Motorcycles - Need suggestions from riders

[RPBrown]

After you take the MSF class, there is a video that you can get that will enhance your riding skills as well. Its "Ride Like a Pro" and has been a very good video for my wife.

[RoyGBiv]

PB - aren't you in the Houston area?
Take me with you or get with me and ill help you shop. I know of a 600 shadow with little use that my buddy has had sitting. Many people will tell you to get a bigger bike - but in my experience they can't ride what they have very well.

Heck of a nice offer.!

Already lots of good advice here... All I can add is to reiterate a few things previously posted.... If you have no/little/long ago prior riding experience taking the MSF class is the best investment you can make from a safety and skills standpoint. And you'll get back your investment in reduced insurance rates. ALWAYS wear gear. Always. Too many distracted, texting cage drivers out there. And buy a used bike. The used bike market is full of folks that went and bought a brand spankin' new first-bike and decided after 1,000 miles that motorcycling wasn't for them. Unless I was an experienced rider and knew exactly what I wanted, I'd never buy a new bike. After 30+ years of riding, I've never owned a showroom-new motorcycle. (maybe I'm just cheap )

Good luck, be safe and have fun.!

[The Marshal]

PB, Since I daily ride a Yamaha Star RSTD, the 2nd heaviest bike from Yamama in the Cruiser class, I am a bit jaded with my advice.
IF I were shopping with you, I would point you in this direction:

Yamaha Star line: V-Star 950 or 1300. Belt drive, fuel injected, plenty of power for hill-riding, 2-up. MPG in the mid 40's, smooth riding, super reliable, easy maintenance.

Craigslist! PLENTY of bikes show up on CL, you just have to be looking daily once you decide what MC you want to own.
I HIGHLY suggest you take someone that does know about MCs if you decide to buy. They can see the 'issues' that a beginner may overlook.

Mileage: Irrelevant!! Most riders avg 500-1000 miles a year on the HIGH side. So you can find lots of used bikes where the mileage is under 5000. Based on the bike, don't be afraid of MCs with high mileage. It means they have been riden and serviced (hopefully!)
My particular bike has a bullet-proof V4 engine, known to run fine for 200K+ miles. Be more wary of a low mileage bike, that has been sitting up for a long time. (year+) without being ridden. This is where you get issues.

Gear: Don't cut pennies here! You would probably see the foolishness in buying a Wilson Combat, then putting it in an holster that your Grandma crocheted for you. HA! Same with your Pumpkin. Don't wear cheap helmets. They are uncomfortable, noisy, and may fail when you need them most.

[RoyGBiv]

Not an unreasonable "starter bike" for a larger guy or gal.
http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/mcy/3433435011.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Honestly, IMO, a more upright ride is better for a starter bike. But if you have your heart set on a cruiser, something like this or a Honda Shadow is something you can find for a good price, and can be ridden safely by a careful rider with minimal experience. If you or your wife are smaller-sized people, you can find a similar bike in a lighter, lower-powered 500-ish or 250cc package.

My most-recommended bike for beginner riders looking to avoid the "sportbike" style is a Honda Nighthawk.
Something like this: http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/mcy/3361929539.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
or like this... (price is too high, IMO but a good example) http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/3416713243.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
It can be had as small as 250 cc.
With the more upright riding position it's MUCH better for basic control and practicing skills such as countersteering, etc. I find that cruisers are quite limiting as far as learning to handle a motorcycle goes. The riding position (feet and hands forward) and limited ground clearance limits their ability to "turn-in" and I found myself grinding pegs and tailpipes on the ground too easily in very routine turns on WifeGBiv's old Honda Shadow. Just my $0.02.

[RHenriksen]

This. If you're new to riding, a more upright seating position gives much better control. Start with a used small to medium displacement bike in that style first, then when you get your legs under you go and get the cruiser.

Not an unreasonable "starter bike" for a larger guy or gal.
http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/mcy/3433435011.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Honestly, IMO, a more upright ride is better for a starter bike. But if you have your heart set on a cruiser, something like this or a Honda Shadow is something you can find for a good price, and can be ridden safely by a careful rider with minimal experience. If you or your wife are smaller-sized people, you can find a similar bike in a lighter, lower-powered 500-ish or 250cc package.

My most-recommended bike for beginner riders looking to avoid the "sportbike" style is a Honda Nighthawk.
Something like this: http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/mcy/3361929539.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
or like this... (price is too high, IMO but a good example) http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/3416713243.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
It can be had as small as 250 cc.
With the more upright riding position it's MUCH better for basic control and practicing skills such as countersteering, etc. I find that cruisers are quite limiting as far as learning to handle a motorcycle goes. The riding position (feet and hands forward) and limited ground clearance limits their ability to "turn-in" and I found myself grinding pegs and tailpipes on the ground too easily in very routine turns on WifeGBiv's old Honda Shadow. Just my $0.02.

[PUCKER]

PB: many great points made here (ie - bronco78, RHenriksen, TAM, etc...apologies to those that I left out ).

While I'm not knocking your choice for a cruiser, I do not think it makes a good choice for a *first* motorcycle for an unexperienced/new rider. Handling, braking, power to weight ratio, WEIGHT, etc. will be less than desirable on a cruiser compared to a standard-style motorcycle (I say this as someone who has had a power cruiser as well as sport bikes, dirt bikes, etc. and my current bike, a Ducati Monster 1100). I would also recommend a dual-purpose bike, or even a dirtbike, for your first experience. Learning to ride on the dirt is very valuable in my opinion. It's much better to lose control in a somewhat controlled environment versus on the street with cars around you! Also, a dirtbike will allow you to fine-tune the dynamics of motorcycle control...you'll also be better prepared for the street when your rear tire slides out...as this is how you'll be riding on the dirt. Learn how to crawl, then learn how to walk, then run! After you learn the finer points of riding, *then* get a cruiser, or at least demo / test one and see if it's right for you. Best of luck in your two-wheeled journey, it is a LOT of fun!!

[PUCKER]

This. If you're new to riding, a more upright seating position gives much better control. Start with a used small to medium displacement bike in that style first, then when you get your legs under you go and get the cruiser.

[TxD]

Get a used Harley Sportster and ride it like ya stole it.

Seriously, all good tips above on buying.

On riding:
Don't look where you are going, look instead where you want to go.
Always dismount on the low side.

Good Luck!

[RPBrown]

Get a used Harley Sportster and ride it like ya stole it.

Seriously, all good tips above on buying.

On riding:
Don't look where you are going, look instead where you want to go.
Always dismount on the low side.

Good Luck!

Gotta laugh when some one says ride it like you stole it. If I were to steal something like that I would be as inconspicuous as possible. Driving the speed limit, complete stops at the stop sign. Just sayin

[Kenk]

PB: many great points made here (ie - bronco78, RHenriksen, TAM, etc...apologies to those that I left out ).

While I'm not knocking your choice for a cruiser, I do not think it makes a good choice for a *first* motorcycle for an unexperienced/new rider. Handling, braking, power to weight ratio, WEIGHT, etc. will be less than desirable on a cruiser compared to a standard-style motorcycle (I say this as someone who has had a power cruiser as well as sport bikes, dirt bikes, etc. and my current bike, a Ducati Monster 1100). I would also recommend a dual-purpose bike, or even a dirtbike, for your first experience. Learning to ride on the dirt is very valuable in my opinion. It's much better to lose control in a somewhat controlled environment versus on the street with cars around you! Also, a dirtbike will allow you to fine-tune the dynamics of motorcycle control...you'll also be better prepared for the street when your rear tire slides out...as this is how you'll be riding on the dirt. Learn how to crawl, then learn how to walk, then run! After you learn the finer points of riding, *then* get a cruiser, or at least demo / test one and see if it's right for you. Best of luck in your two-wheeled journey, it is a LOT of fun!!

I've been riding for about 40 years and have owned over 25 motorcycles (currently have 3). Whenever a new rider asks for advice, I strongly suggest the MSF course first, then buy a used bike....a smaller dual sport makes the most sense (250 up to 650 cc). Then spend the next year riding as much as you can, gaining experience in both riding skills and street skills so that you won't be one of those beginner rider accident statistics. Then and only then start looking for "THE BIKE" that you've always wanted.....and be prepared to find that other bikes keep getting your attention :-) Also after that first year and thousands of miles, go back and take the Experienced Rider Course from MSF....I've taken it 3 times over the years as a refresher.

One other thing....be prepared to buy the proper riding gear and WEAR IT! Boots, jacket, gloves, and a good full face helmet. So many times I see riders (mostly younger) wearing no helmet, Tshirt, shorts, and flipflops or sandals.....at best Road Rash, at worst becoming an Organ Donor.

Ride safe!!
Ken

[E.Marquez]

PB: many great points made here (ie - bronco78, RHenriksen, TAM, etc...apologies to those that I left out ).

While I'm not knocking your choice for a cruiser, I do not think it makes a good choice for a *first* motorcycle for an unexperienced/new rider. Handling, braking, power to weight ratio, WEIGHT, etc. will be less than desirable on a cruiser compared to a standard-style motorcycle (I say this as someone who has had a power cruiser as well as sport bikes, dirt bikes, etc. and my current bike, a Ducati Monster 1100). I would also recommend a dual-purpose bike, or even a dirtbike, for your first experience. Learning to ride on the dirt is very valuable in my opinion. It's much better to lose control in a somewhat controlled environment versus on the street with cars around you! Also, a dirtbike will allow you to fine-tune the dynamics of motorcycle control...you'll also be better prepared for the street when your rear tire slides out...as this is how you'll be riding on the dirt. Learn how to crawl, then learn how to walk, then run! After you learn the finer points of riding, *then* get a cruiser, or at least demo / test one and see if it's right for you. Best of luck in your two-wheeled journey, it is a LOT of fun!!

I've been riding for about 40 years and have owned over 25 motorcycles (currently have 3). Whenever a new rider asks for advice, I strongly suggest the MSF course first, then buy a used bike....a smaller dual sport makes the most sense (250 up to 650 cc). Then spend the next year riding as much as you can, gaining experience in both riding skills and street skills so that you won't be one of those beginner rider accident statistics. Then and only then start looking for "THE BIKE" that you've always wanted.....and be prepared to find that other bikes keep getting your attention :-) Also after that first year and thousands of miles, go back and take the Experienced Rider Course from MSF....I've taken it 3 times over the years as a refresher.

One other thing....be prepared to buy the proper riding gear and WEAR IT! Boots, jacket, gloves, and a good full face helmet. So many times I see riders (mostly younger) wearing no helmet, Tshirt, shorts, and flipflops or sandals.....at best Road Rash, at worst becoming an Organ Donor.

Ride safe!!
Ken

Hey,, I wrote that several hours ago......

[cheezit]

ya know thisi a great thread. at 40 i still want a bike like i always have. i have maybe a days total ride time. did the msf class one time already. still dont have a bike. my biggist issue is i dont know a single person that rides so i have noone to teach me anything other then the msf class.
all i want is a cbr250r or a lil ninja250 im 5'6 and 150lbs so ifigure either bike will work well for me. i now work 8 miles from home and dont hit a freeway so a daily ride would be easy.
anyway sorry for the highjack.

[gemini]

ya know thisi a great thread. at 40 i still want a bike like i always have. i have maybe a days total ride time. did the msf class one time already. still dont have a bike. my biggist issue is i dont know a single person that rides so i have noone to teach me anything other then the msf class.
all i want is a cbr250r or a lil ninja250 im 5'6 and 150lbs so ifigure either bike will work well for me. i now work 8 miles from home and dont hit a freeway so a daily ride would be easy.
anyway sorry for the highjack.

That's not a big issue..... get the bike. Practice the skills you learned in MSF class. Practice and put to use the advice
given in this thread. Just do it! You'll ride alone many times and enjoy the ride every time. You may find you start
meeting other riders..... good luck.

pbwalker, when you get your bike please post a pic or two.

[E.Marquez]

Well, after several years of "I'll get one eventually" or "Maybe next year", I'm at the point where I want to get bikes for my wife and I (she won't let me get one unless she gets one! )

Forgot to say.. if you find a bike (s) down my way, and want someone to have a look.... send a PM.... be happy to help.