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Thinking about getting my first motorcycle!

TecHNooB

TecHNooB

Diamond Member
Specifically, this one
http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/product-specifications.aspx?scid=6&id=787

As a first time rider, what should I do before I make this purchase. Should I take some classes? Which insurance should I get? What other bikes should I consider? When should you brake (or not brake). How do you approach turns. When should you not accelerate. Etc, etc. Basically, I'm a complete novice, but I'm itching to get a motorcycle. So educate me 😀

Basically, I can ride a bicycle, and I'm hoping it extends to riding a motorcycle 😛 I know the weight difference will be something I have to get used to, which is why I chose a beginner bike.
 
Greenman said:
Take the MSF course. Don't do anything else until you've taken that course.
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:thumbsup: x2

And you have made an excellent bike choice for a new rider. Don't let anyone talk you out of it. You will learn much faster on a smaller, lighter bike than you will on a heavier, more powerful bike.

Being able to ride a bicycle is pretty much a requirement for riding a motorcycle but other than having 2 wheels there really isn't much similarity.

Technique will be covered during the MSF course but, generally speaking, you want to do your braking before you turn and accelerate out of the turn. You don't want to be braking or accelerating in the middle of a turn.

Oh, and don't buy gear before you take the MSF. You may find that you want nothing to do with motorcycles after taking it... I've seen it happen. Borrow or buy a helmet if you want but just use work boots, jeans, gloves (you could even use leather workshop gloves-the kind you can get at Home Depot) and any jacket will do.
 
I wouldn't buy a new bike as your first bike, get a used one instead. Then when you master it get something newer with more power.
 
TecHNooB said:
As a first time rider, what should I do before I make this purchase.
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Inform other family members of your organ donor preference, and be prepared to accept the risks. Considering all the distraction devices, a driver with both hands on the steering wheel is pretty much an anomaly these days.
 
Buyed used and then upgrade to a new or newer bike once you have cut your teeth on the first one. I can't tell you how many buddies of mine had to buy the new bike... and the reality is:

- They will drop it.. Like literally drop it, or have a low speed fuck up and all that shiny paint and chrome and such will need to be replaced.

- You'll buy new and figure out in the first year that it wasn't a good idea to buy new as a first bike. Trust us, you'll want to upgrade to something more to your liking and riding preferences later.

Please please and please... Budget for the gear. Don't buy the $75 helmet at cycle gear... You'll hate the fit and the wind noise. More importantly your noggin will hate it it the helmet serves it's intended purpose - to make contact with objects your head otherwise would with out it.

Buy a riding jacket and decent gloves. PLEASE.

Buy decent riding boots. If I catch you wearing fucking flip flops, open toed sandals or sneakers I'm going to fucking run you off the road myself.

Riding pants are optional... Just don't wear shorts ok? Once you have the budget for some riding pants, you learn to appreciate them on some days and hate them on others...

The three bike accidents I've had...

#1.. 1/2 mile from house
#2.. 3 miles from house
#3.. 5 miles from house

All were short runs about town, not all day touring. Dress for the ride, and you'll be ok. Incidentally... Accident #3... I had full leathers... I left at home as it was stupid hot out that day and after all, I was just going for a quick ride. Happened in rush hour traffic below the speed limit. Had a nice visit to the hospital and plenty of scars to prove it. Had I work the gear there would have been no ambulance ride, no expensive hospital bill, no expensive (BLACKMAIL) fees at the salvage yard and far less pain. This lesson is often learned the hard way no matter how many times you hear the "gear talk" from experienced riders.
 
I agree with a lot of this thread. MSF course before you do anything else. Then buy a used bike. A used 250 Ninja will let you learn without worrying too much about dropping it, because it will happen. And, since everyone does this, they don't lose too much value as long as you don't really mess it up.
 
smackababy said:
I agree with a lot of this thread. MSF course before you do anything else. Then buy a used bike. A used 250 Ninja will let you learn without worrying too much about dropping it, because it will happen. And, since everyone does this, they don't lose too much value as long as you don't really mess it up.
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That new Ninja he is looking at won't lose much value either as long as he doesn't really mess it up.

I bought a 2008 SV650 new in 2008 for $6500 OTD and sold it 3.5 years and 17,000 miles later for $4000. Although I doubt you'd spend 3 years on a Ninja 300. 😉

It's his money and someone has to buy new motorcycles. 😛
 
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Yes you can buy new for your first bike, and yes you MIGHT drop your bike and you also might not. I'm well over 3000km on my first bike which is new, and I've never dropped it or ever come close to dropping it. On the other hand I've seen very good experienced riders drop it, it can happen in a crappy unexpected situation. So just being new in of itself doesn't absolutely mean you'll drop it, and being experienced doesn't mean absolutely that you won't drop it. Be careful and be mindful of the balance, don't come to a complete stop very suddenly while turning sharply (always try to straighten out before stopping completely). It helps a lot if you're tall enough so you can keep both feet flat on the ground, and the bike-to-you weight ratio isn't too out of wack. My 600 is considered to be a little on the porky side compared to other 600s, but I find it doesn't feel heavy at all, it feels just perfect to me. I am close to 200lbs and 6'1 though.

A used bike is *often* a better choice, but not always. Choose a bike that you feel comfortable with. The MSF course is invaluable, so take it. I don't know how it works for you guys, but the course I had to take up here in Canuckistan forced me to try various different sizes and styles of bikes during the course, and I think it helped me a lot.

In my case I went with a very easy-going 600cc and I couldn't be happier with my choice. I actually enjoyed the Honda CBR 250 I practiced on during my course quite a lot, but I wouldn't want something that small for any significant amount of highway riding. Just too small and revving way high to cruise around at highway speeds for long. But in terms of getting the hang of riding a motorcycle and making stupid mistakes and learning from them, it's perfect. My 600 is also excellent in this regard, but I would hesitate to recommend it for all beginners as it's still pretty fast for a first bike, as forgiving as I find it to be. Depends on the person. I feel that for my case specifically, I have gotten the hang of things very quickly and I already feel very comfortable and confident even though I'm still very new. I know other riders who started with bigger bikes who still seem like such uncertain noobs after a full season longer than me that it's kinda scary. If it's taking you more than a full season to get comfortable riding confidently, you might not be on the right bike I think.

So long as you're careful, listen to your gut and stick with something that seems to match your skill and comfort level, enjoy the experience!
 
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I almost got a motorcycle this summer, until I started getting insurance quotes. The lowest was $4600. Fuck that.
 
can't go wrong with the 300. my neighbor has a black one with a bunch of mods. pretty sweet bike. definitely recommend the msf course.
 
Like everyone has said take the MSF course. As a new rider your chances of going down are significantly high in general lots of new riders do drop their bikes, so I would highly recommend you buy used for your first bike, get a used 250. I also highly recommend in addition to the MSF if there is a track near you , do some motorcycle only track days, you will learn a ton and their are courses, and levels for beginners and teach you to be a better rider.

Also when I took my MSF they had another course you could take with them using your own bike as well after you pass the first one, take that if you can. Some of them even offer a free general ride after take the MSF but not all.
 
I taught the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation)'s course for several years. Take it. NOW.
If you've been riding for several years and are reading this post, and have not taken the MSF course....then take it. NOW.
 
Getting my first bike over this winter as well, course to be taken in June. Best advice ever given was to take the course. If I could only decide between the Busa or the Harley.
 
Demoralized said:
Getting my first bike over this winter as well, course to be taken in June. Best advice ever given was to take the course. If I could only decide between the Busa or the Harley.
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Stay away from the Busa's. not because getting that much power for your first bike is ridiculous, but because Suzuki does not make a very high quality product. Build quality of the Honda and Yamaha sport bikes is way superior.
 
I was leaning towards the Harley anyway. Nice Iron 883 with the old fashion spring seat, mini apes and controls moved forward.
 
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