2006-06-28 04:48:33 · 12 answers · asked by Robert T 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
I'd recommend a 600-750 engine size, are you going to be riding street or on dirt? Streetbikes are different from dirtbikes in their handlihg, braking, and suspension, so pick the one for the riding you'll be doing. If you go 'dirt', go smaller with the engine, like a 125 or a 250, lower power is better for beginners. Whatever you decide to do, start small(and cheap, used 2nd hand bikes are advisable in case you do wreck out, you haven't lost that much money). Next, get good gear. You've seen guys out there in flip-flops and shorts, feelin' brave, but they call those guys 'organ donors' down at the hospital...get good riding pants/boots/gloves and a helmet, if you're just starting out on bikes, there's a very GOOD chance you'll end up on the ground, at some point, better to be ready for that until you get more confident with what you're doing. Expert riders wear full gear too, some wear more and more the more they learn about bikes. Gravity sucks, and there's no airbag or seatbelt on motorcycles, so accidents on bikes can be really bad for the rider...make sure whatever you start riding on has good tires, buddy up with somebody that already has a bike and rides, and ask them for pointers.
Another poster mentioned the Motorcycle Safety Foundation,
they've got riding courses that'll get you started out right.
2006-06-28 08:43:54 · answer #1 · answered by gokart121 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My course cost 500 bucks but it was worth it, definitely. We learned things that guys who have been riding for 20 years haven't learned.
It is more than just being able to ride it.
And it depends what kind of bike you like. Sometimes you are not sure until you start though. My first was a 78 Honda CB 400. Just a bike. Not a cruiser, not a rocket. The start of them both! The main thing is that it is in good shape, the guy knows a lot about it, kept it clean and has proof of maintenance. And then still make sure you have money to get it checked and looked after.
It is best not to start with an expensive new one, unless money is not a concern for you. And 400 to 800cc is OK starter size. 600 to 800cc you will not outgrow so quickly though.
You will have a better idea when you have completed the course. Usually you can take your lisence right at the end with their bike.
Be safe and have fun!
2006-06-28 12:18:40 · answer #2 · answered by ridethestar 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go get a cheap dirt bike, and tear that **** up. Get good on that and then get yourself a street bike. Some people jump straight on a street bike and can do fine, but most cant, and they super Biff into a car or around corners. But if you want to go straight to a street bike, dont get anything to powerful, start off with a ninja or something. I rode a dirt bike for along time, and even though riding on street is different it still ahs the same feel, and I was much more comfortable. As soon as I get enough I am gonna get myself a 2006 (or 2005) Yamaha YZF-R1, a badass bike, sexy as hell.
Dont be a sucker and take a class like these other people, learn it yourself, riding a bike is by feel, you cant learn by having some jerk tell you tips and tricks, go learn it yourself, most is common sense, by doing it yourself you will be more confident and ready to take your test and to actually get out there on the road
2006-06-28 11:54:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take a class that teaches you how to ride on a smaller bike. Learning the theory will make the transition to another bike a lot easier. Once you've mastered the funamentals, you can decide the type of riding that you're most likely to be doing, and a reputable dealer will show a selection of good, pre-owned bikes that will suit what you're looking for.
2006-06-28 18:46:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your best bet is to take a class from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. They will teach you all of the classroom and on-bike basics, and when you pass the class you will be one step closer to getting your license (believe me, it is better than having to take the DMV's road course - hard!). Some people will tell you to just borrow a friend's bike, but that is bad advice. You should learn from professionals in a stress-free environment, on THEIR equipment. Nothing worse than dropping a buddy's bike. Good luck!
2006-06-29 17:26:49 · answer #5 · answered by dmonstergirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take a motorcycle safety training course. Call any motorcycle dealer in your neighborhood and they will tell you where to go. You will not only learn basic differences about the different types of bikes, you will learn how to stay alive.
good luck
2006-06-28 11:56:47 · answer #6 · answered by a 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Learn to ride in the woods on a dirt bike or mini bike. Get a small one. If you have to get out on the road, get a small road bike. Take a safety course and be careful...
2006-06-28 12:02:30 · answer #7 · answered by red_hogg_rider 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take a course sponsored by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. They will provide a bike for training. Depending on your size, a smaller bije (250-500CC) is best for a begineer.
2006-06-29 07:46:35 · answer #8 · answered by Roy K 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to ride on the street, riding a dirt bike will be of nearly zero benefit.
Check out msf-usa.org for the locations of rider safety classes. For modest fees (usually less than $200), they provide several days of training, good information, and you get to practice on their bikes instead of tearing up your own machine learning to ride.
The classes will also save you when you go to get insurance.
Learn to ride, then ride safely.
2006-06-28 12:07:35 · answer #9 · answered by Grendle 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take the Basic Riders Course, first. Then go shopping for a bike that fits you and your needs.
2006-06-28 17:57:40 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋