YAFMCT (Motorcycle...)

[deerslayer]

also, get fit for a helmet in person the first time. helmets have different shapes - some brands will suit you better than others. also, some brands will have numerous shell sizes, while others will only have a few and fill the rest with padding. having more shell sizes = better fit to your head when you pick any given size.

This. Don't skimp on the helmet. Definitely find a shop that knows what they are doing and get fitted and try on several different brands.

I spent more than I wanted to to get a comfortable helmet but after wearing cheap helmets that didn't fit right, I don't regret ponying up the extra cash for the helmet I got.

I can't say much about what bike to get. The only time I've ridden anything smaller than a 600 was at the MSF course. I don't think the one you linked looks ugly though.

 

[sze5003]

You want a full face helmet and it should fit you tight. You will get used to it after a while. Always go in store to try helmets on and also boots are something you want to try on because they are not the same as shoe sizes. Each boot has a different fit and style.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Get a small displacement used bike to start. Everyone who has ridden for a while has had multiple bikes with the exception of squids. Riding is an individual learning experience. It takes a while to determine how you want to ride, what your needs are and, how much you want to spend. Too many new riders approach buying a motorcycle as if they were buying a graphics card. This is absolutely the wrong approach. No reviewer and no word of mouth can tell you what the "best " bike is for you. You still need to research but, it is purely for more information and to make you more aware. Only experience can tell you what is "best " for you.

 

[JulesMaximus]

You want a full face helmet and it should fit you tight. You will get used to it after a while. Always go in store to try helmets on and also boots are something you want to try on because they are not the same as shoe sizes. Each boot has a different fit and style.

And make sure you get one that fits properly. Many guys ride around in helmets that are actually way too large for their head. You want it to fit very snug, so snug that you cannot twist the helmet around on your head or pull it off from behind with the straps done up. It should fit tightly against your cheeks but not enough that it hurts. If it feels tight but not uncomfortable try one size down and see how that fits. Have someone measure your head and try the size that should fit you. If it is uncomfortable try one size up or try a different brand. Different brand helmets fit differently so try many kinds to see which fits the shape of your head the best.

Oh, and wear ear plugs. No matter what helmet you get it will be roaring loud at freeway speeds from the air flowing over and around it and this can permanently damage your hearing over time.

 

[hanoverphist]

Oh, and wear ear plugs. No matter what helmet you get it will be roaring loud at freeway speeds from the air flowing over and around it and this can permanently damage your hearing over time.

this be true. ive ridden bikes since a young age, taken about 15 years off from it while raising my kids and have recently gotten a new ride myself. i dont consider it a mid-life crisis thing tho, my original bike is still in my possession, and ive always wanted to get a harley and cruise. all that said, i rarely wore a helmet in my youth, and never wore ear plugs. i rode all types of bikes (even scooters), from my cb350 and cb750 to triumphs, rzr, magna, cbr, hurricane, ninja andall kinds of others over the past 25-30 years. i have had this ringing in my ears for as long as i can remember, some from riding and some from loud music and engines. my new ride is an ultra classic, which is a huge difference from my old bikes i always had stripped down bikes, and stayed away from the big baggers.

whatever you decide to get, good luck and stay safe. keep your eyes open and try to predict traffic around you.

 

[BrunoPuntzJones]

Don't ride like these dickheads:

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=3f7_1398802925

http://youtu.be/FtbMr-hElDY

 

[tortoise]

rode all types of bikes (even scooters)

Scooters definitely have their niche.

 

[hanoverphist]

i like scooters, they definitely have their pluses. doesnt make me want to sell my HD ultra classic tho.

 

[M0oG0oGaiPan]

you want to make sure the gloves fit properly also otherwise you get hand fatigue.

 

[pauldun170]

Perfect change!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PE0f6TuRNO4

 

[*kjm]

I just went through the same etrigan 420..... missed riding dirt and street from years ago so at 45 got my first Supermoto.

I road that for just over two years and got this one at the start of this season.

The yamaha WR250X was a great bike and I wish I would have kept it. Nothing wrong with the KTM but the Yamaha will get you in less trouble and is virtually a maintenance free bike.

There are quite a few Supermotos on CL in the WA area also.