PreBeginner- got lots of ?'s

[jlmay]

I'm very interested in getting a motorcycle, however, I don't have much knowledge of them other than some reading, but some of it is just kinda "whoosh".

1. I drive a looong way from home to work, college, etc. and I don't know if a motorcycle can handle the long trips I make. Because most listings I read people are selling bikes with 1,600ish miles on them, and I put that kind of mileage on in a month.

2. If they can handle the mileage, which type should I get? I can't decide between cruiser, sport, or sport touring( not looking for the ones with the compartments on them, but I read they are gear more to longer trips)

3. Which models/years would be best to get on a students budget? And are there dealerships that sell older models(late 1990's). Also, how much should payments be, and how much does insurance cost?

4. How much does the MSF course usually cost?

5. How much does proper gear usually cost, and are there any brand name type retail stores for it?

6. I'm about 6' 5"ish and 226lbs which seat height should I be looking for, or is it just a mater of my own comfort when shopping for one.

7. What is the routine maintenance schedule for a motorcycle? (oil change, air cleaner change, etc.)

8. how long do tires last under normal conditions?

I'm kinda ignorant to all of this, but it's something I've been wanting to do.

[Shorts]

Welcome to the forum.


1. I drive a looong way from home to work, college, etc. and I don't know if a motorcycle can handle the long trips I make. Because most listings I read people are selling bikes with 1,600ish miles on them, and I put that kind of mileage on in a month.


Bikes can certainly handle a long trip as long as it is maintained and cared for properly. If not, it may not even start for you. Many riders doing cross-country trips will ride 400-600mls per day, and then they stop for the night because they must eat, sleep/rest.


2. If they can handle the mileage, which type should I get? I can't decide between cruiser, sport, or sport touring( not looking for the ones with the compartments on them, but I read they are gear more to longer trips).

I think in general an hour is where the pain hits when riding a sportbike. Cruisers are more comfortable, but that depends on you. I cannot sit on the cruiser for too long as it hurts my neck and shoulders. So YMMV. Sport standards are a nix mix of ergos + manueverability and sport. More than likely whatever bike you get, you'll need some tank, tail or saddle bags to move your stuff with you


3. Which models/years would be best to get on a students budget? And are there dealerships that sell older models(late 1990's). Also, how much should payments be, and how much does insurance cost?


Payments? For a college student, paid off is much better to have. College is a bad place to accumulate debt. 90s model bikes can be at dealerships, also at private seller. If you really want payments, then consult your budget for that.


4. How much does the MSF course usually cost?


Cost varies by state. Free-$300 is the range. Check your local MSF for that (or wait for a fellow statesman to tell you).


5. How much does proper gear usually cost, and are there any brand name type retail stores for it?

Gear also varies by brand and quality. At minimum, you want DOT/Snell approved headgear, $150-$600. Jackets come in leather, textile or mesh, again, it varies, $100-$500. Boots, again they vary, $100-$350. Gloves...same thing, basic mesh/textile to leather to heated, $80-$180. Riding pants, often overlooked (I'm guilty), but you want some kind of overpant at the least, or you can go full blown pants/chaps, $50-$200.



6. I'm about 6' 5"ish and 226lbs which seat height should I be looking for, or is it just a mater of my own comfort when shopping for one.

Seat height and bike fit is like shopping for your shoes. Depends on you. With that said, the bike should be of appropriate skill level as well.


7. What is the routine maintenance schedule for a motorcycle? (oil change, air cleaner change, etc.)


Read the owners manual for certain. ~2000k mls sometimes, but it varies.


8. how long do tires last under normal conditions?


Depends on the type of tire and you're riding style. Harder tires last longer, softer not as long.

I'm kinda ignorant to all of this, but it's something I've been wanting to do.

Read the other section on the TMW site as well, not just the forums. Great insight to motorcycle ownership.

[jlmay]

thanks for answering my questions, and I'm reading those other guides too. I have another question
I was looking at some jackets online. The mesh type look better since I live in the south and it gets hot, but do they offer the same protection as full leather? Also, do they come with the back, and elbow armor built in or do I need to buy that seperately?

[Scoutmedic]

There's a link to the MSF in my signature. Just click on that and follow the links to your state. Also, I'd look at your state's DOT/DMV site for licensing information.

Leather with armor is the best protection. Next would be denim with armor, mesh with armor, etc.

Personally, I wear a Cortech GX-Air. It is a mesh outer with armor and has removeable thermal and rain liners. I think there is a link to pictures of my gear in my blog. If not, let me know and I'll post the link in this thread (and also get it in my blog... )

Go to some local dealerships and sit on the different bikes they have. That will start to give you an idea of the style of bike you're looking for. Also, don't be shy about trying on the gear they have there as well.

[DivideOverflow]

For a guy your size, I'd check out a Dual Sport like the Kawasaki KLR650. It has a high seat height, and is an excellent commuter with a little "setting up". Also check something like a V-Strom 650, it will have more power than the KLR650, but it is a very good bike for commuting.

Namely, a new seat, and some bags on the back. Those things are a proven technology, and very fun to ride. They can also be had fairly cheap.

Many people have 100,000+ miles on their motorcycles, it is all about maintaining them, and actually making the time to ride. A lot of bikes sold with low miles are due to the owners not actually finding time to ride... and they probably got their motorcycle on a whim.

Service intervals vary by bike, so you need to check on each one.

MSF varies by state... it ranges from $50-$300. (some states even have it free.. not sure which ones though).


Your comfort is very important, find a seat height that fits, but try to get a bike without too much power. Something like a V-strom 650 might also do you well, but that is kind of a "gray area" bike as far as power goes. Stay away from Inline 4cylinder sport bikes of 600cc or more.

[jlmay]

I've been noticing the Ninja 250/500R's and Suzuki GS500 as novice bike's, would those be good choices? I guess I'll have to see how they fit when I go to the dealerships to shop around.

[flynrider]

I've been noticing the Ninja 250/500R's and Suzuki GS500 as novice bike's, would those be good choices? I guess I'll have to see how they fit when I go to the dealerships to shop around.

If you fit on them, they'd be good choices. They all offer a more standard riding position than the cruisers or sportbikes, which can be a big plus if you're racking up a lot of miles everyday.

[wickedrider]

I don't know whether you have ever ridden in your life, but it is not as easy as you might think. I have been riding for about four months. I thought that I woulod be able to ride approximately 200 miles the day I completed my MSF course. After the first day I realized that it would take a lot of practice to be able to do this. The sooner you take your class the better. That will also help you make a decision on a bike. Do not buy a bike before your class unless you have friends or family or someone who can walk you through the process. Do not buy a new bike.

[gitarjunky]

Do not buy a new bike.

I bought a new bike and I turned out just fine. I've been riding for a year now.

Buy what you want to ride. Who cares if its new or used. You're spending money either way. If you want to spend more money to get something new, go for it. The most important thing is that if you get a bike, ride the s h i t out of it (for the bikes sake of course, they don't just want to sit there, plus you get better quicker the more you ride).

[intotherain]

Do not buy a new bike.

I bought a new bike and I turned out just fine. I've been riding for a year now.

Buy what you want to ride. Who cares if its new or used. You're spending money either way. If you want to spend more money to get something new, go for it. The most important thing is that if you get a bike, ride the s h i t out of it (for the bikes sake of course, they don't just want to sit there, plus you get better quicker the more you ride).

i bought a new bike... and im doing just fine after 7 months. never dropped/fallen/wrecked.


but!

used bikes are a lot cheaper, and you wont feel like an idiot when you drop it and break a mirror, fairing, or bend a clutch/brake lever.

its your choice.