Very New Newbie Learning about Bikes

[Kal]

I like you. You've already gotten the basics covered. You'll do fine.

I picked up a lot of my gear at Bike shows - end of line that sort of thing.
£30 Helmet
£15 Bike Leather
£10 Boots
£15 Gloves

I've added stuff and changed it over the last few years. There is a site that gets mentioned here fairly often - nearlynew.com or similar.

[t_bonee]

<snip>

Tempting, but that is more than what I have ever spent on a car. I asked him if he thought I should start out on something smaller, like a Rebel and he kinda laughed and said he thought I might be bored with it after a few weeks of riding. He might be right, he might not be. I'm still formulating my own opinions based on my extremely limited knowledge.

<snip> .

If/when you take the MSF class, you will be on a Rebel or similar bike. You can decide then if it is a good fit for you or if you need something bigger, If you wait that long to buy that is. I bought my bike before taking the class. A 82 GS650L. And was glad I did, because the Rebel I rode in class was fine but I like the bigger bike I got better.

[CrioGeniC]

Seems to be a pretty good selection of bikes in your area. Just did a quick look and found this.

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/mcy/330967234.html and its well in your price range.

Whatever you do, there will always be used bikes out there for sale and Im sure the MSF course will help you a ton. I know it did for me.

[ghostofdavid]

Thanks for the heads up, Crio. i Just sent the guy an e-mail asking him if it were still available. Best part about it? The OBO sign.

I've been to Cheasapeake, VA before. Beautiful place!!!

[ghostofdavid]

Nuts! I just got ahold of the guy and it is already spoken for. He took my number down in case this guy flakes out. I hope he does, for my sake.

What about these?

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/317293198.html 2003 Honda Spirit $4000 2900 miles

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/326871817.html 2005 Honda Rebel $2400 OBO 1400 miles

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/327814544.html 2006 Honda Rebel $2700 OBO. 10 MILES!

I read the post about 600CC being a lot, but this isn't the same kind of catagory of bike is it? I think maybe going with the Rebel might be good at first. It is a lot cheaper. I spoke with the bank and if I get a mini-loan (I've always paid for cars in cash), I could get a 2 year on the Rebel for 111/month. Decisions, Decisions!

[CrioGeniC]

Any of those 3 bikes would be great.

The spirit and the rebel are all well proven Honda Technology that has been around a long time. I know people who have started on both and still ride the same bike every day, and man, you cant beat that Honda Rebel, 70mpg, with todays ever growing gas prices.

[dean owens]

hey man,

i'll tell you what a friend of mine told me. there are always going to be deals. don't jump on the first one you see.

and keep in mind that inf you finance a bike you will usually have to get full coverage on the bike. before getting a bike you need to call your insurance company to get the cost of insuring it. if you can pay cash, then all you have to get is liability - which for me (29, good record, in nc) a cruiser is about 100 a year.

if you can wait until your class that might be best. that way you can findout if you like the smaller bikes.

personally, if i were going to go smaller i would look for one of the older honda cb's (or equivalent). such as this one.

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/mcy/331185410.html

you also need to find someone near you whom you trust and who knows motorcycles. that way they can help shop with you.

[NightNurse]

hey man,

i'll tell you what a friend of mine told me. there are always going to be deals. don't jump on the first one you see.

and keep in mind that inf you finance a bike you will usually have to get full coverage on the bike. before getting a bike you need to call your insurance company to get the cost of insuring it. if you can pay cash, then all you have to get is liability - which for me (29, good record, in nc) a cruiser is about 100 a year.

if you can wait until your class that might be best. that way you can findout if you like the smaller bikes.

personally, if i were going to go smaller i would look for one of the older honda cb's (or equivalent). such as this one.

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/mcy/331185410.html

you also need to find someone near you whom you trust and who knows motorcycles. that way they can help shop with you.

100/year? What insurance do you use!?

[jonnythan]

I'm going to have my GF take a picture of me tonight, wearing my armored mesh jacket, kevlar-lined jeans, leather boots, leather gloves, helmet, and impact-resistant sunglasses.

On my little Virago 535.

I do not look dorky or mismatched.

[NightNurse]

I'm going to have my GF take a picture of me tonight, wearing my armored mesh jacket, kevlar-lined jeans, leather boots, leather gloves, helmet, and impact-resistant sunglasses.

On my little Virago 535.

I do not look dorky or mismatched.

Can't wait