New to bikes, read the stickies now time for questions

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Rehab Ralphy · Sun Apr 23, 2006 10:34 am

Okay, I just finished reading the stickies above so I can make sure I dont ask dumb questions.

To start, I'm 18 years old. 6'1" and 175 pounds. Looking into purchasing a motorcycle. Ive driven smaller bikes before (dirt bikes, scooters, etc.) but nothing larger. Ive done some research so far in what I'm getting into (insurance, bike size, etc.) but I'm still having troubles. I'm not wanting a sport bike or a chopper, just a cruiser. Something to ride around in in the good weather.

A few questions that would be greatly appriciated if answered:

I was looking into a Yamaha Virago 250 to start on, but I heard its really unstable on the highway and this may be a problem for someone whos starting. Is this a bad bike to start on? To light?

Also, considering my age, height, and weight, do you think that it would be better starting off with maybe a 535cc or a 750cc? or should I stay in the 250cc range?

How come its better to buy used when it may have problems? Most dealerships have warrenties so if something goes wrong they'll fix it. If you buy out of the paper and the bike messes up, it comes out of your wallet. Or would it just be better if I buy used for a dealership?

This is all I can think of so far.

-Mike

canuckerjay · Sun Apr 23, 2006 10:44 am

I'm prepared for the upcoming onslaught from other members.

I'll still say buy something that you won't get bored of inside of 2 years. If you honestly love the 250 class, get it. If you know you'll be on something larger like a 650/750, go get it, know your limits and treat your ride with the utmost respect as you learn. That's a responsible rider.

My first bike was a 750 inline 4. Treated it with respect as I learned and was bored of it in 3 years.

Personally, I wouldn't buy a cruiser smaller than an 1100. At 200lbs myself, I like knowing I have the torque to make me smile every so often.

Know what you want, know your personal limits and ride responsibly. That way, there's few problems with whatever you ride. Having said that, there are some noteable considerations to make. Cruisers and sportbikes are two diferent animals. I don't think the GSXR 1000 or Hayabusa are at all ideal for a new rider; though I do know some who have started on such a beast, rode responsibly as they were learning and are happy a couple years later.

Now, FLAME ON!!! (perhaps everyone except Zootech)

jmillheiser · Sun Apr 23, 2006 10:55 am

The main issue of big vs small for cruisers is weight not power. an 1100cc cruiers probably weighs over 600 lbs and can be a real bear to manuver at low speeds for a new rider. I dont think an 1100cc metric cruiser would have too much power.

one specific exception would be the harley sportster 1200. I would NOT recommend this one to a beginner, it may be lighter than most 1100cc metric cruisers but it has quite a bit more power and a notoriously touchy clutch. I have ridden one of these and I think the clutch and this bikes tendency to take off FAST could be a bad combination for a new rider.

earwig · #4 Unread post by **earwig** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 10:59 am

I completely agree with you also. I got bored of a 750cc V-Twin in 1 season of riding and wish I started on something larger/faster/more torque... but... I also think I learned faster than some people do. Some people in my MSF just couldn't "get it" and I don't know how they passed, so, if you are a slow learner maybe a 250 would be a good start if its going to take you a while to learn and if you might drop it. I'd say if you ACE the MSF, and feel confident you are good to go on a bigger cruiser... if you find yourself to be a slow learner maybe start on something smaller/lighter.

canuckerjay wrote:Now, FLAME ON!!! (perhaps everyone except Zootech)

Rehab Ralphy · Sun Apr 23, 2006 11:05 am

Theres a small problem. In order to take the motorcycle classes, you have to provide your own bike. I don't have a bike.

camthepyro · Sun Apr 23, 2006 11:35 am

What class are you taking? Every class I've seen has provided bikes.

Rehab Ralphy · Sun Apr 23, 2006 11:40 am

I'm not quite sure. I know the closest place that does the permits and such, you have to have a bike in order to take it.

Well do they help people out who just started riding? Because I'm sure ill have "butterflys" in the stomach when I first get on one. I don't want them to expect me to do 100% perfect.

Another question, do they make new ( 3-5 years old) virago 535cc bikes? I may just get one in between the 250 and 750.

Bx RedBull · Sun Apr 23, 2006 11:42 am

Rehab Ralphy wrote:Theres a small problem. In order to take the motorcycle classes, you have to provide your own bike. I don't have a bike.

What class are you taking? Every class I've seen has provided bikes.

Cam's right. For the MSF course or Beginner Rider Course (BRC), they definitely supply you with a bike. The Experienced Rider Course is where you bring your own bike so you can gain experience with your own personal machine.

Also, if you're deciding to forego the BRC and head straight to the DMV to take your written and road tests, then you have to bring your own bike. Your own bike, AND your own car so the instructor can follow you around in. It sucks...the BRC is definitely the way to go if you can find an empty slot to fill in.

Rehab Ralphy · Sun Apr 23, 2006 11:44 am

Since this will be my first time actually getting on a motorcycle and driving it, will they go through what to do and such? I dont want to look like an idiot not knowing what to do.

Sun Apr 23, 2006 11:45 am

Double check on the classes. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course (MSF - BRC) provides the motorcycle. At least, I haven't heard of any that don't. They range from 125cc Kawasaki Eliminators to 500 cc Buell Blasts. It just depends on the area and which dealers donate the bikes. My course had one Kawasaki Eliminator, nine Suzuki GZ 250's, one Suzuki DR 200 and one Suzuki DR-Z 400SM. You can click on the MSF link in my signature to go to the National site. From there, you can link to your state. You could also try looking up your DMV site for more info as well.

The MSF Advanced Rider course requires 13 months(?) of riding experience and you have to provide your own bike.

Good luck in your search! Go to the local dealers in your area and just start sitting on bikes to try and get a feel for what you might like. I'm going to be starting my riding career on a new Boulevard S50 shortly.