Thinking of Riding

Maybe you all could help me decide to move over to riding a bike. I have been thinking of getting a bike. I am not a rider, dirt bike in my younger years, but no road bikes? What kind of bike would be a good one to start out on? I am leaning to a road bike, I don't want a fast one. I am ok taking my time. How much could an average rider save in gas, insurance, ect.? Does anyone know of a good place to get a bike? I'm in Michigan. Any adivice, suggestions thanks, in advance.

Maybe you all could help me decide to move over to riding a bike. I have been thinking of getting a bike. I am not a rider, dirt bike in my younger years, but no road bikes? What kind of bike would be a good one to start out on? I am leaning to a road bike, I don't want a fast one. I am ok taking my time. How much could an average rider save in gas, insurance, ect.? Does anyone know of a good place to get a bike? I'm in Michigan. Any adivice, suggestions thanks, in advance.

Stick with something small. Like a 250 or 500 at most! And ignore those that say you will quickly outgrow it, and you must get a 600 sport bike!
I have a Kawasaki Ninja 250R. It's one of the best bikes to start out on, but other good ones are the Honda Rebel, which is a 250, and the Honda Nighthawk 250. I've heard mixed things about the Buell Blast, which is a 500. Also the Ninja comes in a 500 and is a good starter bike as well.
The 250 and 500 bikes are among the cheapest to insure. I pay $219 a year for my Ninja 250. As for fuel savings, I'm averaging 57 MPG city on my bike, so I save a lot over driving my car, which gets 15 MPG city!
Whichever bike you do decide on, take the MSF safety course and get the proper riding gear!

Maybe you all could help me decide to move over to riding a bike. I have been thinking of getting a bike. I am not a rider, dirt bike in my younger years, but no road bikes? What kind of bike would be a good one to start out on? I am leaning to a road bike, I don't want a fast one. I am ok taking my time. How much could an average rider save in gas, insurance, ect.? Does anyone know of a good place to get a bike? I'm in Michigan. Any adivice, suggestions thanks, in advance.

it all depends. we need more infomation on you and your experience before we should help you to move over to riding.

how old are you?
how big/small are you?
how much dirt bike riding?
do you like risking death?
are you afraid of pain?
do you realise you will crash someday and chances are it will hurt?

theres more to riding than understanding the controls and doing it.

it all depends. we need more infomation on you and your experience before we should help you to move over to riding.

how old are you? 33
how big/small are you? 5'8" 280LBS
how much dirt bike riding? NOT A LOT
do you like risking death? NO
are you afraid of pain? NO
do you realise you will crash someday and chances are it will hurt? EVERYDAY IS A STRUGGLE

I know there is more to riding than just the controls, I feel I have a level head on my shoulders and can make the right decisions. I would take the riding course and take my time riding, I do not have the attidue that I know it all and can not learn anything, if that was the case I would not be asking questions in here. I am hoping to learn a few things, I thought this may be the place to get some straight up answers.

theres more to riding than understanding the controls and doing it.
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ridintg a motorcycle is a fun hobby. You have to realize that you could get hurt, and ride expecting cars to not see you. The moment you let your guard down, grandpa in his 74 buick 225 will pull out right in front of you, or cell-phone blah-blah-blah will cut you off. Other good starter bikes are the Honda Nighthawk (up to 650cc), Kawi LTD 450/550, Suzuki GS (up to 650cc) if you like standard bikes, and the Honda Magna V30(if you can find one), Honda Shadow, Suzuki Savage, and Yamaha Seca/Maxim. I like the fact that not only is riding more fun than driving, it also saves gas. Get a bike, take an MSF safety course, and RIDE!!!

I would like something that I could have a passenger ride with me, but after I feel comfortable with myself riding. The Honda Nighthawk, shadow would like to find one of those. Yes I agree with the MSF class. I know you need to be on the defensive side when driving a car, even more on a bike, always have a way out is my point of view. Thanks for the bike list I will now begin the search.

No problem duck. In what part of the state is Dorr? I'm from Flint myself.

It sounds like you've got the right attitude about riding. I've been street riding the better part of 20 years (rode dirt bikes since I was 5 yrs old), and being defensive and looking for a way out has saved my ass many times. You never stop learning, and I took an MSF course for the insurance savings after having ridden for years, and I still took some good information from it.

Dorr is south of Grand Rapids. I know I broke the bikers forum by posting to get someone opinion of what bike to start out on, to tell you the truth I did not look too much I was excited to find a group of people that could acutally give me a strat up answer. I have been looking through some of the other threads on this sit, some really good info. Thanks again for the time and great advice.:licka:

No problem duck. In what part of the state is Dorr? I'm from Flint myself.

It sounds like you've got the right attitude about riding. I've been street riding the better part of 20 years (rode dirt bikes since I was 5 yrs old), and being defensive and looking for a way out has saved my ass many times. You never stop learning, and I took an MSF course for the insurance savings after having ridden for years, and I still took some good information from it.

That's what we're here for Duckie. Since you started this thread with an intelligent question, we are happy to offer you advice. That "rule" is for brain dead idiots that want us to suggest what liter class sport bike they should start on and what is the best technique for doing "stoppies". Intelligent, well thought out questions are always welcome here.

REAL men start off with ZX-14s...but if you're not a real man then I guess you should get something where you live more than a week on..sigh* (shakes head)...just playin....I started with an SV650...awesome bike...kills people in the mountains...a little slow on the highway however...but not bad..I like the nighthawk 650...too...cool little bikes...

I've had friends start out on bike inappropriate for beginners, and that doesn't always mean a sportbike. A friend of my dad went out and bought a Springer Softail having never swung his leg over on a bike. He was practice riding in the school parking lot a couple of blocks from his house and panicked, whacked the throttle wide open, bailed off and wathced his bike disintegrate against a brick wall. It had 3.2 miles on it and is totalled. Another friend bought a ZX-11 Kawi to go riding with his buddies, and almost got hit head on as he crossed the interstate median doing triple digit speeds and not making a turn. Luckily, in both these cases, they didn't get seriously hurt (other than pride and their wallets), but most aren't so lucky.

I've had friends start out on bike inappropriate for beginners, and that doesn't always mean a sportbike. A friend of my dad went out and bought a Springer Softail having never swung his leg over on a bike. He was practice riding in the school parking lot a couple of blocks from his house and panicked, whacked the throttle wide open, bailed off and wathced his bike disintegrate against a brick wall. It had 3.2 miles on it and is totalled. Another friend bought a ZX-11 Kawi to go riding with his buddies, and almost got hit head on as he crossed the interstate median doing triple digit speeds and not making a turn. Luckily, in both these cases, they didn't get seriously hurt (other than pride and their wallets), but most aren't so lucky.

Which is why myself (and others) don't recommend a high HP or high torque bike for a beginner! Until they can handle it, something 500 cc or less is all they should ride! And I'm sure the Harley guy wouldn't have been as upset if it was a $3,000 bike he was starting on.

REAL men start off with ZX-14s...but if you're not a real man then I guess you should get something where you live more than a week on..sigh* .


thats why you ride a CBR600..??

cou(poof)gh

just playing :grinyes:

thats why you ride a CBR600..??

cou(poof)gh

just playing :grinyes:

stupid australians and their........kangaroos and sh**.

:p

but seriously my next bike is going to be a Hayabusa or ZX-14, i need something that can haul ass and go across the country comforably....

but seriously my next bike is going to be a Hayabusa or ZX-14, i need something that can haul ass and go across the country comforably....

So you chose a sportbike for comfort? Why not a muscle cruiser, like the VTX 1800 or the M109R? Both are very fast bikes, and comfortable to ride.

So you chose a sportbike for comfort? Why not a muscle cruiser, like the VTX 1800 or the M109R? Both are very fast bikes, and comfortable to ride.

Those bikes are sick, however I don't know if they're sporty enough for my canyon rides with my dad...I know zilch about about cruisers...my pops has a ZRX 1200 kawasaki...i was thinking about getting something similar like and FZ1 or Z1000...but like I said...I don't know anything about cruisers.

Those bikes are sick, however I don't know if they're sporty enough for my canyon rides with my dad...I know zilch about about cruisers...my pops has a ZRX 1200 kawasaki...i was thinking about getting something similar like and FZ1 or Z1000...but like I said...I don't know anything about cruisers.

The VTX and M109R handle great for big cruisers, but they're no sportbike! They'll kick any Harleys ass in a corner. My Dad has a VTX1800C, and it's an awesome bike with tons of torque, great handling and brakes. The M109R I've heard is that much better, especially in the power.
I do like the FZ1 though. I'm thinking of an FZ6 for myself.

Duckie, you do NOT want to buy anything less than 500cc. You a big boy - it is never wise to have more lbs than ccs.

You are also a little short - that means seat height is a consideration that will eliminate some bikes (tho' I couldn't tell you which).

I suggest that you look for 500-600cc two cylinder japanese motorcycle. You can have a ton of fun on a 500 twin.

Regrdless of caddydaddy's experience, 250s are too small for anyone but strict beginners (and certainly too small for anyone weighing over an 1/8 ton - I know; I've worked all brands and go 260). besides, you would look ridiculous on a bike of that size.

Buy new or leftover - you don't want problems on the road.

Duckie, you do NOT want to buy anything less than 500cc. You a big boy - it is never wise to have more lbs than ccs.

You are also a little short - that means seat height is a consideration that will eliminate some bikes (tho' I couldn't tell you which).

I suggest that you look for 500-600cc two cylinder japanese motorcycle. You can have a ton of fun on a 500 twin.

Regrdless of caddydaddy's experience, 250s are too small for anyone but strict beginners (and certainly too small for anyone weighing over an 1/8 ton - I know; I've worked all brands and go 260). besides, you would look ridiculous on a bike of that size.

Buy new or leftover - you don't want problems on the road.

I agree, I rode my friends SV650 and had a blastie on that thing...there's something about having torque on hand all the time that makes it fun.

I agree, I rode my friends SV650 and had a blastie on that thing...there's something about having torque on hand all the time that makes it fun.

But all that torque on hand is what gets beginners in trouble! At his weight, I'd say a Ninja 250 would be the bare minimum to have fun learning on. The other 250 bikes are just too weak. A 500 twin would be about perfect in sportbike package, or a 600-650 cruiser.

Actually you want torque - torque produced at low Rs as opposed to top end horses. 'Course the Ninja 250 produces neither, and what it does give it gives at or near its 11,000 rpm red line. This little engine doesn't produce maximum torque until it's spinning at 10,000 rpms - even then it produces a mere 17.5 foot pounds of torque.

You're a 250 booster that is plain, and I won't be changing your mind, but we are talking about a 300 lb man (approx) on a 300 lb bike (304). Nothing good is going to happen there.

We should eliminate the whole idea of sport bikes while we are at it. If one is worried about too much power, with identical displacement engines used in both a company's sport and cruiser lines, the only difference usually is that the cruiser engine is slightly 'de-tuned', IOW less power which is delivered at lower engine speeds.

More importantly, sport bikes are designed to respond to smaller rider input. They steer quicker and stop faster. While good stopping is a premium, a less responsive machine is a more forgiving machine.

Kawasaki used to make an EX 500 model. At the time, seemed to be the closest thing to what we used to call a UJM (universal Japanese motorcycle) - flat bar, neutral seating position, room for two etc. i think that style is real usable.

it's all well and good to just say you need something over 500cc but it doesn't really put anything into perspective.

my first bike was a FZR250RR. it shit all over my dads cagiva 650. even the new kawasaki 650 naked (you guys have a different name than us) has less power than my old 250

our licence system down here limit power to weight for learners for 18 months. the sv650 isn't on the list but the kawaski is. yet my 250 only just scraped in.

http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/tests/motorcycleridertrainingscheme/motorcyclesnoviceriders.html


your ninja is crap compared to our version. the "ninja" you get is our gpx250. our ninja is a zx2r

http://static.sportbikez.net/bikepics/1159834105.jpg
when i did my licence it was only 260ml and under with the exceptions. since mine was an import it wasn't on the list

yeah I don't understand why we get the garbage bikes in the U.S. I would've paid for a sick ass 250 a couple of years ago...

"it's all well and good to just say you need something over 500cc but it doesn't really put anything into perspective."

I don't think anybody "just said" get a bigger bike, I know I gave lots of reasons why the poster shopuld buy larger than 250cc.

maybe this will put it into perspective: there's no replacement for displacement.

maybe this will put it into perspective: there's no replacement for displacement.

yeah and V8's will always beat a 4 banger

nice perspective.

i think you need to get out more.....

yeah and V8's will always beat a 4 banger

nice perspective.

i think you need to get out more.....

Ouch....

Both my parents began riding bikes in their 60's. Took the course and bought a 250, then moved up to a 500. At one point my mom bought a 750 v twin and found it too torky for her upper body strength. Most normal men will have no problem tho'. I ride two up all the time and ride a Gold Wing, I feel like anything smaller is too much work to enjoy two up. Just me tho'.

as learners, are you allowed to ride two-up? we can't till we've got 1year full licence under our belt

I've got an EX250 (ninja 250) and its great, great fuel economy and power to weight (considering i weigh 140). im also 5'7" and im pretty comfortable on it. if your gonna want to be able to ride two up than your going to need a larger bike than a 250 though for sure. my friend has an 86 honda shadow 500 and weighs twice as much as me. we're both 16. I would say that ultimately it would come down to what style of bike you want to ride (dual-sport, sport, cruiser, touring, etc.) once youve figured that out, it would be easier to select a bike. you may want to take an msf course before even getting a bike so you know what you feel comfortable riding as well.

:smooch: I am thinking about getting a street bike; however, i dont know anything about them. I dont know what size bike to get. I'm 5'7 and 135lbs. Want brands are good? what do I look for??

Read the threads pertaining to this subject at the top of the forums. There is no one bike that would make you a good starter bike. Do you want a sportbike, standard, cruiser, etc... The best suggestion I can make is to buy a smaller CC used bike, preferably with minimum plastic to break when you eventually drop it, and take an MSF training course. You'll be very suprised what you didn't know about safely riding a motorcycle after you do.

Read the threads pertaining to this subject at the top of the forums. There is no one bike that would make you a good starter bike. Do you want a sportbike, standard, cruiser, etc... The best suggestion I can make is to buy a smaller CC used bike, preferably with minimum plastic to break when you eventually drop it, and take an MSF training course. You'll be very suprised what you didn't know about safely riding a motorcycle after you do.

I think the 250/450 Honda Rebel has to be the quintessential and ultimate beginner bike....they hold up well to a low speed drop, usually only suffering a small dent in the tank and break the end off the lever on that side...they are tough, reliable, low and light, reasonably powerful for the displacement, and handle well enough to put a smile on an experienced rider's face...although they will never admit to enjoying it.:lol:

And the best part is, you can usually find them, only a couple of years old with virtually no miles, tank dented and lever ends broken off already so you don't have to kick yourself when you drop it...:icon16: ...usually around $1500, and after 6 months or a year of learning on it, it'll still get you most of your money back on resale..