Thinking of Getting a Motorcycle... Advice/Recommendations? Please Read
 

I'm thinking about getting a bike, something along the lines of a ninja or gsx. I'll post what I need in the bike and please offer yr/model that would best fit

1) Commuting about 150-200miles/week
2) Something that can pass quickly but not to the point where I'll fall off..
3) I'm a new rider, but do not want a bike I will grow tired of (quickly)
4) Price range <$6,000-$7,000 (Less would be even better!)
5) Relatively low insurance rate
6) MPG MPG MPG

To sum it up in a nut shell, I would want a bike that can efficiently get me from point A to point B, but also be able to haul ass when needed.

Thanks in advance guys!

If you're a new rider i recommend getting as much training as possible...especially considering you're in NYC, motorists just aren't cognizant of how to share the roads with bike's, especially taxi's. I suggest starting with a Kawasaki Ninja 500R (~$5K - 50+MPG)...more power than a beginner 250 and enough power delivery to keep you satisfied.

Lot's of good deals to be had as dealers need to make room for new models. I was recently offered $6K for a new 2008 supersport Ninja ZX 6R $4K below MSRP. Happy hunting...

I was looking at the 500R, whats your opinion on Used or New? In respect to price, maintenance, and insurance price?

A few questions...
-are you planning on using your new scoot for commuting daily, in NYC area traffic?
-you have never ridden, or seldom? Do you have an MC endorsement on your license?
-a m'cycle for commuting is for mpg/parking ease/mental health/it looks like fun?
-what is your "size"? 6'2", 5'7", etc. Helps in steering you towards a group of bikes
that "fit".

Many of your general questions can be better addressed, opin-wise, with more info
from you.

No xpert, but as I've been riding since 1963, over a lot of miles, I have some opins
for new/novice riders.
GL,mD

Thanks!

Tleong,
Confused on a couple items:
"I have ridden, but certainly not a lot. My riding has been the 12 lessons that I took for my license. I do not have an MC endorsement (not even sure what that is http://www.xoutpost.com/images/smilies/dunno.gif)"

Does that mean you took 12 motorcycle riding lessons? An "MC endorsement" is what
NY and, most states require for legal op of a sled...it will be a little "M" or "MC" on
your driver's license. Most legit dlrs won't sell you a bike w/out that endorsement.

Are your intended commutes during rush hour or various times of the workday?

Based on your height, I would go sit on/ride several mid size bikes to be certain
you can flat foot or "toe" both feet easily/comfortably, and that controls are
comfortable for you.

Any motorcycle on the planet will/can accelerate past 99% of the cars you will
encounter in NYC area, for "passing"...

Still confused on your riding experience; it is serious biz riding out there in the
Streets or, anywhere for that matter. Not trying to sound like a wet blanket or,
dissuade my kid from getting a sled; I just want you to realize that riding is a
survival sport that requires some serious learned skill sets, via experience.
GL,mD

Agree with MD...didn't realize your riding experience stems from lessons. If that's the case you may consider starting with a 250R. Some have stated after gaining enough experience, that the 250 became boring so they stepped up to more power...but it's a good starter.

You may also want to consider a Vespa...for starters.

I certainly understand that riding requires experience, but I feel that to get the experience, I would need to ride first. I was thinking of the 250R and have read great reviews about it - how it is an excellent bike for starters. But, I do not want to buy a bike and grow tired of it quickly... from a cost stand point, it doesn't seem to be the best.

However, perhaps a used 250R (relatively inexpensive) can serve to be a starter, then buy a new bike when I have gained enough experience?

What do you guys think?

Great idea...but keep in mind that if you're just using it for commuting purposes and just from a 2 b then it may suffice for the forseeable future. Those i know of that decided to upgrade, either had riding experience from dirt bikes or just became true die hard enthusiasts.

If you are under 35 years old then a "crotch rocket" is tolerable (spine, wrists, shoulders) if not fun. Consider the 2009 and newer Yamaha FZ6-R. The R is a new model for beginners and Yamaha is tied with Honda for best quality.

If you are over 35 consider a "standard" bike or a cruiser like a Harley Sportster, Triumph, BMW or Suzuki cruiser...

I just took a brief look of the FZ6-R and it looks very appealing. However, would the 600cc be a bit much for a beginner? Also, would you recommend an older year that I can get used because from what I hear... "If you ride, you will fall" and it would be painful to drop a new bike...

Btw: whats the difference between the FZ6-R and the R6?

The Mfg'rs model nomenclature can drive one nuts...here are some links
to make your hair hurt, in terms of discerning the real "differances":

FZ6R 2009 Yamaha FZ6R
YZFR-6 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6
FZ6 2009 Yamaha FZ6

And, the FullTiltBoogie R6S version:
2009 Yamaha YZF-R6S

Any of the above are seriously fast, amazing handling 600 cc class m'cycles, if
used in capable hands.

For a first street sled, I would look for used, 600 cc max, (less would be ok, imo,
based on your size & lack of riding experience), etc. And, used could be a couple,
three, four years old.
There are garages full of sleds that don't get ridden much after the first year or
so...though, used m'cycles require as much investigation, or more, than used
cars.

I agree with the above post. Check Craigslist for a used bike and BE CERTAIN to take the Motorcycle Riding Safety Course in your area!!!

Thank you everyone from all the input. It would be greatly appreciated if a list was provided as to what kind of used bike i should be looking out for. ie: Thanks! :D

1) 04-07 Ninja500R
2) 06-09 FZ6-R
3) Etc.

That's for you to research...part of the joy of ownership is the hunt. Look for her, see her, feel her, take her for a ride...you'll know when you meet the right one :thumbup:

Tleong,
It is like asking what specific car(s) one should buy for commuting and weekend rides...very difficult to say,
"Hey, look at these three bikes", especially as the models offered have expanded so much for the past several years.

My initial pick(s) is to keep it at 600 CC max, though 500 CCs will walk any car up to 80 or so. I also think a naked bike
or less faired one makes more sense for a first scoot than the full faired racer style bikes; also easier on the arms and neck,
and the "naked" scoots usually provide more steering movement, lock to lock, for low speed maneuvers that novices have trouble learning.

Used is your better bet, and any year back to the start of the decade will snap your wrists, power-wise. Of course "newer" model year is
sometimes better, but unless it has been abused or sitting out in the rain, the UJMs are hard to break. My '87 Honda Hurricane 1000 is near
pristine, unbreakable and will still snap my eyeballs back in my head...

Do some perusing on this link, by model and year(s):
Total Motorcycle - Your virtual motorcycle destination

And, there are other good links on the web...find a few you like, then GOOG that specific model & year for reviews, of which you will find
many from the motorcycle mags, listed on the net.

Your tenacity in asking anyone here to respond that the Ninja 500 is a "better" beginner bike for you vs ___, is short sighted, as all you can
get here is purely anecdotal, and none of us know your skill, skills learning ability, etc.

Another idea is to find a 500cc, or less, that runs well, but may not be cosmetically perfect; sort of a messenger's special...good to learn on, if
you drop it you won't cry, and when you get "better" and/or tired of it, you won't have much dough in it and can move on to something newer.

Any of us making a bike rec'd, other than an opin, is like rec'd a wine for your dinner. I am not being a smartazz or snarky, but your request is
term paper investigatory in scope. Look, read, go look at scoots, think about it, etc.

The time is on your side, as buying a sled in fall/early winter is prime time for deals. But, I hope you get your MC license and learn how to ride
somewhere besides the Streets. An MSF course is highly rec'd. I still take one, as a refresher, every 3 yrs of so, and I consider myself a damn
good rider with 46+ years and hundreds of thousands of miles riding, all across the US, CDA, etc., in all kinds of conditions.
GL,mD

Thank you guys for all the help! If I sounded naive when writing in this thread, it is because I am new to the whole bike thing. But once again, thank you for all the direction to be pointed at, and the analogies were quite useful!

Btw... what is "UJMs"? Thanks!

Initially, a slang acronym, for Universal Japanese Motorcycle.
While I feel the 4 big brands of Oriental Expresses all have
their slight differences and niches via model offerings, and
slightly different approaches to engine tech and gizmos,
they, Honda, Kawa, Suzuki and Yamaha, remain very similar
and cop from each other. It is not meant as a criticism or
un-PC slam.

just bad idea all the way around especially if you are a new rider and riding into NYC. You have to consider theft, cagers around you, comfort,etc... sports bikes in general are not very comfortable especially on 20-30+ mile haul a day. Wrist, back, you name it. If you are a new rider, stay away from the city especially in Manhattan... can you say tankslap city??

Traffic + parking + gas in the city overwhelms all of that.

1 - small tank - 3.5 realistic gallons at about 40 mpg MAYBE..
2 - safety - I've been riding awhile and 99% it's not your mistake that you low side or high side but the idiots or cabbies around you.
3 - new rider with no experience, you will probably kill yourself because you will not be good enough to lane split...

traffic/parking/gas <> insurance (expensive for new riders), purchasing bike, helmet, leathers, wheel locks,etc and most important your safety. You will have a lot of oh shit moments.

I'm 6'4" and 34yrs old. My 1st bike was an R6...looked like I was riding a pocket bike and it got slow really quickly when I went riding w/ other people on 1000's. I then traded to an R1...man, what a difference in powerband. Owned that for a little while, but it's like owning a Civic...everyone and their brother has one, everyone wants to race you, etc. I currently own an 01 TL1000R...looks like a GSXR, sounds like a Ducati. The BIGGEST thing I can recommend is a state certified endorsement class. I'm not sure how it is in NYC, but when I took mine in Seattle, it was a great setup. We rode little CB125's (basically a scooter) but it taught you the principles of looking into the corner instead of the ground, leaning to turn, etc.

Honestly, I'd never get anything below a 600 just for the looks alone...seems like anything less than a 600 and you get a skinny little 150 rear tire that just will never look as cool as a true sportbike w/ at least a 180/190 rear. Nowadays w/ software and being your size, a 600 stock will be fast, then when you get bored of it, you can do an exhaust, intake, Power Commander (ECU upgrade), etc. After that, you got the experience you need to be comfortable before you jump up to something bigger engine wise. If you're into sportbikes, I'd look into an $2-3k bike w/ like 15-20k miles...then when you wreck it, because you will, I promise. Take a class, don't by your dream bike as your first one, and don't cheap out on gear....get a nice helmet, gloves, leather jacket and maybe even pants if your hardcore and don't mind changing everywhere you go.

I own both 2009 GSXR 600 and 2008 Honda Rebel 250. I recommend you get both, 250 for commuting and GSXR for joy ride. Take MSF course before thinking of jumping on any bike. If you are 5'6", the GSXR is the best fit for you, you could touch both feet with boots on comfortably. R6 and Ninja ZX6R seats are a bit higher, CBR is about the same with GSXR but the doesn't look and perform as well as the GSXR. Deals are crazy right now as the riding season is almost over. In the 600cc superbike category, Suzuki GSXR is the best of all. CBR is boring, Ninja and Ninja Monster ZX6R is TOO GREEN ( i dont like green), Yamaha R6 is good but a bit tall for you 33.2 is the seat height. But only those are in your price range. Forget BMW and Ducati Superbike, too expensive for first bike. If you pay it off you can opt for Liability Insurance Coverage only and add medical and life insurance as well. Lien requires full coverage. Everyone knows riding is your choice of taking risk, so its your decision to ride or not to ride. TAKE MSF COURSE, NOW.

Don't know if this is legal in NYC but
lane splitting deserves a mention.
Recent deaths on East Bay roads highlight dangers of lane-splitting - Inside Bay Area

CA is the only state that specifically allows it; the state by state codes are enough to make one's hair hurt, as to "legality",
but most states prohibit it...I know NY does, as I've had to talk my way out of it, a few times, when I lived there. Some cops
look away, some jump on it. However, I see it done in metor NYC area all the time, esp. by the messengers.

I would not rec'd it for the OP and his nepophyte "skills", however...
GL,mD

Thank you guys for all the input... especially the selection of bikes. Additionally, as far as lane splitting is concerned, in NYC, lane splitting is similar to tints, HID lights, and speeding (10-20mph over the limit) in cars. Although technically illegal, it really depends on the cop. More often than not, the law is not strictly enforced. Also, I sincerely understand the experience involved in doing this and of course it is not recommended. As with driving a car, it takes experience before you are capable of driving well; i.e.: driving on the highway or driving in the city for that matter.

Just my opinion but the way people drive these days,
i wouldn't recommend it for anyone at any skill level.

there's a huge difference.. you're SOL when you get tossed off a bike. There is no protection around you and chances are even with leathers you will get hurt pretty bad or kill yourself. You have a much better chance surviving in an accident in a car.

and barry.agreed... lane splitting itself is not dangerous. It's the dumbasses around you not looking or reacting negatively that is. But of course, lane splitting IS how you get around traffic and that's one of the OP's main reasons for getting one. If you're not I guarantee the clutch hand will be sore...

Did someone suggest a Vespa?.......:rofl:

Thinking about what bike to start with before thinking about what training to get is kind of putting the cart before the horse. I would strongly strongly suggest to start with a good riding class. MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) training are really good and they offer classes in every state. Here is the web site Motorcycle Safety Foundation They have basic and advanced classes. For the basic class they will provide the bike. Believe me you will learn a lot about riding a motorcycle and you will also learn about your own riding skills. After the class you will feel more comfortable at choosing what bike will suit you best. It is crucial that you get the right riding education before hitting the road on your own. It is a matter of life and death, as simple as that. When you are ready to ride on your own always assume that you are invisible to others because most of the time you are. Also always always wear good riding gear and of course a good helmet. Actually I just came back this afternoon from spending the week-end at the bike fest in Myrtle Beach SC. I could not believe how many "riders" were riding in sandals, tee shirts and without an helmet, yes without an helmet because on South Carolina wearing an helmet when riding a motorcycle is not mandatory.

Thanks alpac! I will look into this class! But for now, it would only be basic courses.

Dumbasses is the problem w/ riding a bike in general. Sure, there are some idiot riders, but 99% of the time it's inattentive drivers. I know for a fact that i've become a better driver and see more of what other people are doing before they even make a dumbass move because of my experiences riding my bike. I see EVERYTHING going on around me...the soccer mom talking on the phone, yelling at her little rat bastards while changing lanes, THEN looking behind her as she slowing to 35mph...merging onto the 65mph freeway of course - does anyone USE the onramp for accelerating anymore?! Anyways, off my soapbox now. I NEVER shut off my highbeams and i've always got my guard up...that's just how it is.

Here's another web site for research purpose: www.motorcycle.com if you want the latest news. One of my favorite web sites concerning motorcycles.

Well said, I couldn't agree more with most of what you said.

A couple of things I'd like to include are (as mentioned above) correct riding gear/equipment can't be talked up enough for mine. I speek from personal experience of having had an ambulance, yes a friggin siren blaring, lights flashing bloody great huge ambulance that forced me off the road whilst it was on route to an accident. Bugger me it actually caused an accident, mine. Those were the days (about 15+ yrs ago) when I used to ride my pride n joy, a BMW R100RT.

If I hadn't been wearing full leathers, good quality helmet, gloves, boots etc as I laid it down at around 40mph I'd probably only have half an ass from all the skin grafts that would've been needed. Instead I just got up, dusted myself off and walked away. Albeit very shaken and more than pissed off with the ambo driver after I saw my bike all bent up. I digress, sorry. Mine was identical to this:http://lh6.ggpht.com/_l8786MjsgOM/R2cQ8COiejI/AAAAAAAAAeg/XiH-OQfKwAE/R+2v+parts+for+sale+020.jpg

Secondly I'd like to promote the worthyness of having a riding partner (on another bike), preferably, nay better than oneself. In essence someone to copy if you will, through street/city riding to highways and twisty mountain passes including in the rain. It's akin to learning one of many sports like skiing, surfing, karate etc. If you have someone better than you to copy/follow and you have half a brain, a good set of balls and the desire to practise & improve then improve you shall.

For the record all learner bike riders in Aust. can only ride up to 250cc size m/bikes for the first 12 months, that's for the bleeding obvious reasons. Practise first, follow your mate(s) around, get to know your limits/abilities, gain experience then buy a bigger bike like a thumping Harley, Ducati, BMW or Moto Guzzi.

GL with your future decision and riding days ahead.

In my best Crocodile Dundee voice..."That's not a bike, this is a bike!"

Here are some funny motorcycle "motivational poster" and some other funny ones i've collected over the years.

more...

I have more, but it won't let me attach more than 12 files per post :rolleyes:

Thank you guys for the advice once again. After thinking about it a lot, I'm tentatively going to decide for a 250cc bike as opposed to a 500cc. The 250cc such as a Ninja 250R will be more forgiving than a 500cc for a beginner... IMO. Are there any bikes in between 250cc and 500cc?

Good choice going with the 250cc, definately much better for a beginner. I'd also consider a slightly used one so you don't feel as bad if/when it gets dropped. One thing to look at is whether it is fuel injection or carborated. A good friend of mine got a ninja 250 for his learner bike (comfortable ride for around city) but by it being carborated and cold natured he has to start it 5-10 minutes before he can ride off with the choke off... A fuel injected bike would be easier. (but is hard to find in anything less than a 500cc)

By the way, those pics are funny as hell James!

Weasel, can you further explain fuel injection and carborated? Thanks

Basic quicky explanation.

Fuel injection = electronic fuel control and faster/easier warmup times, self tuning fuel trim etc.

Carborated = mechanical fuel control using "choke" to use more fuel on cold starts to get it to stay running/warm up, manual tuning for fuel trim etc.

EFI vs carb...imo, modern EFI, (as in past few years), on most newer sleds, is pretty well done,
especially if one has not gone aftermkt pipe with some backyard re-mapping, or too much fiddling.
But, carbs, if maintained, work very, very well. A modern scoot that has carbs is no reason to pass
on it, per se, vs fuel injection.

Most well maintained bikes, of recent vintage, in either form, will run very, very well.
GL,mD

Yamaha R1 ftw!

:rolleyes: ... perfect scoot for a beginning rider, who wants to
commute in metro NYC.

a bit much.....

But in all serious matter, riding your bike is a matter of life or death when you get on the roads. Comming from someone who has ridden and fallen... It only takes once to make you realize, that is if u survive for a second try. Unlike asia and other parts of the world where bikes are everywhere, in n america it's worse as it is in a car, people just don't look and pay attention when they drive, let alone look out for bikes which are really rare. One upperhand you do have over cars is that bikes are smaller and qick enough to get out of problems when it arises, on the downside, when something does happen, it's u against the asphalt.

:thumbup: Thanks. I still get a laugh when I flip through the stuff i've saved over the years.

Honda's are bomb proof. Yamaha's are nearly so. Everything else be careful what you buy used. Ninja? Crotch rockets are cool but you will get tired of commuting on one and insurance is bad especially for a newbie. Hard to put a chick on a crotch rocket and be safe too, non of them are built for comfortable two up riding. A cruiser is just as fast for a commute and you are less likely to become paralized in your first year. Get a motorcycle traing course first...I did and it saved my life. After you have 5000 miles under your belt then you will be ready to make an informed choice and if you buy right the first time you won't lose much cash in the exchange which is more than worth the education you need to be safe in traffic on a bike. Hell, a 750cc anything will scare the hell out of you at first wrt acceleration, so go slow and keep the shiny side up.