Hi, I'm a beginner female rider... I was wondering if anyone suggest that I start out riding on a moped to get the hang of being on a 'bike'... I know there are major differences with size, speed, weight, style.. But just to get started.. I already have the ninja 250 in mind, but would like to get comfortable riding something easier first... Think it would help or?
2007-04-05 08:23:23 · 7 answers · asked by Qs and As 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
A moped is a motorized vehicle with pedals, so it can be used like a bicycle.
I think you're talking about a scooter. If you have a ninja 250 in mind, then go for it!
You're not gonna get much training from riding a scooter. They have no gears to shift and no hand operated clutch. The only thing you'll learn from a scooter is, twist the right hand grip to make it go faster. If you can ride a bicycle, then you can ride a scooter.
Get some training at a MSF (motorcycle safety foundation) course, or look in the phone book for motorcycle driver training. You might have a good time riding a scooter (they can be fun), but it will not prepare you in any way on how to ride a motorcycle.
Get some training, then get your dream bike.
2007-04-05 08:52:07 · answer #1 · answered by guardrailjim 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To me "scooter" and "moped" are interchangeable terms. Not all mopeds have pedals, most are step-throughs. The old "Puch" mopeds had pedals but not seen today in new machines.
In answer to the question, I think I'd skip the moped-scooter thing too. You don't even need a motorcycle endorsement to ride those things. If you've rode bicycles through your youth like most of us, I don't think a scooter-moped would be much benefit if you really want to get into motorcycles. I'd take a cycle class and then a cheap small-bore used starter bike around 250-500ccs or so, a cheap starter bike.
2007-04-05 16:37:26 · answer #2 · answered by Baron_von_Party 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're looking to ride a motorcycle, start with a motorcycle. Buying a moped and learning on it will be a waste of time and money. Motorcycles handle VERY DIFFERENTLY than mopeds, so learning on one won't really prepare you for handling a motorcycle. P.S.: A Ninja 250 is a very good starter bike for a woman.
2007-04-05 15:34:00 · answer #3 · answered by sarge927 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A 250 Ninja would be a good bike to learn how to ride motorcycles on. I would skip the moped nonsense. The 250 has power and brakes. Learn how to use the brakes. When you master braking you master motorcycles.
2007-04-05 15:39:41 · answer #4 · answered by david d 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you taken classes?
Search for the MSF in your area, and take classes.
After that, just go for the Ninja 250. I have one now and it's a great learning bike. It's small, light, not too much power to do something crazy, but it will still haul down the freeway at 80mph easily and turn hard when you get better.
2007-04-05 16:40:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The 250 ninja already feels enough like a moped... the bike is so underpowered that you couldn't possibly get yourself into trouble on that thing. You'll start to hate it within a week. Do yourself a favor and get a 600!
2007-04-05 15:58:28 · answer #6 · answered by Shakespeare, William 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Go with your gut! Starting on something small will build up your confidence riding in traffic and how other vehicles react to you as a rider.
And just my 2cnts. here....at least wear a helmet. Most motorcycle crashes happen at an average of 29 mph or less.
Best of luck!
2007-04-05 15:37:28 · answer #7 · answered by Ellwood 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋