Most Important Things to Know For a Motorcycling n00b.

[DAKEZ]

Originally Posted by ShardPhoenix

One I can afford!

In all seriousness, I'm not trying to be super picky since I've only got $2,000 to spend and I'm buying used. I'd like to find a cruiser in the 250-750cc range. I will say I'm kind of fond of the Suzuki Savage/S40's because I like thumpers. I'm also keeping my eyes peeled for Honda Shadows and Yamaha Viragos. Year doesn't matter too much, but condition is important. I'm not allergic to doing maintenance, but I don't want a big project.

I don't need something uber-powerful or whatever, as I'm not one of those "bigger is better" types. I know full well that a Honda Rebel 250 (or something similar) would suit my needs just fine.

Of the bikes you mentioned I say go with the S40. You will not be happy with a 250cc cruiser for long. It is not a case of bigger is better... It is more a case of what the bike is capable of doing.

Also have a look at a Ninja 250. It is likely the only 250cc bike that falls in your budget parameters that is capable of sustained highway speeds. They wrap it like a Sport Bike but it is a Standard

The little Ninja will make you laugh out loud where the others will only garner a smile.

[ShardPhoenix]

Originally Posted by IheartmyNx

Well, make sure you save some of that for "the track" or MSF courses... Even if you're like me and don't have a track in THE ENTIRE STATE...

Not sure about where you are,, but $1,500 out of your $2,000 budget should handle it nicely...

Already took the MSF basic course, I've bought gear (Helmet, Gloves, Jacket, Pants, Boots), all I need now is the ride. After I get some time under my belt, I'm going to take the advanced course, which amusingly enough is held on a GO KART track that's in the area.

@Dakez

S40 is my primary choice. There are a couple for sale in the area, and well within my budget.

[opaque_machete]

Originally Posted by DAKEZ

The little Ninja will make you laugh out loud were the others will only garner a smile.

I love my little ninjette. It's so much fun to ride. Has nothing on the bottom end, but talk about corners! Hubby loves it too. He calls it a 'giggle bike' because it makes him grin like the Cheshire cat. And it's really good on gas and pretty reliable. It's just a fun bike. Have fun and ride safe!

[IheartmyNx]

Originally Posted by ShardPhoenix

GO KART

I wish I had that... I thought I could use an ABANDONED mall for my back-in practice, but the guy ran me off.

Sucks mainly b/c I'm the only one interested in that sort of thing around here, and prolly the 3rd Supermoto in town.

So it's not like there'd ever be droves of bikes roaming the empty parking lots...


oh well...

[FloorPoor]

Originally Posted by ShardPhoenix

One I can afford!

In all seriousness, I'm not trying to be super picky since I've only got $2,000 to spend and I'm buying used. I'd like to find a cruiser in the 250-750cc range. I will say I'm kind of fond of the Suzuki Savage/S40's because I like thumpers. I'm also keeping my eyes peeled for Honda Shadows and Yamaha Viragos. Year doesn't matter too much, but condition is important. I'm not allergic to doing maintenance, but I don't want a big project.

I don't need something uber-powerful or whatever, as I'm not one of those "bigger is better" types. I know full well that a Honda Rebel 250 (or something similar) would suit my needs just fine.

Get a DR650 of KLR 650 if you like thumpers and only have 2 grand to spend. You will get far more enjoyment out of one of those IMHO. I am just biased, I hate riding on pavement and only do it when necessary. A savage is a good choice though, my cousin got one as a starter bike and is still riding it two years later, he likes it.

[ShardPhoenix]

Haven't seen any DR's or KLR's come up in my area. Only seen a couple dual sports come up in my price range, and they were a little... beat up.

Made a couple inquiries to a few guys about some bikes, one of which is a 2005 S40, 9k miles, $1900. I just have to hope it doesn't sell before the middle of this coming week. Have my fingers crossed.


------edit-----
I've just graduated from total wannabe to "newbie". Bought the S40, and am quite pleased with it. My maiden voyage even included 30ish miles of slab.. I-5 between Medford and Grants Pass. Was a beautiful ride.

[daq7]

Be careful of new tires. The wife low sided her g650 about a month ago and dislocated her shoulder...

[SCQTT]

The OP asked this question 18 months ago. During that 18 months we have given him 55 pages of information. I think he is probably a guy doing research for a book.

Perhaps for a book about what a new rider should know, but more likely a book about how, when given an opportunity, us humans will grab a string and run with it....when we are asked a question we love to have the answer, be the expert.

This person might be lurking, or dead, or laughing his ass off, or cashing a check, or might have decided that motorcycles are too complicated and just bought a boat instead.

[opaque_machete]

That may be so, Scott, but it is still good information for a noob to have. I know it has helped me several times while learning.

[DAKEZ]

The thread was started by a fake n00b to create a safety awareness thread to be a sticky thread in the Perfect line forum.

[MotoMusicMark]

SCQTT, opaque_machete, DAKEZ, and others,

It's me, MotoMusicMark,...yes, a true moto-noob! Thanks so much for all contributors to this thread. It really took off and, as someone mentioned, probably helped a lot of noobs like me!

I am 53 years young and bought a "wrong" first bike in early 2010. The school of hard knocks told me it was too tall for me despite a seasoned motorcyclist guiding my choice.(There's another point a noob should watch out for!)

You wonder if I am writing a book. Well you're close. A compilation of the good "from the street" information to REALLY help the new motorcyclist I feel is vitally needed. Does anyone have books/videos they know are available along these lines?

I've been basically unemployed for about 2 years and have dreams of doing a seminar series or on-line video to help noobs. Anyone interested in partnering? Are you musical? I've also written a number of motorcycling-specific songs toward a touring band at festivals, expos, etc.

Keep the good info coming for moto-noobs. They appreciate it!

Tip: Be VERY wary of anything that might look slippery because it can get you: road apples, matted wet leaves, oil slick, mud, etc. You'll at the very least get a wiggle in your ass to tell you it was slippery!

best,
MotoMusicMark

P.S. What's a "sticky thread" and a "Perfect line forum"??

[DAKEZ]

Always at the top of the forum.

[Bravo21]

Originally Posted by duck

The bike is better than you are. When you think you've come into a turn too hot, do not chop the throttle, keep it constant and look through the turn.

NOOB reporting in. I'm one of those late bloomers - 48 years old and have been riding for just 6 months. In that time I've ridden 4,000 miles between 2 different bikes. This is a massively helpful thread.

The quote above came from the 1st page. It's succinct, direct, unemotional, and incredibly practical. It's also the one thing I have to regularly force myself to keep foremost in my mind when out for a ride on winding country roads. There are so many golden nuggets in this thread that deserve mention, especially regarding car drivers, conditions, lane position, gear, etc. The one above just resonated with me more than most others.

If I could pass on anything I learned this year, it would be: start small. My first bike was a 250cc Kawasaki Super Sherpa. I put my first 3,000 miles on that bike, including a 1,500 mile, 6 day road trip. I learned basic skills and gained a ton of confidence. When I bought my 650 V-Strom 2 months ago, I felt ready to move up and begin the learning process all over again. Nice thing about starting with a small dual sport is that I now have a little dirt bike for learning some off-road skills.

Then I would echo the other most helpful tips:
- ATGATT. Don't go cheap, either. Buy the best stuff you can afford.
- Ride YOUR ride. Stay within your skill level. Listen to the Dirty Harry in you. "A man's gotta' know his limitations."
- Learn to brake. Then learn it again, again, and again.
- Practice, practice, practice (ride, ride, ride).

Thanks to all who have shared their long years of experience with noobs like me. This thread is a treasure.

[IheartmyNx]

I had two things, but rightnow can only remember one...

COMMUNICATION; I live in a place where ravines can often accompany the road...

And we've all seen or heard the stories about a overturned car and a person being trapped and not being able to call for help.

Take your phone and put it INSIDE your jacket pocket. Put it in a place that's close, and protected... And the inside jacket pocket is it.

Your wallet and keys and so fourth can't call for help if you're trapped under your bike, and if you put it in a bag that might land out of reach.

Put your phone in the inside pocket of your jacket EVERY TIME you ride.

[Infidel]

If you're not feeling your head is in the game for a ride... don't ride. All it takes is one moment of not paying attention and you're out.

Take breaks on long trips- just because you can go 450+ miles on a tank doesn't mean you should.

Practice, practice, practice.... always.

Don't speed and get caught. If you get caught- joke with the cop about it... it seems to have worked for me a number of times.

Only buy the accessories you need- people with a bunch of useless junk on their bike is just more room for distraction and problems.

Check you tires... and then check your tires... and before you roll out, check your tires. (and don't buy cheap tires- do your homework).

Wear gloves, they will hit the road first. Wear a helmet (that covers your face), that's what will hit the ground a split second after your hands.

Get to know how your bike 'feels'... she'll let you know if something is wrong.

HAVE FUN!!!! (That's what it's all about).