Motorcycle Beginner?

Question

I'm just getting starting and I was told I shouldn't go above an 250cc as an beginner is this true? And what type of gear besides an full face helm and leather gloves should I wear. Also any tips for a beginner on turning, braking, etc...?

Answer 1

Best tip I can give you is to look around the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) website http://www.msf-usa.org/
They talk about 1st bikes and clothing.

a used 250cc is light and forgiving. Plus not very exspensive so when you drop it, it doesn't hurt in the wallet as bad.

Second best tip I can give you is to attend a safety training event like the MSF BRC (Beginner Riders Course). It normally costs around $200, but they provide the bikes and not only will that card reduce your insurance, but can be the difference between walking away or buried.

Clothing is a matter of opinion. I ride in Europe so I have all weather riding gear from synthetic materials. Some like leather, but it doesn't do well if you get caught in the rain.

PPE Personal Protective Equipment should consist of the following as a minimum:
Approved helmet (lets not debate that now)
Study Gloves (not deer skin drivers gloves)
Eye protection (not glass)
long sleeves (preferably a motorcycle jacket)
long pants (preferably motorcycle pants)
Sturdy Boots over the ankles.

-Street bikes brake with the front wheel 70-80% unless on slippery or loose surface.
-After about 20mph turning is done by counter steering. press the handlebar forward on the side you wish to turn to. ie.. you want to turn right, press forward with the right hand (handlebars turn to left slightly) and the bike will lean and turn to the right.
-Look where you want to go!! Because where you are looking is where you will go. If you stare at an obsticle or vehicle you will steer straight to it.

Have fun, be safe and enjoy the addiction of motorcycles.

Answer 2

Depends on your size. I was 6'4" and 200 pounds when I got my first bike, which was a Honda CB650 Custom, and it was the perfect size for me. 250-cc bikes are good beginner bikes for women and smaller men. If you're an average-sized guy, aim for the 400-500cc range.

In addition to a helmet and leather gloves, your body should be covered by something tough enough to protect you in the event that (Heaven forbid) you have to dump your bike. Leathers used to be the way to go, but now motorcycle shops sell entire suits made out of composites that are just as tough as leather but breathe, so you don't get so hot. I'm from the old school, so I still wear a leather jacket, jeans, and leather boots that go well over my ankles, and I would advise you to cover your entire body in something at least as durable as denim when riding. By the way, full-face helmets have a nasty tendency to fog up, so you may want to consider an open-faced helmet that you can snap a clear plastic face shield onto.

If you're a beginner, the best thing you can do is take a motorcycle safety course. They can be pricey, but they teach you how to brake, how to take turns (and they really work on you for sharp turns), and they also teach you the safest way to pick your bike up in the event you have to lay it down. Besides, some states require beginners to take a motorcycle safety course before they will issue you a permit or a license.

Answer 3

Here in PA they offer free motorcycle safety course and provide motorcycles for the course, They are 250's and most of them are Honda Shadows. Motorcycle safety course will go over all the essentials for you to get your license including rider training.These are good training cycles and are not very expensive. However, if this will be your first bike buy used and pay cash, get the experience of riding before moving up to bigger and more expensive bikes. I have had friends who bought big bikes like Goldwings and rode only a few times then selling them at a loss because they weren't ready for a big bike. Nothing wrong with starting small and working up to bigger later on. In fact the smaller bike will normally sell quicker when you are ready to move up, then use the money for your next bike.

As for Gear : Leather is better, but heavier jeans and a Jean Jacket will provide protection also.

Source(s):

25 years motorcycling, owner of Goldwing and Harley Sportster, member of "HOG" and Christian Motorcyclist Association.

Answer 4

It depends - my own rule of thumb is no more than 50 hp. I started on a 500 cc Honda CX500, and that was about the right size for me but may be too large for some beginners.

I'll second (or third or fourth) the recommendation to take professional lessons like the MSF. You'll get plenty of good tips from veteran riders there. I'd also recommend getting a copy of David Hough's book Profficient Motorcycling - it's loaded with tips, but some will only make sense after you start riding.

I wear all the gear, from head to toe, myself - boots, riding pants, motorcycle jacket, gloves, and helmet. I'd be scared to ride in less the way traffic is on my morning commute!

Answer 5

I started on a 600cc Honda. I think 250cc is too small to start with simply because most people will get bored with 250cc's. I think 600cc is just about right. If you get into the Liter-class bikes, it could be far too much power to start with; with 600cc's, the bike is fast enough to be exicting for a longer period of time, fast enough to get away from a dangerous situation, but not so gutsy that you'll get thrown off the bike if you lay into it too much.

This is not to say that you can't get hurt on a bike less that 1000cc's. Riding motorcycles will ALWAYS have its potential dangers no matter what size engine you have.

My best tip would be to get yourself into a training course if you haven't already done so. It will help with your confidence, lower your insurance rates and if you're not already sure, you may find out whether or not you TRULY want to get into it i.e. spend a lot of money on a bike.

Good luck, ride safely

Answer 6

The very first thing you should do is sign up for a motorcycle safety course. The course will teach you all the fundamentals of riding and bike safety. My first bike was (and is) a Honda 750. It is good for a beginner, but take the safety course before you buy the bike. It will save your life.

Answer 7

Please check out your local motorcycle dealers. Most offer a course in motorcycle operation and safety. Take the course first, then decide which bike to buy. Smaller is not always better. A good motorcycle dealer will also advise you on the proper gear. Good Luck

Answer 8

dude for a beginer i wouldn't go any higher than 600. 250 is way to small just don't start out to fast.. you might want to buy some leather covers and a coat it doesn't have to be black.. wait a minute!! is this a racing bike or a dirt bike? i guess it doesnt matter i like to look stylish with my green coat and helmet but it gets expensive..