Thinking of Getting a Motorcycle... Advice/Recommendations? Please Read - Page 4

Tleong · #31 10-04-2009, 11:24 PM

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

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m5james · #32 10-05-2009, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SANguru

agreed... lane splitting itself is not dangerous. It's the dumbasses around you not looking or reacting negatively that is.

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.

Major04 · #33 10-12-2009, 01:16 PM

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.

X Foomph · #34 10-13-2009, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alpac

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.

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.

m5james · #35 10-13-2009, 01:59 PM

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

m5james · #36 10-13-2009, 02:03 PM

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

m5james · #37 10-13-2009, 02:08 PM

more...

m5james · #38 10-13-2009, 02:17 PM

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

Tleong · #39 10-13-2009, 07:21 PM

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?

Weasel · #40 10-13-2009, 08:38 PM

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!

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