HELP: New Rider

[Z_Fanatic]

I never operated a motorcycle in my life, not even dirtbikes. lol. Of course I know how to ride bicycles. I've read all the precautionary FAQs and advices, and frankly, it made me more conscious, afraid, and making me think twice about this sport. I already have cars to drive, and one of them is 5 speed manual 300ZX. So I am not thinking of motorcycles to ride it everyday on the streets. I am wondering how did most of you guys learn to ride motorcycles, and started with how many CCs, perhaps below 250? And which brands would be reliable, etc? Please note I am not asking for comparisons, just advices on how to begin riding motorcycles and get more experiences. Thank you for your comments.

Now as for motorcycle basic training course, how much do these generally cost and do I have to provide my own bike? Is there a site for these courses? Would they let me use their training bikes to learn?

[flht]

Get a small I mean very small motorcycle under 250 cc (Not a two stroke dirt bike) A very cheap honda would do. You want it cheap because you are going to drop it. Next get helmet, boots, long pants jacket (leave flip flops and shorts in the house) and gloves to protect your hands,feet, rear end, and head when you fall, and you will fall. and one very large open space. get dressed read the owners manual (yep macho men it does help a new rider) and start riding. Stay off the road and away from your car. (bikes make bad dents and long recoup times.) After you think you know how to ride. TAKE THE COURSE
most places have motorcycles for you to ride (again a small bike is what you will ride). Most ABATE chapters will help with cost (that is what we are here to do) so your out of pocket could be nada or around 100 dollars. For everyone rolling there eyes I have been riding for 37 years (started at 5 on a QA 50 honda. Raced a CR125 in 79/80 taught in the military for a few years, VP of ABATE chapter in Montana, and now ride a 99 M2 cyclone (back wheel mostly) and a 2000 FLHT (Harleys for you rice heads. O yea I run a 2004 busa when I want to go a little faster

Later

[headswim]

I just bought my first bike last month, and it's a 2004 Ninja 250R. I had no experience riding either when I bought it. I started teaching myself a little, but was fortunate enough to get into the MSF course 2 weeks later. Cost me $380 but was worth EVERY penny. My confidence level before and after the class was like night n day. Plus taking the class, I get a DMV road test waiver, if I had points on my license would be reduced up to 4, and you get 10% insurance discount on bike AND car. Not to mention they teach you how to ride. Whatever you do, start off on a small bike, but make sure you take the class. You'll be REALLY glad you did. Hopefully soon we can welcome you to the sport. When you get here, remember, have fun, but be safe!

[BuLLDoGG]

i had gilera runner 125 cc for couple of months i almost got hit by a car 5 times and one time i fell down and several times i got speeding tickets and loads of other crap which didn't make my health great i got a bad knee now whicc hurts hell alot whenever the fuckin weather changes form good to bad so after these 2 months i sold the scooter and waitin to get my drivin license for the car my experience finished and i don't realy want to start it again. And those guys who drive fast bikes don't take me as a "pussy" its just that im a danger to myself cos i rode bike fast and even though i was wearin protection and driving according to road rules i was almost hit by other vehicles several times and if those did hit me i wud go to the intensive care unit my Gilera to the junk yard and it wud be driver's fault but who gives a fuck that it was his fault i wud have been the one to be in hospital or hanicap my opinion don't get the bike, unless u r 200% sure u need it and u want it that bad

[speediva]

Originally Posted by BuLLDoGG

i had gilera runner 125 cc for couple of months i almost got hit by a car 5 times and one time i fell down and several times i got speeding tickets and loads of other crap which didn't make my health great i got a bad knee now whicc hurts hell alot whenever the fuckin weather changes form good to bad so after these 2 months i sold the scooter and waitin to get my drivin license for the car my experience finished and i don't realy want to start it again. And those guys who drive fast bikes don't take me as a "pussy" its just that im a danger to myself cos i rode bike fast and even though i was wearin protection and driving according to road rules i was almost hit by other vehicles several times and if those did hit me i wud go to the intensive care unit my Gilera to the junk yard and it wud be driver's fault but who gives a fuck that it was his fault i wud have been the one to be in hospital or hanicap my opinion don't get the bike, unless u r 200% sure u need it and u want it that bad

Punctuation! Good, informative post, but punctuation would make it easier to read.

Riding IS dangerous, but the MSF course helps A LOT. Will post more later... I'm on my way out the door.

[aussieidiot]

I stared out on a 250 similar to headswims'. Down here we have a maximun power to weight ratio for learners so a 250 sports is about as big as allowed although some (Suzuki RGV250)are banned. I had no experience either but i had been driving for 5 yrs and driven everything from large trucks to forklifts and boom lifts.
I spent more money on my safety gear than the bike on the belief that its there to save me from injury so why not buy the best. Also i knew that once i got into the sport i would want to upgrade as soon as possible so best to only spend enough on the 1st bike to get a half decent machine. I still have my first jacket, pants and boots but have had to replace gloves and helmet and i'm on my third bike.
ps the only baby sports bike we have other than the 'Ninja' as you call it is a 'Baby blade' or CBR250RR which is like a smaller version of a 1993 CBR900RR

[Z_Fanatic]

Originally Posted by BuLLDoGG

i had gilera runner 125 cc for couple of months i almost got hit by a car 5 times and one time i fell down and several times i got speeding tickets and loads of other crap which didn't make my health great i got a bad knee now whicc hurts hell alot whenever the fuckin weather changes form good to bad so after these 2 months i sold the scooter and waitin to get my drivin license for the car my experience finished and i don't realy want to start it again. And those guys who drive fast bikes don't take me as a "pussy" its just that im a danger to myself cos i rode bike fast and even though i was wearin protection and driving according to road rules i was almost hit by other vehicles several times and if those did hit me i wud go to the intensive care unit my Gilera to the junk yard and it wud be driver's fault but who gives a fuck that it was his fault i wud have been the one to be in hospital or hanicap my opinion don't get the bike, unless u r 200% sure u need it and u want it that bad

Thanks for the posts everyone, still looking forward to more advices for the newbie. Anyway, I am sure I don't NEED it, but there's only a few things in life you can compare to riding I a motorcycle I presume. My father used to drive them and I was the passenger. And even to this day, nothing excites him more but to talk about the good ol' days. He retired because he received permanent backpain from an accident (not from motorcycle). I won't need it for use of transportation, just for the experience. I don't plan to use it daily in the streets, as I know how irresponsible most drivers are.

Which models would you more acutely recommend, reliable, etc, and which year? I looked at the auto traders for motorcycle magazine, most models in there are Harleys and 600 CC and up sportsbike or racetrac models, not too many 250s and below.

Originally Posted by headswim

I just bought my first bike last month, and it's a 2004 Ninja 250R. I had no experience riding either when I bought it. I started teaching myself a little, but was fortunate enough to get into the MSF course 2 weeks later.

How'd you teach yourself in short time, any falls or laying down the bike? lol. thanks.

[BuLLDoGG]

my realy good friend has dirt bike, its an awesome KTM 250, i drive it from time to time. IMO u should start with a dirt bike or a scoot like i did.

[headswim]

Z_Fanatic, yeah I actually did drop it twice in my first 4 days of having it. Both times involved the curb and my lack of knowledge on riding. I knew the theory behind riding though, so it's just a matter of practice and getting more comfortable. Plus, like I said, I got lucky and got into the course right away. That seriously made a world of difference to me.

[Z_Fanatic]

hi, how would you say Honda CBR250, Yamaha FZR250, or Suzuki GSX250 for starters bike? It's very hard to find the Honda VTR250, and Kawasaki Ninja 250 are a bit expensive, I am more inclined to get older, cheaper, used bikes. thanks.

[1.5 liter]

i just bought a 1981 750 seca about 2 months ago and im getting the hang of it already. i bought the bike for $300 bucks off a freind. In july im taking the MSF course at cerritos college. u just need really big balls to have the courage to learn to ride a motorcycle. my dad really dose'nt want me to get a sport bike but im going to get it any way. i know its dangerous but hey! u only live once!!!

[speediva]

The only "popular" 250s in the US are the 250 Ninja, and the VTR... although it's in a FAR DISTANT #2 position.

You know... the stupid US and the whole "bigger is better" mantra... Not many kinds of makers bring bikes under 600ccs here b/c people don't buy them. Kinda sad, to be honest.

[Z_Fanatic]

ya I don't wanna die in first day with a Hayabusa, trying to prove I am suicidal. Im not sure if it requires helluva courage, as there are countries in the world where there are no alternative transportation other than bikes for the regular Joes. They cope with it fine, and people over there die much, much less in motorcycle accidents than here.

[speediva]

Originally Posted by Z_Fanatic

ya I don't wanna die in first day with a Hayabusa, trying to prove I am suicidal. Im not sure if it requires helluva courage, as there are countries in the world where there are no alternative transportation other than bikes for the regular Joes. They cope with it fine, and people over there die much, much less in motorcycle accidents than here.

Well, that has more to do with the fact that some drivers in other countries actually realize that there are these little 2-wheeled objects on the road. US drivers are vaguely aware of something that might be infront of their 4 ton honking POS of an SUV.

[Z_Fanatic]

Originally Posted by flht

Most ABATE chapters will help with cost (that is what we are here to do) so your out of pocket could be nada or around 100 dollars. For everyone rolling there eyes I have been riding for 37 years (started at 5 on a QA 50 honda. Raced a CR125 in 79/80 taught in the military for a few years, VP of ABATE chapter in Montana, and now ride a 99 M2 cyclone (back wheel mostly) and a 2000 FLHT (Harleys for you rice heads. O yea I run a 2004 busa when I want to go a little faster

Later

Hi, what sort of cost with the ABATE chapters assist me with, will they help me with the MSF course? How do I get in touch with the local chapter? I live in Stuart and Miami, Florida. Thank you very much.