Totally new to riding- please help with questions

[grigory76]

Hello,
I am 29, 5.5, 170lbs, live in NYC, always wanted a bike but never had or rode one. I think I’m finally getting to the point of purchasing a bike and starting riding.
I’ve got a whole bunch of questions in my head that I want to ask. Please help me with some info please. Here are my questions:

What are my chances of surviving on the road in NYC if I start riding (HUGE number of really bad drivers here)?

What are the chances that my bike will not get stolen or vandalized on the street pretty quickly (I’m planning to keep it on the street, chained to the poles)

Now- I guess a relatively easy question: what bike is good for a beginner like myself? After reading the forums I am leaning towards Ninja 250R as my first bike. I really like Ducati Monster and was considering buying a Monster 620, but it looks like Ninja 250R would be a better one as a beginner’s bike (and MUCH cheaper too)

Should I buy new or used? I guess, with a big chance of dropping the bike and probably wanting a more powerful one in the near future, a used bike would be a more logical option?

As far as riding gear goes- what is the best possible full-face helmet out there? What about body armor, suits, gloves, boots- any particular brand recommendations? How can I possibly increase chances of surviving a fall/accident as far as protective gear goes?

Anyone from NYC knows a good motorcycle school in the area?

Thanks you very much, I truly appreciate your input.

Gregory

[poppygene]

People have actually owned and ridden bikes in NYC and survived. Don't ask me how. I haven't a clue.
Seriously, the nicer the bike, the more likely it'll get lifted or vandalized. Therefore, I'd get the rattiest looking, best running, used bike I could find. Either that or rent a garage where you can secure it. And make it something light and easy to handle. Believe it or not, I'm thinking a dual-pupose bike like a KLR250 would be perfect for scooting around the Big Apple.
Your local motorcycle dealers can supply you with all the gear you need so stop in, look at their offerings and consider their suggestions. You're gonna need to develop a relationship with a dealer - may as well start now. Definitely wear a full-face helmet with a DOT label and make certain it fits properly. Your dealer can help with that as well. Leather provides excellent protection especially with armor inserts at the knees, elbows, shoulders, etc.
Definitely ask around for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course being held in your area. Finish the course before you even think about buying a bike - you may learn things there that might steer you toward a bike you hadn't thought of. Completing the course will also increase your confidence exponentially and make the whole experience a lot more fun!

[nyrblue35]

definitely buy used for the city, might even look for a "utility" type of bike. one that gets great mileage. bayside isnt too far as i cant find anything other than weschester, staten island and yonkers. no manhattan, go figure. damn taxi drivers are suicidal anyhow.

http://www.manys.org/mancourse.htm

[Aggroton]

yeah...they say its all about moving in nyc...left to right...not speed wise...
there are a few garages that cater to motorcycles too...may be a better option than the street...and i heard kawisakis dont have handle bar locks? but dont quote me on that.

[grigory76]

Thank you very much for your input, folks.

Poppygene, the problem with dual-purpose bikes would be that due to the fact that I live in Brooklyn, work in Queens and study in Manhattan- I mostly take highways and travel at 65-70 mph. I always liked the idea of owning a relatively fast agile bike that is either a standard or a sport bike that would give me more or less upright sitting position. I was considering cruisers, but I think I am leaning towards sport bikes. Furthermore, money is an issue and it’s hard to resist a new Kawasaki 250R for 3K- meaning a used one would be even cheaper. So far of all thee bikes, I like the looks and reviews of Kawa 500R- but would you think it’s a little bit too much of a bike for a beginner like me?

Some equipment-specific questions:
Which helmet is the best in all respects? (I wouldn’t mind spending whatever is necessary on a helmet)
What types of armor (and best brands?) would you recommend?
I might have more questions coming, thank you in advance!

[Psycluded]

Helmets - Any that say "DOT Approved" or "Snell Approved" on the back. That being said, Scorpion makes some good helmets for an affordable price, as does HJC.

As far as "other" gear goes, don't skimp. Get leather. You can get warm-weather leather that will have vents and zippers that will allow the gear to breathe, but please, go for the leather stuff. I had a friend dump his bike the other day at only ~25mph. He was wearing a Joe Rocket Alter Ego, and the impact with the curb tore the entire shoulder pad off the jacket. Granted, it saved his hump, but it sort of set us to thinking, "What if he'd hit harder/faster?"

That being said, Icon makes some good gear with hard plastic/kevlar armor. If you're really looking to drop a wad on riding gear, Dainese makes a 2-piece leather suit that cannot be beat for the price. It is waterproof and is built for racing, so you can rest assured it will protect you well enough for street riding. Do a search on eBay for "Dainese" and some good used suits should pop up. I'm planning on getting a set myself. Yes, even for street riding.

[poppygene]

So far of all thee bikes, I like the looks and reviews of Kawa 500R- but would you think it’s a little bit too much of a bike for a beginner like me?

I realize the 500R is on our list of "Good Starter Bikes," but I personally think it's at the edge of the envelope. I think 52 horsepower is risky business until you get a feel for riding motorcycles in general. If there is a place close by where you can practice in relative safety, like a deserted parking lot, that would be a plus. Your confidence in handling a bike and being able to maneuver it without a long, drawn-out thought process is critical.
I don't know that there is such a thing as "absolute best," when it comes to helmets and gear. You should pick up a copy of Motorcyclist magazine, June issue. There's an interesting article there on helmets and their relative safety.

[9000white]

i would get some experience around the 35 to 45 mph speeds before hitting the big highways at 65 to 70.

[grigory76]

No question about that, 9000white

[rnr262]

I'd check out the 250 Ninja. I have no experience with the bike, but find my little 250 Rebel perfect for traffic and shorter interstate trips. It's light enough to move around on, and going 70 isn't a problem. (and if you change your mind and want a cruiser, I love the Rebel)

The MSF course is great! I hope you find one nearby. Its nice to get the practice, advice, and confidence there, not to mention the chance to sit on a few different styles of bikes.

I like my HJC full face. It has lots of vents and padding and is very light. I understand different shaped heads fit different helmets better so hopefully your dealer will help you out. Mine had me try on almost all of them, then gave me a pretty nice disount so I could get a bit more expensive one. (then again, we had bought a bike, jackets etc.. there recently)

Good luck.