Howdy people...I recently turned 18 and wish to own a motorcycle in a few months. I have been lookiung around and have been asking my friends who have them now or used to have them and they say I should probably start with a 600 cc bike like a Suzuki GSX R 600 or a Kawasaki ZZR600... I can drive a manual car and can easily ride dirt bikes, so I am not completely unfamiliar with the gear switching, which is why I am not going any lower than 600 cc... I have NO idea where to start though... I am going to college next year and I think it is a better idea to have a bike instead of a car, especially where I am going... I do not know, however, how to go about purchasing, getting a motorcycle license, and getting the feel of the bike. Should I go to a dealer or a private seller? Should I beg one of my friends with a bike to teach me how to maneuver it? And I live in Florida, so is anyone aware of which insurance would be the best and how much I should have? ali_dreyfus@hotmail.com THANKS!!
2006-11-21 06:54:51 · 9 answers · asked by Alexandra 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
1) you're 18. a supersport bike is not a beginner bike. Please start smaller. ITs not about power or how it looks. ITs about if you can control the thing. its been known that people who start with smaller engine bikes, or bikes with less torque than modern day sport bikes, do better generally than those who jump on the fastest/nicest looking bikes. And statistically, you are in the age bracket that is prone to dying in motorcycel accidents, because of inexperience. Motocross dirt bike and riding on the street on a powerful bike are like comparing apples to oranges. I knwo several people who could rip it on the motocross but could barely do a turn on the street.
2) Motorcycle Safety Foundation ( http://www.msf-usa.org/ ) locate a class close to you and take it.
3) Find a used Ninja 250, Honda Rebel 250 or 400, Suzuki GS 500, Ninja 500RR. These bikes are GREAT beginner bikes. Dont buy a used bike from a dealer. What's nice is that these bikes are cheap to buy fro ma private seller, and are easy to sell (once you've got your legs) at the price you bought them for (or even more).
These articles address why starting small is smarter:
http://motorcycles.about.com/cs/beginners/a/beginnerbikes_2.htm
http://motorcycles.about.com/od/roadtestsreviews/a/motoreviews_sm.htm
http://beginnerbikers.org/
http://www.faqs.org/faqs/motorcycles/beginner-info/
http://www.chuckhawks.com/good_first_motorcycles.htm
http://www.oldguy.us/easy-riding/bg-models-under400.php
4) get insurance. Florida doesn't require you to have it, but carry it. You'll regret it should you get into an accident. Insurance rates will also determine what type of bike you can afford.
5) do not bet one of your friends to teach you how to ride. YOU will pick up their bad habits if you do so. TAKE the msf course.
2006-11-21 08:15:48 · answer #1 · answered by arus.geo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would first start by talking with your insurance company and see what kind of rate they offer. Their price will vary with the type of bike and the motor size. Once you have an idea what insurance will run I would then talk to some dealers and see what used and new run. If it is out of your price range then move to private sellers. Beware on most sellers, ask them why they are selling it and ask if they have any maintenance slips on the bike. If they ho hum about it, it's probably not a good deal. If some one can produce information on the bike and is willing to produce it they took good care of the bike. Also ask if they would be willing to do a car fax on it or if they would mind if you ran a car fax on the bike. I am not sure of your size and weight but 600 CC is a good starting point. I personally would start at around 750 but that’s just me. Hope this information has helped and happy hunting.
2006-11-21 07:06:25 · answer #2 · answered by gearnofear 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What sort of bike do you want ? The frame & motor have to suit each other - so once you've chosen one your choices for the other are narrowed down a lot. You can build a frame -or even a motor - (look up the Britten - one guy built a motor & frame that won at Daytona) - but it takes a fair bit of skill. Tony Foale has written a couple of good books on frame design - if you want a bike that handles. A British magazine "Performance Bikes" is running a series on "build a bike in your own shed" at present. They've found a motor & built frame, swingarm, gas tank, triple clamps - its nearly done. Perhaps the best thing to do is to buy a wreck that can be re-built & converted into something you like - and once you've done that you'll know a whole lot more!
2016-05-22 08:34:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
WOW, Arus gave some GREAT info. I agree with MOST all of it. I don NOT agree w/ Honda 250 Rebel - what a dog ! Having been a rider for several years, I also agree about taking a class ! I rode for probably 15-16 yrs and still learned things in the class. As for WHAT to get, go to dealers and sit on different bikes and see what is comfortable to you. Anytime between now and end of January is a good time to get a good deal on a bike. Look for a good used one 1st.
2006-11-21 08:38:45 · answer #4 · answered by barhopper 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Start with a MSF class (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) you will need this class to get your motorcycle endorsment on your license anyhow. You don't need insurance on a motorcycle by law but you may want to have it for your own liability. A finance company will also want insurance on the bike if you finance it and make payments. Progressive Insurance through Leslie Kay's Insurance Agency is the best in Florida.
2006-11-21 07:02:17 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Go to any dealer near you that has lots of bikes ,they are plentiful here in the sunshine state and get the feel for what your looking for ,a sports bike are a criuser ,all motorcycle dealers can steer you in the direction for taken the class and if you buy from them you can even get a discount , God bless and happy riding
2006-11-21 09:22:37 · answer #6 · answered by Terry S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My daughter rides a 250 Ninja and really likes it or you could go to the Harley dealer and check out the 883 :)
2006-11-21 07:06:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
In New Mexico, they have an optional safety class that you can take. I don't know what the deal is in FL, but I would STRONGLY recommend you take that before you start driving seriously.
2006-11-21 07:02:14 · answer #8 · answered by heehaw 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Before you buy a bike take lessons from qualified instructors, please. You are going to college,you want to graduate don't you?
2006-11-21 15:26:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋