Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Posted: **Tue May 29, 2007 9:54 am**

Hi, I'm new to the forum, but not totally new to motorcycles. I've ridden a couple in my past, but they were either mediocre dirtbikes or rugged 4 wheelers. None of which had complex shifting and body weight adjustments involved. I've always wanted to ride a bike with all the same features a casual 250cc bike would have (clutch, same type of shifting techniques, front and rear brakes similar). However, I've never met the opportunity.

I turned 16 in November, and I have not got my car permit yet due to the fact that I'd always bum rides off people. I never really asked them to, but they just wanted to hang out with me. Even then, I see them getting slightly frustrated at the fact that I would have had my license if I got my permit back in November. So, I suddenly feel inspired to get some type of cheap transportation from my house to theres (or wherever else). I heard bikes can do almost 60 miles to the gallon, so this would be even more convienient to a kid with virtually no source of steady income.

Now, I know the dangers of riding a bike, especially for a 16 year old noob (probably the worst combination). However, I am confident in the fact that I will be able to handle at least a 250cc. I don't feel like going for anything higher yet, mainly because I probably wouldn't even be able to use 250cc to its fullest. Plus, it seems likea very good learners bike. I live in Lancaster Pennsylvania, which is Amish Paradise.. Wierd Ale even made a music video on how Amish it was. Anyways.. that means long vast straight roads going for miles. Which will make learning how to ride even easier and comforting.
Call me conservative, but I don't do speeding. I don't even like it when my friends show off their hand me down camrys and pickups hitting 95 on the highway. I must admit, I do like the fact that nearly all the engines power is used to thrust the bike forward. Its hard to explain, but a car has all that crap surrounding the engine (lol) and the engines power isnt being used to its fullest. So the idea of sitting on top of a engine and just navigating my way around to my destination excits me a little. I could care less if my bike looked like a total junker, as long as it was reliable and helped me practice and get ready for a bike I might want to have long term.

Anyways, to the point.
I'm totally new, I dont even have a bike yet.
Some questions..

A. I AM allowed to get my permit while im 16 right?

B. Do I need a drivers license first?

C. By some of hte stuff I've read, it seems like 250cc's are in high demand.. Will this cause problems with me regarding the search for one?

D. Is there anywehre I can find some key tips and tricks to remember in order to not only pass my test, but actually remember the answers to the questions to better my driving.

Posted: **Tue May 29, 2007 11:12 am**

Hi jas0n,

Welcome to the forum. I am a bit of a newb too. I started in October and have put in a little over 8K miles since then. As far as bikes, depending on what syle you like and what fits you best, I think a Yamaha Virago, Honda Rebel, or Ninja 250 would all be a good bike for you to start on. Good luck finding one used, those smaller bikes seem to be in high demand.

Here in Texas you can get a permit when you are fifteen, but you have to have a licensed rider with you at all times. Also here in Texas, when you take the MSF coure, all you do is take your certificate to the DMV, pass the written test, and you are licensed.

And speaking of the MSF course, take it. No ifs, ands, or buts. Take it. You will learn in two days, what it would take you a year to learn on your own. There is no doubt in my mind that it has saved me accidents, pain, and possibly my life. You will hear of people who learned on their own or were taught by friends, and you can do it that way. Would you try to learn to fly an airplane on your own? Somebody had to, but I'm glad it wasn't me.

I would also recommend some reading first of all. Get the MSF manual (you can download it from their website) and read it. You'll be that much more prepared when you take the course. Get the Motorcycle Riders Handbook for your state and read it several times. That is my tip for remembering the test questions. Read Proficint Motorcyling and More Proficient motorcycling by David Hough. They are excellent books that will give you a wealth of information.

Motocyling is a risky activity and you should do all that you can to reduce the risk. Ok, I'm through preaching now. Motorcyling is a fantastic means of travel. I love to just take off and ride, with no destination in mind. If a road looks interesting I'll take it. Again, welcome, and keep us posted.

Posted: **Tue May 29, 2007 11:19 am**

Jas0n wrote:Hi, I'm new to the forum, but not totally new to motorcycles. I've ridden a couple in my past, but they were either mediocre dirtbikes or rugged 4 wheelers. None of which had complex shifting and body weight adjustments involved. I've always wanted to ride a bike with all the same features a casual 250cc bike would have (clutch, same type of shifting techniques, front and rear brakes similar). However, I've never met the opportunity.

I turned 16 in November, and I have not got my car permit yet due to the fact that I'd always bum rides off people. I never really asked them to, but they just wanted to hang out with me. Even then, I see them getting slightly frustrated at the fact that I would have had my license if I got my permit back in November. So, I suddenly feel inspired to get some type of cheap transportation from my house to theres (or wherever else). I heard bikes can do almost 60 miles to the gallon, so this would be even more convienient to a kid with virtually no source of steady income.

Now, I know the dangers of riding a bike, especially for a 16 year old noob (probably the worst combination). However, I am confident in the fact that I will be able to handle at least a 250cc. I don't feel like going for anything higher yet, mainly because I probably wouldn't even be able to use 250cc to its fullest. Plus, it seems likea very good learners bike. I live in Lancaster Pennsylvania, which is Amish Paradise.. Wierd Ale even made a music video on how Amish it was. Anyways.. that means long vast straight roads going for miles. Which will make learning how to ride even easier and comforting.
Call me conservative, but I don't do speeding. I don't even like it when my friends show off their hand me down camrys and pickups hitting 95 on the highway. I must admit, I do like the fact that nearly all the engines power is used to thrust the bike forward. Its hard to explain, but a car has all that "crumb" surrounding the engine (lol) and the engines power isnt being used to its fullest. So the idea of sitting on top of a engine and just navigating my way around to my destination excits me a little. I could care less if my bike looked like a total junker, as long as it was reliable and helped me practice and get ready for a bike I might want to have long term.

Anyways, to the point.
I'm totally new, I dont even have a bike yet.
Some questions..

A. I AM allowed to get my permit while im 16 right?

B. Do I need a drivers license first?

C. By some of hte stuff I've read, it seems like 250cc's are in high demand.. Will this cause problems with me regarding the search for one?

D. Is there anywehre I can find some key tips and tricks to remember in order to not only pass my test, but actually remember the answers to the questions to better my driving.

Did God send you?

Posted: **Tue May 29, 2007 11:45 am**

Thanks Phillo..

God sent me? What?

Posted: **Tue May 29, 2007 12:24 pm**

Jas0n wrote:Thanks Phillo..

God sent me? What?

He's referring to the fact that you're the first young (under 30) person we've had in a LONG while to ask about just a 250cc bike.
As I'm sure you're aware, most of the kids your age are looking at the 600cc supersports, which we HIGHLY discourage.

A. As for being 16, if you're in the US, I am fairly sure you should be alright.

B. Usually you don't need a driver's license first, but I know here in Colorado it's an add-on to your car license, so check your local laws.

C. Here in CO, you honestly can't find a 250cc bike because we're a base for military. So everyone here starts out at the 600cc level. A lot of other places I've heard have a surplus of used 250s that should do the trick... Make sure to check craigslist and your local papers.

D. This is where the stickies at the tops of the forums and Dragonhawk's posts will come in handy...

And just to add my own 2 cents, I'm honestly shocked at your maturity and realization of everything about motorcycling before you even began!

Another two things,
1. A ninja 250 should be able to (at your altitude and with level roads), get around 70 to the gallon depending on how much you weigh...

2. You sound mature enough to handle a 500cc should you choose to go to that level as well.

Wrider

PS, go to the Soap Box forums and check for a thread called "Differences" that I started, just in reference to your speeding comment... lol

Posted: **Thu May 31, 2007 5:21 pm**

As mature as you sound I would recomend the 500cc or more. Not sportbike more though, I think by what you are saying a sportbike would be a waste of money. The MSF part is great. I know what I am about to say is probably not what you want to hear but I will say it anyway.
I really would recomend a car first for several reasons, get a feel for how others drive around you, get your first fender bender out of the way and really learn deffensive driving, just get your license an drive your parents cage around for a month or so to get your feet wet. In the meantime pick up a bike and toy around with it in the garage, learn about it and fix it up a little and toy around with it, I am not to far from where you live and I used to live in Philly, I know insurance can be quite high in Philly so take that into consideration also. and the MSF courses in Jersey are at least a 3 to 4 month wait.
I have a 3 year old right now and I can only hope he turns out as responsible as you!
Good luck, have fun and be safe!
Steve

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