Wanting to get into Motorcycles

ryanjoachim

jvc wrote: »

Arthur Davidson, of the Harley Davidson Motorcycle Corporation, died and went to heaven.

At the gates, St. Peter told Arthur, "Since you've been such a good man and your motorcycles have changed the world, your reward is you can hang out with anyone you want in Heaven."

Arthur thought about it for a minute and then said, "I want to hang out with God."

St. Peter took Arthur to the Throne Room, and introduced him to God.

Arthur then asked God, "Hey, aren't you the inventor of woman?"

God said, "Ah, yes."

"Well," said Arthur, "professional to professional, you have some major design flaws in your invention.
1. There's too much inconsistency in the front-end protrusion.
2. It chatters constantly at high speeds.
3. Most of the rear ends are too soft and wobble too much.
4. The intake is placed way to close to the exhaust.
And finally,
5. The maintenance costs are outrageous."

"Hmmmm, you may have some good points there," replied God, "hold on."
God went to his Celestial super computer, typed in a few words and waited for the results.

The computer printed out a slip of paper and God read it.

"Well, it may be true that my invention is flawed," God said to Arthur,
"but according to these numbers, more men are riding my invention than yours."

Haha...great one.

ryanjoachim

ben62670 wrote: »

This is exactly what I had. Great bike.

That is a great looking bike.

ben62670

They can be had for $1000 to $2000 in good condition. Mine was an 84. It had overdrive and a digital dash with a beginner friendly gear position identifier. Handled great with a low center of gravity.

ryanjoachim

Is that a Shadow?

ben62670

NiteHawk 650. It has real good smooth power for a 650. The gears are tall so you need to downshift a couple gears from cruise to really get some real good acceleration out of it, but having the tall gears makes for good economy and a nice ride.

JimKellyfan

I remember riding yet another, a Yamaha Seca.
Now I am not a wheelie guy, but I was riding this one.
Man, you can ride wheelies all day on this one.
The picture of the Nitehawk reminded me of the Seca.

Sherardp

Lasareath wrote: »

The World’s Fastest Superbike is also the Safest

http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/us/en/promos/summer_promo.html

That BMW bike is simply wicked.

ViperZ

Sherardp wrote: »

That BMW bike is simply wicked.

My friend got that exact blue/white 2010 S1000RR this spring. I'm not sure if I'd want to spend that much on a street bike .

ben62670

Not a good first bike. Lets stay on topic here.

exalted512

and you always have to keep crap like this in the back of your mind...
http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/11/14/california.motorcyle.accident/index.html?hpt=T1
-Cody

WilliamM2

exalted512 wrote: »

and you always have to keep crap like this in the back of your mind...
http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/11/14/california.motorcyle.accident/index.html?hpt=T1
-Cody

Why? Do you think the results would have been much different in a head on crash with another car?

ryanjoachim

I think I need to go into an actual dealership and sit on some different style of bikes. I know what I like as far as the LOOKS go, but since I've never actually sat on a bike I can't really say what I "like" yet.

fatpiggy

Ryan,
I admire your desire to get into bikes.I have been a motorcyclist for over 33 years.I own my perfect bike a 1995 Harley Davidson wide glide.I have had my bike since new.Some pointers. Do a bike safety course.Get yourself a nice secondhand bike thats not to large maybe a 500cc to start with.Get yourself the best boots leathers gloves and helmet and glasses you can afford.Always wear your leathers boots and helmet and glasses.Never ride in a T shirt shorts and no shoes dumb really dumb.Give yourself maybe two years to learn the road skills you need.Dont do long trips just two hour runs for the first year or so.Dont ride in the wet, snow, cold , extreme heat, on dirt roads, sand or at night for at least two years.Join a bike club and learn how to maintain your bike.Dont speed dont ride when your tied, when taking drugs or ride if you have been drinking.When on the road dont trust anyone.Every other road user out thier potentially will kill you.You have to learn to become pariniod when riding your bike.A bike cannot stop as well as a car, a bike cant handle corners as well as a car, cars cannott see you they will pull out in front of you because you a an invisble insect they will smash.Get health insurance.Always ride with your lights on and keep as big a distance as you can from cars trucks buses taxi's anything that moves.Stick to the middle of the road dont ride along the side of the curb.You cant see cars pulling out from your right and they cant see you.Never over take on a hill , if you cant see around a bend expect a car to be on the wrong side of the road.These are some the things I have learnt over the last 33 years and Im still alive.I have survived 10 bike accidents,The first 8 happened within the first 2 years.Helmets and leathers saved my life use them.

Fatpiggy

bobman1235

ben62670 wrote: »

A Shadow is a good bike. Shaft drive means less to maintain.

My shadow is chain drive....

exalted512

WilliamM2 wrote: »

Why? Do you think the results would have been much different in a head on crash with another car?

Yea, actually I do. I've never seen/heard of a head on collision killing 4 drivers in 4 different cars. Plus the fact that the driver in the avenger didn't die.

Here's another one that probably wouldve turned out different if they were in cars
http://www.clutchandchrome.com/news/news/worst-motorcycle-accident-ever-seen-by-arizona-safety-officials

Just saying, while motorcycling is one of my favorite hobbies, even on a leisurely ride, you have to be in a constant state of awareness of whats on all sides of you.
-Cody

Jstas

bobman1235 wrote: »

Because people who don't ride are ignorant and like to judge others for no good reason?

Actually, no. That's what most trauma center and emergency room personnel refer to them as. Those are the people that have to patch you up after you wipe out on on. They call them donorcycles and motorcycle licenses "organ donor cards" because when you roll in after a bad accident, there's not much they can do for you except start figuring out who gets what when you flat line for the last time.

I wouldn't necessarily say that's an ignorant opinion since I've had the luxury of getting to clean up a few motorcycle accidents. I only had like 5 or 6 in a year and a half. They see it all the time.

Joe08867

Since you already agree on the riding course I would also suggest getting the best helmet you can.

I know some people think a Helmet is a Helmet but that is not true. Make sure it is DOT approved. I have seen some serious hits taken on bikes and the guys with the better helmets usually do better.
Leathers, Sturdy Gloves and Tall Boots are always a good idea and if you can get them with built in pads you will be better off. Remember you don't have a cage around you to protect yourself.

exalted512

I'd say make sure your helmet is SNELL certified. I've seen some pretty crappy helmets that were DOT certified.
-Cody

steveinaz

ryanjoachim wrote: »

I've wanted to learn how to ride a motorcycle since I was a teenager. I've never had the means to though, since I haven't been single since I was 18.

Go for it. I was 32 before I finally learned to ride street bikes, and get my license.

Joe08867

I would also suggest staying at 750cc or below. It is amazing how fast bad things can happen with more power. I would caution against a sport bike for a first bike and get something more upright. The Suzuki SV650 is a nice all around bike for a beginner or commuter. Or for a cruiser maybe a V-Star Cruiser also a 650cc.

bobman1235

Jstas wrote: »

I wouldn't necessarily say that's an ignorant opinion since I've had the luxury of getting to clean up a few motorcycle accidents. I only had like 5 or 6 in a year and a half. They see it all the time.

I would say it's an ignorant opinion because at the very least what the frig kind of thing is that to say to someone? It's like constantly badgering people who smoke by telling them they'll get cancer. People are obviously aware of the risks they are engaging in; constantly passive-aggressively badgering them with stupid names is at best rude, and at worst makes you look like an ignorant little child.

ryanjoachim

Jstas wrote: »

Actually, no. That's what most trauma center and emergency room personnel refer to them as. Those are the people that have to patch you up after you wipe out on on. They call them donorcycles and motorcycle licenses "organ donor cards" because when you roll in after a bad accident, there's not much they can do for you except start figuring out who gets what when you flat line for the last time.

I wouldn't necessarily say that's an ignorant opinion since I've had the luxury of getting to clean up a few motorcycle accidents. I only had like 5 or 6 in a year and a half. They see it all the time.

bobman1235 wrote: »

I would say it's an ignorant opinion because at the very least what the frig kind of thing is that to say to someone? It's like constantly badgering people who smoke by telling them they'll get cancer. People are obviously aware of the risks they are engaging in; constantly passive-aggressively badgering them with stupid names is at best rude, and at worst makes you look like an ignorant little child.

Jstas has a point in that motorcycles ARE more dangerous than cars. However, NASCAR is more dangerous than Football...but which sport has the most injuries-per-participant? Football.

Bad example? Yes. That's how I roll.

Lets try to keep this from devolving into a flame spree like so many other threads have recently. You both make good points.

I haven't had a chance to call any dealerships to ask about the training...how much does that type of thing usually cost? Also, how does that training prepare you for the DMV tests?

steveinaz

A male rider (given our increased weight) should go no less than a 600cc on a sportbike, and 750cc or 1100cc on a cruiser. If you're 180lbs and less, a 750 would work, if your over 180lbs, I'd go 1100 minimum. If you don't, you'll tire of its lack of power quickly. Now if you're getting a used bike, no biggie, you wont lose much on trade-in, when you get the itch for more ponies---and you WILL...LOL

steveinaz

ryanjoachim wrote: »

Jstas has a point in that motorcycles ARE more dangerous than cars. However, NASCAR is more dangerous than Football...but which sport has the most injuries-per-participant? Football.

Bad example? Yes. That's how I roll.

Lets try to keep this from devolving into a flame spree like so many other threads have recently. You both make good points.

I haven't had a chance to call any dealerships to ask about the training...how much does that type of thing usually cost? Also, how does that training prepare you for the DMV tests?

Ryan
Many states waive the riding portion of the test if you take a certified riders course. You'll have to check local laws. My advanced rider course was $65--but that is subsidized partially by the government because I'm a federal worker--we get a discount.

The training is pretty intense (even the basic course). You'll learn all the basics of cornering, braking, braking HARD, skid control, figure 8, riding slowly while maintaining balance (the HARDEST believe it or not), and swerving. They also had us drive over a 2x4 at 25mph to demonstrate how stable bikes really are, and to prepare you for the feeling of hitting such an object.

You really shouldn't show up expecting them to teach you to ride for the first time--they'll tell you this. Practice a little before signing up.

ryanjoachim

steveinaz wrote: »

Ryan
Many states waive the riding portion of the test if you take a certified riders course. You'll have to check local laws. My advanced rider course was $65--but that is subsidized partially by the government because I'm a federal worker--we get a discount.

The training is pretty intense (even the basic course). You'll learn all the basics of cornering, braking, braking HARD, skid control, figure 8, riding slowly while maintaining balance (the HARDEST believe it or not), and swerving. They also had us drive over a 2x4 at 25mph to demonstrate how stable bikes really are, and to prepare you for the feeling of hitting such an object.

You really shouldn't show up expecting them to teach you to ride for the first time--they'll tell you this. Practice a little before signing up.

That's exactly the info I was looking for. Thanks a lot. As far as practicing before training...does that mean I should buy a bike before I get a license?

steveinaz wrote: »

A male rider (given our increased weight) should go no less than a 600cc on a sportbike, and 750cc or 1100cc on a cruiser. If you're 180lbs and less, a 750 would work, if your over 180lbs, I'd go 1100 minimum. If you don't, you'll tire of its lack of power quickly. Now if you're getting a used bike, no biggie, you wont lose much on trade-in, when you get the itch for more ponies---and you WILL...LOL

Yeah...I'm stuck at 300lbs right now.

steveinaz

ryanjoachim wrote: »

That's exactly the info I was looking for. Thanks a lot. As far as practicing before training...does that mean I should buy a bike before I get a license?

Yeah...I'm stuck at 300lbs right now.

I know it seems counter-intuitive, but it's best to get some riding time in first--maybe a buddy that has a bike he'll let you practice on? The other option is to buy a cheap, used bike to learn on; then trade it in on the bike you want later.

At 300lbs, I'd look at 1500cc in a cruiser, 1000cc in a sportbike. Seriously big man, a 750cc is gonna bore you to tears on the first big hill.

steveinaz

Ryan
Check with your local motorcycle dealership; most of them are more than willing to teach you to ride on one of their bikes, if they know they'll get a sale out of you. Our local Honda/Yamaha dealership does this.

ryanjoachim

steveinaz wrote: »

I know it seems counter-intuitive, but it's best to get some riding time in first--maybe a buddy that has a bike he'll let you practice on? The other option is to buy a cheap, used bike to learn on; then trade it in on the bike you want later.

At 300lbs, I'd look at 1500cc in a cruiser, 1000cc in a sportbike. Seriously big man, a 750cc is gonna bore you to tears on the first big hill.

That's something that I've never heard before, and is good to know. Are there any typical motor that I should keep an eye out that has the power for someone my size? Or a "horsepower" number that equates to what I need?

I'm a mechanical idiot.

steveinaz wrote: »

Ryan
Check with your local motorcycle dealership; most of them are more than willing to teach you to ride on one of their bikes, if they know they'll get a sale out of you. Our local Honda/Yamaha dealership does this.

That's a great idea.

wayne3burk

This is the bike for you.... seriously

http://picasaweb.google.com/mwilliamsSCAC/1977BMWR100RS?authkey=Gv1sRgCPSQ7vS57_vc_AE&feat=directlink&fgl=true&pli=1#

you can find it here too

http://marketplace.ibmwr.org/search?c1=....&field=title&target=1977+R100RS

enjoy your 1977 R100RS BMW

-- wayne --

steveinaz

ryanjoachim wrote: »

That's something that I've never heard before, and is good to know. Are there any typical motor that I should keep an eye out that has the power for someone my size? Or a "horsepower" number that equates to what I need?

Cruisers are typically V-twins (2cyl) though there are some V-4's out there. Most sportbikes, (sans Aprillia, Ducati) are in-line 4cylinder machines, a man your size should be on a cruiser though. I don't know what you are willing to spend, but I'd take a look at the Yamaha RoadStar (1695cc, V-twin). As big as you are, you're gonna look funny on small cruiser, seriously. If you're looking for a touring machine, the Honda GoldWing boasts an in-line 6cyl.

Generally, twins have more torque, where 4-cylinder machines have more horse power. HP speaks more to top-end, where torque is pulling power, or the power you "feel" on acceleration.

As long as you pick "enough" engine, you really can't go wrong as most bikes these days are all well made.