new gur looking for advice.

[soldier96]

Hello all,
Well before I start asking an a$$ load of questins I'll tell you a little about me. This first entry will be long so if you got the time to read and truly want to help a new guy out, thanks for giving the time to read and respond.

I am a national gaurd soldier currently stationed in Iraq. So i cant buy a bike now but on the upside, it gives me plenty of time to read all sorts of forums especially since this time i am working the desk ( I did the hardcore thing on active duty on my first tour in 03) but anyway. when i get back I want to buy my first bike. Now, unlike the other guys that want R1s and such to pop their cherries ( more power to them, sorry to the ladies for the cherry comment) I want to start off or something smaller. When i return I will have enough money to take the MSF and to get a 750 Katana. (dont call me an idiot yet) Everything that I have read on the kat says that its a good first bike ( with MSF or something like that). The articles that I have read from sellers, magazine reveiws, and common people reviews, say that it is very forgiving and has enough power do have fun without undo kill yourself speed. Which brings me to my first question. I really want a 600 but i weigh 260 lbs. is a 600 good enough for my wieght.? The dealership I talked to said no. I am married and I have a child so impressing girls and doing 160 in second is not my concern.

However, like most men, I am super ridiculous impatient and I dont want to spend money on a 125 cc to learn on. BUT!!!!!!! Since the katana is the bike i plan on sticking with and owning for at least 5 years, I dont want to lay that bike down during my learning phase. So i have decided to get both the bike that I want and the bike that I need at the same time. I really dont care if my brand new Katana sits in the garage while I am making payments and putt -putting around the local parking lot learning the basics. Which brings me to question 2. Where can i find a 125- 250 cc for really cheap, like a grand or less?[/b] IT can be damged ,ugly or whateever as long as it runs and drives. I just want to get the laying down part over on a P.O.S.

I also plan on taking the MSF. my 3rd question is: How worth it is it. I know that you cant get some parts of your licensing waived, but all of my buddies that do ride have said you can learn the same things form an experienced buddy in a parking lot and save the cash for some safety gear. I think that all I have for now, but in case this was too much at one time here is a summary of my questions.

1. I am 5'8'' 260 (Cut me some slack, its not all fat. i am in the army you know) does a 600 have enough power for a rider my size or is a 750 needed.

2. Where can i get a P.O.S 125 or 250 for $1000 or less to learn on. All it has to do is work

3. Is the MSF really worth it. Or can the same re sults be achevied with some experienced friends in a prking lot.

Thank you very much in advance for your time and responses. I normally dont get this invovled before i do something or make a purchase, but as a member of the fuzz ( I am a police officer when not working for uncle sam) I truly understand the need to be informed and well arare about all of the aspects of motorcycle riding. I have been on a many accident scene where a young kid "Did his thing" on an R1 or something that was to much for him. Just last year we lost 2 soilders on a 600. I was paralyzed and his passenger was killed. 2 soliders coming back to post from the strip club. Horrible tragedy. Granted there were other factors invoved such as drunk, no helmets. But if they were in a car, the damage would have been nowhere near as severe. Just goes to prove the point thant the bike in and of itself is dangerous alone.

But anyway thank you all for your time. Look forward to hearing your comments.

[VermilionX]

the katana 600 will be more than enough to pull you, your wife, and your whole family.

i say go for the katana 600. it's a lot tame compared to the RR 600s.

at 80hp, it's just a little too much for beginners but it's not so ridiculous as a starter bike either.

good luck!


i won't comment on the MSF part.

[jonnythan]

For a cheap bike hit craigslist.com

[Scoutmedic]

Take the MSF. I think you'll find it worth the time and money. Besides, your "experienced buddies" may leave something out by mistake. The MSF follows a set guideline that covers all the basics of what you need to know to get started.

I'm more than sure that 600 sportbike is going to be able to carry you. But, more importantly, don't buy one without sitting on it and making sure you'll be comfortable on it.

As for a used bike, check craigs or your local classifieds. A dealer may even have one in stock that they took on trade.

Good Luck and Stay Safe Out There! Thank you for all that you're doing for us back here on "easy street".

[Z (fka Sweet Tooth)]

I dont want to lay that bike down during my learning phase.

You can lay down a bike during any phase...just keep that in mind, it's as easy as "oops that was a greasy spot in the road"

You've already gotten advice on the MSF class and I agree it's definately worth it for a new rider.

Good luck to ya and thanks for being over there

[m1a1dvr]

I have to agree with Scoutmedic I had to sit on a dozen bikes before I found the one that I liked. Sometimes it turnes out that the type that you really want is not right for you.

As for the MSF I have been riding dirtbikes and all that crap for years. I have been learning alot from the course. It is really worth the while.

And one question for you. Where are you at in Iraq. I just got back from there about a month ago. I am also with the National Guard.

[Bachstrad37]

First off, my hats off to you for being our soldiers.

Regarding MSF - take it. Cost of the course varies from state to state, but here in MN, it costed only $160. The best bang for the buck is educating yourself first and foremost. Having knowledge and awareness by running through the course is going to save your arse in the end. Besides, you'll likely meet some classmates and future riding partners if you take the course.

About bike of choice - the 600 is going to be fine. You'll have to rev it a bit, but it's built to do that. Granted your weight hinders you from going as fast as the average guy on the same bike, but it'll be plenty fast. The key is fit. And the only way to know is by stopping by a dealer and sit on a few bikes.

Used bikes - as others have mentioned, Craigslist.com is the monster that ate up every news papers want ads. Anything and everything is posted there. You're going to find quite a few beaters on that site.

Good luck and don't get shot over there. We want you home above all else.

[Sev]

Just by way of example:

Ford Mustang - 1.75 tons 300 hp

GSX-R600 - 400 lbs 110hp

Even with you, your wife, and your kids your bike has a better HP to weight ratio then the mustang. Any bike can pull you, in fact I'd suggest not getting a supersport. I know you don't want to hear it it, but you're literally in the "most likely to wreck horribly" category if you buy that bike. Soldiers who just got back or back on leave with a fair bit of money, and a really fast bike - bad news bears.

Take it easy out there no matter what you get, but don't listen to what the salesman is telling you.

[soldier96]

And one question for you. Where are you at in Iraq. I just got back from there about a month ago. I am also with the National Guard

Thanks all for the support. M1A1dvr, i am at camp victory in baghdad. Much worse places to be. Thats what we need, some Abrams to just "do their thing"

[MotoF150]

Buy a new bike and think of it as an investment, take a look at the classified section of ur newspaper, everybody wants more money for a used bike than what you can buy it for new, example in my local newspaper: 2004 Yamaha 650 V Star Custom with 3K miles $6200, you can buy a brand spanking new 2006 650 V Star for $4799. Look at what people want for used Harleys I know a guy that wants $17K for a 94 Sportster 883 that you can buy new for $6495, I suggest buy a new bike and if you don't like it you can sell it for more than you paid for it.