Don't know where to start
-
- Rookie
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Wed Sep 09, 2015 3:49 pm
- Real Name: E g wilson
- Sex: Male
- Years Riding: 0
- My Motorcycle: N/a
Don't know where to start
I am new to motorcycle riding. Actually I have never rode before. I will be starting the basic course next Thursday. I will be buying a bike after I complete the course. I have been all over Craigslist looking at every conceivable bike but I'm still a little lost.
I am 45 years old, 6ft, 235pds. I am looking for a bike that once I am trained my wife can be a passenger. Our daughter has just left for college. So we are just looking for additional recreation. We currently ride a tandem bicycle but now we want a little more fun. I am leaning toward the cruiser type bikes. But I am looking for some input
I am 45 years old, 6ft, 235pds. I am looking for a bike that once I am trained my wife can be a passenger. Our daughter has just left for college. So we are just looking for additional recreation. We currently ride a tandem bicycle but now we want a little more fun. I am leaning toward the cruiser type bikes. But I am looking for some input
- Johnj
- Site Supporter - Platinum
- Posts: 3806
- Joined: Fri Nov 17, 2006 7:34 am
- Real Name: Johnny Strabler
- Sex: Male
- Years Riding: 34
- My Motorcycle: A Bolt of Lightning
- Location: Kansas City KS
Re: Don't know where to start
Hello Ernest and welcome to the forum. Go buy your gear. 50hp/500lbs. This won't be your last bike.
People say I'm stupid and apathetic. I don't know what that means, and I don't care.
![Image](http://i64.tinypic.com/wsu2on.jpg)
Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
![Image](http://i64.tinypic.com/wsu2on.jpg)
Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
-
- Legendary 300
- Posts: 300
- Joined: Thu Jun 27, 2013 2:10 pm
- Real Name: Ron
- Sex: Male
- Years Riding: 34
- My Motorcycle: 1988 BMW R100GS
- Location: Ft. Collins, CO.
Re: Don't know where to start
Said another way - you should plan for your first bike to be your learner bike. Taking the course means you're about as qualified to ride as a student pilot is to fly paying passengers after his first solo.
Less than 50 hp and way less than 500lb works better to learn with. 500cc or less.
Middle aged guys who go out and buy a new Harley for their first bike after taking a riding course are over represented in single motorcycle fatality rates. (they are also really painful to watch out there in the wild as it's quite clear they aren't really in control of the machine)
Less than 50 hp and way less than 500lb works better to learn with. 500cc or less.
Middle aged guys who go out and buy a new Harley for their first bike after taking a riding course are over represented in single motorcycle fatality rates. (they are also really painful to watch out there in the wild as it's quite clear they aren't really in control of the machine)
Ron
Current: 1988 BMW R100GS (the 'numberplate' model)
Past: 1987 Yamaha XT350
1983 Honda CB900F
1980 Honda XL185S
1979 Suzuki GS425E
Current: 1988 BMW R100GS (the 'numberplate' model)
Past: 1987 Yamaha XT350
1983 Honda CB900F
1980 Honda XL185S
1979 Suzuki GS425E
- jstark47
- Site Supporter - Silver
- Posts: 3538
- Joined: Fri Feb 03, 2006 2:58 pm
- Sex: Male
- Years Riding: 16
- My Motorcycle: '12 Tiger 800, '03 Trophy 1200
- Location: Lumberton, NJ
Re: Don't know where to start
Two things: 1) Your experience in the BRC will help shape your idea of what kind of bike you want. Lots of beginners have an idea of what kind of bike they want, then they take the course and experience what bikes feel like, and change their minds. 2) Go to a dealership and sit on lots of bikes, all different styles (with their permission, of course). This will also help firm up your ideas of what feels right and natural for you.
I also thought I wanted a cruiser until I started sitting on bikes. I ended up with a Bonneville (naked standard) for my first bike. Felt like I had much more control with my legs underneath me in standard position than pushed out in front of me, cruiser-style. But YMMV.
I also thought I wanted a cruiser until I started sitting on bikes. I ended up with a Bonneville (naked standard) for my first bike. Felt like I had much more control with my legs underneath me in standard position than pushed out in front of me, cruiser-style. But YMMV.
2003 Triumph Trophy 1200
2009 BMW F650GS (wife's)
2012 Triumph Tiger 800
2018 Yamaha XT250 (wife's)
2013 Kawasaki KLX250S
2009 BMW F650GS (wife's)
2012 Triumph Tiger 800
2018 Yamaha XT250 (wife's)
2013 Kawasaki KLX250S
-
- Rookie
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Wed Sep 09, 2015 3:49 pm
- Real Name: E g wilson
- Sex: Male
- Years Riding: 0
- My Motorcycle: N/a
Re: Don't know where to start
Thanks for the suggestions. I am looking forward to my class next Thursday. I will look into the standard bikes. I was not aware. I only knew about sport, touring, and cruisers.
-
- Legendary 300
- Posts: 300
- Joined: Thu Jun 27, 2013 2:10 pm
- Real Name: Ron
- Sex: Male
- Years Riding: 34
- My Motorcycle: 1988 BMW R100GS
- Location: Ft. Collins, CO.
Re: Don't know where to start
Friend of mine took the MSF course then bought a cruiser style bike. He didn't feel fully in control of his machine so he asked me to give him some pointers. We spent a Saturday morning in a parking lot with some pop cans for course markers doing MSF type exercises and more. The cruiser couldn't maneuver nearly as nimbly as my (then) 5 year old BMW. He couldn't stand on the pegs, its turning radius was huge and so forth. So when I stood on the pegs and slalomed and looped thru the course to show him what could be done with skill and a more nimble bike - he got rid of the cruiser and bought a BMW much like mine ![Smile :-)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
I like to be able to follow the dirt roads as well as the paved ones so for me, "Adventure Bike" or "Dual Purpose" motorcycle is the way to go.
We still have lots of dirt roads out here in the western US.
![Smile :-)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
I like to be able to follow the dirt roads as well as the paved ones so for me, "Adventure Bike" or "Dual Purpose" motorcycle is the way to go.
We still have lots of dirt roads out here in the western US.
Ron
Current: 1988 BMW R100GS (the 'numberplate' model)
Past: 1987 Yamaha XT350
1983 Honda CB900F
1980 Honda XL185S
1979 Suzuki GS425E
Current: 1988 BMW R100GS (the 'numberplate' model)
Past: 1987 Yamaha XT350
1983 Honda CB900F
1980 Honda XL185S
1979 Suzuki GS425E
-
- Moderator
- Posts: 10182
- Joined: Fri Apr 22, 2005 4:28 pm
- Sex: Female
- Years Riding: 16
- My Motorcycle: 2000 Yamaha V-Star 1100
- Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Re: Don't know where to start
I started with a 650 V-Star. I rode it five years and for 50,000km. (30,000 miles).
It doesn't have a lot of HP but has enough power to ride through the mountains and enough power to merge onto a highway and to pass when you need.
It doesn't have a lot of HP but has enough power to ride through the mountains and enough power to merge onto a highway and to pass when you need.
- Lion_Lady
- Moderator
- Posts: 1884
- Joined: Wed Nov 03, 2004 6:44 am
- Real Name: Pam
- Sex: Female
- Years Riding: 20
- My Motorcycle: 2013 BMW R1200R 90th Anniversary
- Location: Lynchburg, VA
Re: Don't know where to start
Don't buy your first bike wanting it to be suitable for two up. In fact your fist year shouldn't even include two up riding. Until all the skills of riding are second nature, you shouldn't put another person's life at risk. How would you feel, if your lack of experience/response to an emergency situation caused serious injury to a family member? There is no getting around that once it happens.
Focus on something comfortable and manageable so you can become the best rider you can. Then upgrade to a more two-up friendly ride.
Focus on something comfortable and manageable so you can become the best rider you can. Then upgrade to a more two-up friendly ride.
Courage in women is often mistaken for insanity - Alice Paul
-
- Rookie
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Wed Sep 09, 2015 3:49 pm
- Real Name: E g wilson
- Sex: Male
- Years Riding: 0
- My Motorcycle: N/a
Re: Don't know where to start
I wish I had received this post earlier. I ended up buying a 2002 Honda Shadow 1100 Sabre.
I did learn the hard way that I have to take it slow. Not only am I riding by myself but as soon as spring come I am taking the class again.
I did learn the hard way that I have to take it slow. Not only am I riding by myself but as soon as spring come I am taking the class again.