newbie: overall direction and suggestions

[lovekeiiy]

Hello,

I'm interesting in getting a motorcycle license and first bike. I have a few random questions that I did not address in the forums.

First off, I consider myself with no experience, since the last time I rode a motorcycle I was like 13, and was only a 250cc Honda. Given that, I will take the beginners course provided the CHP. Right now I'm reading the DMV info to pass the learner's permit test.

secondly, I like to say I thought the article in the sticky, "600+ for my first bike" was an excellent read and very enlighting. I was considering ZZR600 Kawasaki, but being a road stain is not that appealing so keep the probably of that down is always a good thing. I'll go with either something in the 250 to 500cc range.

The questions, and your personal observations, experience are appreciate , but an objective opinion would be best. Since I don't really enjoy having to fixing things, what are good bikes are manufactures that are realible; I presuming the japanese bikes are since their cars seem to run forever. What kind of maintaince does a bike require?

I read, and liked the idea of riding with senior (i.e experienced riders) to get feed back and crutics on riding. How receptive are local riding clubs/organizations to this? Would this be asking too much from new acquintances? If not, does anyone know any club/orgs in the SF Bay Ares, specifically the Napa/Vallejo area. If not, how to find them?

Lastly, what's the best way or ways to get safety gear? What should I look for. I know of the DOT requirement, and of the Snell approval for Helmets.

Again, thanks for any info, suggestions, or feedback. Rich

[Scoutmedic]

Have you checked out the Beginner's Guide? There are also stickies and the Learn To Ride A Motorcycle page which is now downloadable in PDF format (Created and maintained by Dragonhawk).

Don't forget to go to dealerships and sit on all types of bikes. Not just the type that you're interested in. You may find that a different style is right for you.

The same goes for safety gear. ESPECIALLY your choice in helmet. Check out the Helmet Fit Sticky. Try the gear on to make sure it fits correctly.

I'm a new rider as well so, I really don't have any information on reliability or maintenance.

Good Luck, Have Fun and Stay Safe Out There!

[Dragonhawk]

The answer to all of your questions and more is here:
www.CaliforniaBikeNights.com/learn

As for clubs in the Bay Area, start with BARF:
www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums

You might also try this:
www.pashnit.com/more/clublinks.htm

As for the reliability of bikes, yes, the Japanese bikes tend to be very reliable. What kind of maintainence do they require? Same as anything. Put gas in it. Change the oil. Replace tires when they get worn out. Oil/clean the chain. Things like that. Nothing all that "unusual" although you may want to check your bolts and tighten things up every few thousand miles (even "smooth" bikes vibrate a lot more than a car).

[bok]

what to say that hasn't been said already other than Welcome

seems like you are making good decisions already.

as a supplement to the learners permit, the MSF course and any other training, you should consider picking up a book called "Proficient Motorcycling" which breaks a lot of things down to a more easily digestible level than the info overload you can get during the course.

also after the course make sure you practice the skills you learned, and if possible have someone who knows the drills give you some pointers. My motorcycle instructor friend says "practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect"

[Bachstrad37]

Left turning cars at stop lights or stop signs...they're the devil. You can ask Big Ben Rothie on his take of it. Statistically, your 10-12 o'clock accounts for 43.4% (Hurt Report) of road motorcycle accidents. Be careful out there on the roads.

[Z (fka Sweet Tooth)]

Welcome to the forum! You've already gotten some great information...

[Andrew13]

Another book worth checking out is the Complete Idiots Guide to Motorcycles. It has basic riding info, and also gear information, basic maintenance info, shopping tips, and all sorts of fun motorcycle history, culture and trivia information.

[lovekeiiy]

thanks for the info. I went and check out Profiencent Motoorcycling from the town library.

I'll be taking the learner's permit test on Monday. I wasn't aware, but in California you have to do the driver's written test if you haven't taken within the last year. Nothing like having to read anothering boring state gov. book.

Anyone have a good where to look for used bikes in the 250 to 500 cc range that have reasonable prices? I was checking craiglist for Ninja 250 and a lot of the bikes are $3K or more. I can get a new one for that price.

Again, thanks for the feedback. Rich

[northnewbie]

I agree with someone above when they said go for a Saturday sit test. I Always thought I was a cruiser type. When I went to check things out at a used bike shop and sat on what is now my bike (1980 CB400T Hawk) I changed my opinion right there. And after almost a solid month of practice and doing my test yesterday in traffic, during lunch hour, downtown....I chose right. Don't worry about looks or size till you find something that that you are really comfortable on. I believe it'll hit you upside of the head when it's yours.

But that may be the new, fun, inexperienced excitement in me coming out.

[bok]

it can be really tough to find a good used ninja 250-500 at a decent price simply because they are awesome first bikes and people know they can sell them for almost any price they post them at.