What kind of motorcycle should I learn on?

Question

I would like to start educating myself about motorcycles with the intent of purchasing a "beginner" bike to learn on before getting into something a little more substantial. I don't have much background in motorcycle or access to those who do so maybe somebody could offer some advice as to what I should be thinking about and the differences between a sport bike vs. a classic bike and how a beginner should approach this. Thanks.

Answer 1

A beginner should approach this in the same fashion that anyone would approach a subject that's unfamiliar to them: by doing plenty of research!

I'm a fan of sport bikes. I've been riding them for years, and will probably continue to ride them until the day that I die...which will hopefully be from old age!

If you're going to start with a rocket, then simply choose one that is low-cost/low maintenance, reliable, yet still fun. Many riders start out on 250cc training bikes, only to discover early on that they want more power. My first street bike was a Kawasaki Ninja 500R. It was fun to tool around on, still had the ability to stay responsive in high gears and low, and kept me preoccupied while I was learning. While I still owned it, I purchased a Yamaha YZF600R for a dirt cheap price, and rode both for a while. I think the YZF would have been a better bike to learn on, and it was cheaper than the Ninja.

If you want to go with the super sport R6's, ZX-6R's, Gixxer 600's, etc., you'll need to be extremely careful while you're still learning to ride. These bikes, while low in cubic centimeters, will completely make up for it in bhp, as well as a ridiculously high redline. They'll get out from under you if you're not careful. And there's no quicker way to become an ex-rider than by getting carved up on a blacktop just after you've learned to ride.

Cruisers & sportsters, while not my genre, aren't bad alternatives. You won't be worrying as much about competitive & aggressive riding, because these bikes aren't built to do what sportbikes do. But, they're much heavier, and can play hell on you while riding at low speeds. Balance isn't a problem while your at cruising speeds, because centripetal force is going to keep you upright 99% of the time. But, they can be a chore to keep upright while going slow, especially if you're body isn't conditioned to riding.

Others have recommended that you take a safety course, and these people are absolutely right! The skills you'll pick up from these courses may just save your life...especially when your just getting your feet wet.

Just make sure to respect your bike, regardless of which class you pick. Become one of these careless idiots who just want to pop wheelies all the time and make suicidal passes on interstates and single-lane roads, and you'll quickly come to intimate terms with a riders arch nemesis - the pavement! Don't become that rider. Real riders (as well as ALL cagers) abhor these people, and they're quickly phasing themselves out the picture by either getting themselves killed, or giving up the riding lifestyle all together when they finally go down.

Good luck. Have fun, and ride safe!

Answer 2

Ignore anyone who tells you what size engine to get. Most bikes have more than enough power to get you going. An average size person could start out on something between a 250 and a 500. Bigger if you are bigger, smaller if you are smaller. Most important is to get a bike that fits your body.

You should be able to sit on it and have both feet flat on the ground and a slight bend in both knees.
It should be light enough for you to stand back up if it falls.
And you should be able to turn the handlebars from one side to the other all the way without having to loosen your grip on the side thats farthest from you.

Headfirst 'crotch rockets' are derived from race bikes that are ridden by expert riders. They are, by design, VERY responsive, and very powerful. They are also very unforgiving to the novice rider and result in more accidents than any other style of bike.

Cruisers are the opposite. The riding position is very laid back, for comfort on long trips. This isn't the ideal riding position either because newer riders don't usually spend their time on the interstate, they ride in town, take day trips, and commute to school or work.

In between the 2 we have what the industry calls a 'standard' bike. Good examples are Yamaha's Maxim or Honda's Nighthawk. You sit fairly upright on a standard bike, which is the best for balance.

You can always accessorize your bike to look more sport or cruiser as you see fit. But a standard type bike will give you a better idea of what you like or dislike about a bike, so when you go to buy your dream bike, you'll know what to look for.

Good investments for you and your bike are things like ; a good quality helmet, leather or other protective jacket, hard soled shooes or boots, case guards for the bike, and a service manual for your particular bike. You can save a lot by doing some of the easier maintenance yourself.

Answer 3

Buy used and start small.

The ninja 250 would be my first choice. It will do 110mph with the wind to your back and it is a cheap bike that will hold its vavlue.

You should be able to buy one and sell it a year later for the same price if not just a couple hundred less.

It is a great starter and you will learn faster starting small and moving up.

The Honda Rebel 250 is a nice little put around but way under powered. I would recommend against the Rebel for anything other than scooter duties.

If you want a bigger bike consider the Ninja 500 or the SV650 theae are also good starters.

Answer 4

A good safe bike to learn on would be a small, lightweight bike in the 400CC range. Watch for a 350 honda or other such bike. They are light enough you can handle them while learning and you should be able to pick it up by your self if it decides to lay down.

an alternative would be to take a riders course at a dealership. They furnish a bike and a comprehensive learners course. If you complete the course favorably you get a certificate of completion and then you only have to go to the DMV and pass the written test. Just like that you have your license!

Harley dealers call it Riders Edge. You learn on a great little Buel Blast. They teach you balance operating controls, turning properly and the dynamics that make motorcycles do what they do.

Answer 5

This could take awhile...but read on...& you will get some advice that you can use..

First things first...on your profile you have no information...
if we know where you live ( what country, area,) it helps answering some questions..

if we know a bit about what you do..eg if you race gocarts then one can assume you have the basic skills of driving..

so get in there & stick some more stuff on your profile..

now to the question at hand...educating yourself on a bike..
thats how it use to be done when I learnt to ride..I got on the bike..was shown the clutch, gears,& brakes & away I went(wonder sometimes how Im still alive)..

to start learning I would suggest a standard bike..something second hand that is cheap & not to large..250cc Honda,Yamaha,Suzuki>>> or any other bike brand that you can find thats in reasonable condition..(I started on an old CB175 Honda)..

99.9% of people that learn to ride throw the bike down the road or on its side at some stage so bikes that dont have lots of plastic bits are good(plastic breaks easy)..

When I got my first bike one of my mates suggested I slacken the mounting screws on the mirror brackets & handle bar levers(brake ,clutch)..just enough so they stay where they are but if you push on them a bit to hard they twist on the bars..(Im glad I did , saved me a fortune in parts when I dropped the bike..they just spin around instead of snapping)

Doing a course is a good idea if they do them in your area..

start slow...ride it in an empty car park , large open area when you first start riding...(its like riding a really fast bicycle)

with more information I could give you some specific help...
but if you have any questions you can EMAIL me...
[e-mail]

Answer 6

take a rider safety course that teaches using motorcycles. they let you ride the bikes while teaching proper methods. a good starter bike would be something like a Honda rebel 250. good luck

Answer 7

Try the California DMV website. The state motorcycle riders' handbook is available online.

Answer 8

Down load 2006 owners manual to understand this machine.
Yes, that is more cc than beginners usually start with but note
it requires a different riding technique so UN-learning is not
your problem. Cycle World Magazine reviewed it 3/07. Add
second source for special effects, if interested.
.....................................
Personally like its ability to handle badlands and streets
at my usual speed but with more recreational options.

Answer 9

I believe new riders should start in the dirt, with a dirt bike. Dirt is much more forgiving than cement and asphalt, and teaches control in more conditions.

Answer 10

800cc Cruiser