Absolutely new... learning dichotomy

[rootb33r]

Hello everyone... I've been bombing around here for a little while and I am pleased to have stumbled upon a forum with what seems like a vast array of riding types and experiences.

I'm 21, just graduated from college and started my full-time job, and am going back to grad school part-time in the fall. I live in a full-size house in a very nice neighborhood with one friend, and we have a 2-car garage, so now I have the ability to store a bike in the winter (yes, Rochester sucks). I have never ridden a motorcycle before, however I enjoy road-bicycling for a good workout/fun, and I've ridden ATV's a couple of times before.

I would be a hypocrite and an idiot if I went out and got a 600cc+ sport bike to learn from, because I've seen people I know do that and I think to myself "God, that's stupid." Sport bikes wouldn't fit my persona anyway, so there's going to be no annoying (and I'm sure repetitive) convincing me to get a smaller bike in this thread.

SO... I'd love to get information on beginning to ride. My questions I feel are somewhat unique so I wanted to ask them myself instead of trying to search through the forums.

I'd like a traditional motorcyle- not a "hog" and not a "crotch rocket," but a hybrid-type thing. I don't know what they're called, but I have a picture of them in my mind. Like this: Pretty bike

So my questions are:

How should I learn? Since I don't have any credentials, should I take a lesson? do they even exist? I'm talking about a lesson with someone else's bike, since I don't have one yet, just to get a feel for them and learn the basics since I have absolutely NO experience.
OR... should I buy a learning bike and start from scratch?

Also, what would be a good beginner bike of that style? (what would you call that style anyway? lol) I know the Ninja 250 something-or-other has been recommended in that sticky thread, but would it be feasible to get a non-crotchrocket to learn on?

Thanks for the replies ahead of time

[Ninja Geoff]

that bike would be what's called a "standard". It has what's considered a neutral riding position, the motor is tuned specifically for street riding (meaning smooth power through the revs, and decent low end compared to say an R6). I almost want to say that's a Yamaha RD. Though don't quote me on that.

You don't have to start on a crotch rocket. Though there aren't many choices in the US when it comes to that specific style bike. There's the Honda Nighthawk 250, but haven ridden one at the MSF course, I personally would never want to ride one again (it felt cramped and lacking in the brakes and suspension. Though I'm not exactly built for a 250 )

Check out some of the dual sports too. They're street legal dirtbikes.

[rootb33r]

As a follow-up, is there a way to buy motorcycles that you all would suggest? i.e. ebay, autotrader, specialized motorcycle selling system, etc ???

Also, I would primarily be using the bike to ride to work and then to the gym and then home. Everything is within a relatively close distance (the office is 2 miles from my house). So how would I do the whole work thing? would I need to ride in some kind of riding gear and then change, or would I be able to make it in my work clothes? (shirt/tie/dress pants, rarely a suit).

[Nibblet99]

So how would I do the whole work thing? would I need to ride in some kind of riding gear and then change, or would I be able to make it in my work clothes? (shirt/tie/dress pants, rarely a suit).

Start my new job next week which requires more formal dress, here's how I will be doing it:

White t-shirt, and work trousers (call em pants all you like... they're trousers ).
Over the top of those I wear a textile motorcycle jacket (fully armored of course) and textile over-trousers (also armored). Aswell as the boots, gloves, lid.
I'll take a shirt and tie in a backpack, and just put them on when I arrive, over the t-shirt, and also a pair of shoes from the backpack


Once I'm sorted out I'll probably buy a topbox for the bike, rather than wear a backpack all the time

A little bit of hassle, but it'll be worth it to get to ride the bike each day

[Nibblet99]

Also, not sure if you can get it where you are, but if you don't mind starting on a heavier than usual bike, the XJR 400 is outstandingly well balanced and smooth, with plenty of power for "Woohoo" moments, but not "Oh Balls!" moments.

There's a reasonable amount of grey import ones here, in the UK, but no idea about the States

[rootb33r]

that bike is sweet! thanks Nibblet. I was thinking the same thing as you in regards to driving to work and the system I'd use for dress clothes.

So, riding pants are necessary? would dress "trousers" get soiled if you just wore them alone on the bike?

Either way it's not a lot of work, 5-10 extra minutes maybe to pack and unpack/dress/repack?

[tropicalhotdog]

I'd like a traditional motorcyle- not a "hog" and not a "crotch rocket," but a hybrid-type thing. I don't know what they're called, but I have a picture of them in my mind.

How should I learn? Since I don't have any credentials, should I take a lesson? do they even exist? I'm talking about a lesson with someone else's bike, since I don't have one yet, just to get a feel for them and learn the basics since I have absolutely NO experience.
OR... should I buy a learning bike and start from scratch?

Also, what would be a good beginner bike of that style? (what would you call that style anyway? lol) I know the Ninja 250 something-or-other has been recommended in that sticky thread, but would it be feasible to get a non-crotchrocket to learn on?

For learning to ride - sign up for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider's Course (BRC). There will surely be one in your area - just go to the site http://www.motorcycle.com/products/time ... -3878.html to find it.

You'll take the BRC on one of their bikes, which will also give you an opportunity to try out one or two different kinds, depending on what they have in your area.

A lot of people seem to start off on Honda Rebels, Suzuki GZ250's, and bikes of that ilk. Go to the Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Harley (for the Buell Blast) sites and take a look at the smaller bikes they offer. You might like a small cruiser as much as a standard.

Craig's List is a great place to find used bikes - and there seems to be no shortage of starter bikes for sale.

And don't just take lessons from friends - definitely take the MSF course to get the correct fundamentals.

Good luck!

[tropicalhotdog]

oops - pasted the wrong link for the MSF. Sorry. Here it is:

http://www.msf-usa.org

[jstark47]

So, riding pants are necessary? would dress "trousers" get soiled if you just wore them alone on the bike?

Whether riding pants are "necessary" or not generates a lot of debate. Their function is to protect your legs in the event of an "involuntary dismount". Ordinary pants have a lifetime of less than a second when sliding along pavement - the resulting damage to your skin can require skin grafts, etc, and put you in a world of pain.

And yes, trousers often pick up a bit of oil or grease on the cuffs, especially on a chain-drive bike.

[rootb33r]

all of those courses in my area are full for the rest of the year