newbie plans

Message

vampyre · #1 Unread post by **vampyre** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 9:52 am

My wife and I are all signed up for our MSF courses in 2 weeks. Neither of us have ridden before.

We are looking to buy a used bike relatively soon also. We are looking for something initially probably around $2500, so most likely a 1995-2001 Kawi, Suzuki 750/800. We will be riding together most of the time, although initially , each of us separate.

I am 6'4 230 lbs, she is 5'6 about 175 lbs.

Our plan is to buy something for around $2500 for us to learn on initially, and then after we get comfortable, sell it, and buy something a little more expensive (say $5000).

Any comments on this plan of attack?

sharpmagna · Mon Nov 20, 2006 10:59 am

Sounds like you two have it planned pretty well. Also factor in the cost of good gear for both of you.

I got licensed in April using the MSF course this year. I've already racked up 7k miles and I'm still riding through the winter on my first bike.

kunosoura · Mon Nov 20, 2006 11:47 am

The MSF course was so much fun. I just finished it this weekend in Richmond, VA. Great instructors, fun students. Good weather. I wished it was longer, especially because it saddens me to think that the next ride I take won't be until i find a good deal on a used beater. But waiting will make it that much sweeter.

qwerty · #4 Unread post by **qwerty** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 12:44 pm

Keep the first $2500 bike, then buy a second $2500 bike. His-n-hers.

Shorts · #5 Unread post by **Shorts** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 12:52 pm

+1 above

That's the road DH and I went. He bought a $2500ish 1st bike, I rode pillion. Then I wanted a bike, so we got another $2700ish bike. We'll keep these for a while and definitely get our money's worth, but most of all, our skills worth.

Then again, I'm the kind that gets emotionally attached to my things...

You're plan of attack sounds reasonable, but if you two are sharing one bike (unless I read wrong), there might be some headbutting over who's using it when. Consider 2 starter bikes rather than 1 "nicer" second bike.

ninja79 · #6 Unread post by **ninja79** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 4:44 pm

make sure you factor in the cost of gear into the budget. It will cost about $1000, give or take $200.

vampyre · #7 Unread post by **vampyre** » Tue Nov 21, 2006 7:05 am

OK, thanks everybody. I think we will go the route of two $2500 or so bikes. We were talking, and I will be riding much more than her (she travels every few weeks). We will buy one around $2500, and in the springtime, look for a second, little bit nicer one for me.
Thanks for the ideas!

We have already got our boots, gloves, and getting the helmets this weekend. Other than that, it would just be jackets for us. Anything else? (besides protective eyewear).

Tue Nov 21, 2006 10:04 am

sharpmagna wrote: and I'm still riding through the winter on my first bike.

...yeah because it;s been cold around here

We'll see what tune you dance to in February

The msf is great and so is having a cheaper bike to learn on. At the same time in this point of the year you can find a nice bike for $2500. Getting a smaller 800cc or less cruiser would be easy and fun to learn on

As far as gear goes, in the winter especially get a pair of riding pants. I like my joe rocket setup because it zips together and keeps thigns nice and toasty

qwerty · #9 Unread post by **qwerty** » Tue Nov 21, 2006 2:29 pm

I think SHE should get the little bit nicer one.

Shorts · #10 Unread post by **Shorts** » Tue Nov 21, 2006 2:42 pm

qwerty wrote:I think SHE should get the little bit nicer one.

I noticed that one too "a nicer one for me" - psshhh. I don't know if that's the way I'd verbalize it (even if that's what I was thinking). Don't let her know you'll be giving her your crappy leftover seconds. You might really end up paying for it in the long run