Re: Thinking about getting a motorcycle, what am I in for? (long)

 wrote:


See David Stueber's recent posts.

He is a new Rider and in less than one thousand miles he has damaged
his first brand new bike beyond his financial ability to repair it and
now has his second brand new bike.

In essence he has one functioning bike, one busted bike and two bike
payments.

My advice is find a friend who knows a little something about bikes
and look for a mid sized machine, used but not decrepit and learn to
ride on it. Take it slow and easy and after a year, if you still want
to ride sell the used machine and buy what you want. If you haven't
busted up the first bike you will likely not lose any money on it.

Not only are you likely to scratch up that first bike I can guarantee
you, your tastes in motorcycles will change in that first year.
--


Don
RCOS# 7
Riding Again!

2000 - Yamaha Venture Millenium Edition

 
It's not reasonable at all.  Your bike will only go as fast as you ride it.
If you don't have the self-control to repsonsibly ride a crotch rocket
slowly until you get more experience on it, then you shouldn't be riding a
50cc scooter, either.  Basically, buy the bike YOU want, don't worry about
how fast or slow it is.


Neither did I.  I think most people recommend that just because they are
jealous that they're not riding a nice shiny new ride.  But it does make
sense, to a point, that getting off on a beater will hurt less
(psychologically) than dropping a newer bike.  Still, it's silly to put too
much weight on the recommendations of other people.  Buy the bike that is
right for you.


Two suggestions:  Suzuki V-Strom (DL650) with givi hard luggage, OR Suzuki
Burgman 650.  Be sure to take the MSF class BEFORE you buy your bike though.
Before the MSF class, I was leaning toward a Suzuki C50.  Not a bad bike,
but after the MSF course, I knew that I needed a TALL bike.  (just like you
probably do).  Also, bike covers are available and relatively cheap.  Don't
worry about storing the bike in the weather.



As I said, do NOT buy the bike until after the MSF course.  Forget about
passing or failing.  Just DOING the MSF course will give you a much better
idea of what to look for in a bike.


In that case, a used V-Strom 650 might be worth a look.


OK, you need to aim for about 650cc, no less but not much more, either.
Again, this is pointing at a V-Strom.



Figure on about $600 total or more, to start.  Get an armored motorcycle
jacket (ce armor in BACK, shoulders and elbows) with a removeable liner,
properly fit ($200-$300).  You will also need raingear.  If the jacket
and/or liner is waterproof, then just find waterproof pants, sized to go
over your pants.  You will also need a decent full-face helmet, about $200
or less.  Get one that has good ventilation in the CHIN area to help keep
the face shield from fogging up.

In colder weather, you can add layers under or over any of your other
motorcycle clothing.  But this doesn't have to be motorcycle gear.  Some
would recommend heated gloves for colder weather.  Not a bad idea, there.


Givi hard luggage.  Or buy a bike with factory cargo area (Suzuki Burgman,
Kaw. Concours, for two examples)


Yeah, what bikes will a tall guy fit on?  There aren't as many as you would
hope, unfortunately.  But after the MSF course, you will KNOW what I mean .
. . especially as you are likely to be riding a 250 on the range with your
knees higher than your heart.  (NOT good)  -Dave

 On Fri, 05 May 2006 09:18:36 -0400, Mike T. wrote:


On the other hand, arguably the first step to being a good, safe rider is
getting a bike that is appropriate for my skills, ablities and intended
use. Buying a bike with capabilities that will just get me in trouble is
just asking for, well, trouble.  I would suggest that NO novice
motorcyclist is up to controlling a high-powered bike.  The only
difference is that some of them don't realize that.  Therefore, the advice
I quoted, while sounding knee-jerk is actually a Good Idea.

G Robert Mann

 
<snip>

In any case, taking the class won't hurt you. I wish all drivers were
required to take and pass at the very least the permit test for motorcycle.
It will give you a feel for a small cruiser style bike (that's what they
have here, anyway) which might help with your buying decision.


If you buy it to ride it, the break-in will be over before you know it.
Since you're just starting out, it will give you a reason to take it esay.


Whether you go with a cruiser or sport bike is a matter of taste.

I heeded the whole "Don't get a new bike, you'll drop it, get a small bike"
advice and immediately regretted it. I'm 5'11", 225lbs, I bought a used
Honda Shadow 750 in June and after 1800 miles I traded it in for a new
Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 in September. There was so much vibration on the 750
over 60mph that my hands were going numb. I now have over 3200 on the
Vulacan. That's a total of 5000 miles. I never dropped the first bike, I
haven't dropped the second (knock on wood). I've had three close calls.
That's my experience and, of course, your experience will be different.


Here's a list and what I spent last year: helmet (~$80 HJC), boots ($120
Harley), jacket ($240 Wilson's), gloves ($50 ?), chaps ($140 Power Trip),
goggles ($35 ?).


I just tie stuff down to the passenger seat with a bungee cargo net. If it
looks like rain, I put it in or under a plastic bag.

 Richard wrote:


That's curious -- I demo'd an '05 Shadow 750 last year on the freeway
(up to 65 mph) and although the motor was revving a bit high
(kept wishing for a 6th gear) I didn't find the vibes uncomfortable,
I was more concerned about sustaining such high rpm's for extended
touring. The OP only plans on short hauls (150 miles max) although
of course he could easily change his mind with experience.

Sean_Q_