Hello All,
I'm 22 years old and I've had an interest in motorcycles for about 2 years now. It's coming to the point where I may be able to afford my first bike, so it's time for a thousand questions. I have never rode a motorcycle before, but I have rode ATVs and snowmobiles.
Two crucial questions:
1) What suggestions would you give your past self in buying your very first bike? Any particular design, make, year, model? Maybe something easier to maintain and repair, or something with modern parts that have less risk in breaking down?
2) What books, if any, can I start with to learn proper care, repair, maintenance, and basic responsibilities for a bike?
I have been browsing websites, buying the occasional magazine, and bugging the hell out of local dealers. So far I'm leaning towards an older bike (easier to repair and learn with, cheaper purchase in the first place), and a model with the handling and suspension I'd need to learn to ride properly in order to pass the license test and graduate to a better bike (and not kill myself in the first place).
Comments, suggestions, tips appreciated!
Possible Soon-to-be Rider
Welcome to the forum. There are a lot of great books out their about riding and such. There is proficient Motorcycling by David hough and Motorcycling excellence (can't remember author).
As far as a first bike from what I have read here it is better to go with a 250 or a 500. Because they are more forgiving for a new rider. I have a ninja 250 and its a great bike. SIt on a few and don't let anyonethe push you into one you aren't comfy with.
Also I think that as far as maintnance and stuff you need to go by the manual for the bike you get.
Take the MSF course as well you will get a lot of great tips from there as well. I am taking mine next weekend.
have a great one and ride safe
Deedee
As far as a first bike from what I have read here it is better to go with a 250 or a 500. Because they are more forgiving for a new rider. I have a ninja 250 and its a great bike. SIt on a few and don't let anyonethe push you into one you aren't comfy with.
Also I think that as far as maintnance and stuff you need to go by the manual for the bike you get.
Take the MSF course as well you will get a lot of great tips from there as well. I am taking mine next weekend.
have a great one and ride safe
Deedee
It is a Motorcycle safety course given by the otorcycle safety foundation. They teach you alot of things you need to know for riding. Like quick braking and swerving and stuff like that.
Heres a link so you can check it out.
http://www.msf-usa.org/index_new.cfm?sp ... rse%20Info
Have a great one and ride safe
Deedee
Heres a link so you can check it out.
http://www.msf-usa.org/index_new.cfm?sp ... rse%20Info
Have a great one and ride safe
Deedee
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KarateChick
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There's a bunch of good stickies in "New Bikers Forum" that you can read. They discuss bike choices too.
As Deedee suggested, the David Hough Proficient Motorcycling books are a good read for overall info and riding techniques. There's an overall maintenance book by Mark Zimmerman that provides lots of maintenance how-tos. (Try your local library first for other m-c books before just buying one.) This book is specifically what the MSF and other m-c courses teach and goes over basics, gear, techiniques, laying out practise sites and more. If you get the David Hough books, this one is redundant.
MSF - Usually a m-c training or safety course. Here, try these. Taking a course is recommended, particularly for new riders.
As Deedee suggested, the David Hough Proficient Motorcycling books are a good read for overall info and riding techniques. There's an overall maintenance book by Mark Zimmerman that provides lots of maintenance how-tos. (Try your local library first for other m-c books before just buying one.) This book is specifically what the MSF and other m-c courses teach and goes over basics, gear, techiniques, laying out practise sites and more. If you get the David Hough books, this one is redundant.
MSF - Usually a m-c training or safety course. Here, try these. Taking a course is recommended, particularly for new riders.
Ya right, 
there are only 2 kinds of bikes: It's a Ninja... look that one's a Harley... oh there's a Ninja... Harley...Ninja...
[img]http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j135/KarateChick_2006/IMG_1245_1.jpg[/img]
there are only 2 kinds of bikes: It's a Ninja... look that one's a Harley... oh there's a Ninja... Harley...Ninja...[img]http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j135/KarateChick_2006/IMG_1245_1.jpg[/img]
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Wordherder
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- My Motorcycle: Harley 2009 Superglide
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Hey, Mikester. Welcome.
Dittoes on the MSF course - it's the best investment you can make in a long and happy motorcycling career. It's fun, and you'll learn a lot about different bikes from your fellow students.
I'd go with a good used bike, and start small. Honda Rebel's a great cruiser-style bike to learn on, especially if you're on the short side like me. Don't let the salesperson talk you into a bike "you can grow into."
Dittoes on the MSF course - it's the best investment you can make in a long and happy motorcycling career. It's fun, and you'll learn a lot about different bikes from your fellow students.
I'd go with a good used bike, and start small. Honda Rebel's a great cruiser-style bike to learn on, especially if you're on the short side like me. Don't let the salesperson talk you into a bike "you can grow into."
Harley Superglide Custom
Born to be ... Courteously deferential. If that 's OK with you.
Born to be ... Courteously deferential. If that 's OK with you.
Hi, and welcome.
I have just started riding myself and have gotten a ton of great advise on this forum. One bit of advise I took was sticking with a 250-500cc bike to start with. I ride a Kawi Ninja 500 and it is a fantastic starter bike and it is very forgiving , every beginner needs this as we will inevitably make some mistakes while learning how to ride.
Please, please, please take the MSF course, it is a great place to start.
Get a used bike, you will probably want to trade up at some point (I'm already eyeing the "wee-Strom") and you will, in all likelyhood, drop your bike....it didn't sting so bad when I dropped my used bike (while trying to roll it out of it's parking spot in the sand, stupid sand!) You will also need to have enough cash left over for buying some good gear, it is expensive!
Glad you are asking questions first! Have fun! Take the MSF!
I have just started riding myself and have gotten a ton of great advise on this forum. One bit of advise I took was sticking with a 250-500cc bike to start with. I ride a Kawi Ninja 500 and it is a fantastic starter bike and it is very forgiving , every beginner needs this as we will inevitably make some mistakes while learning how to ride.
Please, please, please take the MSF course, it is a great place to start.
Get a used bike, you will probably want to trade up at some point (I'm already eyeing the "wee-Strom") and you will, in all likelyhood, drop your bike....it didn't sting so bad when I dropped my used bike (while trying to roll it out of it's parking spot in the sand, stupid sand!) You will also need to have enough cash left over for buying some good gear, it is expensive!
Glad you are asking questions first! Have fun! Take the MSF!
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touge_dorifuto
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BAJACRUISER
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