I've thought I may like to get a motorbike for short trips and stuff. However--I'd like to try it out before I go in head first. The problem is that I have neither a licence or a motorbike and I've never ridden one before. I just want to try it out before going though a lot of trouble. And I don't want to put all the money into a bike when I don't really know what I should be looking for. Any one have any advice for me? Thanks
2006-06-18 07:15:41 · 11 answers · asked by mikayla_starstuff 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
If you have never ridden before, I will tell you this. It can become addictive ! (In a good way) Go to a dealer in your area and explain to the salesperson your situation. Make sure that you tell them that you want to try it before you buy it. They may let you try a used unit in the parking lot, or just take you for a ride on a machine. Look at ALL of the beginer machines(scooters too) and
do not buy one right away.
I would suggest that you look a used machine first. If you don't like it, you won't loose alot of money if you decide to trade it in or sell it. Start small...you can always trade up to something bigger.
Be sure to find a machine you are comfortable on. Sit on it for a while. be sure it doesn't feel too heavy or bulky for you.
My suggestion would be a Honda Rebel 250 for a first motorcycle, or possibly a scooter in the 150cc range. STAY AWAY from the Chinese models. Trust me on thisone!!! go with a brand name.. Honda,Kawasaki,Yamaha,Suzuki,Harley, etc...
2006-06-18 07:40:59 · answer #1 · answered by Bill S 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can and should take a rider's safety course before buying a bike. Check out msf-usa.com for classes.
Getting a motorcycle license can be a little tricky (sort of a chicken and egg/catch-22 situation - you have to have a license to ride, but you can't get a license unless you can ride), but many dealerships will offer basic training courses. The Motorcycle Safety Federation (MSF) can help there, too.
The "used bike" idea mentioned above is right on the money. You will learn a lot more about bikes from an older machine that needs a little TLC. One thing, though, unless you intend to stay on city streets exclusively, stay away from scooters. Honda and Yamaha both make excellent scooters, but they are not really designed for highway travel.
Happy riding!
2006-06-18 15:47:06 · answer #2 · answered by Grendle 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am glad to see someone with smarts for once. Many get into motorcycling witha big, heavy cruiser or a powerful, fast, nervous (relatively speaking) sport-bike. You should crawl before you run, so to speak and this means a small displacement bike. I would recommend a 250 ninja, 250 interceptor, 250 nighthawk or rebel, or even one of the 1xx displacement bikes. Next step is to take a MSF (motorcycle safety foundation) beginner's course. Practice on deserted parking lots and unused, paved sidestreets. Then you will be well equipped to move up (if you so choose) to a larger bike.
Have fun and remember to countersteer!
2006-06-19 02:17:06 · answer #3 · answered by athorgarak 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Best bet is to find a friend who owns a bike and get him/her to teach you how to ride. First get ur learners permit, just to make it legal. You'll know right away if its for you or not.
Many women are riding nowadays, a lot more than a few years ago. If you can deal with either wind blown, or helmet hair, you'll like it. Eating bugs is also a reality, but bugs have lots of protein, so it ain't all bad. Fighting the wind, rain, and idiots on 4 wheels make riding a challenge. Say goodbye to cell phones, heating and a.c., and your nice cd changer.
For the cager (car driver), its about getting there, for the cyclist its about the ride.
2006-06-18 17:39:51 · answer #4 · answered by jack f 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check any tech schools in your area. They often have classes that start you out as if you never rode before. You don't even need a bike first, they are provided as part of the class. This is what I did when I first started to ride. As part of the class they even did the DMV testing so all I had to do was get my license from the DMV.
2006-06-18 15:10:49 · answer #5 · answered by Strike2? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Scooters under 50 cc's usually don't require a motorcycle license. They are inexpensive, have really good gas mileage and are a really low cost way of getting around. The only problem with them is they are slow to excellerate, and don't offer too much in the way of add ons to allow you to carry more stuff.
2006-06-21 13:58:01 · answer #6 · answered by viclioce 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you want to do is rent a motorized scooter the ones that you sit on, that way you can get a good feel for it and you can also have a regular license to drive one, then if you do decide to get one rent a scooter to take the test with it. its much easier. as far as the motorcycle itself get a low cc one to start with like a ninja 600 or something around that class.
2006-06-18 14:19:33 · answer #7 · answered by Lauren M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find a dealer with an outside test course. Most also have classes and such to get you certified so you can get a motorcyle endorsement on you license
2006-06-18 14:20:27 · answer #8 · answered by G L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
look in the phone book for motor bike dealers and ask them where a motor bike course is being held to try out riding motor bikes
2006-06-18 18:14:42 · answer #9 · answered by ALEXANDER P 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
start with a small one, maybe a scooter
2006-06-18 14:19:19 · answer #10 · answered by janette8462 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋