Thinking of getting a bike...newb questions

[Jiffylube853]

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

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)? 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!!

[Z (fka Sweet Tooth)]

First of all welcome to the forum

- the bike would need to look cool!
- the bike would need to be fun to ride!
- it should be able to carry a partner for at least an hour ride or so - gotta be able to carry the girlfriend!
- 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

This pretty much describes any type of bike just depends on your personal taste. The only thing that comes to mind when you talk about backpacking and logging roads might be an Enduro bike.

Visit some dealerships and sit on some bikes, that'll give you a better idea of what'll fit you size wise.

[wtlf101]

About all I can answer since I'm a newb myself is the rain question. I do NOT suggest leaving a bike out in the rain if you don't have to. If that's the only parking situation you have wherever you live, I suggest a tarp so there is at least something covering it. From what I know, which certainly isn't too much yet cuz I'm new, motorcycles have more of their parts exposed than a car (not guranteeing that's right) and so those parts could get corroded in the weather. All I know is I had my cycle parked outside before I knew how to ride (had to take MSF first) and after awhile I guess the rain got to it and the spark plug was bad...though that may have just been an oil problem. Plus, the cold doesn't help the battery at all, so if it's a cold rain that'd be worse. I dunno, what do the experts think?

[VermilionX]

what is cool to you?

all bikes are fun to ride. some are more fun than others and that's also subjective.

most bikes are 2 seaters.

being 6'4" means you might be cramped on some bike types.


leaving it outside is not a good idea w/o any cover for the elements.

leaving it oustide w/o any form of anti-theft device is also not a good idea. there is no 100% anti-theft device but it should deter small time theives.

[m1a1dvr]

One thing is you need to figure out what type of bike do you want. Do you want a cruiser or a sportbike?

[OoJRod06oO]

Welcome to the forums...

"the bike would need to look cool" - that depends what kind of bike you think is cool

"the bike would need to be fun to ride" - any motorcycle is fun to ride, what do you mean by fun?

"it would need to be sturdy enough so that I could take it on two-track logging roads with gear, for backpacking " - I think an enduro would work better for you like Sweet Tooth said.

And the chances of your bike being vandalized all depends on what your area is like. Finding your cities crime rate/statistics somewhere online may be able to help you there. I'd just park it in a well lit spot by the bar and be sure to lock the front wheel if the bike has it.

[VermilionX]

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

i missed that part... then i suggest a Suzuki V-Strom 650.

it's dual sport. and w/ you being 6'4" ...you should have no prob w/ the seat height.

[Shiv]

Baw, verm stole my suggestion.

The V-Strom (DL) 650 is one sexy bike. And dual-sport too. Not sure how well it handles the trails but the people on AdventureRiding (or whatever that site is) don't seem to have any complaints.

[dieziege]

I'm a big V-Strom 650 fan... and most people agree it is great for any sort of "travel" dirt-roading... it's not for "sport" offroading (where the point is just to have fun riding and stunting) but will do trails, dirt roads, and even "destination" type offroading where the point is to get somewhere not to jump, slide, and cavort on a bike.

I'm pretty sure my next bike 'll be an '07+ V-Strom 650.

The problem is, they are new enough that there aren't many on the used market...

[Scoutmedic]

First of all.....

Second, 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).

Third, I also recommend an MSF course and reviewing your state’s (province’s/territory’s) DMV or DOT website for licensing information, guidelines and FAQ.

Fourth, Go to a variety of dealers and sit on all kinds of different motorcycles. Even if you don’t think you’d like the ride when you look at it. I was dead set on one riding style when I started and ended up buying a different type. You may surprise yourself as well. But, with your off-road specs, you need to look at dualsports or enduros.

Fifth, Good Luck, Have Fun and Stay Safe Out There! I hope you enjoy this site! Be sure to...