Is this a good bike for a beginner? First, what bike is this

[bikexican]

I can get this one new for a very cheap price. The dealership also lets me borrow it for free for a day, if I get pre-approved. This is with classes and stuff.

But I forgot to ask the exact model and didn't really look into it because I was trusting at all the sweet bikes at the place!

sweet bikes

Ok, here is the bike in question



All I know it's 200cc

Also, which book do you recommend for getting some drills and stuff before hitting the saddle?

[Johnj]

I recommend that you find an MSF course and take it. It will teach you what you need to ride a bike safely. As for the bike I don't know who manufactures them but it appears to be a Chinese.

[bikexican]

I recommend that you find an MSF course and take it. It will teach you what you need to ride a bike safely. As for the bike I don't know who manufactures them but it appears to be a Chinese.

No MSF course here, I don't live in the USA, but I plan to get into a course if I have the chance. I want to still get a complete education since I am not aware of MSF-like courses being taught here

[Wrider]

Guessing by the username of bikexican and the real name of Hector, I'm guessing you're from Mexico!
Welcome to the board, I don't know of any MSF classes south of the border, but I am sure the others will chime in with good books to read. I've heard a lot about Lee Parks Total Control being very helpful.

[MZ33]

Welcome, bikexico!

I wouldn't start with Lee Parks, though. You want something more basic, I think. I started with Idiots Guide to Motorcycling, then Proficient Motorcycling (the last is by David Hough.) Of the two, David Hough's book is the probably better investment in terms of plain ol' riding skills.

Since you have online access, I would check out MSF's website; they often have tips and charts and whatnot. And of course, there's this website.

Talk to the dealer about parts and service. From everything I've heard, bikes from China are both unreliable and hard to get parts for. The dealer may also be able to recommend a riding instructor, or a group to help you get started.

Keep us updated!

[bikexican]

Thanks guys for the help, I ordered the Proficient Motorcycling and I am also seriously considering taking a week off to San Diego to take a MSF course. The basic one is dirt cheap, $150. The thing is that the used market around here sucks, tons of off-road and dirt bikes but not many street capable ones, people just don't care and use them for urban riding anyway. Anyway, I only found 1 Kawasaki 250R, and although it sells for cheap ($1.1k) it seems pretty beat up, which would surely add up to the cost.



Maybe a beat up bike is the best option as a beginner since I will drop it. Another one I found for $2K is a HONDA REBEL that seems to be in good condition



Trying to get all things into consideration.

[pchast]

It would be great if you can get to a course for several reasons. Not only do I feel its the best way to learn but you get to try and sit on all kinds of motorcycles too. You have looked at a couple styles of motorcycle by what you posted and unless you sit on one for a while you won't know what's comfortable for you to ride for more than a half hour. Used is best when learning I've found. I will drop it no matter how careful I try to be.

Re China bikes. It all depends on their factory/dealer support. My wife bought one that has a USA distributing warehouse carrying parts and has had no trouble with it. But then we still have less than 2000 miles on it... I talked to the dealer's mechanic before she purchased it and was told they were almost no trouble and they had not had any major problems come back in the 2 years that they carried the particular brand.

Pete

[MZ33]

+1