Noob rider, please help

[mlee49]

So I told my wife I want a bike today. I'm sick of driving and getting 15MPG or having to park where ever my car fits. I want to know first off, who here rides. And second off, how hard is it. I mean getting your motorcycle license and dealing w/traffic.

I have no idea where to start looking for bikes, guess craigslist or classifieds. Price range is sub $4000 for a good starter bike, but I would like to wrap the costs of the license and gear into that as well. Any suggestions?

My first guess is a 250 and maybe 2-3 years used. Also anyways to convince my wife would be awesome.


Ps, I know winter is coming but it shouldnt be too bad for a couple months. :)

[Spd Frk]

I ride.I have 4 bikes 2 street and 2 dirt.I suggest you get a dual purpose bike.Thats a street legal dirt bike.A Suzuki DRZ 450 would be a good begginer bike because it would not be too powerfull for a noob but would still be a fun bike for an expert.Riding dirt gives you the skills you need to stay alive on the streets.Traffic is easy to slice up with a motorcylce,just remember to think of yourself as being invisible and that cars are going to do what they are going to do.Passing the drivers test is easier on a dual purpose bike because it will turn a lot sharper than a sport bike or cruiser.

[mlee49]

How would I know if a bike is 'street legal'? I found this cheapie to practice on:

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/mcy/1349037959.html

06 Yamaha 125 for $1500. Could I ride it on highways? Or should it stay on backroads?

[Papahyooie]

I ride, have since I was 14. I didnt go the dirt bike route, but i've heard its a good way to go. If you dont end up going that route, definitely keep to something small. Good choice! Alot of people sell 600cc sport bikes on craigslist and advertise them as "great beginner bike!" Bullshit. Dont fall into that trap.
If you dont want to go the dirt bike route tho, there are some great beginner street bikes. What is your height/weight? If youre a smaller guy, a 250 ninja/rebel/nighthawk would be a great choice. (the ninja actually would probably be the best choice, as its small and forgiving but has enough juice to ride the freeway when youre ready. But you gotta like the sportbike look, lol. Rebel is a nice cruiser-looking beginner bike, but a bit too slow for freeway riding)
If youre a bit taller, heavier, i might suggest going for something a bit bigger, as you'll never get anywhere on a 250. If you like sportbikes, i'd suggest a 500cc suzuki gs500. It sounds like a big bike, but its powered on the low end, making it good for cruising in town and learning, but enough umph for the freeway when you're ready. Its also, a "standard" which means instead of leaning on the tank you sit up, giving you more natural riding position, much like a dirtbike, which gives you more confidence and helps if you ever start to drop it, its alot easier to catch.
If you prefer a cruiser look, i would suggest a 600 honda vlx. My mother actually has this as her first bike, and it works out great. Plenty of low end power to cruise around, with a top speed of about 80mph: plenty for the freeway. It also sits very low to the ground, and looks great. Plenty of room on the backseat if the missus ever wants to join in too! And standard saddlebags and accessories fit it too, so you can deck it out as you please.
Both bikes can be had used for under 3 grand. If you still wanna go the dirt bike route, the 125 is probably a good choice as long as it fits your body. Be aware though, it probably wont go anywhere near freeway speeds unless its uber high geared. As for street legality, most states are: must have tags, rearview mirror, headlight and taillight that is always on, breaklights, and blinkers (as well as any emissions standards if your state is anal about that). Some states/cities say no dirt tires on public roads, and some states allow anything under 250cc on the street without tags. I'd talk to someone at your local police station.
As for the test, I dont know about kansas, but arkansas, the written test is 10 questions, easy as pie, and as long as you practice beforehand you'll have no problem with the riding test. Our test are such that you ride behind someone taking a car driving test, and as long as you dont do anything stupid and use your blinkers you'll pass.

Wow that was really long... Hope it helps!

[erocker]

Please put a decal on your helmet that says NoobRider with the Knight Rider font. It would be awesome. I would suggest getting a smaller used Honda in good shape.

[mlee49]

I vow to never disgrace the Knight Rider

[pbmaster]

I want to get a bike too, badly. I'm in the same boat with you about gas mileage; I have a truck that gets about 15. I want a decent sport bike. I don't want one to go a million miles an hour, but rather for the gas efficiency and fun. I've ridden a dirt bike a few times and loved it.

[Papahyooie]

I want to get a bike too, badly. I'm in the same boat with you about gas mileage; I have a truck that gets about 15. I want a decent sport bike. I don't want one to go a million miles an hour, but rather for the gas efficiency and fun. I've ridden a dirt bike a few times and loved it.

suzuki gs500. Sporty looks, doesnt go killer fast, geared low for in-town cruising, and you sit more upright so its comfy. GS500F if you want the full-fairing sportbike look. Plus cheap.

[mlee49]

I'm leaning towards the Suzuki line, they offer inexpensive Standard lineup for a combination sporty/upright look. I like both mentioned Papahyooie, thanks!

[Papahyooie]

Youre very welcome! IMO you cant beat the suzu GS500 line. I rode a 2007 GS500F for two years and loved it, just craved something with a bit more power. If you like the sporty fairing go for the GS500F or if you like "naked" bikes, find a regular GS500. They can both be found for sub-3 grand, even up to 2006 models if you find the right person. Only warning: check the oil!!! It likes to eat oil, for some reason. Something to do with the fact that its only two cylinders or something. Its not like you'll be paying out the ass for oil, nothing like that, just make sure you keep an eye on it.

Oh and I keep forgetting to add: +1 to SPD FRK on the fact that when youre on the road, think like youre invisible to cars because you might as well be. Defensive driving is THE ONLY way to stay alive on a bike. I'd even suggest taking a weekend riding course. There are plenty of organizations that do them. ABATE, CMA, and others depending on what you have around you. Will help you prepare for the test, riding in the real world, and even with driving regularly in your car safely.

[FreedomEclipse]

My current favorite - Kawasaki ZXR

[Tigger]

Make sure your first bike is a 4stroke,two strokes are a bit mental for learners with the powerbands.Though i'm not sure how many 2strokes there are around in the usa.