Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hi everyone! I have a question that's been bugging my mind for a while now. I have just recently passed my MSF class! (Yeh! for me!) and the other day just went to the DMV to take my M1 license test, and Passed! (Another Yeh! for me!)

I was posting before that I wanted a Hyosung gt250r as my first bike. Only problem is now, that I found the bike, but it's located in San Francisco. I live in Berkeley, CA so it's not too far of a drive.

Just that the only riding experience I have was in my MSF class, first time I've touched a bike, first time I've rode a bike. I'm a short guy, so I already know that I can't/won't be able to Flat Foot the Hyosung.

but if I do decide to buy it, I'd have to ride it back, On The Freeway (and Traffic). And that's my big concern. With my about...10hrs or so of Riding experience only, I'm not too sure I could handle the Freeway. I'll do it if I must, but I was thinking about getting a Ramp and just hauling the bike back to a safer location.

I've looked around, and Ramps don't come cheap. And I only need it for this one time. So I don't want to invest more money into something I will probably only use once. So here's my question.

Should I just wing it and try to get as comfortable with the bike as possible and just ride it home, slowly. Or should I just invest in the ramp and straps to transfer the bike? Any tips or advice are welcome. Once again thanks!

There is another option...

Get a friend with experience to ride it home for you...

Have the dealer deliver the bike.

rent a uhaul trailer. probably be less than half the price of the ramps. Will need the straps still, though.

What bread said. The 250 can't be that heavy and you could get the seller to help you lift it onto the trainer. When you get home find a piece of wood to use as a make shift ramp for the foot or so that the trailer will clear the ground.

Or just use a piece of wood in both instances.

I was in a similar situation a little while back. I almost decided to ride the bike (no highway involved). But I'm really glad I didn't. The difference for a beginner to get on a strange bike was quite a jump. It took me a couple days around the back streets before I ventured out into traffic.

I think the best option would be find a friend that has a lot of riding experience.

Borrow a pick up truck or rent a uhaul. Don't ride it.

P

A plank is a good thing to have. A piece of 2x10 ought to do it (though I made a wide one out of plywood). You can buy aluminum ends for it so it levels out flush to the truck bed. Personally, I wouldn't chance the highway straight out of the MSF course.

Good luck,
p.

Thanks for the all the input guys. I have come to the conclusion that I will for sure not ride it. As for the friend part, I did wish I had a friend who was skilled in Riding. but the sad fact is, I'm the first one out of all of us. My first time ever touching a bike was during the MSF classes only. So the Experienced Friend is ruled out.

I was in a similar situation a little while back. I almost decided to ride the bike (no highway involved). But I'm really glad I didn't. The difference for a beginner to get on a strange bike was quite a jump. It took me a couple days around the back streets before I ventured out into traffic.

That means a lot Acritzer. I've been reading the SBL (Short Bike List) also. And it's been giving me more confidences to ride as a smaller person. And yeah, I plan on getting to know the bike around my neighborhood first before I venter farther.

I'll think about the Uhaul though, and the fact about the dealer delivering the bike. I don't know if they will do it, but it doesn't hurt to ask. I'm fine paying an extra fee. I already have a buddy who has a pick up, so I think if all else fails I'll get a Uhaul.

But if anyone still has any new ideas and thoughts. Please keep on posting them. I'd like to hear all my options, as I do really want this bike. But want it in a safe way. Thank you very much for you time and inputs!

sasuke wrote: As for the friend part, I did wish I had a friend who was skilled in Riding. but the sad fact is, I'm the first one out of all of us.

co worker?

Neighbor?