitability of the bike. It's an outside consideration. It may be important to *you*, but I explicitly said it wasn't a factor to me. I find it mildly amusing that I've said that it isn't a consideration for me and somehow you think that you know my situation better than I do and want to insist it is. Motorcycles are cheap.

 

[pauldun170]

Costing less than the range of the one I presented isn't a virtue. If you'll notice, I said I am not interested in cheaper just because it is cheaper. If there is a better choice that happens to be cheaper, sure, but the price being less has absolutely no bearing on whether or not it is a better choice. That has to stand apart from the price.

Why would I buy something used when I have no way of knowing how it was maintained and taken care of?

From a money perspective, a beat to crap used bike that might need repairs will probably come under the cost of a brand new scrambler + full coverage.
I wouldn't sweat that too much.
A new Ducati will probably be visiting the dealer more often than a used Kawi\Yammer\Suzuki considering its service schedule and "Italian character"