Need advise on a bike

[b!keR]

kawasaki er6-n.

[Bored]

Hey thanks for the link, Steve.

I plan on taking the MSF course. Here is Columbus, OH there is a wait list through Aug/Sept. That kind of stinks, but oh well...


Annette

Hey, check out the local colleges for a MSF Program, I just heard the the local county college here runs a similar class a few times a year and it is considerably cheaper, not sure if this is something special that only happens in NJ at this one school but it dosen't hurt to ask!

Also check with the local Harley dealers for a riders edge program, same as MSF as far as I know. Problem is they also fill up fast and usually a 2 to 3 month wait, BUT... The local guy here told me to call every few days as the class approaches to check for cancellations! You may get lucky! Let me know how you make out.
Steve

[Fast Eddy B]

kawasaki er6-n.

They don't have the er6-n in the states, but they do have the er6-f, except there it's known as the Ninja 650.

[flw]

Id check out the Honda rebel, yamaha virago, suzuki gz250. All are lightweight 250cc crusiers with a low seat height.

The above are all good starters but I would also add both the Kawasaki Eliminator (Standard) , Vulcan 500LTD (Crusier), Ninja 250 (Sport) or Dual Sport (Dirt and legal to ride on the road).

I would not include any of the 500 cc Sport bikes as the engines are very unforgiving compared to a 500cc Crusier. This is due to the power band on a crusier is built to be in the low RPM range where the power band on any sport is built to be in the high RPM range. So if you let the clutch out too quickly or twist the wrist just a 1/4 inch too far, your going down.

The 750 crusiers are also out of the question just do to its weight (not yours) at low speeds. It's harder to ride any bike at lower speeds and the heavier the more difficult it can be at very low speeds.

You should assume you will be buying two bikes. First to learn on and drop (maybe more than once) so make it used and cheap. You only need it for one to three seasons, then go buy the bigger bike of the style you like.

Post back the style you want to start on as well as your 1st bike budget. Then we can be more specific on starter bikes rather than listed every bike. Along with any experience at all or totally new to riding.

[annette]

Hey thanks for the link, Steve.

I plan on taking the MSF course. Here is Columbus, OH there is a wait list through Aug/Sept. That kind of stinks, but oh well...


Annette

Hey, check out the local colleges for a MSF Program, I just heard the the local county college here runs a similar class a few times a year and it is considerably cheaper, not sure if this is something special that only happens in NJ at this one school but it dosen't hurt to ask!

Also check with the local Harley dealers for a riders edge program, same as MSF as far as I know. Problem is they also fill up fast and usually a 2 to 3 month wait, BUT... The local guy here told me to call every few days as the class approaches to check for cancellations! You may get lucky! Let me know how you make out.
Steve

I checked out the Harley dealership near me...class fee is $295 -vs- MSF course through State: $25. Not sure why such a large cost difference. I am planning on showing up at the state class this Tues eve. They are full but are accepting walk in's in case of cancellations. There is another state class opening but not until October! I got my permit yesterday and I want to start riding!!! I am also looking at Piaggio scooters. The X9 and BV500 look good.

Annette

[Bored]

Scooters are a great way to get your feet wet. A lot of people I know actually rent scooters for their road test! They say it gives you an edge because you have less to worry about, (noise, shifting etc.) and a few of them rented the scoots because they had no bike at the time but I will say it... I think scooters are fun! I wouldn't mind having one, I am not gonna trade in a bike for one, but they are fun.
As for the huge cost difference, I am baffled! Harley must have something really good for you at the class for the cost!
Well I wish you all the luck in the world, hopefully you can get in, I would recomend getting there extra early, there may be people camping out
Let me know what happens!

[annette]

I agree, Steve...I'll get there early tomorrow night. I did sign up for a MSF class in Sept (6, 8&9th). I hope I'll get lucky on the walk in thing, though.

Checking out some scooters tomorrow. I'll keep you posted!