What are the Basics of riding a motorcycle??

[Donny]

After reading the other topic on who rides one, and i want to ride one, im not sure on how to get one.

I mean, there is a different lisence for a motorcycle right?

Maybe you guys/girls can tell me on what you do and hows it like?

Also is there anything else like MST or something??

Is the insurance higher than regular vechiles??

 

[FoBoT]

don't tip over

 

[NetworkDad]

Nothing you can learn from here. Go see your local DMV (Dept motor vehicles) and sign up for an approved motorcylcle endorsement/riding training class.

 

[N8Magic]

Originally posted by: NccOps
Nothing you can learn from here. Go see your local DMV (Dept motor vehicles) and sign up for an approved motorcylcle endorsement/riding training class.

 

[Alienwho]

Originally posted by: NccOps
Nothing you can learn from here. Go see your local DMV (Dept motor vehicles) and sign up for an approved motorcylcle endorsement/riding training class.

Or have a competant buddy teach you how.

I learned to ride when I was 10 on a bigass Yamaha XT 600. I sure got good quick though handling all that power. My brothers learned at 12 on little 80's. Anybody can learn to ride a small bike.

 

[Donny]

Hmmm so nobody can answer these questions??

<<there is a different lisence for a motorcycle right?>>

<<Maybe you can tell me what you did and hows it like while taking the DMV test??

<<Is the insurance higher than regular vechiles?? >>

 

[Donny]

Oh btw i had a Yamaha GT80 up untill last year when i sold it, rode it at a nearby school and on the street, so im pretty handy when it comes to one.

 

[Alienwho]

Originally posted by: Newbie123
Hmmm so nobody can answer these questions??

<<there is a different lisence for a motorcycle right?>>

<<Maybe you can tell me what you did and hows it like while taking the DMV test??

<<Is the insurance higher than regular vechiles?? >>

Yes

A monkey with down syndrom and no arms could pass anything the DMV throws at it.

I don't insure my bikes cause I ride offroad.

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

Originally posted by: NccOps
Nothing you can learn from here. Go see your local DMV (Dept motor vehicles) and sign up for an approved motorcylcle endorsement/riding training class.

there is your answer to all your questions.

 

[SWirth86]

Originally posted by: Newbie123
Hmmm so nobody can answer these questions??

<<there is a different lisence for a motorcycle right?>>

<<Maybe you can tell me what you did and hows it like while taking the DMV test??

<<Is the insurance higher than regular vechiles?? >>

1. In Delaware there is, I think it depends on your state.
Can't answer the other questions.....

On riding a motorcycle, its really easy. Don't get a really big bike like a Harley.....they suck for beginners. Its just like driving a manual, except the left hand is the cluth, and the left foot is the gearbox. The right hand is front brake, right foot is back brake. Don't tip over, and thats about it. Gear settings are from lower to higher (relative to the ground) 1-N-2-3-4-5..... Neutral is a half step between 1 and 2...sometimes a little tricky to get to, depending on your bike. What bike are you interested in?

 

[The Stigenator]

1. TO ride a motorcycle you will need a Motorcycle Endorsement.. Depending on your age and the state that you live in rules change.
2. There is a course in the US, its called Motorcycle Safety Foundation - MSF. They will teach you the basics of riding and street survival. However if your a klutz and cannot balence I would first suggest starting on a bicycle. The MSF course will give you an insurance discount on passing. It will also waive your drive test at teh DMV.
The principal on a motorcycle is that once the wheels rotate the system will self balence itself until and unless you do something idotic... Basically it acts like a gyroscope. Motorcycle are incrediably stable on a straight line thanks to the gyroscopic effect.
3. Insurance depends on your riding experience, your age, what kind of bike etc etc. In general if you shop smart and are smart you will pay a lot lesser than a car. I pay 600/yr for my full insurance 100K/300K liablity 15K (uninsured - because that's like 50% of my bill). I can find lower but for the moment I will stay with geico, next year I will shift to something else.

Any more questions?

 

[308nato]

Keep in mind the basics of operating a motorcycle properly include maintenance. There is a lot to be aware of mechanically at all times. Its not like driving moms Aerostar.

 

[Thegonagle]

The_Good_Guy does bring up an important point that I would forget to even mention: you should be able to ride a bicycle. I practically grew up on a bicycle, so I almost forgot it could be an issue, but I guess there are a few kids who never learned.

I really want to learn to ride a motorcycle, but the start-up costs are a little high for me right now. Start up costs would include a good-running used bike, repair manual, any tools I might not have, a helmet, leather and other protective gear, MSF course, the friend with the time to teach me how to ride (and let me borrow the bike to take the DMV test), and liability insurance.

 

[olds]

Originally posted by: The_good_guy
Any more questions?

Yes, can you explain counter steering to him?

 

[Donny]

Thanks TGG your the only 1 that help me out.

Im not new to motorcycles, only to the laws and regulations on how to ride one legally.

While almost all of the responces were lame and stupid, yours was filled with valueable information.
I can ride a bike VERY well, since i did bike (meaning jumping and all the good stuff) and well on my old motorcycle also

 

[Whisper]

308nato also brings up a good point: maintenance is much, much more important on a motorcycle than a car. Worst case scenario in a 4 wheeled vehicle: engine dies, you roll to a stop; get hit and you have a cage of steel around you. Worst case scenario on a bike: engine dies, you either roll or skid to a stop; get hit and you have a bag of skin protecting and a jacket protecting you.

You should get used to checking the air pressure in your tires, your oil level, your brake and blinker lights, your clutch and brake cables (to be sure they're clear of obstruction), the amount of 'play' in your throttle, rear brake and clutch, and oiling your chain roughly every 500 miles or so. One good thing about maintenance on a bike, though: they're a helluvalot easier to wash than a car

As for insurance: I have liability only (state-mandated), and mine comes in at $260/year. I'm 22 years old, and didn't have the best driving record in my car. No accidents, but a few speeding tickets on record (which should get bumped off by next year). Only problem is that if I ever hit or get hit by an uninsured motorist, or my bike ever gets stolen, I'm SOL. Ahh, the chances we take.

 

[Donny]

Yeah, i asked for the regulations and laws, not maintenance

 

[Kelvrick]

If I take the MSF, I just have to pass their test at the end? I don't have to go to the DMV to take the test?

I'm really considering a 1996-2000 Suzuki GS500. Will this be considered a crotch rocket and give me higher insurance rates? What kind of bike is it classified as?

I'll just be starting out, so what'll my budget be?
Bike, clothing such as jacket and gloves, helmet, MSF course, insurance, and what else?

 

[bigshooter]

Here's some advice. Dont be one of those jackasses that ride in shorts, tshirts and sandals. I guess i used to ride in short sleeves, but shorts are stupid. Rocks and stuff get kicked up, and if you spill you are going to be in for a world of hurt. I always wore pants and closed toe shoes. ANd if it's a sport bike, don't buy one of the skull cap helmets. Some idiot rode by me with one of those and i laughed. He also happened to be wearing shorts and sandals too. They work for harleys, but not for a honda cbr.

 

[BreakApart]

There are some excellent books on the "fundamentals" of motorcycles riding.
-"A Twist of the Wrist"
and
-"A Twist of the Wrist II" Author Keith Code, ISBN 0-9650450-2-1

However, the books are geared more toward sport bike riding. Check them out...

Also, the MSF courses are a must! I'll be going again next year to brush-up and get my insurance discount.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Buy a 600cc+ hyperbike, skip the helmet, lie about or fraud up your insurance papers, total it & nearly kill yourself, never ride again.

Or buy something sedate, build up your skill level, buy the best protective gear you can afford and browse MSF website, find a class before you do any of the above.

I currently don't ride, but have 100K+ miles on 2 wheels & have been a MSF instructor, quit teaching when TX decided if you passed the course, you could ride without a helmet. I've had too many crashes to feel good about turning squids loose sans helmet. It's not even the rider's skill level that pisses me off about the TX law, it's all the really bad auto drivers out there.

Some states license by endorsement if you pass the MSF course.

I've owned: Yamaha XS850G, Suzuki GS1000SZ, BMW R100, Kawasaki KLR 650, Kawasaki KLR 250, Honda PC800, Honda CB750C, Yamaha TT250, Kawasaki KE175, modded the intake, exhaust, & jetting on all of them; begged, borrowed, & nagged a ride on everything else made.

 

[Mday]

here are some things i know:

lean into the turn
dont stop the hog with your shoes
dont wear cleats
try not to open your mouth, or bring a toothbrush
wear glasses or googles or something

 

[JupiterJones]

In all the states I have lived (all Deep South) you do not need a special license to ride a motorcycle. The motorcycle endorsement is standard. You can, however, get a license good only for motorcycles at the age of 15.

Probably the biggest single thing to know is that if you ride, you WILL fall. Anyone who says they haven't fallen hasn't ridden much. The Leather jacket should be considered essential safety equipment, even in the summer in the Deep South. Wear gloves and wear a comfortable helmet. Do NOT ride in shorts.

You will burn up in the Summer, freeze in the Winter, and get wet most days.

Yamaha Virago 750

 

[Donny]

Im really interested in the MSF, since it waves off the driving at the DMV

But i dont know how much it costs, but im not sure if ill take it, due to if its not near me or just take extra time or effort

 

[Pliablemoose]

I quit teaching about 2 years ago, it was around $140 for a 2 1/2 day course, and it usually gave you a discount on your insurance.

You'll be looking @ the Basic Course, take the Advanced after you've ridden your bike for 6 months (you have to supply your own bike for the Advanced)