Newbie from Atlanta

Message

Brent099 · #1 Unread post by **Brent099** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 8:43 am

Hello from Atlanta,

Well, after 23 years of growing up under my dad's lifelong addiction to motorcycles, I've finally caught the bug. I signed up for the MSF BRC last week and should be starting that next month (now I just have to find some riding boots). I have some dirtbike experience, so that should help me focus less on the mechanics of riding and more on the mental aspects of street riding.

I'm still looking for a good and cheap bike (all of my dad's bikes are 750cc and up). I'm 6'2", so height shouldn't be much of an issue. I'm starting to lean towards the Ninja 250, because I've only heard good things about the ex250's and they seem to hold their resale value well. But I'm also open to other models and styles.

Anyway, looking forward to being a part of the community.

AJ · #2 Unread post by AJ » Sat Sep 08, 2007 5:07 pm

I'm a 42 year old and it was my long time dream to ride, I am also going to take the class on Thursday, Sept. 13th and 14th. Now that my kids are older and away most of the time I thought why not start to ride. I read many things about starter bike and I'm interested in the Yamaha 250 Virago, what is your input on this bike? Let me say that I am 5'2 and 107 lbs.

Good luck

#3 Unread post by **dr_bar** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 5:29 pm

First off, a hearty welcome to TMW for the both you. This site is an amazing source of info and we hope you'll stick around and share your ongoing learning experience as a new rider.

Brent099, I don't know enough about the fit of the Ninja to comment on the ergs for someone of your size, but most everybody talks about how much the 250 is a great starter bike.

AJ, the Virago should be an excellant choice for a starting bike for someone of your stature. People will try to tell you you'll grow out of it too soon, but learn on the forgiving bike before you move up to the bigger rides.

Good luck in your course....

Doug

AJ · #4 Unread post by AJ » Sun Sep 09, 2007 4:56 am

dr_bar wrote:First off, a hearty welcome to TMW for the both you. This site is an amazing source of info and we hope you'll stick around and share your ongoing learning experience as a new rider.

Brent099, I don't know enough about the fit of the Ninja to comment on the ergs for someone of your size, but most everybody talks about how much the 250 is a great starter bike.

AJ, the Virago should be an excellant choice for a starting bike for someone of your stature. People will try to tell you you'll grow out of it too soon, but learn on the forgiving bike before you move up to the bigger rides.

Good luck in your course....

Doug

Doug, Thanks. I am hearing alot about my future bike. I am going to continue to do my research and find the bike for me and not what other think should be.

Also if I was to outgrow it, what other bikes should I reseach?

#5 Unread post by **dr_bar** » Sun Sep 09, 2007 9:52 am

If you're not looking to get a new bike right away, there are a lot of 750 - 1100 Viragos out there still. ( I just sold my 1100 this last spring.) Look at all the cruiser lines, go to your local dealers and sit on bikes, not for a minute, but several minutes or how ever long it takes to help you make a "personal" decision on that particular bike. Take into consideration the reach to the handle bars, seat height, position of your legs, etc...

Brent099 · #6 Unread post by **Brent099** » Sun Sep 09, 2007 2:18 pm

Thanks for the replies AJ and Dr_bar.

Oddly enough, I just sat on an '82 (or 80-something) virago 650 earlier today. One of our friends had just finished restoring it and brought it over to show it off, it only had 7,000 miles on it and looked beautiful for being so old. Not a bad find for $750 and a weekend of work. I don't know where he finds those deals. Anyway, the bike felt comfortable to sit on, although I would have wanted the pegs further forward, but even the 650 was very unintimidating and had a nice, low seat height, so I can imagine a 250 would be even easier.

Let me know how the MSF course treats you.

AJ · #7 Unread post by AJ » Sun Sep 09, 2007 2:53 pm

dr_bar wrote:If you're not looking to get a new bike right away, there are a lot of 750 - 1100 Viragos out there still. ( I just sold my 1100 this last spring.) Look at all the cruiser lines, go to your local dealers and sit on bikes, not for a minute, but several minutes or how ever long it takes to help you make a "personal" decision on that particular bike. Take into consideration the reach to the handle bars, seat height, position of your legs, etc...

I am not looking into a new bike. I am not that crazy

. I will take in consideration of all mentioned. Thank you and I'm going to read about the 750-1100 Viragos.

AJ

AJ · #8 Unread post by AJ » Sun Sep 09, 2007 2:54 pm

Brent099 wrote:Thanks for the replies AJ and Dr_bar.

Oddly enough, I just sat on an '82 (or 80-something) virago 650 earlier today. One of our friends had just finished restoring it and brought it over to show it off, it only had 7,000 miles on it and looked beautiful for being so old. Not a bad find for $750 and a weekend of work. I don't know where he finds those deals. Anyway, the bike felt comfortable to sit on, although I would have wanted the pegs further forward, but even the 650 was very unintimidating and had a nice, low seat height, so I can imagine a 250 would be even easier.

Let me know how the MSF course treats you.

I will let you know how it went on Thurday.