A few questions and concerns of a new guy.

[Thumper]

And is a Shadow 600cc ok to start with or is it too powerful?

The Spouse Thingy started on a Shadow 600 and still has it; where I felt a need to move up from my Rebel, he's 99% content with the VLX. His butt doesn't like it at about 65 mph, even with a Mustang seat. But he's also a lot older than you, and apparently has a sensitive tushy.

[Silverstein]

Would a 250cc cruiser have significantly lower insurance than a 600cc cruiser? If so that would persuade me to go 250 if it's a big difference.

Also, thanks for all the help, I really appreciate it.

Edit: Also, I know that insurance has many variables when it comes to price, I'm just asking for a loose comparison of a 250 and 600cc bike.

[jonnythan]

Would a 250cc cruiser have significantly lower insurance than a 600cc cruiser? If so that would persuade me to go 250 if it's a big difference.

Also, thanks for all the help, I really appreciate it.

Edit: Also, I know that insurance has many variables when it comes to price, I'm just asking for a loose comparison of a 250 and 600cc bike.

Go to Progressive.com or Geico.com and get quotes.

[Thumper]

Would a 250cc cruiser have significantly lower insurance than a 600cc cruiser? If so that would persuade me to go 250 if it's a big difference.

We insured both a Rebel and the Shadow 600 at the same time, through USAA--so the rates you get might be a little higher, but for comparison, the Rebel was about $8/ month and the Shadow is $24.

Bear in mind that's also with multiple discounts for having 2 cars with them, 2 bikes, renter's insurance, and good driver discounts.

Both are still inexpensive to insure, but for your personal rates, call your insurance company and find out what they would charge you for either.

[Schmink]

I have my motorcycles insured with Progressive. I insured my '81 Honda CB650 for about $200 a year. My 2008 Yamaha V-Star 1100 is about $600 per year. This is full coverage, but I'm also much older than you and have decades of clean driving history. Your age will be one of the biggest factors in your insurance cost. If you give them basic information, they can give you quotes on multiple bikes so you can compare the cost.

[matthew5656]

quick comment about the followed too close question, certainly change lanes or merge onto the shoulder if you can, like a few others have suggested. But if there isn't a reasonably safe way to let the driver behind pass, than simply maintain speed, do not slow down, do not speed up, and just relax. But most importantly, do not allow yourself to follow somebody in front of you too closely in relation to the person following behind you. Most every bike can stop in far less distance than any car, so if you follow too close with someone directly following too close behind you, than you're simply asking for a motorcycle sandwich,..in so many words. And that wouldn't taste very good, agreed?

But theoretically you should never follow too close, regardless if anyone's too close behind you or not. But certainly don't let it happen, if and when someone is following too close to you.

[Lion_Lady]

Well, I want to be a motorcyclist, and I think I will regret it if I wait until later in life. I am 18 and am not a reckless person, I never speed in my folks cages or my own cage. I have a few concerns before I get into this lifestyle.

1.) Honda Rebel 250, I want a cruiser to start with and am wondering if this will fit me? I am 6 feet tall, 32 inch inseam. Also, is this a great starter bike? I watched a guys videos on youtube that posts here, he seems to do fine with the Rebel, but he's obviously experienced.

The Rebel MAY be a bit small for your frame. You'll have to sit on one to find out. While you're at it, find and sit on a Honda Nighthawk. A standard style frame. The Rebel and Nighthawk are two of the workhorse bikes used in BRCs (MSF Basic Riders Course) across the country, along with the Kawasaki Eliminator 125 and Suzuki CZ250. The Harley Rider's Edge uses the Buell Blast (500cc single cylinder).

2.) Potholes, how bad is it when you hit one? Do you fly off on a small pothole or not, and are all potholes equally lethal?

You'll learn how not to HIT potholes (or any other sudden obstacle) in the road in the BRC, along with getting to practice the move on some one else's bike. Its called swerving.

3.) Turns, so my surrounding highways are somewhat curvy, and in the woods, what happens if I lay my bike down on a curve going about 45-50, do I have enough momentum to fly and hit a tree, or will I just skid to a stop on the road, I'm scared of hitting a tree.

"Laying the bike down" in a corner, means the rider gave up and quit riding the bike. Usually the result of little or no training - particularly in cornering technique. One common cause is improper entry speed, followed by incorrect correction - braking or chopping the throttle. Another cause is target fixation - watching the "dangerous" object (instead of the needed path of travel) and steering right into it. Learning proper cornering technique will help keep you from hitting the trees.

4.) What happens when your tire loses air? Does it just implode/explode, or does it just slowly deflate allowing you to slow to a stop without crashing?

In the BRC/Rider's Edge you'll learn the importance of pre-ride inspections. It is nearly impossible to visually detect low air pressure in a motorcycle tire. Riding a bike with low pressure will result in poor handling maybe dangerous handling.

If you run over something sharp in the road, your tire may 'explode.' But knowing how to swerve should keep you from doing that.

5.) Is gravel that bad?

That depends... it can be like riding on ice. Especially if your cornering. Once again, learning to look ahead should keep you from being surprised. Remember, "no sudden changes - in speed or direction" and you should remain upright. Again, covered in the BRC/Rider's Edge.

6.) I dont have any city streets or controlled areas to practice, how can I get some practice in without taking the highway to a nearby city?

After you've got your license, Sunday mornings are your friend. In the US, everyone sleeps in. Before 9 or 10 am, you should have most roads to yourself.

7.) Should I take an MSF BRC or a
Harley safety course? Or should I just teach myself?

Do not teach yourself. You have no way of knowing what detail you've got wrong that could get you killed... until you're down.

8.) Does helmet price matter? What brands are extremely trusted among the biker community? I want a full face lid.

What you get for the big bucks is usually lighter weight, more features, better fit details (different size outer shells instead of one shell for all sizes). The MOST important bit is fit. Check out the Helmet Fit Guidelines, in the sticky posts.

9.) What do I do if someone is tailgating me on the highway? Speeding away could be dangerous.

Many drivers don't realize they're crowding you. I try the "push back" motion with my left hand first. It works about 40-50% of the time. If it doesn't, then allow more room in front of you. Lastly, pull to the right, and let the idiot pass. However has the most lug nuts wins. Not worth the danger.

10.) How often do I change tires?

Depends on tire compound - sticky tires may only last 3K. A harder touring tire may last 10K. Dependent on riding habits and maintaining proper tire pressure.

Thanks in advance for any help, I hope to become a part of the motorcyclist community, and I want to feel like I am part of something again.

[Wordherder]

Not much I can add to the above - good advice from experienced riders who don't want so see anyone get hurt.

Let me just add my voice to the chorus for the MSF course. It's the best start you could have -- and you'll get to sit on a couple of bikes (including a Rebel 250, more than likely) to see if they fit you. You'll enjoy the weekend and learn a bunch of good stuff - and get a non-trivial break on your insurance to boot.

As for a ride, take a look at the Suzuki S40, if you're looking for a cruiser. It's a well-behaved, nimble bike with enough pop to keep you interested (650cc). That was our first bike; the wife won't give it up and I still ride it every so often 'coz it's just plain fun to ride.

Dunno how an S40 would work for someone who's six-three, though (my wife's a full foot shorter than you!). Like Dragonhawk said, sit on a couple of bikes and get a feel for 'em

[Silverstein]

I might not be able to find a close MSF course, my only option may be a Rider's Edge course from a Harley shop, would that course be sufficient enough? Would I also get the same benefits on insurance and waivers that the MSF course offers?

(If the benefits are applicable of-course.)

[R3sp4wN]

I highly suggest the Shadow. I have a 99 Shadow and it cost me a little less than $3,000. It is a great bike for beginners; I just started riding, myself, about 4 months ago.
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