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New Rider ForumsJust joining the motorcyclist hobbie? Looking to get some information about a first bike? Or have some newbie questions. Are you new to the website?
I like to think I'm smart enough to be able to learn from other people. I take all the advice I get on pretty much any subject, and use as much of it as possible. Now that I've been rethinking life a little bit, I've gotten onto the idea of getting my first bike.
I'm 24, for another month, and will be returning from my last deployment with the Army soon. I'm 5'9 and 180-190 pounds depending on the time of year. My wife is 5'7 and about 140, and she really wants to get a bike as well. She has some riding experience (her dad has had a bike for many years of his life, and she learned to ride on his) and I have absolutely none.
I could throw in that I'm a cautious and safe driver, and have had many friends who are motorcyclists, and that has actually opened up my eyes to a lot on the road. Most people don't notice motorcycles as much as they probabally should, and once this was pointed out to me, I started to see bikes on the street more often. Not because of any change in the amount of riders, but in a change in myself. I see this as a huge risk being a rider, and have had a few friends who had to drop their bikes on the road due to someone not seeing them and pulling out in front of them, or nearly sideswiping them. Being in the military, I have also seen more deadly accidents that I would like, and I feel I'm a bit more open to the fact that statistics are a number to count on, just hope you don't become one.
With that said, I don't think I'm going to be a great bike rider right off the bat, and know that I have a TON to learn. I plan on going to the safety courses a few times a year, due to the fact that you usually pick up something new you didn't know before. Safety is a huge thing for me, and I would really like to stick around for many more years to come.
Speed isn't the biggest deal to me. In fact, I get pretty uncomfortable going over 100mph even in a car. I'm sure over time, that this will become a bit less of an issue to me, and I will eventually want to open up a bit and hit some high end speeds. So hopefully, the fact that I know this, I can watch out for myself a little bit here
I grew up riding bicycles in Alaska, and if you've ever seen our mountains up there, they aren't shallow Riding full speed down a mountain was a huge rush for me growing up, and I had my fair share of accidents and probably more than my fair share of broken bones. I think life total is somewhere near 20, I wouldn't mind not adding to that number.
Enough of the bio and back history on my life, now onto the bikes!
I've read a lot, and while some friends have suggested getting a 600 to start with, most of what I have read (and what very experienced riders tell me) is to start a bit smaller. My main debate, is do I start with a 250 or do I start with a 500?
Either one should be able to get me faster than I need to go.
I love the look of bikes in the range of, say, Katana 600 (had that web page opened) but I think it's a little much for me to handle as a beginner. The point in another thread of, when you hit a little bump and accidently tweak the throttle, in a 250 that might not be so bad, but in a 600 or larger, you'll notice a huge difference. As I'm writing this, I'm trying to talk a co worker who has no riding experience out of getting a 600 as his first starter bike.
I just saw pics of the 08 Ninja 250R, and I have to say, I'm very impressed. It might not be a whole lot of bike as far as most people are concerned, but for the price, it's something I could see myself getting new. Why couldn't the 500R look the same? haha
So what would you pick as my first bike? My thanks and appreciation up in advance, and I apologize for the wall of text, I like to write
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1. Don't buy a new bike for your first bike. It makes it that much worse when you drop it.
2. Buy a Kawasaki Ninja 250 that is about 5 years old. You should be able to buy it for around $1300 or so if you look hard enough.
3. Ride said Ninja 250 for a few seasons until you feel that you are ready to move on...then sell said Ninja 250 for about $1000. You'll have lost about $200-300 and gained a lot of valuable knowledge.
I personally went from a 600 to the 250 that I have now, and I have grown exponentially as a rider. Do I wish I had something a bit bigger?? Sometimes...but the 250 is a wonderful little bike. Even when I do eventually move on to something bigger, this 250 will always have a place in my garage.
Good luck.
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The point in another thread of, when you hit a little bump and accidently tweak the throttle, in a 250 that might not be so bad, but in a 600 or larger, you'll notice a huge difference.
The Ninja 250 will be fine and your most affordable choice. I used to recommend the 500s but they're now getting pretty old. In a larger bike, I recommend a Suzuki SV650 or Ninja 650.
The advice to buy an older bike is spot on, just don't go too old. Vintage bikes are for experienced riders.
True, but to a new rider it could mean the difference between keeping the bike on two wheels or on it's side depending on the situation. I had a friend killed after hitting a bump with a death grip causing his bike to wheelie. He then panicked and grabbed a bunch of brake and dumped the bike...slid into a fence and died from internal injuries.
So under the hand of an experienced rider, a quick accidental twist of the throttle is no biggie, but as a new rider it can be bad.
With that out of the way I say go with the 500. Sounds to me like you might end up possibly doing two up riding with your wife. The 250 is fine also, but I think the extra power of the 500 will make it more comfortable for two up. Either way you cant go wrong with either of them.
Take this advice and you'll be ahead of every body you ride with...
--Get gear, wear it all the time, no exceptions ever
--Take MSF course if not already done
--Buy used for a 1st bike...It will be dropped, even if it's in the driveway
--Start small and learn to ride, it's your 1st bike, not your last
I recommend the 2008 Ninja 250
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--Buy used for a 1st bike...It will be dropped, even if it's in the driveway
I recommend the 2008 Ninja 250
How is he going to buy used, but get the 08 250
I bought my bike brand new, it tipped over and other than that I haven't dropped it. If you can deal with the possibility of dropping it then FOR SURE get the '08 250. It's a GREAT looking bike.
That post actually took me quite a while to write, due to the ongoing discussions about bike purchases (three of us are looking at getting bikes when we get back, 2 of us are first timers) and surfing different websites of local dealers and official websites.
To be honest, I'm not finding very many used bikes that are in the size range I'd be looking for in my local area (west Texas) and I'm waiting on some of the local shops to get back with me if they have anything. If the 500 looked like the 250, I'd have my heart set on that :p
I don't normally like to buy new, due to the depreciation as soon as you sign the papers, but finding something that's in good shape, small, and looks halfway decent is a little tough. I really like the 08 250R, and it's in the #1 slot right now, but would still like some more suggestions.
As far as wearing gear, I'll always be wearing a helmet, jacket, gloves, and boots. My wife might not know it, but if she ever wants to ride, she'll be wearing the same I'll upgrade to some good pants as soon as financially possible, or might get some to start with.
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the diatribes get longer, the answers stay the same
Do some searching on these here forums and you will find the answers you seek. the various answers you come up with to do some research to find the bike that would fit you best. Try to see as many of them in person to get a personal feel for the bikes you have in mind and the right one will stick out like a sore thumb.
Good luck
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jimphunpants
Motorcycle + (College x Alcohol) - fatties = sweet success
"The bible teaches us how to go to heaven, not how the heavens go" - Galileo.
I have to say, that I'm in WAY over my head here with all of this! I know I'll learn in time, but I'm damn glad there's a lot of good information here for me to pick through
After a few more hours of searching online, I've pretty much decided to wait for more advice, and more importantly, wait until I'm back in the USA and able to actually sit on a bike before making a choice in this.
While my 250 vs 500 debate still rages on in the inside, I'm starting to feel pretty happy with the choice to eliminate 600's from my options and focus on something a little more friendly to a beginner.
Quick side question, I hope to be able to ride with my wife as often as possible, as neither of us would appreciate being left at the house while the other goes for a ride, and a few people have suggested that doubling up on a 250 would be a bit less fun than it could be. Would a 500 be the answer to this? Or would it make far more sense as a new rider to get a second bike and not try to double up? I'm thinking the latter will get more approval from the wise men and women out there.
Another topic I'm just starting to look at, is the gear that I will be needing. While I realize that gear is super important, and believe me when I say I wont ride without it, I'm starting to look at the cost (well worth it if it saves my life or limb) and the inevitable question arises, "how cheap can I get away with here?"
As far as boots go, I read the gear sticky, but didn't see any mention of military style leather boots. Being military myself, I have several pairs laying around, and thought they might be a decent option. They have served me pretty well with protection running around, and jumping out of airplanes, but how will they hold up in a crash? I realize specific made boots will be better, but is this one of those things that I can upgrade to at a later date and use what I have?
While I never used a helmet much mountain biking, this is something that I will definitely pick with care. I've tried on a few helmets in my past, but always found them extremely uncomfortable. Reading about different brands for different heads gave me hope. I'm looking forward to bugging the salesman at the motorcycle shop while I try on every single helmet they have
Gloves I plan on getting something to baby my hands. I almost lost parts of 2 fingers in one of those crashes on a mountain bike that shouldn't have happened. Just riding down a road a block from a girlfriends house, I wrecked, and the crash nearly cost me my left middle finger and pinky finger. Definitely an issue that hits close to home with me.
At first I tried to justify not getting some overpants, thinking jeans would be enough, but I'm not a fan of road rash, and can't imagine what it feels like eating pavement at 65mph.
The jacket has always been something I planned on getting. Not only is the look considered "cool" but that's a big chunk of my body that I want protected.
From as much reading as I've done today, and in the past, I've decided to go with leather as much as possible. While it might be really uncomfortable in the El Paso summer when temperatures hit 110, hopefully, by then, I'll have learned a bit more on what I could wear and still be acceptable without getting heatstroke on my way home from work
Aside from the knowledge of what to wear, I still have no clue as far as cost. I've checked a few websites and choked a little when I started picking out things that I'd like to get, and I'm hoping I'm just unlucky and picking out the most expensive items ;)
Another topic I'm just starting to look at, is the gear that I will be needing. While I realize that gear is super important, and believe me when I say I wont ride without it, I'm starting to look at the cost (well worth it if it saves my life or limb) and the inevitable question arises, "how cheap can I get away with here?"
How much is your life/body/skin worth to you? I've gone through several full sets of gear with each progressive set having more safety features. You spend more time around motorcyclists and MC forums and you'll hear and read about enough people going down where gear saved them from worse injuries. Also, you'll NEVER hear someone say "I wish I was wearing less/cheaper gear when I went down" but you will hear "I wish I was wearing full/better gear when I went down."
Quote:
Originally Posted by NCP
As far as boots go, I read the gear sticky, but didn't see any mention of military style leather boots. Being military myself, I have several pairs laying around, and thought they might be a decent option. They have served me pretty well with protection running around, and jumping out of airplanes, but how will they hold up in a crash? I realize specific made boots will be better, but is this one of those things that I can upgrade to at a later date and use what I have?
Read my first sentence again. Those boots are surely better than tennis shoes, but ankle protection should be something that you should be concerned about. Will those canvas boots protect your ankles if you should find yourself sliding down the road? Will the do much for an impact? Will the laces get caught in the shifter/foot peg?
Quote:
Originally Posted by NCP
While I never used a helmet much mountain biking, this is something that I will definitely pick with care. I've tried on a few helmets in my past, but always found them extremely uncomfortable. Reading about different brands for different heads gave me hope. I'm looking forward to bugging the salesman at the motorcycle shop while I try on every single helmet they have
that's the best way to find a helmet that truly works for your head! Oh, and FWIW wear a helmet mt. biking...accidents happen when you least expect it. Again, how much is your head worth to you?
Quote:
Originally Posted by NCP
Gloves I plan on getting something to baby my hands. I almost lost parts of 2 fingers in one of those crashes on a mountain bike that shouldn't have happened. Just riding down a road a block from a girlfriends house, I wrecked, and the crash nearly cost me my left middle finger and pinky finger. Definitely an issue that hits close to home with me.
again! Full gauntlet style will give you the best coverage!
Quote:
Originally Posted by NCP
At first I tried to justify not getting some overpants, thinking jeans would be enough, but I'm not a fan of road rash, and can't imagine what it feels like eating pavement at 65mph.
The jacket has always been something I planned on getting. Not only is the look considered "cool" but that's a big chunk of my body that I want protected.
Good choice on both of these items! As for the items being expensive, here are a few tips: You can always, always, always find gear on sale. Always. Check closeouts, sales, SBN sponsor deals, etc.
Also, I found my boots slightly used on ebay and saved $100, and I found my jacket on ebay as a new closeout for $250 off. I've also sold gear on craigslist, so that's an option as well.
Glad to see a newbie with his head in the right spot for a change! Ride safe!
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Help me pick my first bike!
the various answers you come up with to do some research to find the bike that would fit you best. Try to see as many of them in person to get a personal feel for the bikes you have in mind and the right one will stick out like a sore thumb.
that's the best way to find a helmet that truly works for your head! Oh, and FWIW wear a helmet mt. biking...accidents happen when you least expect it. Again, how much is your head worth to you?