Thinking about getting a motorcycle

[BZeto]

First off, living in Vegas it's hard to not be tempted into riding a motorcycle since the weather permits nearly year round. Plus I'd be saving gas and having fun. I plan on signing up for a motorcycle riding course here pretty soon.

I do have experience riding dirtbikes but I imagine street bikes on busy roads are a bit different. I was wondering how good motorcycles are for long(ish) interstate trips. Does the wind combined with gripping the throttle for a prolonged period get tiresome pretty fast? I don't travel long distances very often, but it'd be nice to know it's possible.

As far as bikes go I was looking at the Kawasaki 650R's and the Suzuki SV650's. They both seem like quality bikes with enough power but nothing over the top.
Anyway, general opinions or advice on getting my first bike would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[TBone48]

The SV's make very good touring bikes. I personally don't have any problem with my throttle hand getting tired. On a lot of bikes you'll need to stop for gas before that becomes much of an issue. Otherwise there are aftermarket cruise control gizmos you can add. As far as the wind goes, there are a lot of windscreen options to help with that. With the right setup, just about any bike can be used for touring.

Good for you going for rider training. That says a lot about your attitude and maturity, which could keep you out of a lot of trouble ( especially as a new rider).

Good luck!

 

[RGUN]

Originally posted by: BZeto
First off, living in Vegas it's hard to not be tempted into riding a motorcycle since the weather permits nearly year round. Plus I'd be saving gas and having fun. I plan on signing up for a motorcycle riding course here pretty soon.

I do have experience riding dirtbikes but I imagine street bikes on busy roads are a bit different. I was wondering how good motorcycles are for long(ish) interstate trips. Does the wind combined with gripping the throttle for a prolonged period get tiresome pretty fast? I don't travel long distances very often, but it'd be nice to know it's possible.

As far as bikes go I was looking at the Kawasaki 650R's and the Suzuki SV650's. They both seem like quality bikes with enough power but nothing over the top.
Anyway, general opinions or advice on getting my first bike would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

First thing that gives out on long rides on a sportbike is your back... and if anything the wind helps you. Just make sure you wear ear plugs on long cruises.

 

[Turin39789]

get a 70's honda 4

 

[BZeto]

Thanks for the input so far.
Another question... What is the standard equipment used for motorcycle theft prevention? Disc brake locks? Alarm systems? Simple cable and padlock?

 

[cardiac]

Originally posted by: BZeto
Thanks for the input so far.
Another question... What is the standard equipment used for motorcycle theft prevention? Disc brake locks? Alarm systems? Simple cable and padlock?

Most bikes have a spot on the forks to put a padlock, thus keeping the front wheel turned sharply one way or another. Use that, and carry a hardened cable and lock to lock it to something whey you can.

Good idea on the training class. It usually gives you a break on your insurance too.

 

[mwmorph]

The SV650s is more powerful, the 650R is easier for the beginner to ride and less expensive. I really do like the new 2008 SV650S fairing, looks sharp and the availibility of ABS is a plus, but it's just so expensive.

 

[Fenixgoon]

i have a question about gear for people here: what do you wear - leathers only, textiles/meshes? it seems like textiles give the best range as far as weather conditions go, but i'm curious as to how much (if any) protection would be sacrificed over a full leather suit.

<--- desperately wants a bike.. will get into it eventually

 

[MiataNC]

The 650R and SV650 are identical performance wise for all intents and purposes. The numbers are too close for any normal street rider to be able to tell much of a difference. In every magazine shoot out, the SV scores slightly higher as far as aggressive riding performance, but loses out on comfort (The "naked" model lacking wind protecting, and the S model having a more aggressive riding position).

Having owned an '04 SV650S here is my .02$

1. The SV650 "S" model has GSX-R style ergonomics. Long rides can be a HUGE pain in the wrist/neck/back if you are not used to riding sport bikes. There are products on the market that allow you to change the clip-on position to make it more comfortable. (helibars, convertibars).

2. Fuel range (using the blends in central California) is roughly 150miles on the highway.

3. Riding in high temps (100+) you are going to want well ventilated textile gear. It protects just as well as leather under most conditions, but if you do go down it will get melted/shredded doing it's job. So consider textiles disposable if you use the protection they offer.

4. Riding in high temps II - Keep yourself fully geared and covered up. You will absorb more heat and lose more water with your skin exposed. It sucks riding in 100+ period. You either learn to deal with it, or you park the bike until the weather cools off. It does help to soak the clothes under your ventilated gear, but it will still suck. Trust me.

If I was buying a bike today, here is what I would get....

A - Buy a used 650R or SV650S (let someone else pay the new bike depreciation), and modify (luggage, change clip-ons, etc) to taste.

B - Buy a new SV650/SV650S ABS model. It only adds $500 to the base sticker cost, and is worth a hell of a lot more than that in repairs and skin if you have have a situation where you need ABS.

Welcome to the 2-wheeled world

 

[mwmorph]

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon
i have a question about gear for people here: what do you wear - leathers only, textiles/meshes? it seems like textiles give the best range as far as weather conditions go, but i'm curious as to how much (if any) protection would be sacrificed over a full leather suit.

<--- desperately wants a bike.. will get into it eventually

I'm coming from a 650R and there's 2 things to consider when buying your first bike

1. You will drop it, either bike are about as fast as a Ferrari Enzo(0-60 in less than 4s with a very good rider)

2. Fairings are expensive to fix when you crash the bike

Personally I'd advocate a unfaired or semi-faired bike as your first. I learned this the hard way on my old GS500F.

As for equipment, I usually go textiles with added armor, soft armor(at least) for the hips and hard armor for the elbows, knees and shoulder areas, also possibly armor for your back, I found it helpful.

As for helmets, get DOT and Snell certification if you can. It's one of the reasons I went for the Scorpion Exo series. I had a EXO700 that probably saved my life be even the more affordable EXO 400 offers excellent protection. Each helmet is different, but typically, DOT helmets are softer and thus provide better cushioning at lower speed crashes, but SNELL helmets tend to be stiffer and can provide more effective protection at higher speeds. There's a lot more involved like material made, foam shape, etc, but as a general rule of thumb, DOT is gentler but SNELL holds up more under higher speed hits.

 

[melijak]

You may want to test drive Triumph speed triple. Totaly different feel than a japaniese bikes. I almost got one.
After riding on Kawasaki zx9r for 7 years, great frendly bike by the way; going to Aprila falco v-twin was like discovering riding all over again. So as much as like the Kawa, if you want a bike with a soul, check out the British or Italian bike before you decide.

 

[BZeto]

Looking at insurance, do most get full coverage or just liability?

 

[MiataNC]

Originally posted by: BZeto
Looking at insurance, do most get full coverage or just liability?

Depends....

If you are financing you will have to carry full.

Depending on the age/record of the rider or the type of bike, some companies won't offer anything beyond liability.

Personally I carried full. I figured I was just as likely to tear the bike up out on a twisty road, as some jackass in a cage would be of taking me out.

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: BZeto
Thanks for the input so far.
Another question... What is the standard equipment used for motorcycle theft prevention? Disc brake locks? Alarm systems? Simple cable and padlock?

Comprehensive insurance. Dirt cheap, since the bike is dirt cheap. Certainly cheaper than forgetting to remove the disc brake lock. Decide for yourself if you want collision as well; I didn't go for it.

Most bikes "lock" the forks to one side automatically when you remove the key. That's good enough for me.

I ride a DL650 (same engine as the SV, but a slight retune and a taller bike. Better for long trips or rough roads, not as sporty). I really love the engine and love the bike--it's very smooth, extraordinarily reliable, and plenty fast enough for my needs.

I did test ride the Triumph Tiger (Same 1050 triple as on the Speed Triple). It was a fabulous bike, and it made my DL feel like a tractor by comparison. HOWEVER, while power delivery is very smooth across the entire tach, I think that the 1050 is way too much bike for a beginner.

I suggest you start with an old (80s?) Japanese bike at first. Something light, cheap, and robust. Ride it for 6 months, drop it a couple times (it will cost you almost nothing), and then upgrade the bike you want.

However, don't skimp on gear. In LV, you probably don't want leather due to the heat aspect. The best gear in the world doesn't offer you any protection if you don't wear it due to comfort. I wear a Joe Rocket jacket with armor, and it works pretty well cold or hot...EXCEPT when I'm stopped. Hot days in traffic suck on a bike. You could also try the Joe Rocket Phoenix jacket, which by all accounts is VERY comfortable in hot weather, however, the protection won't be as good as the bulkier jackets. Still, it will be infinitely better than a T-shirt, infinitely more comfortable than the thicker stuff, and looks cool to boot.

Also get padded jeans or overpants (I use overpants), a good set of over-the-ankle boots (Oxtar Matrix in my case), gloves (deerskin summer gloves), and a good full-face helmet. I bought a bright yellow HJC helmet for visibility (I think the helmet makes a big difference on how well the cages can see you), but of course it's your call. I wouldn't recommend a black helmet to anyone--they're next to invisible, and they're too hot in the summer. Unfortunately most motorcycle gear is either black (looks cool, but has the disadvantages I just listed) or BRIGHT FREAKIN' YELLOW (visible and not as hot, but really gaudy).

You'll probably want at least a windscreen for long trips. Made a world of difference for me. Also luggage. Backpacks start getting very tiring after a while.

 

[MiataNC]

Originally posted by: jagec

I ride a DL650 (same engine as the SV, but a slight retune and a taller bike. Better for long trips or rough roads, not as sporty). I really love the engine and love the bike--it's very smooth, extraordinarily reliable, and plenty fast enough for my needs.

The Wee-Strom (DL650 ABS) is on my short list for my next bike. The 07-08 ABS model is in short supply, so I will probably step up to the Bandit 1250S ABS. I am completely sold on ABS, and Suzuki offers it on some great bikes. (SV, DL, Bandit).

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: MiataNC

Originally posted by: jagec

I ride a DL650 (same engine as the SV, but a slight retune and a taller bike. Better for long trips or rough roads, not as sporty). I really love the engine and love the bike--it's very smooth, extraordinarily reliable, and plenty fast enough for my needs.

The Wee-Strom (DL650 ABS) is on my short list for my next bike. The 07-08 ABS model is in short supply, so I will probably step up to the Bandit 1250S ABS. I am completely sold on ABS, and offers it on some great bikes. (SV, DL, Bandit).

Yup, my only regret with my bike is not getting the ABS version. Too bad Suzuki seems to think that no one wants them...

 

[BZeto]

After finding little on craigslist I went around to a few dealerships today to see what they had in the way of used bikes. About the best I could find was a SV650S (didnt get the year but it looked fairly newer) for $4500. Didn't see any used 650R's. Also checked out a Honda CBR 600, don't know much about it but it looked pretty nice.

Do the dealerships give you a temporary 1 month registration like when buying a new car? One more thing, do I need a motorcycle license to register a bike? I ask because I won't get my M license for another month but I don't want to pass up any good deals on a bike. So I may have to at least drive it home without an M license/registration/insurance.

 

[MiataNC]

Originally posted by: BZeto
After finding little on craigslist I went around to a few dealerships today to see what they had in the way of used bikes. About the best I could find was a SV650S (didnt get the year but it looked fairly newer) for $4500. Didn't see any used 650R's. Also checked out a Honda CBR 600, don't know much about it but it looked pretty nice.

Do the dealerships give you a temporary 1 month registration like when buying a new car? One more thing, do I need a motorcycle license to register a bike? I ask because I won't get my M license for another month but I don't want to pass up any good deals on a bike. So I may have to at least drive it home without an M license/registration/insurance.

Are you planning to take a rider training course? MSF?

Before diving into the sport I highly recommend taking a training course. The time riding the schools bikes is worth the price of admission, and passing usually means you don't have to take the riding test at the DMV when you get your license. Not only will you get a feel for street riding, you will also get a feel for the type of bike you want to ride.

Anyone can buy a bike and register it. What you don't want to do is buy something you can't insure, can't afford, or decide you don't like after a short time. Your first bike doesn't have to be your last, so make sure it isn't hehe

You won't miss a good deal on a bike. There are ALWAYS deals to be had. Many people buy one as an impulse purchase. Wind up buying something uncomfortable, uninsurable, too frick'en scary, not cool enough, etc, etc. Then turn around and sell them at a loss. That is when you come in and make a deal. If you don't have to finance, then avoid dealers. They are good for browsing, but they almost never have the best deal.

I would NOT recommend a CBR/GSXR/ZXR/YZFR/etc as a first purchase. You want something that isn't a race machine with lights, has minimal plastic, cheaper insurance rates, and a lower profile on the street.

Start getting insurance quotes on the bikes you are interested in. No point in getting your heart set on something only to find out you will spend more than the bike is worth in insurance for 12 months.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: BZeto
First off, living in Vegas it's hard to not be tempted into riding a motorcycle since the weather permits nearly year round. Plus I'd be saving gas and having fun. I plan on signing up for a motorcycle riding course here pretty soon.

I do have experience riding dirtbikes but I imagine street bikes on busy roads are a bit different. I was wondering how good motorcycles are for long(ish) interstate trips. Does the wind combined with gripping the throttle for a prolonged period get tiresome pretty fast? I don't travel long distances very often, but it'd be nice to know it's possible.

As far as bikes go I was looking at the Kawasaki 650R's and the Suzuki SV650's. They both seem like quality bikes with enough power but nothing over the top.
Anyway, general opinions or advice on getting my first bike would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Yes, it does. A windshield helps immensely in this respect though.

The Suzuki SV650 is an excellent first bike IMO. :thumbsup:

Make sure to invest in some decent protective gear too (helmet, gloves, jacket, boots at a minimum). There is a huge difference in protection, leather is the best but it is expensive and very hot during the summer. Whatever you do, make sure you get gear that is motorcycle specific. Your Wilson's leather jacket won't offer much protection in a crash.

Oh, and +1 on getting a bike with ABS! :thumbsup:

 

[BZeto]

Originally posted by: MiataNC

Are you planning to take a rider training course? MSF?

Before diving into the sport I highly recommend taking a training course. The time riding the schools bikes is worth the price of admission, and passing usually means you don't have to take the riding test at the DMV when you get your license. Not only will you get a feel for street riding, you will also get a feel for the type of bike you want to ride.

Yeah I'm scheduled to take the course at the beginning of April, it's the nearest date they had available.

I suppose I should be patient and shop around more. Which pretty much means checking craigslist/ebay/paper or going by the dealerships every other day or so which would be a pain in the ass.

 

[Arkaign]

Take some test drives on at least 5 or 6 different bikes before jumping in. I had a couple crotch rockets when I was young and stupid, and regretted it quite a bit. I've had a few cruisers since that time, and can vouch for a much more comfortable riding experience.

A couple of often overlooked factors :

(1)- Your size will greatly affect what kind of bike fits you best. Hence, you don't often see a guy who's 5'6" and 115lbs riding a Valkyrie in any kind of comfort. Ditto a 250lb 6'6" guy on a 450/etc.

(2)- Riding on a crotch rocket will wear you out. Riding upright is wearisome after a while, and riding low makes it more difficult for joe 6-pack or his soccer-mom wife to see you in their 10-foot-tall 12-ton SUV/truck. Wear a bright helmet.

A great bike to consider that offers a great balance is the BMW F800. It's got plenty of power, it's very stylish, and a fantastic blend of city ability, comfort, and so on.

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/04april06_bmw_f800st.htm

 

[TBone48]

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon
i have a question about gear for people here: what do you wear - leathers only, textiles/meshes? it seems like textiles give the best range as far as weather conditions go, but i'm curious as to how much (if any) protection would be sacrificed over a full leather suit.

<--- desperately wants a bike.. will get into it eventually

I wear leather when it's cold to warm ( 30 - 80 deg). For hot weather (85F and over) It's armored mesh. I tried perforated leather but it's still too hot for me. If your gear is uncomfortable you're more likely to NOT wear it,so get what feels good to you. Some riders bag on mesh/textile gear,but it's miles better to wear than shorts and a tank top. :shocked:

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Arkaign
Take some test drives on at least 5 or 6 different bikes before jumping in. I had a couple crotch rockets when I was young and stupid, and regretted it quite a bit. I've had a few cruisers since that time, and can vouch for a much more comfortable riding experience.

A couple of often overlooked factors :

(1)- Your size will greatly affect what kind of bike fits you best. Hence, you don't often see a guy who's 5'6" and 115lbs riding a Valkyrie in any kind of comfort. Ditto a 250lb 6'6" guy on a 450/etc.

(2)- Riding on a crotch rocket will wear you out. Riding upright is wearisome after a while, and riding low makes it more difficult for joe 6-pack or his soccer-mom wife to see you in their 10-foot-tall 12-ton SUV/truck. Wear a bright helmet.

A great bike to consider that offers a great balance is the BMW F800. It's got plenty of power, it's very stylish, and a fantastic blend of city ability, comfort, and so on.

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/04april06_bmw_f800st.htm

:thumbsup: I love that bike (F800ST for me) and it may be my next bike...either that or an R1200R. Whatever one I choose it will have ABS I can assure you.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: TBone48

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon
i have a question about gear for people here: what do you wear - leathers only, textiles/meshes? it seems like textiles give the best range as far as weather conditions go, but i'm curious as to how much (if any) protection would be sacrificed over a full leather suit.

<--- desperately wants a bike.. will get into it eventually

I wear leather when it's cold to warm ( 30 - 80 deg). For hot weather (85F and over) It's armored mesh. I tried perforated leather but it's still too hot for me. If your gear is uncomfortable you're more likely to NOT wear it,so get what feels good to you. Some riders bag on mesh/textile gear,but it's miles better to wear than shorts and a tank top. :shocked:

I wear a well made, padded and reinforced textile motorcycle jacket in cool to warm weather but during the hottest days I wear a mesh textile motorcycle jacket. I'm not sure how much protection the mesh jacket would provide and hopefully I'll never have to find out (it does have hard plastic elbow and shoulder inserts) but it is definitely much better than wearing nothing, which is what pretty much all other garments you wear on a daily basis offer in the way of protection.

Jeans and a t-shirt offer zero protection if you go down. You might as well be naked.

 

[MiataNC]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Jeans and a t-shirt offer zero protection if you go down. You might as well be naked.

I look at it this way...

What would you wear if you were going to run and baseball slide (leg or head first) in an asphalt parking lot?

That is at best 3-5mph. Now imaging doing it at 35mph+. Yike!!