Dunno where you got that from, I would never say that. That said, you wont find me doing 200 mph on a bike. If I was to really race a bike I would do it on a track made for it. Wont stop me from doing what I enjoy though, which is riding.Don't you secular folk like to say, moderation in everything? Motorcycling is not a moderate risk activity.
I want a motorcycle.
Moderator: TheMachine
Step 1, find the local MSF courses, register and attend. You need to make sure you are capable of riding a motorcycle before you buy one. Also, passing the course in most states qualifies you for the Motorcycle endorsement on your license, meaning you don't have to take the DMV test. You are required to bring a helmet long pants and appropriate footwear to the MSF class.
Step 2, decide what sort of bike you want. There are 3 types, Sport, Standard, and Cruiser. Try and think about how you want to use the bike. Many people only want to ride on weekends, some for their daily commute. You'll want something that is comfortable, meets your standards as far as the mechanics of the bike, and of course, something you like looking at.
Step 3, gear. Protective and if you plan on doing maintenance. As far as helmets go, try and get something that is both Snell and DOT rated. Those are the two tests that helmet manufactures perform on helmets. Some helmets have no safety endorsements, the best have both. Your helmet is the most important piece of safety equipment, so don't skimp. Gloves and boots, Jacket and pants. Good good strong gloves and boots, they aren't just for looks. As far as jacket and pants, there are a lot of debates with regards to leather vs textile...but really they come up about even. One is slightly better with abrasion resistance, and the other slightly better with tearing resistance. Just get one.
As far as purchasing goes. If you go to a dealership, you are not able to test drive a new motorcycle. You are allowed, however...to climb on and sit on it for as long as you like. Do this, make sure you will be comfortable. Move the handlebars from far left to far right and make sure you won't be hitting yourself in the kneecaps, etc. If you buy used, you will probably be allowed to start it up, each purchase will be different.
Bike size, this is a largely debated item as well. Most people agree anything in the 600cc range and below is good learning material. Some insist on the 250cc range, but some people feel the need to have a bigger bike real fast and therefore disagree with the 250 recommendation. You'll have a better idea after your MSF class. Most MSF classes use Honda Nighthawks and Rebels in both 250 and 500 ranges (at least everywhere that I've been able to find). You may go into class thinking you need a 650, and come out being happy with a 500. I personally plan on going with a 250cc and riding it as long as I can. A main incentive for me is the ~65mpg the bike runs at, though.
As far as mechanics there are two basic types of motorcycle engines/drive systems. The V-Twin/belt drive, and the inline/chain drive. You'll find the v-twin on cruisers and some standard type bikes. the v-twin will be geared more towards torque, with low total rpm's (7-9ish roughly) and generally a 5 speed tranny. Sport bikes are generally the only place you find chain driven inline engines. These engines have much higher total RPM's (14-16kish roughly), make less torque, and often run 6 speed tranny's. Some people swear by one over the other, it comes to driving preferrence, you may not give a shit either way.
Insurance, definately check around. Also decide what sort of coverage you want. If you own a home and plan on keeping the bike in the garage except for your weekend cruise, don't bother with theft and vandalism. If you plan on commuting daily with it or live in apartments with unsecure parking areas, go ahead and step it up. I checked and got quotes with 4 or 5 different companies for a 250cc sport bike (sport bikes are generally the highest as far as motorcycles go) FULL coverage was $300 a year for a 23 year old male in Las Vegas. On a ~$3-3.5k bike. You can discounts with MSF membership ($10 a year) with most major insurers. Also many motorcyclists i have conversed with recommend Dairyland for insurance, i do know that they do not cover California though. Another incentive I'm switching to a bike is that a quote for my fully paid for car for minimum legal coverage was about $3k a year. Big difference between auto and motorcyles! Also, many companies will lower your rate a good bit after your first year of riding, some again after 5 i think.
I've been researching for a couple months now, pretty thoroughly...hopefully I'll be able to sell the car and buy the bike mid winter. If you have any questions, fire away and I'll see if I can help. Good luck
Step 2, decide what sort of bike you want. There are 3 types, Sport, Standard, and Cruiser. Try and think about how you want to use the bike. Many people only want to ride on weekends, some for their daily commute. You'll want something that is comfortable, meets your standards as far as the mechanics of the bike, and of course, something you like looking at.
Step 3, gear. Protective and if you plan on doing maintenance. As far as helmets go, try and get something that is both Snell and DOT rated. Those are the two tests that helmet manufactures perform on helmets. Some helmets have no safety endorsements, the best have both. Your helmet is the most important piece of safety equipment, so don't skimp. Gloves and boots, Jacket and pants. Good good strong gloves and boots, they aren't just for looks. As far as jacket and pants, there are a lot of debates with regards to leather vs textile...but really they come up about even. One is slightly better with abrasion resistance, and the other slightly better with tearing resistance. Just get one.
As far as purchasing goes. If you go to a dealership, you are not able to test drive a new motorcycle. You are allowed, however...to climb on and sit on it for as long as you like. Do this, make sure you will be comfortable. Move the handlebars from far left to far right and make sure you won't be hitting yourself in the kneecaps, etc. If you buy used, you will probably be allowed to start it up, each purchase will be different.
Bike size, this is a largely debated item as well. Most people agree anything in the 600cc range and below is good learning material. Some insist on the 250cc range, but some people feel the need to have a bigger bike real fast and therefore disagree with the 250 recommendation. You'll have a better idea after your MSF class. Most MSF classes use Honda Nighthawks and Rebels in both 250 and 500 ranges (at least everywhere that I've been able to find). You may go into class thinking you need a 650, and come out being happy with a 500. I personally plan on going with a 250cc and riding it as long as I can. A main incentive for me is the ~65mpg the bike runs at, though.
As far as mechanics there are two basic types of motorcycle engines/drive systems. The V-Twin/belt drive, and the inline/chain drive. You'll find the v-twin on cruisers and some standard type bikes. the v-twin will be geared more towards torque, with low total rpm's (7-9ish roughly) and generally a 5 speed tranny. Sport bikes are generally the only place you find chain driven inline engines. These engines have much higher total RPM's (14-16kish roughly), make less torque, and often run 6 speed tranny's. Some people swear by one over the other, it comes to driving preferrence, you may not give a shit either way.
Insurance, definately check around. Also decide what sort of coverage you want. If you own a home and plan on keeping the bike in the garage except for your weekend cruise, don't bother with theft and vandalism. If you plan on commuting daily with it or live in apartments with unsecure parking areas, go ahead and step it up. I checked and got quotes with 4 or 5 different companies for a 250cc sport bike (sport bikes are generally the highest as far as motorcycles go) FULL coverage was $300 a year for a 23 year old male in Las Vegas. On a ~$3-3.5k bike. You can discounts with MSF membership ($10 a year) with most major insurers. Also many motorcyclists i have conversed with recommend Dairyland for insurance, i do know that they do not cover California though. Another incentive I'm switching to a bike is that a quote for my fully paid for car for minimum legal coverage was about $3k a year. Big difference between auto and motorcyles! Also, many companies will lower your rate a good bit after your first year of riding, some again after 5 i think.
I've been researching for a couple months now, pretty thoroughly...hopefully I'll be able to sell the car and buy the bike mid winter. If you have any questions, fire away and I'll see if I can help. Good luck
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Kilmoll the Sexy
- Super Poster!
- Posts: 5295
- Joined: July 3, 2002, 3:31 pm
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- XBL Gamertag: bunkeru2k
- Location: Ohio
They also have shaft drive bikes out now. I would have preferred to have gotten shaft drive when I bought my last nike, but i couldn't pass up the deal I got for this one.
I would highly recommend full coverage insurance. Have you seen the way they are stealing bikes now? They are stealing them from anywhere in seconds. 5 or 6 guys in the back of pickups with caps on them....come to a stop, 5 guys hop out of the back of the truck, throw a mattress on the ground , knock the bike over onto the mattress, pick up the mattress and slide it in the back of the truck. 20-30 seconds after they stop, the bike is gone.
Insurance also varies more by bike size than anything else. A 250 would cost me about $100 a year. 800cc's costs me about $380 a year.
I would highly recommend full coverage insurance. Have you seen the way they are stealing bikes now? They are stealing them from anywhere in seconds. 5 or 6 guys in the back of pickups with caps on them....come to a stop, 5 guys hop out of the back of the truck, throw a mattress on the ground , knock the bike over onto the mattress, pick up the mattress and slide it in the back of the truck. 20-30 seconds after they stop, the bike is gone.
Insurance also varies more by bike size than anything else. A 250 would cost me about $100 a year. 800cc's costs me about $380 a year.
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Vaemas
- Almost 1337
- Posts: 996
- Joined: July 5, 2002, 6:23 pm
- Gender: Male
- XBL Gamertag: BeaverButter
- Location: High Ministry of Accountancy
I've probably harped on it enough and I know Tru's mentioned it a few times...take the MSF course. Cost varies from state to state but the return for the cost is excellent.
As a side note, something they mention in the MSF BRC, jeans won't do shit for you if you lay the bike down. Studies show that jeans last about 4 feet before you start shedding skin. Get either riding leathers or textile armored pants.
http://www.shadetreemotorcycle.com/
http://www.joerocket.com/
Just two I've found useful.
Also, if you're going to be doing your own maint/repair work, a good source for factory parts is http://www.powersportspro.com/. My bike is long out of production and I've been able to pick up replacement Honda parts very easily. Everything I've gotten has been new and factory. Ebay is also a good source of parts as people are oftening parting out bikes. This is especially useful when working with a bike that was in production 18 years ago!
As a side note, something they mention in the MSF BRC, jeans won't do shit for you if you lay the bike down. Studies show that jeans last about 4 feet before you start shedding skin. Get either riding leathers or textile armored pants.
http://www.shadetreemotorcycle.com/
http://www.joerocket.com/
Just two I've found useful.
Also, if you're going to be doing your own maint/repair work, a good source for factory parts is http://www.powersportspro.com/. My bike is long out of production and I've been able to pick up replacement Honda parts very easily. Everything I've gotten has been new and factory. Ebay is also a good source of parts as people are oftening parting out bikes. This is especially useful when working with a bike that was in production 18 years ago!
High Chancellor for Single Malt Scotches, Accounting Stuffs and Biffin Greeting.
/tell Biffin 'sup bro!
/tell Biffin 'sup bro!
It's all been noted, I appreciate all your help guys, you've cleared a lot of stuff up for me.
<a href="http://www.fictionpress.com/~mjlb">See the other side...</a>
Feel free to share your thoughts~
Feel free to share your thoughts~
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Moonwynd
- Almost 1337
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- Joined: July 11, 2003, 5:05 am
- Gender: Male
- Location: Middle of nowhere
Or you could do what I do....
I ride classic Vespa and Lambrettas...yep...scooters. The one in the picture (yes, that is my ugly mug) is one I am working on at the moment. It's a 200cc 2-stroke engine with a malossi kit, Bitubo gas shocks, Grimeca disk brakes, British Racing Green with tan leather seat...I did a few mods on the carb and jetting the other day. It tops out at 74 MPH...but I just use it here in town or when I go rallys (then I haul it there).
Yeah...I know...It's a scooter...I am expecting copious amounts of flames ... But it's fun as all hell...it's a unique culture at rally's and meets...lots of insane stuff going on....and I have a lot more fun riding this than I ever did my "motorcycle"....Oh, I always get comments from women too....if only I was into this 15 years ago....
Regards,
Moonwynd
I ride classic Vespa and Lambrettas...yep...scooters. The one in the picture (yes, that is my ugly mug) is one I am working on at the moment. It's a 200cc 2-stroke engine with a malossi kit, Bitubo gas shocks, Grimeca disk brakes, British Racing Green with tan leather seat...I did a few mods on the carb and jetting the other day. It tops out at 74 MPH...but I just use it here in town or when I go rallys (then I haul it there).
Yeah...I know...It's a scooter...I am expecting copious amounts of flames ... But it's fun as all hell...it's a unique culture at rally's and meets...lots of insane stuff going on....and I have a lot more fun riding this than I ever did my "motorcycle"....Oh, I always get comments from women too....if only I was into this 15 years ago....
Regards,
Moonwynd
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Arundel Pajo
- Almost 1337
- Posts: 660
- Joined: July 3, 2002, 12:53 pm
- Gender: Male
- XBL Gamertag: concreteeye
- Location: Austin Texas
MOONWYND!!! HERMANO!!!!
Nice looking Stella! I thought I was the only scooterist on the board.
Got a '64 Allstate. Rebuilt the engine last spring to 150cc, 24/24 carb, Sprint exhaust, Sebac shocks. and a VBB fork. I'll see if I can find a pic.
How's the braking on the Stellas, btw? I keep hearing the front brake is scary as all hell. Garner down here has been selling a ton of them, though...
And yes, I have to agree - in my years riding scoots, I have noticed that classic scooters get a lot more attention from the ladies than the Harleys do. Cooler, cuter ladies, too.
Nice looking Stella! I thought I was the only scooterist on the board.
Got a '64 Allstate. Rebuilt the engine last spring to 150cc, 24/24 carb, Sprint exhaust, Sebac shocks. and a VBB fork. I'll see if I can find a pic.
How's the braking on the Stellas, btw? I keep hearing the front brake is scary as all hell. Garner down here has been selling a ton of them, though...
And yes, I have to agree - in my years riding scoots, I have noticed that classic scooters get a lot more attention from the ladies than the Harleys do. Cooler, cuter ladies, too.
Hawking - 80 Necromancer, AOC Mannannan server, TELoE
Also currently enjoying Left 4 Dead on XBL.
Also currently enjoying Left 4 Dead on XBL.
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Moonwynd
- Almost 1337
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- Joined: July 11, 2003, 5:05 am
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- Location: Middle of nowhere
Heya Arundel,
I have a '61 Li125 Series 2 Lambretta and a '76 Vespa Sprint Veloce. The Stella is the first one I have purchased brand new. That front disc brake is scary as hell..but it works so well. You just have to be careful not to get over excited when squeezing the darn brake lever....better have your foot on the rear brake pedal too or your front end will stop on a dime while your rear end keeps doing 50 MPH.
I have purchased several things from Randolph Garner...great guy...and one of the few in the business that hasn't blown smoke up my arse (telling me a part will go right out then find you are still waiting for it two months later).
I head down to Tulsa and OKC for rides a several times a year. I haven't made it to Texas for a ride yet. I am head munchkin (El Presidente!) of Surrender Dorothy Scooter Club here in Wichita KS. Our home base is at a fine drinking establishment called The Anchor. It's a pub owned and operated by a woman that owns Holier Than Thou (Piercing Studio) and Hell Bomb Tattoo. I have had several tattoos and a few piercings done by her. The interesting thing is that The Anchor is right across the street from Big Dog Motorcycles (their factory and corporate HQ)
http://www.bigdogmotorcycles.com/front.html
They make some serious rides...and the guys that work there are pretty hardcore chrome and leather types. We (scooterists) have a great relationship with Big Dog...it's kinda neat to meet at The Anchor for lunch or drinks and have 10 scooters lined up in front...and right across the street are a dozen mean looking bikes lined up in front of Big Dog. And they always give us that "low wave" that they give each other...heh.
Oh, Kelshara.... It can get scary on a scooter. I got my Stella up to 74 MPH on I-35...and was riding in the "slow lane". An 18 wheeler passed me...he must of been doing 90...and the stella...all steel...but only weighs 230 ish pounds...felt like it was going to get sucked under the truck...FUN FUN!
Regards,
Moonwynd
I have a '61 Li125 Series 2 Lambretta and a '76 Vespa Sprint Veloce. The Stella is the first one I have purchased brand new. That front disc brake is scary as hell..but it works so well. You just have to be careful not to get over excited when squeezing the darn brake lever....better have your foot on the rear brake pedal too or your front end will stop on a dime while your rear end keeps doing 50 MPH.
I have purchased several things from Randolph Garner...great guy...and one of the few in the business that hasn't blown smoke up my arse (telling me a part will go right out then find you are still waiting for it two months later).
I head down to Tulsa and OKC for rides a several times a year. I haven't made it to Texas for a ride yet. I am head munchkin (El Presidente!) of Surrender Dorothy Scooter Club here in Wichita KS. Our home base is at a fine drinking establishment called The Anchor. It's a pub owned and operated by a woman that owns Holier Than Thou (Piercing Studio) and Hell Bomb Tattoo. I have had several tattoos and a few piercings done by her. The interesting thing is that The Anchor is right across the street from Big Dog Motorcycles (their factory and corporate HQ)
http://www.bigdogmotorcycles.com/front.html
They make some serious rides...and the guys that work there are pretty hardcore chrome and leather types. We (scooterists) have a great relationship with Big Dog...it's kinda neat to meet at The Anchor for lunch or drinks and have 10 scooters lined up in front...and right across the street are a dozen mean looking bikes lined up in front of Big Dog. And they always give us that "low wave" that they give each other...heh.
Oh, Kelshara.... It can get scary on a scooter. I got my Stella up to 74 MPH on I-35...and was riding in the "slow lane". An 18 wheeler passed me...he must of been doing 90...and the stella...all steel...but only weighs 230 ish pounds...felt like it was going to get sucked under the truck...FUN FUN!
Regards,
Moonwynd