Extreme Newby Needs Advice

[bikemech]

I know this has probably been covered a 1000 times already but I am in a real deleima.

I am 38 and have never ridden or driven a motorcycle. I actually manage a bicycle store. But my wife and I have decided to try to pay everything off except the house in the next 2 years.

So I came up with the idea of a motorcycle as my sole means of transportation for the next year or so. I drive 22 miles one way to work. I go after rush hour (9:00) and come home after rush hour again. (6:30)

I try to be extremely aware of cars on the road. It comes from riding bicycles on the road over the years. I am not accident prone and have not had a ticket in 10 years.

I have already checked into local safety classes and plan to take all 3 levels offered. There are not many offered in my local area. I plan to wear the proper safety gear and do everything possible to ensure my safety.

But all I hear from people are comments like "I hope you have lots of life insurance" and "I thought you had a lot to live for", and frankly it scares me. I think riding a motorcycle would be fun and economical, but now I am not sure what to do.

Can anyone give me some advice? If I continue on the path should I try to buy a bike that is white or yellow or some very visible color? Will this help? I am looking at the Yahama VStar 650 or something comparable.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[ZooTech]

We all gotta go some time. You can't base your whole life on what-if's and fear of the unknown. My favorite movie quote is from Tim Robbins in the movie 'Shawshank Redemption' where he says, "Get busy livin', or get busy dyin'!"

That said, if your only motivation to ride is gas mileage then it is possible riding is not for you. Most people ride for pleasure, pride, and stress relief. If one of those factors is also present, but mileage is still a huge focus, consider a scooter like the Suzuki Burgman 400. It gets well over 75 miles per gallon and can hang with traffic with no problem. It's no-doubt easier to ride with it's CVT transmission, and it has a lot of handy storage making it a great choice for a commuter.

If scooters aren't your thing, the V-Star 650 you mentioned is not a bad choice either...at least, for a daily rider that is. I wouldn't want to take a trip on one, though.

[TheReaper]

I wouldn't get too wrapped up into what everyone else says. I find when I hear a lot of those comments it's based on a fear of the unknown.

While a certain color bike or gear can't hurt, the best tool at your disposal to keep yourself safe is on your shoulders. If you use your head you can significantly reduce the risks involved. That's not to say stuff won't/doesn't happen, just a good smart rider knows to anticipate and keep themselves out of danger.

If you're interested I'd say go for it. If you're a little unsure, take the Basic Riders course before you buy a bike and see what you think after that.

[iwannadie]

i agree if gas mileage is your only motivation go with a scooter. you might get on a bike and love it and gas mileage will be a non issue as your riding for fun. or youll hate it and wish you werent tied into a bike just to save a few bikes on gas. really the gas isnt that big of an issue unless you get certian bikes that really go get the mileage. other wise doing something that doesnt really interest you just for the sake of saving a few bucks isnt worth it. buy a hybrid car or something.

[bikemech]

My first thought was to get a scooter. But I would like to have something the wife and I could take out on a Sunday afternoon or on a Poker run or something. And the "Trail of Tears" ride goes right by our house. I enjoy riding bicycles on the road and I don't see why I wouldn't enjoy riding a motorcycle just as much if not more. (not as much work if you know what I mean) And a lot of our friends have motorcycles and ride on the weekend and it would give us an opportunity to spend more time with them.

And someone please correct me if I am wrong but motorcycles if cared for really hold their value. I was really surprised to see how much they held their value compared to a car.

Thanks for the replys so far.

[ZooTech]

My first thought was to get a scooter. But I would like to have something the wife and I could take out on a Sunday afternoon or on a Poker run or something.

The Burgman is a two-seater, and is probably every bit as comfortable for two-up riding as the 650 (the 650 is kinda small). If size is an issue, they make a Burgman 650, too. If two-up riding is a major issue (or should I say, desire) then perhaps you are a candidate for a Suzuki C50 or C50t. The price difference is nil, but it's a lot more bike than the Yamaha 650.

And someone please correct me if I am wrong but motorcycles if cared for really hold their value. I was really surprised to see how much they held their value compared to a car.

Historically (that being the key word here) bikes have held their value much better than cars (kinda like boats do). However, with shows like American Chopper and the like on TV every night, motorcycling has exploded into a phenomenon, flooding the market with new models and with tens of thousands of used bikes being sold by would-be riders who assumed they could ride but couldn't. With the market as flooded as it is, even Harleys will begin to lose resale value. Don't get me wrong, I don't believe bikes will ever get as bad as cars as far as resale is concerned, but the bubble has definitely burst.

[kellystrash]

I heard and feared the same things, and I like to think I have a lot to live for too. I did however decide to buy a bike after reading one to many stories about middle age people dying of cancer, heart attacks, or strokes. I decided I would rather enjoy some of the simple pleasures life has to offer.

In the limited research I have done it appears that a rider can do much to lower his/her odds of dying on a motorcycle.

1. Driving at reasonable and controllable speeds.
2. Not drinking and driving.
3. Not being in a rush.
4. A willingness to give someone else your right-of-way is another
5. Not riding beyond your abilities in a "live" environment

I believe if you do these five things your odds of dying will be reduced dramatically.

[bikemech]

The Burgman is a two-seater, and is probably every bit as comfortable for two-up riding as the 650 (the 650 is kinda small). If size is an issue, they make a Burgman 650, too. If two-up riding is a major issue (or should I say, desire) then perhaps you are a candidate for a Suzuki C50 or C50t. The price difference is nil, but it's a lot more bike than the Yamaha 650.

What problems will I have with the 650 Yamaha in 2 up riding? Will it be uncomortable? Will it not have enough power? I know they come with a passenger's seat on them, but I also understand that does not mean it is well suited for 2 up riding.

Thanks.[/quote]

[ZooTech]

What problems will I have with the 650 Yamaha in 2 up riding? Will it be uncomortable? Will it not have enough power? I know they come with a passenger's seat on them, but I also understand that does not mean it is well suited for 2 up riding.

It'll be a bit underpowered for two-up, as well as a bit cramped. My best friend rides a Sportster 883 and two-up is a bit of a stretch for him. My Dad, on the other hand, rides a Suzuki C50 two-up with my mom no problem, and being avid bicyclists I imagine you and the wife are more fit than my ex-cop dad! You should find the C50 vastly more comfortable than the 650. In addition, the C50 adds fuel injection, AFIS (Automatic Fast Idle System), and water cooling...all for just $600 more.

[honda599]

V Star 650 is fine for commuting or travelling but certainly underpowered for two up. It will get you there but experienced riders almost always move up to the 1100 V Star or bigger for two up travelling.

Forget fuel economy, we ride for the enjoyment, freedom, pleasure. Wait until you factor in other costs like, equipment, maintenance, tires that don't last very long(compared to cars), it can be a very expensive sport. I'm going to be replacing both my tires soon... 25,000km at a cost of $450.00