Thinking of getting a bike...newb questions

[Kal]

Seatttle, I used to have a friend from Seattle. She claimed it rains there almost as much as it does over here.

Bikes are designed to get wet, enduros/dualsports and trail bikes are speciifcally designed with the idea of getting wet and muddy.

The bike will cope with it if you take a modicum of care and maintaintence over it. Although splashing* out on a bike cover isnt a bad idea from a security and maintainence point of view.

For reference our trike sits on the road with no cover. Every time it rains the sparkplug channel on the lefthand head fills with water - during bad rains it fills to the top.

While it is soaking the cylinder will not fire and the trike runs like a dog. However when I get it dried out (usually have to remove the ht leads to get the water out of them) it fires right up and runs loverly.


*Sorry, couldn't help it - please don't hurt me

[roscowgo]

I absolutely love the v-strom. Having said that.... all the reviews i read point it toward being a mostly street type cruiser, with very mild off-road capability. and lords do i want one bad!

I think theyre right with the dual sports though.

KLR650, V-strom, oodles of em out there. all with good reviews.

[bok]

since most of your questions have been answered already i will make one caution to you.

It is recommended that you have around a year's experience with riding before taking a passenger. this is for your safety and theirs especially if they are a non rider. passengers will squirm and lean the wrong way at the wrong time. For an experienced rider, that is not as bad, but for a beginner it could mean an accident or at least a change of underwear.

[Lion_Lady]

I'm 27. I am thinking of getting a motorcycle some time in the next year. I don't know how to ride so I would need to take a class first.

My requirements are:

- the bike would need to look cool!
- the bike would need to be fun to ride!

All a matter of taste and desires.

- it should be able to carry a partner for at least an hour ride or so - gotta be able to carry the girlfriend!

Advice for carrying PASSENGERS for the first time:

"Your FIRST Passenger - NOT your Lady or Child"http://www.msgroup.org/TIP160.html article by James R. Davis

- I am 6'4"
- it would need to be sturdy enough so that I could take it on two-track logging roads with gear, for backpacking

You ought to look at a dual sport such as the V-strom 1000 or even the BMW R1150GS or R1200GS. Taller bike in general with the suspension, etc. to handle dirt/gravel roads. This is probably the most demanding of your 'wishes.'

Any recommendations of models or types of bikes to look into?

Also, one thing I am wondering...can you leave a bike out in the rain (I live near Seattle)?

Yes. Motorcycles are weatherproof. Winter, however, is another matter. You'll want something else for winter storage.

And if you leave the bike parked somewhere and go into a bar for a few hours or something, what are the chances of it getting vandalized or stolen as compared to a car?
Thanks guys!!

Depends on WHICH motorcycle you've got... ask VermillionX. A BMW is practically theft proof, because of the 'geek factor' there is almost NO aftermarket market for used parts except through known dealers. And the bikes are very memorable. Sure they do get stolen, but RARELY. Especially when there's so much other eye candy on the streets.

Have you taken the MSF basic rider's course? If not, then you're putting the cart before the horse. Take a basic riders course. You don't need to already have a bike, its safer and more complete than having a friend teach you to ride (they can only pass along what they know, bad and dangerous habits included.)

Pam