[Cloud9blue]

Have been thinking about getting a motorcycle for quite a while, but just don't have a good idea where to start. Figure some of you guys here could help.

Really swaying toward the BMW F800R, think I just have a thing for naked/roadster bike in general. It is also great to know that it's a great beginner bike, and very easy to maneuver. But find it hard for myself to spend more than $10K for something that has no practical use at all.

What about getting a used bike, for $3000-$6000, just to learn how to ride better before trading it in for something else. Looking for some suggestions from some of you guys here. Here are some of the things I am looking for:
Style: sport bike, preferably one without much fairings (I personally dig exposed chassis and engine)
Engine: 600 or 800cc, noob friendly throttle response
Options: ABS would be great...

Also, looking for some suggestions for helmet and other protective gears. Willing to spend up to $400 for a good full-face helment and probably another $200-300 for some proper riding cloth and shoes.

Of course, for your trouble...

[justinnum1]

got to the 3rd pic and forgot what the thread was about

[Luong]

Can probably get a Shoei RF1000 helmet for around $400 with no design. I prefer Shoei or Arais. Have both a RF1000 and the RX7 Tommy Gun edition. With how light they are your neck won't be so sore on long rides.

[Draven]

Originally Posted by justinnum1

got to the 3rd pic and forgot what the thread was about

Whew... Ok, scroll back up and figure out thread subject... Oh yeah...

Anyway, no need to spend $400 on a full face. There are plenty in the $120 area that will protect you just as effectively, and you'll want to replace it if you go down with it anyway. I would spend the majority on a quality jacket that you like, gloves, and boots. I street ride with steel-toe $50 dollar Wal-Mart work boots, I like the potential protection they offer. I wore a hole where the shifter was through my first pair.

I went with more expensive gloves since you'll notice the difference in hand dexterity with bad gloves. Beyond that, seat time and get out there.

[Luong]

Also for what it's worth...

I went down in a Dainese Jacket with Dainese full race gloves @ 160 and walked away with just some slight rash on my left hand from the glove eventually wearing away sliding that fast.

Don't buy those shitty mesh ones.

[Small Yellow]

Originally Posted by justinnum1

got to the 3rd pic and forgot what the thread was about

Free loader.

[bmwmike335]

if your a new rider I'd recommend a gsxr 600. the gixxers allow you to control throttle response/ (how many CC worth of power the bike actually puts to use). it has 3 different modes. you can use the beginner which is like a 350 ish cc mode, then once u feel more comfortable go up the levels...this will prevent you from "whiskey-ing" the throttle the first time you go WOT and get addicted to that feeling...and end up popping your front end off the ground and into something

besides that, its an amazing bike. i won't talk about power because pretty much any 600 cc supersport u get power is going to be the same. some people say yamaha are faster, some say Hondas, in the end a bike is as fast as you ride it...even a 250 cc can be a fast bike...

wahts more important (besides power) is handling, breaking and control. a gixxer is a great bike for this, it was designed to take on curves and made to be go into a turn fast and come out faster...

as far as gear u need a good helmet, jacket w/ elbow and shoulder pads in it with a back cushion or spine guard.. you also need good gloves...and you must wear all these three thing - helmet, jacket, gloves - every single time you get on it. I would have lost both my elbows if i hadn't been wearing my jacket last wednsday when i crashed.

good luck

[Digital.James]

Originally Posted by bmwmike335

if your a new rider I'd recommend a gsxr 600. the gixxers allow you to control throttle response/ (how many CC worth of power the bike actually puts to use). it has 3 different modes. you can use the beginner which is like a 350 ish cc mode, then once u feel more comfortable go up the levels...this will prevent you from "whiskey-ing" the throttle the first time you go WOT and get addicted to that feeling...and end up popping your front end off the ground and into something

besides that, its an amazing bike. i won't talk about power because pretty much any 600 cc supersport u get power is going to be the same. some people say yamaha are faster, some say Hondas, in the end a bike is as fast as you ride it...even a 250 cc can be a fast bike...

wahts more important (besides power) is handling, breaking and control. a gixxer is a great bike for this, it was designed to take on curves and made to be go into a turn fast and come out faster...

as far as gear u need a good helmet, jacket w/ elbow and shoulder pads in it with a back cushion or spine guard.. you also need good gloves...and you must wear all these three thing - helmet, jacket, gloves - every single time you get on it. I would have lost both my elbows if i hadn't been wearing my jacket last wednsday when i crashed.

good luck

I'd advise against this. Temptation is too great.

Honda has a new bike called the NCX700. Sounds like it would be a great newbie bike. You should check out the Kawsaki Ninja 650 as well. Twins generally have more accessible power bands that help newer riders. Also being narrower helps, as does the more upright seating position to help you scout out the terrain and being more comfortable.

[mike the snake]

The 250cc sportbikes are what I'd start out with. Even 600cc bikes are insanely fast and easy to get into trouble with. The smaller, lighter bikes are easier to learn on, plenty fast for a beginner. They look great too.
If you've never ridden before, take a riding course at your local track.
Then you can spend some extra money on good riding gear. Get a good leather jacket with spine protector, get a nice light helmet (they cost a bit more) that will save your neck, good gloves, boots, or even a full set of leathers (best option).
Believe me, the riding gear will save you. Years ago, a lady hit me on the freeway, I went down and was directly run over by a truck and a van, and the racing gear I wore allowed me to write this now.

[Cloud9blue]

This is great, thanks everyone!

As for safety course, yeap, definitely signed up for that. Pretty experienced with the basic two wheel control from years of short daily commute w/ my bicycle, but I guess a motorbike and the riding dynamics are quite different (heavier and much faster),

So for bikes, it is pretty Honda NCX700, Kawasaki Ninja 650, and Suzuki GSXR600. Probably be getting a used one, since I will be trading it for something like a Speed Triple or F800r in a few years.

Any suggestion where to look for used bikes (around Chicago region)? What about local internet deals (Ebay, hell even Craiglist maybe)?

Not quite familiar with all the different brands of safety gears. Just from personal experience, what are some of ones you guys would suggest for jacket, armor, gloves, shoes, and helmet?

Also, is there any good bike forum around? Might be helpful to read up some general tips or model specific ones when it goes to purchasing and maintaining the bike in the future.

[MisterSkiMask]

I think the Suzuki sv is the best beginner bike out there. v twin torque smooth power band, naked so if it tips over you don't need to $$$$ new plastic. it is a good enough bike to keep you entertained for a good while once you get some experience, and you can get a good used one cheap

do not buy a cheap helmet, what you a paying for is less weight (which helps reduce the forces on your neck if you crash) comfort and air management.

[E90SoFlo]

I have always used shoei helmets and love them.

[Digital.James]

can't go wrong with Arai or Shoei, but a nice Snell 2010 compliant one from Bell, HJC or AGV are good enough really. Get leather gloves and a leather jacket. Dainese is the best, but Alpinestars and Icon make some good ones. Get a hard plastic back protector, CE or padded isn't good enough. Get good boots with plastic ankle protection.

[mike the snake]

Dainese makes super nice leathers and jackets, probably the best.

I remember the first time I rode a street bike, I almost crashed. I only had bicycle and dirt bike experience, and those basically go where you think. Riding a heavy street bike like any 600cc bike requires countersteering. If you don't countersteer (push left to turn right, push right to turn left) you can literally hang off the side of a big bike at speed and it will barely turn, if at all.

You'll learn this and more at a riding course, this is critical.

Leather is safer, but also hot and heavy, but safer. Jackets or leathers with spine protector and hard elbow and shoulder shields I would recomend, as they'll really save you in an off. The fabric riding gear is OK, but nothing compared to real leather riding gear. Plus, you'd look great in full one-piece leathers Don't skimp on gear, it can follow you to your next bike and beyond.

The lighter carbon/Kevlar helmets are more expensive, but soo much lighter, and more comfortable on your neck on longer rides.

When I ride, it's a total PITA to get my gear on, but I wear all of it every time I ride. It already saved my life once.

The Triumph Speed Triple is one sweet looking bike, one of my faves.

Craigslist is a great place to look. There's tons of bikes for sale, and also lots of salvage title bikes for really really good deals. A lot have been totaled due to simply falling over (cosmetic damage) and sell for way less, every bit as good though.

If you do buy from a private party or buy a salvage title bike, get a pre-purchase inspection!

Also, ask for all the service records, this will help you know more about the bike.

Originally Posted by AlpineCloud9

This is great, thanks everyone!

As for safety course, yeap, definitely signed up for that. Pretty experienced with the basic two wheel control from years of short daily commute w/ my bicycle, but I guess a motorbike and the riding dynamics are quite different (heavier and much faster),

So for bikes, it is pretty Honda NCX700, Kawasaki Ninja 650, and Suzuki GSXR600. Probably be getting a used one, since I will be trading it for something like a Speed Triple or F800r in a few years.

Any suggestion where to look for used bikes (around Chicago region)? What about local internet deals (Ebay, hell even Craiglist maybe)?

Not quite familiar with all the different brands of safety gears. Just from personal experience, what are some of ones you guys would suggest for jacket, armor, gloves, shoes, and helmet?

Also, is there any good bike forum around? Might be helpful to read up some general tips or model specific ones when it goes to purchasing and maintaining the bike in the future.

[burningchicken]

Im taking the msf course tomorrow actually
I have already picked up a scorpion exo-400 helmet, alpinestars stunt airflow jacket and alpinestars air carbon gloves. The jacket and gloves I bought second hand off ebay, but are both in great condition and I saved $150 on those two alone.

The helmet fits very snuggly, but comfortably. I'd highly recommend you go to a dealer and try on the different helmets in person. I decided on the scorpion over hjc or agv because of the comfort, price, and reputation. Also, DO NOT buy a used helmet.

As far as bikes go, I've been looking at sporty standards. My top two choices are the sv650s and ninja 650r. But I'd love a gs500f if the price was right. Sat on a sv at a dealer and fell in LOVE with the riding position.

Also note that a 600cc bike is not a good bike to start on. Most 600cc bikes are going to have too much power due to the 4 cylinder engine and will have too sharp throttle response. I've been learning on my friend's 250 ninja and even that will give me a scare every now and then.

650cc =/= 600cc. The sv650 and ninja 650 are v-twins and produce roughly half the power of 600cc bikes like gsx-r's

Hope this helps!

[Bimmer84]

Kawasaki Ninja 650R is a great starter bike. It was my first and I loved it. Had a comfortable ride, and excellent on insurance as well. Here was mine that I had for about two years.:

[Razzy]

I recommend starting on a kawasaki ninja 250 simply because they are so user friendly, light, nimble and agile. This bike is more likely to increase your confidence and skills exponentially quicker than a supersport (gsxr600). Starting off on a SS bike is plain stupid regardless of how many rider modes it has. People don't tell you about the braking, turning, handling and weight of these bikes. They simply harp on about being "gentle and smooth on the throttle and respect the bike". People should be doing that on every bike, not just a 600. Bunch of misinformed people spouting utter garbage.

Do yourself a favour and start small. If a 250 really isn't going to cut it, get a kawasaki 650r, Suzuki Sv, Suzuki GS500 etc.

As for gear, get a good comfortable helmet that is snug and one you feel comfortable in. Get a pair of gauntlet leather gloves and prefferably a leather armored jacket. If not a textile/mesh jacket with armor will suffice. I also highly recommend shin high/race boots.

Take some motorcycle courses and focus on increasing your skills. Be aware who you ride with. Not everyone is a knowledgable or good rider. Some are complete asshats and should be banned from riding anything.

Good luck and if you have any further questions, feel free to ask.

[michaelthepsycho]

Originally Posted by AlpineCloud9

Have been thinking about getting a motorcycle for quite a while, but just don't have a good idea where to start. Figure some of you guys here could help.

Really swaying toward the BMW F800R, think I just have a thing for naked/roadster bike in general. It is also great to know that it's a great beginner bike, and very easy to maneuver. But find it hard for myself to spend more than $10K for something that has no practical use at all.

What about getting a used bike, for $3000-$6000, just to learn how to ride better before trading it in for something else. Looking for some suggestions from some of you guys here. Here are some of the things I am looking for:
Style: sport bike, preferably one without much fairings (I personally dig exposed chassis and engine)
Engine: 600 or 800cc, noob friendly throttle response
Options: ABS would be great...

Also, looking for some suggestions for helmet and other protective gears. Willing to spend up to $400 for a good full-face helment and probably another $200-300 for some proper riding cloth and shoes.

Of course, for your trouble...

Where to start: take MSF. It's not really related to riding skills but it will get you the basics. Read some books (NOT Twist of the Wrist vol. I) watch some MotoGP videos on how to lean. Trust the bike and don't counter-lean in fast corners. Only counter-lean on U-turns and tight corners. This is the biggest rookie mistake; leaning the bike too much and the body too little or "crossed."

Don't start off with a BMW... You're just going to pay a premium. Go with a used SV650 or a Ninja 600 with a good, smooth throttle because it'll be critical for your first few U-turns.

ABS is usually $1,000 extra and I don't see the point. As long as you're braking straight, you probably won't skid. Do a few tiny stoppies to see how much braking force you have.

For gear: Helmets = Arai. I've tried quite a few including Nexx, HJC, Shoei and Arai is definitely the best fit for me. 50/50 between Shoei and Arai depending on fit.

Clothing: For street-riding, I'd suggest a pair Alpinestars cargo riding pants + whatever Fieldsheer clearance sale comes off of eBay (you'll save a lot of money this way). Must have riding pants! It's a pain in the ass but it definitely works. I've crashed at 60 and come out completely unscathed.

[Gripster]

I got a slightly used Kawakasaki Ninja when I got started. I had the bike for a couple of years and realized that motorbikes weren't for me. I sold it for $200 less than I bought it.

If you have no riding experience then start small as others have said. Even a Ninja 250/500 will out accelerate most cars, while giving you enough margin for error which might be the difference between life and death.

It is not possible to ride safely. It is inherently dangerous because of other drivers. Best you can do is improve your skills and beats the odds that are stacked against you out in the street. I gave up my bike partly because of an experience with me versus a soccer mom in an Escalade, on the phone, while drinking Starbucks and yelling at the 3 brats in the back. She didn't see me. I could have been killed or seriously injured.

That said it is fun when you have the roads to yourself. So get a modest starter bike, get some training and be careful out there. I also recommend picking up a copy of "proficient motorcycling".

http://www.amazon.com/Proficient-Mot.../dp/1889540536

[Cloud9blue]

Thanks everyone for the great advices! Definitely will buy a helment and gloves before my MSF course in Sept. Depends on how things went during the course, I will then get a full set of riding gears. That I won't waste too much money if I figure it isn't my thing.

Will starting to looking for a used 250cc or 650cc sports bike right after the course, but it probably won't be until next spring that I get to ride again. Definitely will come back and let you guys know how it all went.

[Razzy]

Not to scare anyone but I have lost count as to how many times I've almost been killed. It's part of the game. Motorcycling isn't for everyone. It depends how bad you want to do it and how much it means to you. Bikes and motorycle racing pretty much are the center piece of my life. It is my passion and has been since I was very young (20 now).

For example i lowsided and slid. By the time I came to a stop a car had braked hard and was a few inches away from my head. Thankfully those drivers were attentive and were able to stop. Same can't be said for most of the drivers on the roads. My bike had been cosmetically fucked from the left side. I rode her home whith a torn up knee and went to work. Next morning I went for a ride.

[Cloud9blue]

Originally Posted by Razzy

Not to scare anyone but I have lost count as to how many times I've almost been killed. It's part of the game. Motorcycling isn't for everyone. It depends how bad you want to do it and how much it means to you. Bikes and motorycle racing pretty much are the center piece of my life. It is my passion and has been since I was very young (20 now).

For example i lowsided and slid. By the time I came to a stop a car had braked hard and was a few inches away from my head. Thankfully those drivers were attentive and were able to stop. Same can't be said for most of the drivers on the roads. My bike had been cosmetically fucked from the left side. I rode her home whith a torn up knee and went to work. Next morning I went for a ride.

Thanks for the heads up. For me, I always enjoy the sense of speed and freedom of owning some type of vehicles, whether its the car or the bike. Don't think anything is going to stop me now. However, I do like to minimize the risk involved. What do you think is the best time to ride, in terms of traffic, visibility, road condition, etc.?