Inspired by the other current motorcycle thread, I’ve always considered having one.
Now that I’ve approached my mid-life crisis, I’m considering it again.
But I see this catch-22 with getting a motorcycle - I don’t know how to operate one. This isn’t like learning to drive 20-mumble years ago with my parents beside me saying to push this and do that.
How do first time riders learn the ropes? What’s the method?
The other question is what a first-timer’s bike should be. I’m pretty sure I want a cruiser - it has to be reasonable powerful since I’m a big guy (350, 6’3"). Reliable & safe (as a cycle can be), doesn’t have to be new. Usabilty is more important than image (ie: doesn’t have to be a Harley) but a little style is nice. I tend to like the more retro-styled motorcycles in pictures.
In Washington, the Dept of Licencing sponsors a motorcycle class for new rider licence endorsements. It has a didactic portion, and a practical portion. It’s, basicly, two weekends. The class has several bikes for people to use during the practical, if you don’t have one yet.
I think California has something similar. Possibly, any state that requires a licence endorsement, would as well.
If Colorado doesn’t require an endorsement, you can check at the bike store for classes.
At 19, I’d never been on a motorcycle. The rents considered them unsafe and I’d never had the opportunity. One summer I’d taken a year off college to work and a fella brought a Honda 450 to the shop. He 'splained some basics to me and then I took it out for a several mile spin and was amazed by the simplicity. After a few minutes, much was second nature.
Four days later I’d bought a 1980, 1000 cc fuel injected Kawazaki Z-1 Classic, one of only 2000 to get to the US and from what I understand one of the more collectable models. Amonth later still and it was ferrying me thru much of the Four Corners, a coming of age trip I’ll never forget.
Not that I’m suggesting anything less than some professional instruction, just sayin’ it ain’t too tough. If you do it, I hope and recon you’ll find extreme enjoyment in the experience.
Oh yeah… I did lay it down the first day I bought it but that was ummm… me.
The MSF class (or some other training course of that ilk) has been highly recommended by many - and it will teach you how to operate a bike. If you can drive a stick, it’s really easy - if not, you may spend a little time getting the knack of the gearshift-clutch-gas interaction. It’s not hard. Doing it safely is…
Riding is of course different from merely operating the machine, and that’s learned mostly by practice. See if you can find a group to ride with, they’ll generally speaking be happy to answer questions and offer suggestions - the problem may be to get them to shut up again.
As was said to me ten years ago: The first bike should be Japanese, second-hand and not too big. Cruisers in the 5-800 cc range have plenty of power to learn on. All four of the Japanese brands make decent bikes these days, so look for a well-kept bike at a price you’re comfortable with and ignore the letters on the tank. As used bikes keep their value surprisingly well, after a season of riding on the intro bike, you can make an informed decision as to what you’re looking for and upgrade to the dream machine.
Another good thing about starting out on a slightly smaller bike is that it takes just a little longer for it to move you from “Hmm, this lean angle is at the edge of my comfort zone” to “OhshitohshitohshitohshitImgonnaDIE!”. And it forces one to adopt good habits - a sloppy turn can’t be salvaged by applying full power at the exit.
Well - I’m in almost the same boat. I turned 38 this year and I purchased a motorcycle (I go pick it up tomorrow. Very excited).
I do have about 10,000 miles experience on a bike, but I haven’t owned one in 15 years. I’ve ridden bikes very infrequently during the past decade and a half, but once you learn how, it’s like - well, it’s like riding a bike. You don’t forget how.
When I learned, training courses were few and far between. They seem so common now that I doubt that you’ll have much trouble finding one. If they’re not mandatory in your jurisdiction, take one anyway (I’m going to take one starting next week - I’m looking forward to learning some new skills). In Manitoba, completion of a course is required for licensing.
I do know that a safe rider pretends that he/she is invisible to all other motorists / pedestrians / bicyclists. Always assume that they can’t see you. Don’t ride in blind spots. Always have an escape route planned. Ride with your hi-beam on during daylight hours.
As to style - it is a really personal decision. I’m a big guy too 6’1" 255 lbs. I bought a 2005 Yamaha V Star 1100 Classic. I can’t speak as to whether this is too big for you. I can suggest that a smaller bike is generally more appropriate for a beginner. I know that for a cruiser that is destined to see highway speeds, I personally would not want anything smaller than this. I know that if I were to start with a smaller bike, I would be making arrangements to move into a larger bike within the first year. In fact, that’s exactly what I did when I first started riding. Started with a 450, moved to a 650 and then a 900 during about 18 months of riding. Could I have handled a 1100 at 18 years old? Probably not safely. As a starter at 38? I like to think I could.
Good luck to you. Understand your limits and don’t operate beyond them.
I took this last September (and it was one weeknight and one weekend). It pretty much convinced me that I really didn’t want a bike that much. (I did get the license endorsement though - it can’t hurt).
But they did provide bikes for everyone, the instructors were great, and I’d highly recommend the course.
I’ve been salivating over a 2002 Honda 1800 that’s sitting on the lot outside my office, priced at $7500. Problem is, I’ve never ridden anything near that size. I should probably just forget it.
Check out the BMW R1200C, cheaper than a Harley, faster, more reliable and better brakes to boot. One of my customers started out on one of those, and now he’s got one of these. :jealous:
:snickers as he recalls his 350 lb instructor going around the block on a 250cc Virago:
:snickers again as he recalls a 6’5" 250 lb accidentally popping a wheelie on a 50cc off-road bike during lessons on the airport runway:
Any bike you get will have enough power to get you up to highway speed lickety-split, no matter how tubby you are. It should literally be the last thing on your mind.
Go take a class (with classroom and road experience) – they’ll give you bikes to learn on, and you’ll get to try a bunch of different styles. Then decide which bike you want. You may fall in love with the Burgman, or you may fall in love with a 250 Ninja. But get your license first – you’ll know much more.