Motorcycles

[D34dm4n]

So I have had a lot of recent interest in getting a bike. It is probably wishful thinking on my part but I am gonna start doing some research on the process. Wondering if anyone on here rides at all. I'm wondering basically what the process is to get started... I mean is there a permit and a license just like a car? I don't really know anyone that rides so I don't know exactly how I would manage to get hours with a permit (if you have to do that like when getting a regular license). Is learning to shift on a bike any easier than on a car cause for some reason I can't get the hang of that yet. Any other tips or know how that I should know is appreciated.

[pabstman]

I have rode since 92 and it's basically all I use to get to and from work and vacation. The best advice I can give you is to take the motorcycle riders course that is offered at a lot of community colleges and even some Harley Davidson Dealerships. It usually a 3 day class (Friday Night, all day Saturday and Sunday afternoon) The best part about the class is all you need is your permit and they provide the bike and classroom material. At the end of the class you get a certificate to take to the DMV so saying you passed the class and it's a waiver from the DMV road test.
You'll learn a lot of safe practices and also get a feel for if you think you may like riding. If you have any questions let me know, motorcycling is definitely a passion of mine.

[D34dm4n]

Yeah after some light research a lot of people recommend the courses. The one thing I did not know about milage on a bike is that the general rule of thumb is to triple the milage and that would be the milage on a car to figure out if there are a lot of miles on it... is that true?

[Wyatt Parr]

Ahh, bikes. Started in '72 at twelve with a Honda 60. I have a few learnings:

1) If you're going to die on a bike, odds are 50:50 it will be in the first week you own it (or borrow it).
1A) If you buy a rice rocket, you have a better chance of dying.
2) Buy a good helmet, gloves, leathers.
3) Be defensive
4) Enduros are the most fun IMO
5) Learning to fall into a turn takes a while.
6) Wheelies and showing off are for kids.
7) A Harley may cost a lot, but a used Harley costs about the same. Consider it an investment.


Shifting you will get the hang of. Just don't buy an old Triumph.

[pabstman]

Yeah after some light research a lot of people recommend the courses. The one thing I did not know about milage on a bike is that the general of thumb is to triple the milage and that would be the milage on a car to figure out if there are a lot of miles on it... is that true?

I've never heard it put quite like that about the mileage thing. Motorcycles are like anything else mechanical. You need to take care of it. Learn to do your own maintenance. No matter what type of bike you buy also buy the shop manual. Between the shop manual and the internet there is almost nothing that you can't fix. Change the oil and transmission fluid often.

[GOBILLSGO!!!]

Riden for the last six years and I've loved every ride...take safety seriously...head on a swivel...everyone out there is out to kill you...although I did not take a course and probably should, I would suggest one... Enjoy your adventures and ride safe!

p.s. Don't be upset when ya drop it

Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk

[D34dm4n]

No problem doing my own work on it... so long as it is nothing major I'm sure I can handle it. Took my car in and found I need major brake work done so this makes my bike dreams more of a dream not to mention 22 is probably too young for a bike anyways

[gonzo]

Got my first Harley at 21. You're never too young for a bike.

Just make sure you run out of stupid before you run out of luck.

[Billsfan2020]

No problem doing my own work on it... so long as it is nothing major I'm sure I can handle it. Took my car in and found I need major brake work done so this makes my bike dreams more of a dream not to mention 22 is probably too young for a bike anyways

No need to rush getting your first bike. Unlike many sports, you're never too old to start riding. Old age and life experiences will only make you a better beginning rider. With riding motorcycles its not about how early you start but how old you are when you take your last ride. Yes, I think they are dangerous.

[Soviet_Canuckastani]

Start with a light bike, if you google 'beginner motorcycle' you'll get a good idea of what's out there, stay away from crotch rockets, there's a reason why my buddies who are doctors refer to those riders as organ donors when they see'em on the road. A cruiser that's about 400cc to no more than 800cc maximum is all you need to get going and it'll last you long enough and be powerful enough to hold onto until you feel it's time to upgrade if you want.

[Wyatt Parr]

I think the enduro route is best. Get your kicks off road. Ride like a sane person on road. Plus, you learn how to handle anything.

[pabstman]

When deciding on a bike first decide what kind of riding your going to be doing. If your planing on trips or riding a passenger you probably need at least a smaller cruiser with some bags or something on it to carry your/her stuff (Purse, rain gear, ect). If it just you going out for a cruise on Saturday or Sunday get a more sport designed bike. Just my two cents. The majority of the type of riding you'll be doing should dictate the type of bikes you look at buying.

[D34dm4n]

More than likely it'll mainly be something to go to work and back. Most heavy driving will be my car probably. Most of the time it will be me but it will need the option of a 2nd person cause my girl will be with me.

[D34dm4n]

I am just kinda scoping out what people are asking for some used bikes and a lot of the ads online are not overly descriptive especially when looking for the cc count. When looking at the name of the bike for example a 1990 Suzuki vx800 (just an example picked out of a lister) is the 800 the xx count or is that just a model number?

[Wyatt Parr]

Most likely it is the cc's.

[Billsfan2020]

If you're open to a 20+ year old two-up, enduro, commuter bike, highway mile eater, that you can learn on and grow into, look no further than the Honda Transalp. It was imported to the US only in '89 and '90.

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Transalp

[pabstman]

http://www.cycletrader.com/ is a pretty good site.

[D34dm4n]

The only problem with cycle trader is that in this area, it's dominated by Harley ads. That's not a bad thing but they are kinda out of the price I would be looking at.

[Wyatt Parr]

The only problem with cycle trader is that in this area, it's dominated by Harley ads. That's not a bad thing but they are kinda out of the price I would be looking at.

What is your price range?

[ralpheneal]

RIDE ... like you're invisible.
RIDE ... with your brights on.
RIDE ... with your head on a swivel.

[D34dm4n]

What is your price range?

Lol probably under 5 grand depending on when I get the bike

[ralpheneal]

200(1-8) Honda VXT 1300. Good cruiser for the money. Honda does not make a good sounding bike (even with aftermarket pipes) but they are reliable.
Sports Bike Honda CBR series. Damn things can take a pounding.

Yamaha Vstar/Roadstar ... good bikes for upgrades/mods.
Suzuki c-50

Early model Victory (if you find them).... best bike on the road.


As with every thing though do your research.

[ralpheneal]

I have the God given gift to be able to ride almost year round done here in South Carolina....

[pabstman]

I have the God given gift to be able to ride almost year round done here in South Carolina....

Same in Charlotte NC. I ride year round, just throw on a Carhartt suit if it's below 30. Luckily I can park inside at work so it doesn't sit out in the elements.

[Wyatt Parr]

Lol probably under 5 grand depending on when I get the bike

You can get a sweet enduro for that.