Just another New biker needing advice :)

[GhosT RideR]

Hi some of you might know me and why i'm here but here it goes again in detail.

Well im currently under the age of 18 but will soon be. and since i have always loved motorcycles i thought it would be interesting to try one for myself and enjoy the extra freedom it offers over cars.
there are a couple down sides for me though. First of all i am in an apartment without a balcony, which means if i were to purchase a bike it would have to sit outside (of course with a cover). and i have no experience at all with riding in the past.

Ans since my parents have divorced i don't have my father to teach me how to ride. which i have seen to be a popular way to learn among my buddies that ride.

If this riding this is to really take off for me. i would take the safety class offered in my states without a doubt.

I'veheard throughout the forums that the Kawa Ninja 650 is a very beginner friendly. so ill be lookig at that one and other models talked about on the forums

any ideas on what it would cost to purchase a bike with some decent gear would be greatly appreciated.

Pat
p.s. if you need to know more in order to help me please ask. this is where i've come to get my knowledge before going out there on the road!

[GhosT RideR]

also...what places could i look in to find good deals on stuff that i can rely on?
any links are welcome

[bok]

welcome.

first off, learning from a buddy or a family memeber is not nearly as effective as taking a Basic Riders Course, look for one in your area from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Taking a basic riders course is a good way to find out if you will like riding and what style of bike you like.

Second, the 650R is a bit on the upper end of "beginner bikes", maybe shoot a little lower like the EX250, EX500 or GS500 if you want something sporty but easily manageable.

Canadian MSRP on the 650 is 8700, the MSRP on the 250 is about 5400...you can pick up a used EX250 for around 3 grand and turn around and sell it for a similar price a year or two down the road...not sure on used 650R's since they are pretty new.

Check out the beginning rider section of the main website here, and/or the "Learn To Ride" link in my sig that links to Dragonhawk's website

Costs to purchase gear vary a great deal depending on what stuff you buy, but think around 700-1500. This is another reason why buying a lower powered bike is good, it saves you some money for gear.

Be safe out there.

[GhosT RideR]

thanks bok, yea i was thinking myself that being a teenager, it wouldnt be the brightest idea to get a 650 cc bike for first time. although many people on the forums are starting with them.

thanks for the advice

[Scoutmedic]

Here's the lecture. If you've been searching through the forums, I'm sure you've seen it by now but, I like to repeat myself! ..........

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.

Fifth, Most of the folks around here speak highly of craigslist for used bikes. Don't forget to ask your friends that ride. Riders tend to know where deals can be had for each other.

Sixth, Good Luck and Have Fun! I hope you enjoy this site! Be sure to...

[storysunfolding]

Here's the lecture. If you've been searching through the forums, I'm sure you've seen it by now but, I like to repeat myself! ..........

You have that in a word file ready to copy and paste don't you?

Make sure you get all the gear you need before getting on a bike. Helmet, jacket, gloves, boots and jeans are a must. Full helmet is better, riding pants instead of jeans is better. Can be done for $120 helmet, $100 jacket (newenough.com in clearance), $30 gloves (newenough.com), $100 pants (new enough.com) and $30 boots (payless....)

So anywhere from ~$400 for gear to ~millions for diamond encrusted helmets that will cause more damage to the pavement than the pavement does to you.

[Bachstrad37]

One of the items that many overlook when starting out is insurance. Insurance companies are NOT friendly to single, male, under 25 when it comes to digging for some cash out of your wallet. They are especially cruel to you if you want a sportbike.

If you want the amount to considerably lower, think about buying your bike without a loan. Loaners typically want full coverage as they want something in return if you happen to crash it. This is where you get bent over...if you know what I mean.

If you must get a loan, consider a standard or non-sport bike. They're dramatically cheaper with full coverage.

[storysunfolding]

Of course 20 year old bikes have advantages when it comes to insurance- generally much lower.

[GhosT RideR]

well as far as my budget goes, i have gathered around $2,300 by working during the summer.
just wanted to know if i can get a bike and gear to come about 1,500-1,800$.
(need to keep some money for the insurance as i will be working less during the school year)

[storysunfolding]

Like I said expect to pay at least $500 for gear

so $1,000-$1,500.

It's doable but be careful and try to avoid fixer uppers or anything too old.